“I have no idea. But I’m worried. I still have to tell Carrie about the programs, and even worse, I will have to call the Cantons.”
I head back to my office to try to get something done before I have to break the news. I check my phone and see a missed call from Ace. I’m hoping that he is calling with some news. I don’t think I will be able to handle any more bad news today. I try calling him back and get his voice mail.
“Sienna, can you come to my office please?” Carrie calls over the intercom. Crap!
I head to her office.
“Do you still have the file of applications? I will be filling Nicole’s position as soon as possible. We will just proceed this weekend without her. We will be fine, she is easily replaceable.” That was all she had to say. She obviously did not appreciate anything Nicole did for her. I retrieve the file and hand it to her. I plan on having no part in helping her fill that position.
I decide to hold out a little longer before saying anything. Later that afternoon, I hear my phone ringing. Ace is calling back. I close my eyes and pray that it’s good news.
“Hello?” I say cautiously.
The first thing he says is, “I have good news for you, but it is going to be tricky.”
“OK. What do you mean?” I ask.
“The printer that Venice uses will be able to print the job by Saturday. The problem is they do not have enough staff to oversee it. You will need to send someone to help. There will only be one person there as they are short-staffed and have a full workload. Someone will be there to fire up the jobs, but that’s it. Also, it’s located up north about an hour away. Can you send anyone?” Wow, this is not the ideal situation, but I will have to make it work.
“I don’t know. Nicole just quit. Craig will be with the committee volunteers for setup Thursday night and Friday. I guess I will have to do it myself.” I tell Ace I will get back to him with the details to set it up and thank him several times. I call Craig into my office and tell him what’s happening.
“How are you going to have time to do that?” he whispers.
“I don’t know, but I have no other choice. You will need to hold down the fort here.”
I get to work scheduling the rest of my week. Things are starting to look up, and the best part of my day comes at 5:47 p.m. when I receive the final file for the programs. So the printing will start on Thursday with one day to spare. Another crisis resolved. I know this is part of the job, but my nervous system will not be able to take another jolt. What else could happen? I probably shouldn’t say that out loud.
At 3:00 a.m., I wake from yet another nightmare. In the dream, I am on my way to the event but I have to stop at the printers. The event is due to start in an hour, and I still don’t have the project done. While I’m on my way, I get stuck in the elevator. I call Luke for help, and he tells me that because he is working he will not be able to help me. I end up missing the whole event. When I wake up, I’m actually sweating and crying. Madison comes running in my room. I must have woken her up with my screaming.
“Are you OK?” she asks as she sits down on the bed. “You were screaming for help to let you out.”
I end up telling her about my dream and the events of the last few days. I also tell her about Ace stepping in and trying to help. If we pull everything off without any more hitches, it will be all because of Ace.
“You do like him, don’t you?” she asks.
I pause. “I do like him. But I also know that now is not the time for any of that. After this weekend, I need to figure out where Luke and I are and if we still have a chance. Before you ask, YES, I do still love Luke. I’m just not sure we are meant to be.”
Madison and I stay up talking and laughing for a while then I finally manage to get a little bit of sleep.
The next day Carrie is in the office again. I know I always complain about her being gone, but really, I hate her being here. I get less accomplished with her around. I end up telling her that I will be overseeing all printing on Thursday, so I will be out of office and that Craig will start décor and setup Thursday night. She hardly shows any interest in what I’m saying.
Later, I have a really good meeting with the catering team, and Mrs. Canton is very gracious and happy with the finalized menu. After I leave that meeting, my spirits are lifted. Luke sends me a text to say hi and tells me that he is still planning on coming on Saturday night. It feels a little awkward because I was trying to decide if I was still going to bring him. We haven’t spent any time together since the whole Palm Springs mess. On the other hand, I do need a date and he’s making an effort.
When I finally get some time to check my email, I am surprised to see an email from Ace.
Good Afternoon,
I hope everything is looking up. I wanted to let you know that I have availability for the next few days. If you need any help, I would be happy to oversee things at the printers. I know that you are short-handed and extremely busy. Let me know if I can assist.
Best,
Ace
He is so nice that I am starting to have serious doubts that Ace is for real. Maybe Luke was right all along; maybe he is a master at knowing exactly what to say and do. I don’t know what his ulterior motives could be, but if he has any, then he truly is a genius.
I arrive at the printers Thursday morning. I spend the majority of the day making sure the printing goes smoothly. By the evening, I am so bored, I have a massive headache, and I know I’m getting sick. Just when I’m about to reach my breaking point and go home, Ace shows up to save the day as any hero would.
“What are you doing here?” I exclaim.
“I know you told me not to come, but I thought the least I could do was relieve you so you could get some dinner,” he says warmly.
“You came all this way so I could get dinner?” I say sarcastically. Now I am convinced that this guy can’t be for real. He must be some kind of perfect man robot. I’m in such shock that I don’t know what to do next.
“Truthfully, I just felt bad,” he replies. “You are doing all of this on your own, and you were kind enough to help me find a gift for my mum. Which by the way, she loved. I have the time to help and I believe in this great cause. So, here I am. Just tell me what to do.”
