Page 25 of Defending A Promise
“Okay, we’ll leave when the big hand is on the twelve and the little hand is on the nine.” I point to the clock on the wallin Declan’s kitchen. Everything is a learning opportunity I once read in a book when I was pregnant.
He looks up at the clock and emphatically nods his head. “Okay. I’m gonna go get my fastest shoes and put them on.”
I smile as he turns and runs to his room with Bella hot on his tail. “Okay,” I call out even though he’s not listening to me.
As he gets ready to go to daycare, I fire off an email to Mrs. Wilcox about getting on Ian Gallo’s calendar, making sure she knew I would be grateful for any appointment he has available at any time. As busy as Ian Gallo is, he must be booked for weeks out, but this is the opportunity of a lifetime and getting this contract could be the difference between a small event planning business or a successful and strong corporation. Both of which are nice, but having a corporation with staff and financial security means the world to a single mom.
“I’m ready,” Nicholas singsongs as he runs into the living room.
“Where is the big hand on the clock?” I ask.
He looks up at the clock and his little finger is in the air counting the numbers. “On the two ones.”
“You mean on eleven.”
“Yeah. Eleven.”
“So, we need to wait until it’s on the twelve, right?”
He huffs and flops on the couch. “But I wanna go now.” I hate it when he whines.
“You’ll need to wait, Nicholas.” Patience – for both of us – is another learning opportunity.
I’m about to close the laptop when I hear the alert for an incoming email. It’s from Mrs. Wilcox and she says that Ian can see me at eleven today. I quickly reply and confirm the appointment and then jump up out of my chair. “We’re going to go as soon as Mommy gets ready. Play with Bella for a few minutes, baby.”
I dropped Nicholas off at daycare and reemphasized with the receptionist that only me and my parents can pick up Nicholas from school. When I talked to her, her movements were jerky and her eyes looked a little glazed over, but I suppose with all the noise from the kids screaming and playing, I’d be like that too. Still, my mom instinct told me to call the director of the school later today to make sure that no one picks up Nicholas except me or my parents.
Arriving at Hibiscus Island Country Club fifteen minutes early, I sit in Declan’s truck and give myself a pep talk in the rearview mirror.
“You’re great at what you do, Riley. You’ve got this and it’s yours to lose. You know what you are doing, and this will benefit not only you and Nickels, but the country club as well. They need you as much as you need them. You’ve got this, girl.”
With a last swipe of nude lip gloss across my lips, I climb out of this monster truck and make my way into the lobby.
“Hello. Welcome to Hibiscus Island Country Club. I’m Lily. Can I help you?” a young woman behind the front desk says as I walk inside the lobby into the air conditioning. I forgot how hot and humid Florida can be in August.
“Hi Lily. I’m Riley Ashford and I have an appointment with Ian Gallo at eleven.”
“I’ll let Mrs. Wilcox know you’re here. Please have a seat. Can I get you some water or coffee?”
“No, thank you.” I hear Lily call Mrs. Wilcox and let her know I’m in the waiting room as I take a seat. There are pictures of hibiscus flowers in all different colors on the wall and a model of a yacht under glass sitting on a pedestal in the center of theroom. All I can think of is what my four-year-old could do to that display in a matter of seconds. Splat. That’s what. All over the floor - glass and little parts of a model yacht.
The frosted double doors next to me open. “Miss Ashford? I’m Mrs. Wilcox. It’s nice to meet you.”
I shake her hand. “Riley, please, and it’s nice to meet you, too.”
“Follow me.” She turns to the receptionist, “Thank you, Lily.”
I follow Mrs. Wilcox through an office full of fancy cubicles to the end of a hallway to a large wooden office door. She knocks twice but doesn’t wait for an answer and opens the door. “Miss Riley Ashford.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Wilcox,” he says to her as she ushers me into the massive office with views of the million-dollar yachts in the harbor. “Riley. Nice to see you again.”
I shake his hand. “You as well. Nice view.”
He looks over at the boats, “I suppose I should be more appreciative of the view but to be honest, I hardly even notice now-a-days. My focus is usually on my computer. How sad is that?” He motions for me to have a seat in one of the guest chairs in front of his desk.
I pull out my day planner. “So, you’re in the market for an event planner. Tell me what your needs are here at the country club.”
“I’m in need of the best event planner, Riley. After what you did for our engagement party and then Mia’s grand openings of Mia’s Corner and Magical Moments, I’m convinced you’re the best.”
