[Event to Remember 01.0] An Event to Remember...or Forget

by Melissa Baldwin

  “Okay, I think I’ve worked it all out.” I hand Craig the updated changes. “See, that wasn’t so bad. By the way, we really need to sit down and have a discussion regarding what’s considered urgent.” I make air quotes with my fingers.

  “Hey, I thought you said anything to do with Faith, Fashion, and Hope was urgent?” he replies sarcastically. He has a point. I did say that.

  “Have you gotten an update from editing on the programs?” I ask, changing the subject. “I know they needed to add a few last-minute things. Check on that because those files need to be at the printer Wednesday—Thursday at the latest. I want them all completed and in my hands by early next week.”

  “She did it again!” screams Nicole from her desk.

  Craig and I jump. She’s been so quiet that I didn’t even know she was there.

  “Carrie just sent me an email to cancel two appointments that I’d already rearranged for her on Friday. I practically threatened jobs to get those scheduled,” she yells as she throws her notebook across the room.

  “It has something to do with that affair she’s having. I just know it,” Craig replies with a wicked smile. “We need to get to the bottom of this mystery.”

  “No, we need to stay focused on our jobs and the tasks that need to be completed. You can play detective after next Saturday.”

  I go back to my office and see that I missed a call from Luke. I call him back right away.

  “Hey. Are you home?” I say when he answers.

  “Yes, just got in about an hour ago. It was crazy but productive. How was your weekend? I’m sorry we kept missing each other.”

  “It was fine. We had Lucinda’s birthday party at Venice on Saturday, and of course, that was entertaining. I think Carrie suspects I’m leaving because she seems very interested in what I’m doing.”

  “What makes you say that?”

  “I don’t know. She’s just been acting very strange. Craig thinks she is having some kind of scandalous affair, and that’s why she’s paranoid about everything. You know how Craig is.”

  Luke doesn’t say anything.

  “Hello, are you still there?” I ask.

  “What? Oh, yes, I’m sorry. I was just reading something. Trying to catch up on emails from being gone. I’m sure everything is fine,” he adds distantly. He didn’t listen to a word I said. Figures.

  “When do I get to see you?” I ask cheerfully.

  “How about tomorrow? I’m really exhausted from this weekend. You want to come over for dinner?”

  I was hoping to see him today, but I will make do. “That sounds wonderful. Get some rest.”

  “Thanks for understanding, babe. Love you.”

  “Love you too.” I hang up feeling disappointed.

  I have hardly seen my boyfriend in weeks. This is not how it’s supposed to be, but I’m sure this is just a phase in our relationship that we have to get through. All relationships go through ups and downs, and these situations make couples stronger. Unless that’s just one of those clichés that you always hear. There has to be some truth to it though, right?

  The rest of the day goes by rather quickly. I research some reception ideas that Madison sent me. She’s sent me about ten a day since her engagement, none of which I’ve had time to check out. She has some fun ideas, so I forward them to Craig to start working on. Her soon-to-be in-laws are throwing them a small engagement party this Sunday. They’re the nicest people, and they absolutely adore Madison. Cole’s family is a traditional, white picket fence family—very different from Luke’s family.

  I keep forgetting to remind Luke about the party. I’m hoping he’ll be able to come with me.

  I call Craig into my office and tell him to close the door.

  “Okay, let’s talk launch party. I’m giving you complete creative control. So, what are you thinking so far?”

  He’s so excited, he leaps out of his chair. “Do you still want to do silver linens? I’ve been in touch with the wholesaler, and she says she’ll give us the best prices. Also, it doesn’t hurt that she hates Carrie with a passion,” he adds, grinning. “I was thinking while I went through the client lists. Do you realize how many people can’t stand Carrie? I kinda feel sorry for her.”

