by Tiara Bosh
“The guy who got the flowers – looked like he screwed up big time. Don’t worry, I told him off. But for what it’s worth, he looked really sorry. Maybe he deserves another chance, huh?” She then turned and walked away.
She walked back up slowly, pulling out the card.
Her heart skipped a beat when she saw it was from Ben. “I’m sorry” was written.
It was hard to think rationally when she’d already discovered she had a crush on him. Could she forget what he said that morning?
Why did he have to send flowers? He could have just approached her at work. He could have also just called since he already had her number.
But they both knew what he said was more personal that work-related.
That must be why he took the extra steps of sending her the flowers.
“Brian, I told you, nothing can happen,” Liz said lamely, her mind back to the present, as she spritzed some perfume in her pulse points. “And there’s no chance he’d be interested in me – quite the opposite maybe – he actually loathes me.”
“You just caught him at a bad time,” Brian said. Brian only found out about the flowers until he arrived that afternoon with the dresses. He got all excited and urged her to tell the whole story. She told him everything as he helped her with her hair, her makeup, and dressing up.
“I’d rather forget it all,” Liz said. “It’s not appropriate anyway. I can’t cross that line.”
“But looks like both of you already crossed some lines,” Brian said.
Liz’s head whirled to face Brian. “What do you mean?”
“Come on, the two of you talking about non-work stuff was already borderline,” Brian said, securing a simple gold strand around her neck. “Then him inviting you for coffee; you having coffee with him, him driving you home, him sending you flowers – there were several lines crossed there if you ask me. If he didn’t cross any lines I don’t think you’d be having these feelings for him.”
“Oh shit,” Liz said, realizing Brian had a point. And a very big one at that.
‘Well then at least you’re aware now and can be careful if you want to keep your job,” Brian said frankly. He reached for the watch, bracelet and ring he selected earlier to go with her dress.
Liz nodded, the hard truth sinking in. She sat on her bed and put on black pumps.
“I think you’re ready to go, Liz,” Brian said.
“What time are you meeting Dave?” she asked. He and Dave were going to meet for dinner before hitting the clubs.
“He’s just around,” Brian said, handing Liz the white clutch she’s already filled with necessities. “I’ll meet him when you’re safely in the cab.”
“Okay, I better leave in a bit,” Liz said. “I have to make sure everything’s in order.” The event would still start in over an hour, but as one of the organizers, she had to be early.
“Stand up and let’s have one last look,” Brian said.
Liz stood up, and they both stood up to look at Liz’s full-length mirror. Brian helped her put her hair up in a bun, and for her makeup he went with a smoky eye and nude lip effect. Liz was happy with the overall result.
“Gorgeous,” Brian said.
“Thanks, babe,” Liz said.
“Come on, let’s find you a cab,” Brian said.
Liz turned off all the lights as they exited her room. They walked through the living room and out of her unit.
“You can handle the stairs with your heels?” Brian asked.
“Yup!” Liz only wore low heels so the skirt would fall the way it should.
Brian still guided her down since she had to hold on to her skirt so as not to soil the hemline.
Finally at the ground floor, they walked out to the sidewalk to hail a cab.
“You have fun, okay?” Brian said, hooking his arm with Liz’s.
“You do, too,” Liz said.
“Oh you know I will,” Brian said, winking, making Liz grin.
Just then a cab arrived, and it stopped as Brian and Liz hailed it.
“Thanks for all the help, fairy godmother,” Liz said, hugging Brian.
“Anytime, dear,” he said. He opened the door for her and helped her get in.
“I want the deets tomorrow!” he said, before closing the door.
Liz grinned before giving the cab driver the address of the hotel.
On her way, Liz reflected on what she and Brian talked about. Brian was right of course; it was the reality check she needed. She needed to focus on doing her job and to keep it.
So for the remaining minutes of her cab ride, she forced herself to do just that. She did a mental checklist of the things she had to go over as soon as she would reach the hotel.
And indeed as she arrived, she was busy following through with the tasks. Some of her colleagues were already there and readily helped her out.
Her phone rang in the middle of it all.
“Mom, hi,” she answered when she saw who it was.
“Just wanted to wish you good luck, dear, on your first event with RHS,” her mom said.
“Thanks, Mom!” Liz said.
“Sorry we couldn’t make it,” her mom said. Liz’s parents were in the guest list but had to decline since Liz’s dad had to go fly to Georgia for a case. Liz’s mom went with him.
“It’s no problem,” Liz said. “Maybe next time.”
“Absolutely,” her mom said.
“I’m sure they will appreciate the check from you and Dad, Mom,” Liz said. She had dinner with her parents the previous weekend, and they handed her a check for the school project. It was also during the same dinner that she finally told them that she had stopped seeing Jack. They respected her decision, with her dad clearly stating he didn’t expect her to be with a lawyer. They just wanted her to be happy. She really was a lucky daughter.
“We support everything you do, dear,” her mom said.
“Thanks, Mom,” she replied. “I have to go, but I’ll call you tomorrow and let you know how it went, okay?”
“I would like that,” her mom said. “Enjoy the night. I love you.”
“I love you too, Mom.”
