“Hello.”
“Hi. It’s Sienna.”
“There you are. I was starting to wonder if you had left the country or gone on holiday.”
“A holiday sounds perfect right now. I am actually planning a trip to Florida to see my parents in a few months,” I say excitedly. My nervousness starts to fade a bit. He really does put me at ease
“I’m really sorry for taking so long to write you back. So much has happened, and I have been trying to sort everything out.” I tell him all about giving my resignation and my conversation with Carrie before I left. He listens so intently and finally speaks up after I finish.
“I actually wanted to talk to you about that. After you walked away that night, I got into a heated discussion with both of them. Luke was very remorseful, but she wasn’t even the slightest bit fazed by it.”
“I know, and I felt really awkward around you because you and Luke are friends.” I use that term pretty loosely, but before I can say anything else, he speaks up.
“We haven’t been friends for long time. I know he has never forgiven me for what happened in Barcelona. I actually apologized for that the other night, but he really didn’t care to hear it. At least I made an effort.”
“I can tell you this now because you are right, he has never forgiven you. In fact, ever since we ran into you at Venice he has done nothing but badmouth you. I probably should have said something sooner, but it never felt right. I’m sorry,” I say and it feels great to not have that hanging over my head anymore.
“Can I be honest about something else?” he asks. “I promise it was never my intention to try to come between you. All those times we ran into each other were a mere coincidence. I wanted to clarify that especially after he made those accusations.”
“I know,” I say quietly, and then I quickly change the subject. I am just not in a place to talk about that right now. “Anyway, I do want to set up a time next week to talk about your party.”
He gets my point and we set up a time to meet. We hang up shortly after. I feel both relieved and disappointed. I know I’m making the right decision, but there is a very small part of me that would love to see what could happen. It’s probably just one of those rebound things. I have never actually had one of those but I imagine this is what it feels like.
Not long after I get off the phone, Madison comes home with a bunch of new baking supplies and dinner.
“Get your apron on, I have several hours of baking ahead of me and I need some company.” She starts unloading bags and rushing around the kitchen excitedly.
“Sure. But what is this about?”
“Exciting news, someone from Abby’s party has a friend who has a bakery in Beverly Hills. She took pictures of my cookies and sent them over. They want to feature my cookies in their bakery. I need to make some prototypes,” she says proudly.
“Wow, that’s awesome.” I start unloading bags, and I see that she has bought ingredients to make our favorite dinner, Teriyaki Chicken and Velveeta Shells & Cheese. For some reason I start to cry. Ugh, here I go again. She sees me wiping my eyes.
“What’s wrong? Oh no, I am so horrible. I just come in and start talking. I didn’t even ask if you are doing OK.”
“No, it’s fine. I actually had a really good day. I am just going to miss all of this.” I wave my arm around the kitchen. “I am going to miss baking and hanging out. So much is changing, and I just need to get used to it.”
“We will still bake and hang out all the time. Cole travels quite a bit, so I’m going to need some company,” she replies as she pats my shoulder.
“You know I officially resigned a few days ago,” I tell her finally.
“Yes. We haven’t had a chance to talk about that,” she says softly. I tell her all about my conversation with Carrie and my meeting with the Cantons. I don’t say anything about talking to Ace because I know she will start pushing me to go out with him, and I don’t want to think about that right now.
“I still can’t believe she said those things. She is a horrible person. Was she always this bad?” she asks as she gathers all her tools and ingredients.
“No . . . kind of.” I hesitate. “She has gotten a lot worse in the last year or so. I think she is just really lonely, and as much as I can’t stand her, there’s a part of me that feels sorry for her,” I say thoughtfully.
“I guess. So, are she and Luke a couple now?“
“As far as I know, they are not because Luke was practically begging me to forgive him the other day. They must have some sort of ‘business’ arrangement going on. But you never know what the truth is.”
“This is crazy. You should go on a talk show or call the tabloids,” she says, laughing.
We spend the rest of the evening making cookies and hanging out. Much to my relief, Ace never comes up in our conversations.
CHAPTER 15
A few days later, Craig and I are meeting in our new office. This is really happening and I’m getting more and more excited.
The very moment that I walk into the office, I feel rejuvenated. I never realized until now what I had been missing working at Carrie’s. It’s not that it was a terrible place to work, but it wasn’t a happy place either. When I walk in the door at Sheer Happiness Events, that is exactly what I feel. I’m unpacking some boxes when Craig comes in. He has brought bags of snacks and drinks to give us sustenance.
“Wow. Do we really need all this junk food?” I ask as I unpack the bags.
“I don’t know about you, but I need it for when my blood sugar gets low.”
He has no idea what he’s talking about. He just likes junk food.
“Anyway, I have good news. The date is set for the launch party, and the Cantons are taking care of all the details. We only have to do the invitations. I started going through our lists of contacts. So, let’s get to work on those invitations,” I say, showing him the list I created.