  Sadly, he’s right. People know when they’re important or not, and this business is about building relationships. Our clients trust us to plan and be a main part of the biggest events and moments in their lives. They want to feel like they matter, like we’re taking special care of them and their loved ones. Carrie has never made that effort unless it was with her very small, select group of friends. I think that’s why she’s kept me here. I’m the one who builds these relationships, and I’m the one who really cares. At least it seems that way to me.

  Craig and I discuss some more ideas for the party. I also send Mr. Canton an email update and add that I want to meet with him after Faith, Fashion, and Hope to discuss the launch party if his offer still stands. If he’s changed his mind for some reason, this will give us time to find another location. Hopefully, that’s not the case.

  When I arrive home that evening, Madison is cleaning out her closet. The girl has more stuff than anyone I’ve ever met.

  “Hey. What are you doing?” I flop down on her bed.

  “I figure I better start this sooner rather than later. How did I get so much crap? I don’t remember buying half this stuff. How was your day?”

  “Other than a rather hefty speeding ticket, it was pretty good.” I give her the details, conveniently leaving out my conversation with Luke. I don’t see a point in even telling her about it. It won’t change anything. I crawl into bed and thankfully have a night of rest without any nightmares.

  The next day can’t go fast enough. I’m so anxious to see Luke. It almost feels like I’m going out on a first date. I pick up some dessert on my way to his place. When I arrive, I can tell that he’s just arrived home. His suitcase is still mostly full, and there’s a pile of laundry on the floor. His desk is covered in file folders and papers. It’s also very obvious how stressed out he is. He looks exhausted and unshaven.

  “What’s this?” I say as I rub his cheek. I’m not a fan of facial hair, and he knows that.

  “I know you hate it. I just haven’t had a chance to shave. I promise I will tonight.” He yawns. “So, I had big plans to make you dinner tonight, but I got home too late. I’m really sorry. Do you want to get takeout or go somewhere?” he asks as he opens the nearly empty fridge.

  Without looking, I know he has nothing here to prepare a meal. I sit quietly for a few minutes. I’m not really sure what comes over me, but I feel my frustration building until I just can’t hold back anymore.

  “I’m not surprised you didn’t plan anything for dinner. Why did you even bother to invite me over? I’m busy too, but at least I stopped to pick up some dessert on my way. That’s called being considerate,” I continue on as he stands frozen with a look of shock on his face. “I think I’m just going to leave. Why don’t you give me a call when you have time for me?” I grab my bag and walk to the door.

  “Sienna, wait! Don’t go,” he yells and blocks the door. “I’m sorry. I’m just tired, and I should have planned something. Please let me take you to dinner, just me and you, no work and no phones. Please?” he begs.

  I don’t respond for a minute. I want to make him suffer and say no. But I have missed him, so I agree to go.

  I don’t say much during dinner, and he rambles on about his clients. Before I head home, I tell him he needs some rest and that things have to change. He agrees, but I still feel uneasy.

  The next few days are extremely busy with preparations for the charity event. Carrie even comes into the office twice to review some last-minute plans and make suggestions. I have a strong feeling she’s planning to take full credit for this event, and that’s why she’s showing up as if she’s has had a hand in the entire planning process. On another note, Luke has called at least three or four times every day. At least he�
�s making an effort, which is more than he has done in months. He’ll be out of town the next few days but has promised to be back on Sunday morning to attend Madison and Cole’s engagement party in the afternoon.

  Speaking of the engagement party, I got an email this morning from Cole’s mom asking me to email her pictures of the happy couple so she can make a slideshow. She’s the sweetest lady, but she expects me to have them to her by tomorrow. Is she kidding? Just one more thing to add to my already overflowing plate. Nothing irritates me more than people waiting until the last minute, and then she just expects me to drop everything to do it. This woman clearly has no idea that I’m one week out from an event with six-hundred guests. I told her I would try my best to send her a few, but my schedule is extremely full this week. I’m absolutely fuming when I read her response.

  Well, dear, I would think you should make the time for your best friend.