After the call, she made a final check. They had the caterer all set up with food and the bar; the sound and light systems were ready. Liz also made a quick call to the manager of Alicia Keys to verify that she was arriving in time for the night’s entertainment. It looked like everything was in order.
Henry and his wife Diane arrived, and Henry got an update from Liz.
The other RHS employees signed up to either man the registration table or be ushers. They would also be taking turns so it would be fair for everyone. Liz was overseeing everything.
She was at the registration table going over the list with Dana when she heard someone call her. She looked back to see Alex and Kayla. Alex was looking his striking self in a black tailored suit, while Kayla was wearing a gorgeous silver beaded gown that had a geometric pattern. Ben followed right behind them, wearing a black suit as well. Liz couldn’t ignore how handsome he was that night.
Liz’s heart was pounding as the three of them walked closer.
“Hi Kayla,” she greeted, taking a few steps too, willing herself to smile as naturally as she could. They hugged when they were close enough.
“You look great,” Kayla said. “Love the dress!”
“And you look stunning,” Liz exclaimed. Kayla looked like a star. She could have easily been in the entertainment industry as well if she were into acting.
“Hi Alex, Ben,” she greeted, nodding at Alex then just quickly looking at Ben – so quick that his face was just a blur.
“Hey Liz, looks like things are going to be great,” Alex said.
“Thanks, I hope so,” she said, smiling. “The bar’s all ready, why don’t you grab some drinks before the guests arrive.”
“I think we’ll do just that,” Alex said, grinning. “Thank you.” Alex held on to Kayla’s arm as they made their way to the ballroom, chatting with the
other RHS employees on their way.
Liz knew Ben was going to be passing by her too. Not wanting to face him just yet, she quickly turned and went back to Dana. They had nothing to discuss, really, but she needed to get her bearing back.
It was definitely going to be a long night.
Chapter 20
Liz
“Cheers to RHS!” Dana said, raising her flute of champagne.
“Cheers!”
It was past midnight and all the guests have left, leaving the RHS team behind. They were all gathered around one of the tables – some were seated while the rest were standing. They were enjoying some champagne and cake.
The event seemed like a success. Alex presented the school project engagingly with the materials from Flanders and Associates -- the guests received it very well. Everyone then enjoyed the buffet and the open bar while a band was playing, followed by a set by Alicia Keys. It turned out Alicia Keys was also a humanitarian and was a good friend of Alex’s.
The RHS team took pledges and donations. Liz lost track of the amounts – one of the guys would do the tallying – but the guests clearly appreciated the cause and were generously helping out.
“Thank you everyone,” Alex said. “I enjoyed the night. It went very smoothly. We shall also commend our new girl Liz for doing a terrific job heading this.”
Liz smiled shyly, looking around as they clapped and cheered for her. Her eyes briefly stopped on Ben, who was standing beside Henry and Liz had a very slight satisfaction that Ben look ashamed. Liz continued smiling at everyone else.
“We have the ballroom booked until two, right Liz?” Alex asked. “So the vendors can clear out after?”
Liz nodded.
“So you guys enjoy the place, the food and the booze,” he told everyone. “Just get home safely okay?”
Everyone nodded.
“Kayla and I will go ahead,” Alex said. “I’m sure Henry would be heading home to get his sleep too.”
Everyone laughed and turned to Henry, who was just smiling. Only Alex can kid Henry about his age since Henry was the oldest one in the office.
“Thanks again, everyone,” he said. He led Kayla away.
“Diane and I will be going as well,” Henry announced, making everyone laugh again, since he just proved what Alex said.
“You did a good job, Liz,” Henry commended with a smile as he and Diane walked by.
“Thanks Henry,” she said.
Most of them stayed to enjoy some more.
“Maron will take care of Adam tonight,” Dana said, winking.
“That’s right,” Liz said, grinning, as they toasted their glasses.
Paul was being his usual comedic self as he walked over to the stage, got the microphone, and started singing some of the songs Alicia Keys sang earlier. He got cheers and catcalls. It was hilarious.
He was in the middle of his second song when Liz heard her phone ringing.
Who would be calling her at one in the morning?
She got her phone from her clutch bag and saw it was Brian.
“Hey, Bri, what’s up?”
“Liz!” Brian cried out.
Liz’s heart started thumping. Brian was clearly crying and she heard loud noises in the background.
Liz walked away from the others. “What’s wrong? Where are you?”
“It’s D-Dave, he took one t-too many pills,” he stuttered. “He h-had convulsions at the bar.” Brian started sobbing.
“Where are you now?” Liz asked, in panic. She could only imagine what Brian was feeling.
“I’m in the cab,” he said, sniffing. “The paramedics didn’t allow me to go with them. They’re bringing him to Roosevelt Hospital.”
“I’ll meet you there,” Liz assured him. She looked around, thinking what she should do. She was supposed to stay until the ballroom had to be cleared. “I’ll leave now. He’ll be okay, babe.”
Brian just cried.
“Hang in there,” Liz said. “I’ll be there soon. I love you.”
She looked at her colleagues frantically, then she decided to approach Sarah.
