Oh my gosh, please, Luke, say YES! I think to myself.
“No, that’s OK, we are celebrating our anniversary tonight. Maybe we can meet up again while you are in town,” replies Luke. I can tell he doesn’t really mean that.
“Happy Anniversary!” replies Ace. “How long?”
“Ten months,” I reply nonchalantly.
“Well, congratulations!” he says. He hands Luke his business card. “I will be in town for a few months and would love to get together. I am opening an office for our consulting firm here and need to get it up and running before I head back to London.”
“Are you having a launch party?” I ask automatically. For the first time since this encounter, I’m coherent. “I’m starting an event company, and we have a lot of experience planning launch parties. Let me know if you need any information or local contacts.” I pull out a business card from my bag.
“Absolutely! I will be in touch. Enjoy your celebration. Let’s go out soon, mate.” He leans in and gives Luke a bear hug.
Luke has been very quiet until Ace walks away.
“I hate that guy!” he says immediately. “He has always been so full of himself.”
“I don’t know. He seemed nice and I can’t believe he knows the chef.”
“I’m not surprised; his brother married into a very wealthy family. They are connected everywhere,” he replies, annoyed.
Just then, the hostess comes over to us. She informs us that our table is ready and has been upgraded to the VIP section right in front of the dance floor courtesy of Mr. Eckelund.
“Oh wow, really?” I squeal. “I mean, that’s fantastic.” I walk over to the edge of the balcony and look down. I see Ace and his party being seated. This is turning into the greatest night.
“Right this way,” she calls, and we follow her down the grand, winding staircase. Once we are in our seats, I ask Luke about Ace and how they met.
“Our tour began in England. I had only been there a few days. My first roommate was from the US, but he was homesick, so he left. They moved Ace into my room that day. He is originally from Australia, but he grew up in England. He was really cool and introduced me to everyone. We actually played the same position, and now looking back, he was better than me. I was young, and I know I shouldn’t talk so badly about him because he was always nice, but so nice that he did, and obviously still annoys me. When I left, we emailed occasionally but lost touch. I was shocked when I turned around tonight and saw him standing there.” He finishes thoughtfully, “Anyway, I really don’t want to talk about Ace. This is our night, so let’s start celebrating.”
The waiter comes over and knows us by name. He recommends the chef specialties. From then on, the night is perfect, the food is phenomenal, and after much coercion, I convince Luke to dance. About halfway through dessert (the dessert is specially made with our names written on the plate with raspberry sauce), Ace shows up at our table.
“Hello again, mates, are you enjoying yourselves? I hope you don’t mind my stepping in and getting you a better table.”
“Of course not, thank you!” I reply, trying not to say anything stupid.
“It’s fine, thanks,” adds Luke.
“Right, enjoy your night.” And with that, he’s gone. I watch out of the corner of my eye as several women stop by his table to chat. He is very friendly, but not overly friendly with them. Lucky girls!
What is wrong with me? Maybe it was that glass of champagne. I never drink alcohol, but tonight being a special occasion, I had one. That will teach me not to drink. I must be drunk wanting to hang out with this new mysterious stranger, who also happens to be my boyfriend’s arch nemesis, on my anniversary,
“He has a lot of nerve. Why won’t he leave us alone?” Luke says angrily.
“He is just being nice,” I reply.
“More like he’s just showing off.”
The night is starting to wind down, but the band is still going strong. I manage to get Luke on the dance floor two more times before we leave. When we get in the car, Luke produces a beautifully wrapped box from the trunk. Yes! Presents! I was starting to wonder, and I left his at home for later. I got him a gorgeous new watch that I know he will love. I saw him looking at it a few months ago, and I noticed he always looks at the same one.
I excitedly open my gift. When I open the box, I unwrap the tissue and see a beautiful sterling silver nameplate for my desk; my name is in all Swarovski crystals. It is beautiful, but I guess I was expecting something more? Like maybe some jewelry or a ring? I try not to act disappointed.
“I thought it would be perfect for your new desk at Sheer Happiness. Do you like it?” he asks.