I really could use a break, so I decide to take him up on his offer considering he did come all his way. I show him the few tasks that he would need to know, and I leave to get some food and some headache medicine. When I return, he is on the phone and I overhear hear him talking about numbers and proposals. I really do love his accent; I could sit here all night and listen to him talk. I know I have to stop this madness, but I don’t understand why fate keeps bringing him into my life over and over again. On the other hand, we did agree that we were just friends, so I guess this is harmless.
“Thank you so much for coming tonight,” I say as I sit on one of the desks after he finishes his phone call.
“I really wanted to help. I hope I’m not being to forward but I enjoy spending time with you,” he admits. I smile through my feelings of guilt. I know that nothing has happened, but I can’t help but feel guilty because I feel the same way.
“I enjoy spending time with you, too,” I admit as I look at him. I can tell that Ace is about to say something else but he stops. I almost ask him what he was going to say, but he changes the subject.
“How many more have to print?” he asks as he walks over to the machine.
“It looks like I have a few more hours to go,” I say I as I look at the computer screen. “You really don’t have to stay. Someone from the staff is going to come back in a few hours to shut everything down and lock up.”
Ace doesn’t reply. At this point, I’m so torn because I want him to stay, but at the same time, I know he should leave. Ace must have read my mind.
“Why don’t you go home?” he says. “I can finish here and bring everything to the hotel in the morning. You really don’t look well,” he says, giving me a concerned look. I must look
as terrible as I feel, but I know I have to see this through until the end.
“That’s OK, I can handle the rest of it,” I say. “I really don’t know what I would have done without you this week. You are the hero in all of this.” I stop as I am suddenly overcome with emotion, or it may be pure exhaustion.
Ace must see that I’m growing more uncomfortable with our growing attraction, and I know that he’s feeling the same. He asks me one more time if he can stay in my place. After I decline, he quickly leaves.
After he is gone, I lay my head down on the desk and let out a huge sigh. Our plan to stay just friends and fight our attraction is failing miserably.
The rest of the evening is a complete blur. I end up staying at the printers until 2:00 a.m., but somehow I manage to have it all done by our Friday morning deadline.
The next day I finally show up at the hotel to set up around lunchtime. I’m pretty much a walking disaster. I am completely exhausted, my cold has gotten worse, and I’m losing my voice. Craig takes one look at me and says, “Wow, you look horrible.”
“Thanks,” I say, struggling to talk.
“Oh, and you sound even worse,” he says, making a face.
At least I can always count on Craig to be honest.
“I was up till 2:00 a.m. at the printers, and I didn’t get home until after 3:00 a.m. I felt so horrible that I took some cold meds to try to sleep. I’m so nervous and I haven’t slept well in weeks.” I sit down at one of the tables and put my face in my hands. On a side note, I have no intention of mentioning that Ace came to the printers.
“Well, you need to move your germs somewhere else and not all over these tables,” he demands.
I try to give him a dirty look but he’s right. I look around and the room is really shaping up to be beautiful. The linens are silver and gold and the centerpieces are candles, lilies, and mirrors. I ask Craig if Carrie has made an appearance yet. He tells me that she did a walk-through, moved a few things around, and then left for an appointment with her psychic. I guess a quick walk-through is better than nothing.
We continue to work on the setup into the evening. I’m surviving on caffeine and sinus medicine. We finish a little before 11:00 p.m. and head home to try to rest up. Tomorrow is the big day. Somehow, we managed to make it, and everything has fallen into place beautifully other than me being on death’s door. I’m feeling pretty confident that it will be a success. Sheer Happiness here I come.
CHAPTER 13
That was pretty much was the worst night’s sleep I have ever had. If you can actually call it a night’s sleep. It was more like several small catnaps mixed in with a lot of coughing. Not to mention, I should probably buy stock in Kleenex tissue. I can’t believe I am this sick, and to top it off, I have full-blown laryngitis. It must be true when they say stress is the silent killer because, after today, I may not make it.
The big day has arrived. It’s funny that most women consider their big day to be their wedding day. I doubt I will be this nervous on my wedding day. Whenever that may be . . . probably many, many years in the future. I call Craig to make sure he is awake. I am pleasantly surprised to hear him very cheerful and full of energy. He carries on a bit about how horrible I sound and tells me that I probably shouldn’t stand close to anyone tonight.
“I plan on taking as much Vitamin C and cold medicine as I can today. On top of that, I will mix in a lot of caffeine and I should be good to go,” I say with a big smile.
“Is Luke still escorting you tonight?” he asks sarcastically.
“Yes.”
“Don’t sound so excited,” he replies.
“I know. It’s still awkward, but he is trying.” While we are talking, I start packing up everything I need to bring. Madison is coming to the hotel later for hair and makeup. I am praying she can do something so I don’t look so pathetic.
“So, can you do anything with this?” I point to my face when I walk into the kitchen.
She laughs. “You really don’t look that bad. You do sound horrible though.”
“I’ll just tell everyone that this is my sexy voice,” I say, talking in a lower, softer voice.
“Did you even sleep? Anymore dreams?” she asks, taking a bite of her cereal.
