Page 56 of Party Favors

Adrian hadn’t let her do it.

“You will be receiving your assignments today, and please come to me if you have any questions,” Claudia added.

One of the designers raised his hand. “When is this party taking place?”

Claudia paused before responding, and I knew the answer would be bad. “In three weeks.”

The reaction was the same as when the Albrechts had told us that Hyacinth’s birthday was in less than a month, only instead of quiet rumbles, people openly expressed their disbelief.

Claudia raised both of her hands. “I know it is not our policy to take such last-minute events as we have been, but we’re doing it to get our foot in the door. Once we get established in this space, we won’t do it again. I have faith in you and in us as a team. My door is open if you have any concerns. Thank you!”

The meeting broke up. Several people stayed put, chatting in small groups. It was obvious they weren’t pleased. The name of the ambassador seemed familiar to me, so I looked it up.

He had been the American ambassador to Monterra and had gone to all the recent royal weddings. That was why I had recognized his name.

It felt kind of fated that we were going to do an event for him. Like everything was connected.

Claudia came over to Vella and me. I put my phone down and sat up straighter in my chair. “What can I do to help with the anniversary party?”

“That’s the attitude I’m looking for,” she said, smiling at me. “But I want you to focus on the Albrecht event and making that as successful as you can. The Wainscotts and Albrechts socialize with the same type of people, so if we can get their seal of approval, it could really change things for Elevated.”

“Speaking of the Albrecht event, I have some boards I want to show you.”

“Excellent. Come run them past me this afternoon, and if I like what I see, which I’m sure I will, I’ll bring them to the client.”

Excited, I nodded. “I also might know of someone who could be a new client. Her cousin spoke to me about putting together a baby shower for her and—”

“Not a baby shower,” Claudia said. “We’re not doing weddings, funerals, or showers.”

“Oh.” I didn’t know what to say. I wondered why but didn’t feel like it was my place to question her. I had promised Max that I would do Sunny’s shower. I could do it myself, like freelancing. I hadn’t done something like that since high school. I’d do it in what little free time I had.

Then Claudia turned to Vella. “I’m going to be having a lunch meeting today. Two people are vegan, one is keto, another is dairy- and gluten-free, and I need you to order lunch to arrive at noon. Thank you!”

Once Claudia had left, Vella whirled her chair toward me, wide-eyed. “What am I supposed to get them that they can all eat? Do you know of a restaurant that serves air and water?”

I stood up and started to walk back to my office with my best friend right behind me. “It’ll be fine. Make sure to get sparkling and still.”

“Air?”

“No, water,” I said with a smile. “I’ll bring you the menus of local restaurants that fit those criteria.” I had ordered many very specific lunches since I’d started here. “I’ll highlight the ones that I recommend.”

“You are a lifesaver,” she said.

“Didn’t you think today’s meeting was energizing?” I asked her, feeling so enthused about the direction the company was heading. “I love that we are going to make magic here.”

“Yes, it’s truly magical to be working in a place you can’t leave for eight hours a day because you’re afraid you won’t be able to eat.”

I sat down at my desk, shaking my head at her. “It’s not that bad.”

“Your company is kind of like prison, only without the hope.”

I was glad we were at my desk and not still in the conference room, where someone could have overheard her.

“Go back to work,” I told her, shaking my head.

“Sure thing, warden. Back to the salt mines.”

“You don’t work in salt mines. You answer a phone!” I called after her.

---