An Event to Remember. . .or Forget (Event to Remember Series Book 1) Read online

  “Hello,” I quickly answer.

  “Sienna, love, how are you?” she says rather slowly. She sounds extremely happy or maybe extremely drunk. Again, you never know.

  “Great, Carrie, what’s up?”

  “I just wanted to let you know that I won’t make it into the office tomorrow, but let’s meet for breakfast on Wednesday, sound goooood?” she slurs.

  “That’ll be fine; we have everything lined up for this week’s events. They’ll be fantastic, as usual.”

  “Wonderful, love, wonderful,” she interrupts. “Wednesday morning at Bonjour, eight a.m. Ciao, love.” And she is gone.

  I sigh. That is a typical conversation with her, quick and to the point.

  “I’m home,” Madison calls from the door.

  “In here finishing dinner. Carrie just called and she is almost wasted.”

  “Of course she is,” replies Madison, walking into the kitchen.

  “What did you get?” Her eyes get wide with excitement as she makes a beeline for my shopping bags.

  “Shoes for Friday and shoes for Saturday.” I smile to myself.

  “Ooooh, I love!” she says as she eagerly opens the boxes. “Thanks for dinner, I’m going to eat quickly and rush out. Cole is doing a show at the Comedy Club. Do you want to come?”

  “Not tonight, I want to get up early in the morning to hit that spinning class.” I finish stirring the shells and bring them to the table. “That class has been on my to-do list for weeks. “

  Madison sits down, and I wonder how long it will take her to bring up Luke.

  “So, what is Luke’s problem?” she asks immediately. So, it took her under a minute. That may be a new record for her.

  “I knew that was coming,” I say, trying not to get flustered. “Madie, can we not talk about this? I told you he has to attend that grand opening. Does it really matter anyway? He doesn’t know Abby that well. “

  “But why do you continue to put up with this?” she asks, clearly ignoring my request to not talk about it.

  “Enough!” I yell, feeling upset that she just won’t let it go. “I’m so tired of this same conversation. It’s not like your relationship with Cole has always been perfect. He is traveling all the time and you don’t exactly see him every day. Do I ever shove that in your face? No. I don’t.” I get up, throw my plate in the sink, grab my bags, and head to my room. Why do I suddenly feel like a child that’s just been lectured by her parents? I make a point of not slamming the door even though I want to.

  “I’m sorry. I’m just trying to watch out for you,” she yells back. “Excuse the hell out of me for looking out for my best friend.”

  “Whatever. This conversation is over. Have fun tonight,” I yell and shut my door, throwing my bags on the bed.

  Luke calls me a few minutes later. I’m still reeling from my argument with Madison and haven’t been able to calm down.

  “Hello,” I say angrily.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “Well, let me see . . . I just got into a huge fight with my best friend for defending you again,” I take a sharp breath and then continue. “You fail to follow through AGAIN, and I have to deal with making the same excuses over and over. Luke, honestly, this has to stop. If you make a promise, you have to stick to it.”

  “Sienna, I know. I’m . . .”

  ”You’re sorry, right? Of course you are,” I yell. “You know this is a big night for me and you still let me down.” He is silent on the other end.

  “You’re right,” he finally says, softly. “First thing tomorrow I will find someone else to cover the opening.”

  “Whatever. I have to get up early so I better go. We can talk tomorrow.” When I hang up, I actually feel empowered. I’m glad I just did that. He needs to know how I feel, and he needs to think about things. He also needs to be by my side on Friday night and show me that he can make an effort. We have had similar conversations like this before. He has repeatedly told me that things will change and they do, for a while. This time is different though because it means so much to me.

  I put away all of my shopping and sit down to review my to-do lists for tomorrow.

  For tonight, I’m going to just put all this best friend/boyfriend nonsense aside. I pick up my phone and start adding items to my list.

  For Tuesday:

  Set up conference call with the Cantons—discuss printing of invites, pledge cards, and programs

  Get up and go to spinning class at 5:30 a.m.