“Yes, I do. It’s beautiful. Thank you! I have your gift at home.”
I know I shouldn’t be disappointed; it really is pretty and thoughtful. This is the first time he has actually shown an interest in Sheer Happiness. I just thought maybe there would be a gift showing more of a commitment.
“Are you OK?” he asks as we pull onto the highway. “You’re quiet.”
“I’m great. Just tired.”
“I really hope you had fun. Venice is a great place. I’m just sorry we had to run into Ace. I tried not to let that ruin our night too much.”
Ruin our night? Is he insane? Our table was bumped up to VIP. That never would have happened if we didn’t run into him. I decide not to mention that though; it’s probably better to not bring up the fact that his arch nemesis got us hooked up. He is obviously envious enough.
Luke loves his watch, and it was the exact one he had wanted. He also had Madie make me the sweetest cookies, which were waiting for me when I got home. She made the cookies into hearts and little number tens. I’m sure he scored points with her by asking her to help. You never know, someday they may be friends. Only time will tell. He leaves about an hour before Madison gets home. She comes running into my room as I am making lists for the following week. “Tell me EVERYTHING!” she says as she jumps on my bed.
I describe the night in depth to her from the food to the décor. I tell her about running into Ace and getting upgraded. I decide to leave out the part about him being extremely attractive. She will jump all over that one. Then, I show her my gift.
“Oh, that’s very nice,” she says unconvincingly. “Do YOU like it?”
“Yes! It was very thoughtful. I just . . . I guess I might have been expecting something else?”
“Like?” she asks, raising her eyebrows.
“I don’t know.”
I don’t want to tell her. Ten months is probably too soon for an engagement. She has been dating Cole for almost two years, and they aren’t engaged yet. She would think I have lost my mind. I change the subject to the bathroom attendant and all of the beauty products. I knew that would get her mind off the gift. When I finally lie down, I think about the events of the past few weeks, tonight, and the coming months. Both Luke and I have a lot going on. I know he loves me, and I know we are headed in the right direction. I try to put the concerns out of my mind.
CHAPTER 5
“A name plate? A NAME plate? Are you serious?” Craig says after I show him my gift. “At least he took you to Venice, but I am just shocked that this is ALL he gave you.”
“Craig, it’s been ten months, not ten years. You need to relax,” I say, trying to calm him down. He is overreacting as usual. Things have been extremely quiet at the office today. We are just working on more plans for the charity event including securing a local celebrity host, working on the menu, and speaking with Mrs. Canton at least five times regarding changes of color schemes.
“She is driving me crazy!” yells Nicole from somewhere in the office, after obviously having another conversation with Carrie. Apparently, Carrie has changed her upcoming trip plans two times in the past few hours.
After Craig walks out of my office, I check my emails. I see an invoice from the painters. That means my new office space is ready. I can’t wait to see it.
I add
that to my list:
Pay invoice for office paint
I need to check my bank account. I have been really careful with my budgeting. Most of the money I have put into Sheer Happiness has been my own money. I did have some money my grandparents left me, and my parents gave me a small loan for the deposits. I bought some great office furniture at one of those going out of business sales. Otherwise, I have been really good with my spending other than the occasional pair of shoes and that Tory Burch clutch. Almost all of my savings has gone into my company.
I designed my own business cards, which I absolutely love. The cards are made from iridescent-silver cardstock with the company name and information printed on them. They are covered by sheer overlay paper. I have never liked my current business cards; they are plain, basic white with black lettering. Carrie never changed the design even though I have tried numerous times to convince her otherwise. She actually told me it was a waste of money. This is coming from a person who sees a psychic at least once a week. Really, how much can your future change from week to week? Anyway, even though I have creative control over most things here, I lost the battle of the business cards.
I hear my phone buzzing from my bag. A text from Luke:
Have to cancel dinner. Working late. So sorry! Love you.
I sigh. We were going to meet up with Abby and her husband for dinner. They wanted to take us to dinner as a thank you for the birthday party, which is completely unnecessary considering Matt paid for most of it (not much) because I used a bunch of favors and contacts. I text him back:
OK. I will reschedule. When is good time?