“I totally forgot to tell you this. Nicole called me the other day. I told her everything that has been going on and about us resigning. She’s still looking for a job,” he hints.
“Are you trying to ask me something?” I say, smiling. “I’m not opposed to Nicole coming to work here. My only concern is that we are just starting out and I can’t pay her much to start.”
“That is exactly what I told her,” he replies. “She says she totally understands,” he says innocently.
“I will think about it,” I say finally. “There is just a lot going on right now. Let’s get things off the ground first.” We spend the afternoon finishing our invites and get them sent out.
I leave to meet Abby for dinner. We are going to finish the plans for her baby shower. I’m so surprised to see her sporting a huge baby bump. I can’t believe how quickly it has grown since I saw her last.
“You look so cute,” I say as I put my hands on her stomach.
“I’m huge already and I still have several weeks to go. Our little Ace is going to be a big boy,” she says as she fondly cradles her belly. Of course, I give a big sigh at the sound of his name. I’m sure that one day I will get used to it.
“Now, you tell me how you are doing and be honest. This is just you and I talking.” Abby always knows the right things to say. She is going to be the best mom.
“I’m doing good, believe it or not, even after everything that has happened. Today I went to my new office, and it was the best feeling.” I take a sip of my water. “I don’t really know how to explain it. I feel open-minded about the future and an even bigger sense of accomplishment,” I say excitedly.
“That is so awesome,” she says, smiling. “I guess you’re OK with the whole Luke thing, or are you just putting on a really good act?”
“I admit it hasn’t been easy finding out about Luke and Carrie. It was devastating actually.” I add, “But, looking back, things weren’t going good for a while, and then we just stopped progressing.” Abby listens intently shaking her head.
“I knew something was o
ff, but I just kept fighting it. I didn’t want to be single again. On top of that, everything started changing. Everyone I love was moving forward in his or her relationships. Madison got engaged, and I have to start looking for a new place to live. My brother got engaged, and you are starting your family. I think a part of me was just holding on for dear life. I gave almost a year to this relationship, and I wanted to give it every chance to work.” I stop and think for a second.
“In the end, as hard as it has been, there is a part of me that is relieved.” I smile. “Anyway, now I am single again and I am thinking of going on the Bachelor. If anything, I can travel to some awesome destinations and get some free shoes,” I say with a laugh.
“That’s not a bad idea,” Abby says excitedly. “Aside from all that has happened, just think of all you have done. You are following your dream right now. You are embarking on something that most people think about but never follow through with. You are in a career that you love, and you have built lasting relationships with people that will make you successful in more ways than you will know.” She leans in and gives me a hug. I start to tear up again.
“Oh no. Did I make you cry again?” she says, handing me a napkin.
“It’s not your fault, I guess this is part of the new me. I actually cry now,” I say with a giggle.
Our food comes to our table and we start eating.
“About that whole being single thing,” she says with a curious look.
“No. Please don’t try to set me up with anyone. I really just need some time to be on my own. I don’t want to have to go through a bunch of awkward first dates. When the time is right, I will start dating again.” I take a bite of my salad.
“I wasn’t talking about setting you up with anyone new.” She hesitates. “What about you and Ace? Have you even thought about that?”
“What does this have to do with your baby?” I say with a grin. She gives me a look. This may be the perfect way of telling her that I will continue to make that joke, so maybe it’s not too late to convince her to change his name after all.
“I see what you are trying to do, and no, we are not changing his name,” she says firmly. “Don’t try to avoid the question. The last time we talked about this, you admitted that you really like him. The only reason you were against it was because of Luke. That’s obviously not an issue anymore. So?” I let out a big sigh. It’s easy to not be completely honest with Craig or Madison, but Abby can always see right through me.
“I admit the thought has crossed my mind. But, at the same time, I think it’s too soon. I don’t want to jump in to something else yet,” I say, putting down my fork. “I have made one bad choice after another with men. I need to break the cycle. I think I need to go to therapy.”
Abby laughs hysterically. “What? Why do you think you need therapy? Is it because you and Luke broke up? Think of what would happen if every person ran to see a shrink after ending a relationship. It would be madness.”
“I’m glad you think this is so funny,” I say, feeling frustrated. “Don’t you think seeing your boyfriend and your much older boss making out is a pretty good reason. That was all I could see when I closed my eyes for a few days. I may be emotionally scarred for life.”
“Ok, you may have a point there,” she says finally. “I understand you may think you need time to move on, and you may be right,” she says unconvincingly. I groan because I know she’s not done yet.
“You are one of my best friends, and you know I’m always honest with you.” I brace myself for what she is about to say.
“I think you knew that things were over with Luke for a while. I think you were forcing something that you knew deep in your heart was not right, and I think you liked Ace from the second you met him.” She sits back in her chair, obviously very proud of her admission. I sit for a few minutes trying to take in everything that she just said to me. Maybe she’s right about some of it.
