CHAPTER EIGHT
I can’t believe how much my heart still hurts when everything seems to be coming together like a dream. Sonya is home, but my parents are picking her up later. They think the three of them are coming to the club for dinner. Sonya is the catalyst of getting them here not a minute before seven o’clock.
Two hours and this shindig will be totally underway.
Scarlett comes into the kitchen from the dining room. “Eden, everything is fabulous! The table settings are gorgeous. Oh, and the band has arrived. They are starting to set up. I can’t wait to dance to some Jazz. You’ve done this up classy. You were born to be an event planner. I can’t wait to see your dress.”
“As soon as the florist and caterer show up, I’m going to change and get ready. I have to make sure those two things are underway.”
Scarlett runs her fingers through her hair. “Should I wear my hair up, or down? How are you wearing yours?”
“Down. Your hair looks good no matter what. And you know there aren’t going to be any single men here our age. All the men are older, my parents’ age. So no need to impress.”
I think about Grant. Now if he were here. . . but he’s not.
And I probably won’t see him again.
I’ve decided that brush of a kiss that won’t leave my lips was a goodbye kiss. And I don’t blame him.
I texted him last night to say goodnight, and I didn’t hear back.
That didn’t surprise me either.
“We can still look our best. Maybe there’s a son somewhere who will escort his mother because his dad got sick at the last minute. Could happen.”
“I love your optimism. It’s always refreshing. And I’m really glad you’re back, Scarlett. Having you here tonight is more than a blessing.”
She hugs me. “I’m glad to be back. I’ve missed Georgia. And you, of course.”
My phone buzzes. “Caterer is on the way.” Relief flows through me. “That’s good news. Now for the florist and the bakery and everything will be perfect.”
Cheryl walks into the kitchen area where Scarlett and I are hanging out. “Flowers are here, Eden. Do you want to come and show us where to place them?”
“Yes. Thanks, Cheryl, for all your help, too.”
Cheryl smiles. “This looks like it’s going to be an amazing party. I can’t wait to see it all come together.”
“Me, either.”
Scarlett and I follow Cheryl into the main room. The chandeliers are sparkling along with the glasses and silverware on the tables. All the plates are in the kitchen as this is a sit-down dinner. Everything is right where it should be.
As I instruct the florist where to put the flower arrangements, I can’t ignore the nagging feeling in my gut.
Not nagging like something isn’t going right, but nagging as in something’s missing. I try to push it aside, knowing that I have my list.
Everything’s been checked off.
As soon as the caterer and the cake arrive, I will be fully staffed and able to trade these yoga pants, T-shirt, and tennies for my pretty party dress and my heels.
But somehow, even the thought of my new outfit doesn’t lift my spirits like it should.
I’m missing Grant.
And there’s nothing I can do about it.
Scarlett hasn’t left my side and for that I’m grateful. I haven’t told her anything about Grant. I’ve kept him to myself. Except for what Sonya knows.
But she doesn’t know the half of it.
My half.
Scarlett grabs my hand. “This is all so amazing. I can’t wait to see your parents’ faces when they realize this is all for them. They are going to flip. I know I would.”
Cheryl gets my attention. “Caterer is at the back door. One of the staff is letting them in.”
I give her a thumbs up and start toward the kitchen. “Scarlett, can you make sure one of these small arrangements is placed in the center of every table?”
“Sure. Got it.”
“Thanks.”
I push through the doors into the kitchen. Two young men and a young girl are helping bring trays in. I see Kelly, the woman I talked to at Celebration Station. She’s dressed impeccably in black pants and a black long-sleeved shirt. Black flats compliment her outfit and her hair is pulled back into a tight bun. She’s got a clipboard in her hand. It doesn’t appear that she does a lot of hands-on work. “Ms. Conrad,” she says as she sees me. “This is a gorgeous kitchen. So much room. And those ovens. This will be like working in a dream.”
I quickly glance around the room that I thought was an average kitchen. I shrug. “I’m glad it’s perfect for you. Thank you so much for accommodating me at the last minute. I don’t know what I would have done without you.”
Kelly smiles. “It’s what we do at Celebration Station. Now to go over the menu, we have the twice-baked potato soufflé.” She taps a stack of silver serving trays. “And here,” she points to the next stack of trays, “is the asparagus with light garlic butter sauce. The rolls are here, and the beef, right here.”
Standing in front of all the food should make me a happy girl. But it simply depresses me. It’s all here. All but the cake.
Kelly stares at me. I’m sure she expects a response from me. So I oblige. “Everything seems to be in order. Thank you again. I’m sure the guests will enjoy their dinner. The club has three staff members that will help serve. And I’ll be available if you need anything.”
Scarlett joins me. “Flowers are all in place. Everything good with the food?”
“Yes.” I smile as I speak hoping it will improve my mood.
“I even brought food for the servers. They can eat as soon as they’re ready. It’s a little something I do extra.”
Kelly has gone the extra step for sure. “That’s really nice. Thank you for doing that. Maybe there’s enough for Cheryl, the coordinator. I’m sure she’d love to grab a bite before things really get going. The guests will arrive between six and six thirty.”
“There’s plenty. Have her come and see me.”
“Will do.” I turn to Scarlett. “Ready to get ready, friend?”
“Yes. You’ve run yourself ragged. It’s time you started relaxing. Especially now that you know everything is here and perfect.”
Scarlett is right. I now officially have nothing to worry about. The only thing I haven’t visibly put my gaze on is the cake.
My phone dings. The bakery delivery is here with the cake. I hold up my phone. “I’ll get this cake put in place then join you.”
The guests have been arriving for fifteen minutes. I’ve heard nothing but amazing comments on the room and expectations are high. My parents are so well loved by their friends and their community, and tonight it shows.
I excuse myself to check my lipstick and leave Scarlett to welcome the guests. Truth be told, I need a minute to myself. I’m not sure what that says about me as an event planner needing a moment fifteen minutes in, but it is what it is.
My bra is cutting into my skin like I’ve hooked it one hook too far, so I step into the stall to fix it. The main door creaks slightly indicating someone else has come in.
“That food wasn’t what I expected.” A woman’s voice says. “I’d have thought anyone having this fancy of a party would have better food.”
My hand stops mid hook.
The sound of running water fills the room. “I know what you mean. There isn’t anything wrong with it, it just doesn’t have any flavor.” A different voice speaks this time.
I feel the now familiar warm flush come over my face. And to think I thought all that was behind me. I struggle to clasp my bra back into place.
“I hope there is plenty of salt and pepper on the table. I’m still trying to figure out how food that looks so good tastes so bland.”
“Truth. Charlie dug out some barbeque sauce from the back of the refrigerator and covered his beef in it. Said it was still tough, but at least it tasted good on his tongue.”
The water stops running, the paper towel holder makes its noise, the door creaks and their laughter disappears along with my hopes of having a successful party for my parents.