  Go over menu with catering team

  Check on flowers for Abby’s party

  Stop by my new office and check progress

  My new office is currently being painted. I can’t wait to see the progress. It’s a small space, but it’s mine. I admit there is a part of me that feels like I am leaving Carrie high and dry, but I am so ready for this. I have worked countless hours to make Carrie’s Classic Events and More successful. In these five years, I have made so many great business contacts and friends. I have learned so much about what to do and what not to do.

  I know I’m trying to convince myself that everything will be OK, and believe me, I do this daily.

  After I get ready for bed, I decide to text Madison.

  Sorry I got mad. Still friends?

  A few minutes later, she responds.

  Of course! Always.

  We never stay mad at each other for long. After we yell, one of us always apologizes. I’m already starting to feel better.

  CHAPTER 2

  I made it to spinning class two mornings in a row; I’m on fire.

  It’s 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday morning. Craig, Nicole, and I are waiting at Bonjour for Carrie to arrive.

  “Let’s take bets on if she actually comes, twenty bucks she’s a no-show,” Craig demands.

  Bonjour is the most adorable little breakfast café, and the food is amazing. We sit at the same table, and the staff always takes very good care of us.

  “Sienna?” says a voice behind me. Oh no, it’s Luke. This is pretty awkward considering we haven’t spoken since I let him have it the other night. I don’t count the few “I’m really sorry” and “I love you” texts he sent. He is with a few co-workers that I recognize but don’t really know well.

  “Are you having a work meeting?” he asks. He waves to Craig and Nicole. They both say hi, looking very curious about our obvious awkwardness. I’m sure they will force me to explain it before I leave this meeting.

  “Yeah, we are just waiting on Carrie as usual.” I roll my eyes.

  “Ah yes, the infamous Carrie. I still can’t believe that I’ve never met her, only heard the stories,” he says, laughing.

  “Well, considering she’s hardly ever in town, that’s not surprising,” I reply. Coincidentally, at that very moment, the front door flies open and there she is in head to toe designer couture.

  “So sorry I’m late, had to take a call. I need a double espresso,” she calls as she saunters over to our table. Luke and I are still engaged in our awkward conversation. Carrie approaches and pulls off her Prada sunglasses staring directly at Luke.

  “Who is this handsome man?” she asks coyly.

  “Good morning, Carrie, I would like you to meet my boyfriend, Luke Price,” I reply, watching Luke out of the corner of my eye.

  “Pleasure to meet you. Sienna has told me so much about you and we finally meet.” He smiles warmly at her.

  “Pleasure, oh darling the pleasure is all mine,” she replies, holding out her hand and giving him a full once over. Seriously, is my boss really flirting with my boyfriend and so blatantly? We all stand there for a few seconds. I look over at Craig and Nicole who are completely amused by all of this. I can mentally see Craig eating a bucket of popcorn eagerly waiting for the next scene.

  “Um, Carrie, are you ready to get started?” I ask, waiting for her response as she ignores me.

  “Now, Sienna, why don’t you bring Luke by the office more often? Have you been hiding him?” Right at this mo
ment all that is going through my head is that this is not really happening. I’m so uncomfortable. At any moment, she might push him down and jump on top of him.

  “Well, it was great meeting you. I do have to get back to my meeting. Have a great day everyone,” Luke says as he pries his hand out of Carrie’s French-manicured grasp.

  “The pleasure was definitely mine,” I hear Carrie say under her breath. She finally sits down, and the server brings her double espresso to the table.

  “Carrie, I wanted to brief you on the events we have coming up.” I pull out my phone and scroll to my meeting notes. I really have no idea how long she will stay at this meeting, so I get started quickly.

  “The MDD Pharmaceuticals corporate lunch is on Thursday, and the Samson engagement party is Saturday. Craig has the details.” I glance at Craig, urging him to start and quickly.