While I wait for his response, I call Abby on my work line. I leave her a message after she doesn’t answer. A few minutes later, Luke returns my text:
Not sure. May have to travel this weekend to meet with client. Not a good day today.
My response is short and to the point. I don’t really know what to say, usually that means they are losing an account and it’s better to let him get through it.
Luke’s brother-in-law started Summer Advertising about eight years ago, and Luke and his other brother-in-law joined the firm a few years later. They all work very well together considering it’s a family business. He has two sisters who are both really sweet, and they each have a baby. His parents divorced when he was young, both are remarried, but they all have a great relationship. They even spend holidays together, which I find very entertaining. It’s an interesting dynamic when everyone is together. I have only been around all four parents once and it was pretty fun to watch.
Abby calls back a few minutes later, and I explain about canceling dinner.
“Why don’t you just come with us then?” she begs.
“I don’t want to be a third wheel. I promise we will reschedule.”
“No, you are coming with us. I insist. Please don’t make a very hormonal pregnant woman cry.”
I know better than to tell her no, so I arrange to meet them after work.
Just then, I get an email from Carrie:
S,
May be gone rest of week. Scan in paperwork for Charity, I will sign and send back. Thanks, love.
C.
Hmmm, another week goes by with Carrie unavailable. I have gone over and over my plan for my resignation in my head. As soon as Faith, Fashion, and Hope is over, I plan on setting up a private meeting with Carrie. I will give her my resignation in writing, but I really want to explain in person. I’m very curious as to what her reaction will be, but I can’t let that stand in my way.
The Canton’s have graciously offered to host my launch party at their home. After they hired us to plan their event, I told them about Sheer Happiness. They were even willing to break the contract with Carrie’s and hire me, but I asked them not to. Needless to say, they entertain a lot, so I know they will refer a lot business to me in the future.
Faith, Fashion, and Hope is a charity to raise money to help disabled children get needed health care or help pay for their family’s expenses. Their niece Faith has both Down syndrome and cerebral palsy, and she is the sweetest little girl. They have really made great progress bringing awareness and acceptance to the children that struggle and do not receive the best care. It’s a wonderful cause, and I am so excited they asked us to plan this fabulous night.
I finally reply to Carrie’s email and send over all the documents for her to sign. This should have been done a while ago, but she is notoriously bad at following through.
I finally leave the office to meet Abby for dinner. Her husband decided to skip so we could hang out; he is such a good guy. I can’t remember the last time Abby and I hung out. We meet up at a family-owned Mexican restaurant. It is small and quaint, and the food is delicious. It’s great to catch up with Abby and hear all about her pregnancy and plans for the baby. Abby has always loved kids; she used to say she would love to have ten kids. She also has always wanted to open a home or a camp for children in need. She will be an awesome mom.
“I hope you are going to let me plan the baby shower? When do we find out if it’s a boy or a girl?” I ask her. Baby showers are so easy and fun to plan, and I haven’t done one in a while.
“About four weeks; I can’t wait,” she says excitedly. “I would love for you to plan it, but I thought you would be too busy with your schedule.”
Just when I’m about to tell Abby it will be no problem, I hear a familiar voice behind me laughing and talking loudly. I turn around and see Ace Eckelund standing near the door. What is he doing here? Should I say something? Should I pretend I don’t see him? How did he find out about this place?
“Sienna? Is something wrong? Hello?” I turn and see Abby staring strangely at me. “Are you OK?” she asks.
“What?” I hesitate. “Oh yeah, I’m great.” I turn again to see Ace still standing near the door talking.
“Who is that?” asks Abby, finally realizing who I am looking at. I decide to tell her the story about running into him at Venice. I’m careful to leave out a few details about my (small) attraction to him.
“Wow, so Luke can’t stand him? I can see why; he is HOT,” she adds really loudly. “Abby!” I yell, trying to get her to quiet down. Just then, I see him glance in my direction.