  She’ll be lucky if I don’t strangle her with her pearls on Sunday.

  I hear my phone ring from somewhere on my desk. I shift some stuff to find it and see Carrie’s name.

  “Hello?”

  “Sienna, I sent over the remainder of the paperwork I needed to sign. I will be away for the next few days and unreachable. I also wanted to tell you that I’m very impressed with how well you have handled this event.”

  I think I’m hallucinating again. First of all, she seems a teeny, tiny bit interested in this event, and second, she gave me a compliment? I now have no doubt that she’s up to something. I’m about to say something, but she continues.

  “I also saw that Mr. Eckelund and his firm are listed as a sponsor. I’m sure you had something to do with that. I have no doubt that you were extremely persuasive in securing that, and I have to say well done. I suppose I have taught you a lot.”

  Wait, what? Is she implying what I think she is?

  “Carrie, I can assure you that there was no persuasion involved in that sponsorship. I had simply mentioned the event in passing, and he scheduled a meeting with Mr. Canton. To be honest, I am offended you even suggested that.”

  “Come now, love, don’t be coy. It was just an observation from the other evening. That’s a very good relationship to build, professionally, of course. I’m very aware of who he is and his connections. Surely, we can add him to our clientele. Next time you see him you should mention that. Will you be seeing him again soon?”

  She’s such a horrible person. At that moment, every feeling of guilt about leaving completely vanishes. I can’t wait to tell her where she can take this job. My blood pressure must be through the roof right now.

  “No plans to see him any time soon,” I reply calmly. “I’m sure I will at the event, of course. Perhaps you can speak to him that night and set up a meeting. I really don’t know him very well.”

  “Of course, you don’t,” she adds sarcastically. “Well, let’s try to schedule something the following week. I will check back in a few days, love. Ciao.”

  After I hang up the phone, I sit there for what feels like hours. She just accused me of sleeping with Ace to secure a sponsorship. Is she insane? Is she looking in a mirror at herself fifty years ago? I’m so mad that I turn to my computer and start typing my resignation letter.

  Dear Carrie,

  This letter will serve as my official resignation from Carrie’s Classic Events and More. I appreciate the time I have worked for this company and for all the experience I have gained. At this time, I feel it is in my best interest to move in my own direction.

  All of a sudden, Craig comes barging in my office and sits down.

  “What?” I say as I look up from my typing.

  “What’s your relationship with Ace Eckelund?” he demands. “For real. No more BS. Carrie asked Nicole to find out what was really going on with you two. She seems to think there’s more than you’re letting on.”

  “I know she does. You will not believe what she just said to me.” I tell Craig about the conversation I just had with her and about Ace’s email from the other night.

  “She’s so paranoid that you’re leaving that she’s making up crap in her head,” Craig says emphatically. “That’s why she wants you to set up a meeting with him—so he will do business with her. Wait until she finds out we already have. She’s going to go postal, and she may even need to take extra doses of her anti-psychotic meds,” he adds, laughing.

  “Did you say anything to Nicole about him? Does she know anything?”

  “Not at all. She’s so over Carrie right now that I don’t even think she cares anymore. It came up earlier, and she just blew it off. Which is good because the old Nicole would have run to Carrie with all the info just to score brownie points.”

  Craig leaves a few minutes later, and I decide that I need to talk to Ace. Carrie and her friends gossip a lot, and I don’t want him to get blindsided by false rumors, especially while he’s trying to build up his company here. I leave a message for Ace asking him to call me when he gets a chance.

  My phone rings a few minutes later, and I jump thinking it’s Ace calling back. It’s Abby. I’ve been so busy that I forgot she was having her ultrasound today.

  “Is it a boy or is it a girl?” I say immediately when I pick up the phone.

  “Hi, it’s great to talk to you too,” she says, laughing. “Go ahead and guess?”

  “It’s a girl!” I scream in excitement.