“No dreams and I barely slept. I’m pretty sure I will sleep for the next week after tonight, and I can’t wait.”
She gets up and puts her dishes in the sink. “I have a few clients this morning, but then I’ll head over to hotel. See you later.” She gathers her stuff and she is gone.
I sit there for a few minutes while I wait for my breakfast. I look around the kitchen and start to feel sad again. I remember when we got our first apartment together. We were so excited to be on our own. We have had some great times, and now we are growing up. I have to stop myself from taking another trip down memory lane. I need to get a shower and check in with Luke.
I receive a text from Carrie saying that she will be at the hotel this afternoon. She says she wants to run through the menu and the schedule for tonight. She really is a piece of work. I have sent her these items numerous times, and now, with a countdown of a few hours, she wants to review everything? I reply with a simple OK.
I check my to-do list for today:
Don’t forget to bring outfit, overnight bag
Check in with catering team
Quick meeting with volunteers
Check on auction
Meet with host and Cantons
Bring cold medicine and cough drops
I add the last item. The last thing I need to be doing is hacking up a lung all over these very important people. As I’m ready to walk out the door, a call is coming in from Ace.
“Hi, Ace,” I answer.
“Whoa. Are you OK?”
“Yes. Can you believe I now have laryngitis? This just keeps getting worse. I was going to tell everyone that I’m using my sexy voice, but it obviously isn’t working,” I say with a nervous laugh. As soon as that comes out of my mouth, I wish I didn’t say it.
“Well, you could say that. I am sure most people would believe it,” he says kindly. I know he’s smiling.
“Thanks. The printing was finally completed at 2:00 a.m. I just don’t know how to thank you for everything. I know I keep saying this, but I will be forever in your debt.”
“Not at all. I’m glad I could help,” he says quickly. “I really just wanted to call to see how everything was coming along. So, I will see you and Luke tonight?” Hmmm . . . he’s trying to find out if Luke is coming.
“Yes and maybe you two can hang out together. I doubt I will be a very good date tonight. I’ll be lucky if I’m able to sit down to eat.” I look at the time. ”I really need to head over there now. Carrie has decided that she finally wants to review everything. Nothing like waiting until the last minute.”
“Very well. Good luck.”
After we hang up, I smile to myself. No matter what happens, Ace has turned out to be a very good friend to have. He has continued to swoop in and save the day at every turn.
When I arrive, I see Craig and some volunteers running around doing last minute details. The ballroom looks gorgeous. Every detail is perfect and just the way we planned it. At the entrance, there are posters of some of the children that Faith, Fashion, and Hope have helped. I get a little choked up as I read some of the descriptions. I stand there for a few minutes to take it all in. I’m reminded that no matter how stressful or difficult the planning process has been, we are all here to help those in need.
“What do you think?” Craig says, running over to me. “Mrs. Canton came in here earlier and started crying. She kept hugging me and thanking me. It was really cool,” he says excitedly.
“I think . . .” I hesitate. “I think that it looks more perfect than I ever envisioned it. We have done a really good job so far but it’s not over yet. So, let’s keep our fingers crossed. Can you gather all of the volunteers so we can have a quick meeting?”
I continue to wander aro
und the room and take it all in. The signature details that we are known for are everywhere. At every table, there’s a framed description of a child that will be helped by the money that is raised. We have Faith, Fashion, and Hope stationary for the guests to personalize that will be sent to the families that are being helped.
For the rest of the afternoon we have one meeting after another. First, I meet with the Cantons and the host. As I’m leaving that meeting, they both thank me and remind me to be in touch to set the date for my launch party. Relief washes over me, and at that second, I know they are pleased with my work no matter what happens later.
After that, Craig and I sit down with the volunteers and go through the schedule. Then we meet with the catering team. Carrie has sent me several texts throughout the day warning—I mean informing—me of her arrival. She finally arrives just a few short hours before the event.
“Hello, loves,” she says loudly. She walks around the ballroom like she owns the place. She fixes a few items and then sits down with Craig and me.
“Everything looks very nice. Well done.”
“Thank you, Carrie,” I reply with my very raspy, sick voice.
“What is wrong with you?” she asks with a horrified look on her face.
“I’m fine. It’s just a bit of a cold.”
“That sounds like more than a bit. Maybe you should keep your distance from our guests,” she says with a disgusted look. “Anyway, can I see the seating chart? Do you know where Natalia and Max are seated?” Craig hands her the charts.
“I believe they are seated at Mr. Eckelund’s table. Your table was full and there were empty seats at his.” Craig shows Carrie the location on the plans. “As you can see, that table is very close to yours.”
“Excellent,” she says, looking up at me. “Sienna, I am assuming you were able to make that happen?” She smiles at me.
I grit my teeth and smile back. “No, actually Nicole and Craig handled the seating plans,” I lie. “I can’t take any credit for that.”
“Of course,” she says, unconvinced and then looks at her phone. “I see that things are under control here. I will see you both later. Ciao.” She heads out of the ballroom leaving a trail of her perfume behind her.
An Event to Remember. . .or Forget (Event to Remember Series Book 1) Page 15