Page 12 of Party Favors

I stood up and realized that I didn’t know the protocol for pitching. I’d been in these meetings before, and the planners and designers seemed to instinctively know who should go next and what they should say. If I asked for my turn to pitch, it might make me look like I didn’t know what I was doing. Several people looked surprised, but Claudia just beamed.

I couldn’t do a Wonder Woman spin here, so I settled on doing a quick mental one before starting to talk.

“I’m Everly Aprile. I’m ...” My voice trailed off. I couldn’t say I was an administrative assistant. I would undermine myself before I’d even begun.

An awkward silence filled the room, and I heard a person off to my right whisper, “I hope someone knows the Heimlich, because she’s about to choke.”

No, I wasn’t. I did another mental Wonder Woman spin before I launched into the beginning of my pitch.

“There are a lot of directions we could go in. Modern or vintage, sophisticated or more playful.” My voice wasn’t shaking, which was good. I had been hoping that Hyacinth might respond to one of the things I’d listed so that I’d have an idea of what direction to go, but again, she didn’t look up.

I glanced down at my dress and thought of Hyacinth’s Instagram account, which I had pored over. I’d noticed in some of her older posts that she liked fairy tales, and had reposted images with dreamy, gauzy backgrounds featuring glass slippers or castles in them. Nothing recent, but it was worth a shot.

“What about a fairy-tale party?”

Hyacinth winced. “I’m not turning six years old. Besides, Cinderella has been so done to death.”

I wished I’d thought to prepare visuals. “You’re right. We don’t need another interpretation of an old fairy tale, and this definitely would not be a party for little girls. What about a modern love story, full of gorgeous castles, formal ball gowns, and handsome princes? Based on a country known for its beautiful landscapes and snowy mountains, with a distinct and vibrant culture that would be unlike anything else you’ve ever seen. Monterra has so many unbelievably romantic and true stories of royalty finding their soulmates. Your party will be fit for an American princess.”

I knew hardly anything about Monterran culture, but I would figure it out later. Especially since I could see that it was working. Hyacinth had finally torn her gaze away from her phone.

She studied me for a few moments and then said, “Whatever. Let’s do that.”

My mouth dropped open. I knew we were competing with some other big firms who had much more experience with these sorts of events, and I’d thought we’d have to wait to find out whether or not they’d chosen us.

Not to mention that I knew there were other senior staff members who were waiting for their turns to present. Now they wouldn’t need to.

I couldn’t believe it had worked.

“Excellent!” Claudia said, standing. “We will get those contracts drawn up tonight, and Everly will be in touch.”

Marie’s expression had completely changed, and she looked both relieved and delighted. Hyacinth’s attention was back on her phone, but she managed to follow behind her mother as they went back out to the lobby.

I stood in place, my heart hammering. I’d done it. This felt unreal.

“Well done,” Claudia said, as she came over to shake my hand. “You just landed your first big account. You’ll be handling the entire party from beginning to end. Are you ready for that?”

I glanced behind her, thinking I’d see Adrian. I wondered what he thought about all of this.

But he had already left the room.

I ignored the twinge of disappointment and smiled at Claudia. “I am ready.”

“This is going to be a huge responsibility, and a lot is riding on this. I will need you to check in with me every couple of days and update me as to how things are going.”

That was entirely fair. “I will.”

“Good. There should definitely be a promotion at the end of what is sure to be your very successful event,” she said. “Keep me in the loop.”

Yeah, no pressure or anything.

I couldn’t believe she was putting so much faith in me.

Sinking into my chair, I thought about my immediate future. Now I had to do all of Adrian’s work and plan this elaborate birthday party?

I was never going to sleep again.

I hoped we didn’t have any honey at home.

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