  “Nope! It’s a sweet baby boy. We got to see our little Ace today.”

  Ugh, I rub my forehead. I really need to convince her to name him something else. It’s going to drive me crazy every time I see this sweet little baby and have to say his name.

  “That’s so exciting. I can’t wait to see the pictures.”

  “Can you stop by tonight after work? Or are you busy with Luke?”

  “No, Luke is out of town for a few days again. But he’ll be back for the engagement party on Sunday. I’ll stop by on my way home.” We talk for a few more minutes, and I tell her about the email from Cole’s mother. I keep forgetting that I need to try to find a few pictures to send her. I add it to my list for later.

  My phone beeps with another call, and I see Ace’s name. I tell Abby that I have to grab the other phone call and switch over.

  “Hi, stranger. I got your message. Is everything all right?” he says cheerfully.

  He’s always so upbeat when I talk to him. I wonder if he’s ever in a bad mood. I mean, he has to have a bad day once in a while. Everyone does.

  “Can I ask you a question?”

  “Of course,” he replies.

  “Do you ever have a bad day? Since I met you, I’ve never seen you in a bad mood. I’m starting to wonder if you’re human.”

  He starts to laugh. “Of course, I do, but I just try to be positive most of the time. It’s probably all of the motivational seminars I’ve attended over the years. Or maybe I’m just happy that you called me?”

  “Hmmm. Um, thanks.” I’m so glad he’s not here to see me blush. “That’s a really good idea. I probably need to go to one of those sometime and walk over the fire or coals or whatever crazy things they do. Anyway, I do have some exciting news. Abby just called. She’s having a little boy, and she says they’re still planning to name him Ace. So I guess you’ll have a namesake,” I add, laughing.

  “That’s fantastic news. Thank you for calling to tell me.”

  “Actually, that’s not what I called you about. I wanted to ask you about your conversation with my boss. I’m not sure what her agenda is, but she asked me about you again today.” I explain it all to Ace.

  He tells me about her approaching him and asking about me. He also mentioned she was flirting with him and basically told him she would be available anytime to meet with him.

  I have to admit I feel a tiny bit jealous when he tells me about that part. Just the fact that she was flirting with him makes my blood boil even though Carrie flirts with just about everyone.

  “I felt the need to give you a heads up. I’m su
re you don’t want any negative publicity, and Carrie’s friends do have a tendency to churn up gossip. Although most people are on to them and don’t believe a word they say.”

  This is true, except for those few loyal Carrie followers.

  “No worries. I was clear when I told her you and I were friends and that your boyfriend was an even closer friend of mine. I don’t care if she believed me or not. I just don’t want there to be trouble for you with Luke. How is he by the way?”

  “Gone on business again,” I reply flatly.

  “Again? That explains him not returning my calls,” he says. “Anyway, thank you for the warning about everything, and please give my best to Abby.”

  I don’t want to get off the phone. It’s so refreshing to talk to someone so relaxed and upbeat.

  “Of course,” I say quickly, breaking the awkward silence. “So, I will see you at Faith, Fashion, and Hope next week? After that, we’ll move forward with plans for your party.”

  “Yes. I’m looking forward to it. Goodnight, Sienna.”

  “Goodnight.” I hang up the phone and drop my head on my desk.

  What have I gotten myself into?

  A few hours later, I head over to Abby’s. I’m still a bit unsettled about my conversation with Ace. I’ve always been someone who follows my intuition, but I’m really confused about this. Every time I think I’ve put my feelings to rest, something clouds my judgment again.

  When I get to Abby’s house, she opens the door and gives me a big hug. I can’t believe how much her baby bump has grown in just a week or so. She looks great. As soon as I walk into the house, I breathe in the aroma of her mom’s famous chili. Abby’s home is adorable and welcoming. I always feel so comfortable when I’m here. I sit down on her big, cozy couch, cross my legs, and she shows me the ultrasound pictures.