  “YES! For the lunch, the catering team and awards display are ready to roll. Setup will be in the morning AND . . . the correct linens,” he replies with a swift glance. We all laugh out loud, including Carrie.

  “Wonderful, love,” she says as she picks up her phone to reply to texts. I can tell she is only half-listening.

  “For the Samson party, we have décor and setup on Friday night in the ballroom. The pastry team has been briefed, and the band is confirmed. Another successful weekend ahead of us.” He smiles broadly, and I know he is very proud of his report.

  “That all sounds wonderful.” Carrie glances up between sipping her espresso and looking at her phone.

  “Nicole, is my travel set up for this weekend?” Carrie asks, finally acknowledging that she is actually sitting with us.

  “It sure is; I emailed everything to you this morning.”

  “Carrie?” I interrupt. “Did you want to be on the conference call for Faith, Fashion, and Hope?”

  “No, that’s fine, love. I know you have it covered. Schedule a meeting with them next week and add it to my calendar. I must go; I have two appointments to get to. Wonderful meeting, loves.” And with that, she is out of her seat and out the door.

  “So, she really um . . . LIKED your man. Typical Carrie, that woman is a piece of work,” says Craig with a smirk.

  “Yeah, I was starting to wonder if she was going to physically assault him,” adds Nicole.

  “Poor Luke, although he handled it pretty well I think.” Actually, that whole interaction with Carrie and Luke reminded me of a girl I knew from college. Madison and I used to sing the Hall and Oates hit song “Man-Eater” whenever she came around. This girl flirted with everyone from single men to engaged men to married men and even some really old men. The song was very fitting. I totally forgot about her until right now. She and Carrie would be a dangerous pair; the entire male race would be sitting ducks.

  “By the way, are you going to tell us what is going on with you two? Are you in a fight?” asks Craig, interrupting my memory. I feel all four eyes staring me down intensely. I really don’t want to go into it, so . . . I lie.

  “We had a little disagreement, and we haven’t had the opportunity to finish discussing it. I had no clue he would be here this morning. We will get it worked out though. Really. That’s the story, so you guys can stop looking at me like that.” I doubt they are buying it, so I try to change the subject.

  “It looks like we are ready for everything this week. Next week we need to go all in on the charity event.”

  “Whatever you say, boss,” says Craig excitedly.

  “Ha, ha,” I say sarcastically. “I have to take care of a few things, so I will see you back at the office later.”

  I gather my stuff and look in Luke’s direction. He is deep in conversation with his group, and one of them is swiftly taking notes. I decide not to interrupt, and I leave.

  When I get in my car, I pull out my phone to check my list. I need to spend the rest of today finishing the details for Abby’s party. I talked to her briefly the night before; she is so excited for Friday night. Her husband, Matt, actually hired me to plan the event. They are newlyweds and the cutest couple, definitely still in the honeymoon phase. They did not date very long but knew each other socially for several years. Theirs is the type of marriage that anyone would hope for. I’m sure Luke and I will be like that when we get married. Wow, did I just say that? STOP! I rub my forehead furiously. My mind keeps wandering back to Luke and I and where we are heading. Like I said before, we haven’t really discussed the “M” word, but I’m sure it’s our future. At least, I think? With everything that is happening this week, I have hardly thought about our anniversary date next weekend. I do need to get something to wear.

  I add the task, “Get anniversary outfit,” to my list.

  The rest of my day is uneventful. I get a lot accomplished, and there was no more mention of the events of the morning with Luke and Carrie’s embarrassing behavior when we were at Bonjour. When I arrive home, Madison is hard at work designing cookies for Abby’s party. Abby is a teacher; so Madison is making apples, mini chalkboards, and pencil cookies.

  “Hey! Those look perfect! Abby is going to love them.”

  “Are you sure? Do you think the chalkboards look funny?” she asks as she holds two of them out to show me.

  “NO! They really are perfect,” I repeat as I open up the fridge to find something for dinner. I really hate trying to decide what to cook for dinner.