“Sarah, I’m so sorry I need to leave for an emergency,” Liz explained quickly, the panic still coursing through her.
Dana approached them, probably sensing Liz’s distress.
“Someone just has to make sure the banquet manager is informed before the last person leaves,” Liz rattled off. “All the vendors have been paid already.”
“Sure,” Dana said, “We’ll handle it.”
“Are you okay?” Sarah asked.
“My friend’s in the hospital,” Liz said, “I really have to go. I’ll tell you girls about it Monday.”
“Take care, Liz,” Sarah said. “Hope your friend will be okay.”
“Thanks, I hope so too,” Liz said, biting on her lower lip.
Unable to say goodbye to everyone else, she walked quickly away and out of the ballroom. She was running through the lobby when she heard someone calling after her.
“Liz!”
She looked back without stopping. She saw Ben walking briskly after her.
“What’s wrong?” he asked, managing to catch up with her.
“Now isn’t the time, Ben,” she said as she crossed the threshold and out to the sidewalk.
“I heard what you told Sarah,” Ben said. “Which hospital are you going to? I’ll drive you.”
“I can take the cab,” she said, but she looked around and saw a number of people who looked like they came from the hotel bar. They were all outside too, trying to hail their own cabs.
Ben must have seen the situation too, since he quickly gave his valet stub to the attendant.
“I’ll give you a twenty if the car gets here in less than five minutes,” Liz heard him tell the boy.
Knowing she had no better choice, she waited with Ben for his car. She didn’t bother anymore to contest since she promised Brian she would be there with him as soon as she could.
True enough, his Lexus arrived quickly. Ben opened the door for Liz, and she got in.
“Which hospital?” Ben asked as he got in.
“Roosevelt,” she said.
He plugged in the address in his GPS, then a voice started giving him directions.
They were both quiet as Ben drove. She was too worried about Dave and Brian. She’s never known of Brian ever taking drugs. But then, they never spoke about it.
Ben was driving as fast as he could – Liz was thankful for that – but it still felt like a lifetime till Ben stopped the car in front of the hospital’s emergency department.
“I’ll just look for parking,” he said. “I’ll follow.”
Liz didn’t have time to oppose. She just got out of the car and rushed into the hospital.
There were a number of people in the waiting room. She scanned the small crowd until she found Brian, seated at the seat at one corner, bent down. There wasn’t any sign of her confident, happy and vibrant friend.
Liz’s heart dropped at the sight of him. She didn’t want to see him this way.
She rushed over to him.
“Brian, I’m here,” she said soothingly.
He looked up, looking pale and hopeless, but he immediately stood up when he saw her.
“Oh Bri,” she said, enveloping him in a hug. He started crying. “How is he?”
“They’re pumping his stomach, that’s all I know,” he said sobbing.
“He’ll be okay, Bri,” she said consolingly, rubbing his back.
“I should have stopped him from taking that second pill,” Brian said, breaking away. “I was too high from the pill I took myself. I wasn’t focused. I saw him when he was about to take the second one, but my reflexes were too slow.”
“Oh Brian…” Liz couldn’t deny that she was disappointed in him, but she knew that this was hard lesson enough for him.
“It’s my first and last,” Brian promised. “I swear. And if Dave fucking lives I will make sure he never takes any kind of narcotic
s anymore.” A new wave of tears came, and Liz rested her arm on his shoulders, guiding him to sit down. Brian bent his head as he cried.
“Excuse me.”
Liz and Brian looked up to see a female nurse in front of them.
“You were asking about Dave O’Keefe?” she asked.
Brian nodded numbly. “I’m his b-boyfriend.”
“He has no family in New York?”
“They’re in Wisconsin,” Brian supplied.
The nurse nodded. “The gastric lavage was successful.”
Brian started weeping. Liz sighed in relief.
“The patient’s vitals are now stable,” she continued. “But he needs to rest. You can come back tomorrow to visit him.”
The nurse left then.
“I’ll wait here,” Brian said.
“There’s no use doing that,” Liz said. “He’s resting. You need some rest too.”
“But I don’t want to leave him,” Brian said. “It was my fault.”
“It wasn’t your fault at all,” Liz insisted. “It was his choice. Come on, you can sleep in my place.”
Brian shook his head. “I’ll go home to change and get clothes for him then I’ll come back here immediately.”
Liv wanted to debate further since she knew Brian needed to rest too but she would have done the same if she were in his shoes.
“I’ll go back here with you,” she told him.
“No, but thanks, I want to do this alone, okay?”
Liz nodded, understanding him.
They stood up – Brian held on to Liz’s arm – and turned.
Liz stopped when she saw Ben. She almost forgot he was waiting for her.
“Ben,” she uttered.
Brian looked at Liz curiously.
“Brian, this is one of my bosses Benjamin Wright. We call him Ben. Ben, this is one of my best friends, Brian Morgan.”
Brian and Ben shook hands.
“I couldn’t help but overhear what the nurse told you,” Ben said. “I’m glad your friend is okay.”
“Yes, thank you,” Brian said.
“I’ll take you both home,” he said.
Liz just nodded. Ben’s already went all the way to the hospital with her and waited. She might as well allow him to drive them home.