CHAPTER SIX
Grant’s offer hangs over my head as I meet the caterers. The first one is out of the picture because of the timeframe. I know I told her the date when I called, so I’m not sure where that breakdown happened.
The second place, Celebration Station, can fit me into the schedule. The food is good. Not great, but good.
And while I’m looking for great I may have to settle for good.
The prices were great, though. Great as in high. Way more pricey than the place I hired to begin with. And I have to let her know by five o’clock today. I just need a sense of peace one way or another. And no matter which direction I turn, peace is evading me. This lack of discernment has left me feeling like a failure before I’ve even launched my business.
I’ve started my car but haven’t left the Celebration Station parking lot. Two more cars pull in. At least the place is busy. Probably trustworthy.
My phone indicates a call coming in.
Scarlett.
I smile. My best friend who I haven’t talked to in days. Who lives across the country in Colorado. Who’s been begging me to visit ever since she moved there a year ago. “Hello.”
“Did you drop off the face of the earth? What have you been doing?”
I shake my head even though she can’t see me. And it’s good to hear her voice. Familiar. Even though she’s states away and can’t physically help me, she’s always uplifting. “Girl, you have no idea. I’ve hit a few bumps in the road launching my business. How are things with you?”
“I’m sorry about your business. Everything going to be all right?”
Visions of Grant enter my mind. “I hope so.”
“Well, I have news.”
Her sing-songy voice indicates the news is good. “Really? What.”
“I’m moving back to Atlanta!”
“Best news ever. When? Do you still have your job?” She went to Colorado to stay with the company she was working for.
“Yes. I do. They’ve decided to expand the office in the Southeast and guess who they asked to head it up? Me. I’m so psyched. And I got a huge raise. They’re paying all my moving expenses, too, of course.”
“Of course they are. So when does all this goodness take place?”
“Officially next month. But I have meetings next week, and I’m flying in tomorrow so I can come to the party. Can I stay with you?”
“Of course. I’ll be somewhat crazy, just so you know.”
“You’ll be amazing. And I’ll be able to help with any last minute details.”
“You have no idea how much that means to me.”
“I am so excited about this, Eden. I love Colorado, but I’ve been homesick. And I miss you so much. I can’t wait to see you.”
“Me, too.”
“Okay. I’ll text you my flight info, and I’ll Uber from the airport. I know you’ll be crazy that day. Love you. See you soon.”
“Bye. Love you, too.”
As I’m about to put my car in reverse, a text comes through from Sonya asking me if I have time to stop by. I respond that I’m on my way.
A great phone call from my best friend. A chance to see Grant. The day is turning out better than I thought.
My heart races, my lips turn upward into a smile, and it occurs to me I’m falling for Grant. I’m just not sure it that’s a good thing or not.
I’m disappointed to see that Sonya’s car isn’t in the driveway. Since she texted me asking me to come over, I’m assuming she’s here and Grant is gone.
Which is good in a way. It gives me a reprieve from talking to him about my appointments this morning. I have a few hours until I need to call Celebration Station to confirm. Then I have to figure out the financial end.
Grant offered, but I know I can’t take his money.
I just can’t.
Sonya is sitting at the kitchen table, a cup of coffee in front of her. “Hello, Eden. Come and sit. Would you like coffee? I just made a fresh pot. And it’s the good stuff.”
“Thanks, I’m okay.” I already drank two cups at home. I don’t need my nerves to be wired any more than that.
“I appreciate you coming by. How are things going with the party arrangements? What can I do to help?”
I must admit Sonya looks refreshed. Her hair is back to its soft, loose curls. She’s put a bit of makeup on. Her smile is genuine and pain free.
And her eyes sparkle.
Despite her circumstances.
I take a few minutes and go over what I’ve been doing the last couple of days, leaving the food aspect out of it. “I’ve buttoned everything up that I can so far.”
“Except the food.”
I look downward. “Except the food.”
“Grant told me he offered you money. I can help too, darling. All you had to do was ask. I’m here for you. We both are.”
I pick at a nonexistant hangnail. “I know. I feel bad though. I had a budget and I blew it. I’m not sure how well that bodes for my business.”
“Honey. Stop beating yourself up. You were robbed. If that hadn’t happened you wouldn’t be in your situation. It just so happens that this is your first job. If you were already established, it still wouldn’t be a good thing, but you’d have a cushion. You’d track the loss as an expense and move on.”
I know everything she’s saying is true. But all the truth doesn’t change my situation. It simply reinforces it. “I visited a caterer this morning. They can take the party on even with short notice. But the price tag is high.”
She sips her coffee, like she’s contemplating.
She’s probably contemplating. Older people do that. Then when they speak the words are usually wise and true and worth paying attention to.
“I think you should let Grant do this.”
I half-expected her to say those words. After all, Grant is her son. “I appreciate your advice. Where is he now?”
“He said he had an errand to run. I’m sure he’ll be back soon. But this might be what he needs, Eden. Have you thought of that?”
I want to tell her Grant is all I’ve been thinking about. But I haven’t thought of him needing me. I’ve been focusing on me needing him.
Or something to come through for my party.
My business.
My everything.
“No. I haven’t thought of it that way.”
“He needs you, Eden. He may not say it, but I will. And if you don’t mind me saying so, you need him, too.”
Looking at her I see her eyes are sincere. “You make it sound so simple. So easy. I guess there’s a lot at stake for both of us.”
Sonya taps the back of my hand. “Exactly my point. So why don’t you throw your stakes in together and take a chance on each other?”
“What happens if one of us lets the other down?”
“The one left standing will pick the other one up. Isn’t that how relationships work?”
“Grant and I…”
“Don’t say it. Don’t say you don’t have a relationship. You do. There are many aspects to that word. Just think about it, Eden. Please? For me?”
“I will. I promise.” Looking at my phone I realize I only have a few hours to make the decision. Sonya would write me a check. I could borrow money from her easier than Grant. But her words haunt me.
Grant needing me?
She seems to think I can help him.
He asked me to trust him.
But it’s become more than trusting him with my business.
Now my heart is involved.