Oh NO! He is walking toward us. I start to panic. Abby is watching me very intently.
“Excuse me?” he says, and I look up and meet his eyes.
“Don’t I know you? Well, hello! I thought that was you,” he says, smiling at me. “Sienna? Where is my best mate, Luke, tonight?”
“Hello, Ace. It’s nice to see you again.” I’m trying to act cool, and I’m secretly hoping he didn’t hear Abby say he was hot. “Luke is working tonight. This is my friend, Abby. Abby this is Luke’s friend, Ace. They played soccer together in Europe.”
“Hi, Ace. Would you like to sit for a minute?” Abby says, shooting a glance at me.
“Who wouldn’t want to sit with two gorgeous women? My apologies for interrupting your dinner.” He pulls over a chair and makes himself very comfortable.
What the hell? Why did she invite him to sit down? I try to give her a look, but she’s already into a conversation about Australia, and how she’s always wanted to travel there. I can’t believe this is happening. He ends up sitting with us for a while. I stay quiet most of the time. I’m still trying to wrap my head around this. Before I realize it, he tells Abby that she should name her baby Ace if it’s a boy. Um, WHAT?
“I have taken way too much of your time. Apologies again. It was wonderful to meet you, Abby, and so good to see you again, Sienna.” Just then, he pulls my card out of his wallet. “I saved this, and I will be in touch. It would be so helpful if you could introduce me to some local companies.”
He saved my card?
“Of course, just send me an email,” I reply.
“Give my best to Luke. Good night.”
Am I hallucinating? Did this all just happen? I was enjoying a fun girls’ night with my friend. Then we are interrupted
by this person who I am supposed to dislike but I don’t. I know his type all too well. Attractive, super confident, flirtatious, always knows exactly what to say. So, I should probably hate him for all the women in the world who have encountered his “type.” WAIT. This is wrong; why am I being so judgmental? I don’t know this guy. Just because my boyfriend is super jealous of him doesn’t mean he’s a player.
“Start talking,” Abby says, interrupting the endless rant going on in my head.
“What do mean?” I say innocently. “I already told you, he’s an old acquaintance of Luke’s. We ran into him at dinner the other night.”
“Why are you acting so weird?” she asks.
“I’m not; it’s just a bit awkward considering Luke’s feelings about him. I mean, can’t you tell? He’s a total player.”
“Really? Why do you care?” she asks me, cracking a small smile.
“I don’t care. I was just saying that maybe Luke’s feelings are justified, AND before you say anything about the card, he is here opening a division of his company. I’m an event planner, that’s it. No ulterior motives.”
“I disagree. I think Ace is actually very sincere, and I think Luke is wrong,” she replies very seriously.
I have known Abby for a long time. She is the most kindhearted person I have ever met, and you can always depend on her to give everybody a fighting chance. She is also a very good judge of character. I trust her judgment more than anybody else’s, so maybe she’s right. Regardless, it doesn’t matter what I think of Ace.
“Sienna, I know you. You are attracted to him; there’s nothing wrong with that. Any girl would be attracted to him; he is VERY good-looking AND charismatic.”
“There IS something wrong with that! I have a boyfriend, and my boyfriend can’t stand him. Yeah, I think he’s attractive. Doesn’t mean anything. It’s strictly professional.” I stop talking, hoping that she will drop it.
“OK,” she replies unconvincingly.
As we are finishing our dinner, the subject changes to baby names and nursery décor. I have never been more relieved to move on from a discussion. By the time I get home, I am exhausted. Madison is still out with Cole, so I do some laundry and watch some Golden Girls re-runs. Yes, it’s a guilty pleasure. I lie down on the couch and replay the evening in my head. Abby is right; Ace does seem like a nice guy, and it’s not like he’s tried to be overly flirtatious or anything with me. I may find him attractive, but that doesn’t mean he thinks that way about me. I tried calling Luke but got his voice mail. I wanted to find out how things were going, and maybe a part of me wants to get my mind back to where it should be.
An Event to Remember. . .or Forget (Event to Remember Series Book 1) Page 4