“I’m sure you have something to say?” she asks, interrupting my thought.
“Yeah. I definitely was attracted to Ace when I first met him. I have never denied that, and I tried with Luke because I loved him and I wanted things to work out. No relationship is perfect.”
“You have said that over and over,” she interrupts. “You’re right, but I can tell you from experience that it can be pretty close to perfect with the right person.” She grabs my hand and gives me a warm smile. “Just think about it. Give him a chance.” What does she mean by that? It’s not like he has come out and asked me out?
“OK. I will stop giving you the third degree. Let’s talk baby shower,” she says, leaving me with a lot to think about. We spend the rest of the evening talking about the shower. Even though I am listening, my mind is somewhere else. I was so sure about my decision to take my time before rushing into something else, but she has made me question everything even more.
Later on, when I finally crawl into bed, I think back to my conversation with Ace the other day. Was he trying to tell me something? I quickly brought up his event not even getting the chance to discuss anything else. I am feeling more confused than ever. I need my mom, again.
A few hours later, I feel so much better. I love my mom. I knew she would help me see things more clearly. I explained everything to her about Luke and Ace. I told her about how I was afraid to get involved again because I seem to be making all the wrong decisions. I also had her laughing when I told her that I was going to start to going to therapy. That is still a possibility as far as I am concerned.
“Hon, you have always made good decisions. You are independent and strong. Your father and I always knew you would be successful. We don’t worry as much about you as we do the boys. Taking risks is what brings the greatest rewards.” I can almost see her smiling at me through the phone. I know she heard that on a TV show, or maybe on one of those lifetime movies she loves to watch.
“So, are you saying I should take a chance with Ace? I just don’t want to waste any more time. I’m not getting any younger,” I say worriedly.
“I’m saying that you will do the right thing. Honey, everyone makes mistakes, and it’s OK because that’s how we learn.”
“But you were so young when you got married, and you did everything right,” I say in a very whiney voice. She starts laughing again.
“It’s nice to know that you think that highly of me. We have had to work at it for many years and just wait until you have kids. Then you will really start doubting every move you make.”
“That’s true!” I hear my dad yell in the background. I smile to myself.
“So what you’re saying is that I need to figure this out for myself,” I say finally. That’s exactly what my parents do. They are very supportive, but they let me make my own decisions. This is exactly what they did when I decided to open Sheer Happiness Events.
“Yes, and I know with all my heart that you will do what is right for you,” she replies. “Try to get some sleep and remember we love you.”
“Thanks, Mom. Love you too.” I hang up and turn out the light. I must fall right to sleep after that.
A few days later, Madison gets home early from work. “Hey, I picked up everything for the Abby’s shower. I have the best idea for the cookies,” she says, throwing all the bags on the table.
I look up from my laptop. “Just answering some emails. Let me see what you got,” I say as I start digging through the bags.
“I’m doing the Safari animals she is using in the nursery and some little letter A’s for baby Ace.” She gives me a smile and wink. Everyone seems to think it’s hysterical to remind me of his name.
Speaking of Ace (not the baby), I tried to set up a time to meet with him but he had to fly to the UK to take care of some issues at one of his offices there. He did go out of his way to tell me he would try to be back for our big launch on Saturday. He also told me that he is working with John Canton on some other business ventures. Craig heard some rumors that they were investing in some other companies
together. I feel like I should take all the credit for setting up that partnership.
“I also picked this up for you,” Madison says as she pulls a local tabloid out of her bag. The headline reads CARRIE’S CLASSIC EVENTS AND MORE CLOSES DOORS. I grab it from her hands. I skim the article and it describes her as a troubled socialite. She told reporters that she was ready to retire after many successful years. It also says that she is moving on to other business ventures involving her boyfriend Luke Price.
“Wow!” I exclaim after I read it. “I guess they are telling people they’re together? Best of luck to them,” I say sarcastically.
“Whatever,” Madison says finally. “That will never last.”
I smile. I really don’t care. The past few days I have felt like a new person. Sheer Happiness is unofficially open for business, and our launch is this coming weekend. Abby’s shower is next week, and Madison and I have been hard at work on the plans.
“Did you check out those apartments I told you about?” Madison reminds me.
“No, I haven’t had any time. It is on my to-do list though. They look really nice.”
“They are nice and just down the street from our new place,” she says excitedly. “I also wanted to ask you a question,” she says carefully. Something about the way she said that makes me a little nervous. “Actually, more of a favor than a question.”
“What? Should I be afraid?” I ask.
“No, not at all. Cole talked to his best friend from high school. He is going to be his best man, and he is coming to visit from San Fran next week. I think it would be fun if the four of us went out.” She gives a tiny smile but I groan. I knew I should be afraid.
An Event to Remember. . .or Forget (Event to Remember Series Book 1) Page 18