  “Do you want to order pizza?”

  “Already did.” I know she is trying to make up for the other night. “I have to tell you about a client that came into the salon today,” she says excitedly.

  Yes, I love the client stories. She has met some of the most interesting people in her salon. I’m just happy that she is off the Luke/party subject for now. We end up having a fun girls’ night in, and I help her as much as I can with the cookies. We talk about her clients, and I tell her all about what happened with Luke and Carrie at breakfast.

  “What was Luke’s reaction to Carrie?” she asks a few minutes later.

  “He didn’t seem to have much reaction at all. I think he was in shock. It was just an odd place for her behavior. Not that I’m surprised.” I just realized that I probably shouldn’t have mentioned Luke. Bringing up his name may open that can of worms all over again. Luckily, the subject of the party doesn’t come up, and we are able to finish all of the cookies.

  As I am getting ready for bed, I start to feel really anxious. I’m sure it’s the stress of all I have going on. I try to put it out of my mind, but I lie there awake for what seems like hours.

  CHAPTER 3

  Friday is here! Friday is here! It has finally arrived. I feel like this has been the longest week ever. I wake up in time to make it to spinning class again. Seriously, I am a beast! I pull out my phone to check my to-do list. Today’s list looks like this:

  Spinning class (Yes, I need to write this down or I won’t go.)

  Check in with caterers

  Pick up flowers

  Check on dessert delivery

  Check in with ballroom staff—make sure tables/décor are set up

  Hair and makeup

  When seven o’clock arrives, I am a ball of nerves, which is completely crazy considering I have planned more events than I can count. Maybe it is because this event is for my friend, or maybe it’s because I did ALL of it on my own. Guests are starting to arrive, and the DJ is already spinning some great ’80s and ’90s mixes. Twinkling lights hang from the ceilings, small votive candles, lilies, and mini chalkboards make up the centerpiece of each table. The food consists of a light buffet and a pastry table.

  I framed several letters from Abby’s former students and strategically placed them throughout the room on high-top tables along with Madison’s cookies. I must say, the room looks fantastic. I look around and see Madison and Cole mingling and laughing, no doubt at something Cole has said. Abby is in all her glory, and I see her wiping her eyes as she reads a few of the letters. So far so good! The only thing missing is Luke.

 
He actually called me this afternoon; he told me he would try to be here, but probably not until later. I do appreciate the effort he is making, but I’m still disappointed and I have every right to be. He did go out of his way to remind me about the date he has planned for us next week.

  “Sienna, I want you to meet some of my co-workers. Ladies, this is Sienna Harris. She is the genius behind all of this,” says Abby, coming toward me.

  “This is such a beautiful event,” one of them says.

  “I love how you incorporated her profession into the décor,” adds another.

  “Thank you all, I actually had a lot of fun planning this night,” I say proudly.

  “Who made those adorable cookies?”

  “That would be our friend Madison Wales. She has a small, designer cookie business on the side.” I look around for her and see her talking to DJ Tyrone. “She is over there by the DJ, wearing the coral and mint maxi dress.”

  “Do you have any business cards?” asks the first woman.

  “Yes, I do! I am still with Carrie’s Classic Events and More, but I am launching my own company very soon,” I say as I hand out a few cards.

  All of a sudden, I feel like I am being chased by the paparazzi. They all start talking at once; questions are flying at me from every direction.

  “You work for the Carrie Anderstone?”

  “Is it true what they say about her?”

  “Does she still run that company?”

  “I have heard some crazy stories.”

  “I heard she had an affair with the mayor at his son’s graduation party. Were you at that event? Did you see anything?”

  “How much plastic surgery has she really had?”

  “Do you get along with her?”

  “Where does she travel to so much?”

  I’m not sure how to answer their questions. This is not the first time I’ve been asked all about the sordid details of Carrie’s life. I quickly decide to handle it in the best way I know how . . . I lie and change the subject.