Page 1 of Worth the Wait
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“Remindme again why we’re nervous?”
I glance at my business partner Amanda Gardner and scoff. “Who says we’re nervous? We’re not nervous. We’re simply focused for a two-million-dollar contract negotiation on short notice.”
Which means we’re nervous—petrified, in fact—as we stride down the hallways of Sterling Industries, the floor-to-ceiling windows to our right showcasing downtown LA’s skyline. This two-million-dollar anniversary gala could make our careers—especially after taking over from Morrison Events with only three months to pull everything together.
“Right,” she says, chuckling. “Is that why you’ve reorganized your presentation materials three times this morning?”
I ignore her teasing because she’s not wrong. This morning, I stood in my Santa Monica apartment’s walk-in closet for twenty minutes, rejecting outfit after outfit until I found the perfect combination, a gray suit paired with a silk blouse in deep-emerald and heels that put me at eye level with most men in boardrooms.
That’s because today isn’t just another pitch. Today is the culmination of everything we’ve worked toward since Amanda and I started Luminous Events three years ago with nothing but determination and a business loan that terrified us.
“Sterling Industries represents everything we’ve been building toward,” I say, more to myself than to Amanda. “Fortune 500 client, unlimited budget, society guest list, media coverage. This contract won’t just pay our bills. It will establish us as the premier luxury event company in Southern California.”
“Which is why we’re going to get it,” Amanda says firmly. “Your presentation last month was flawless, and the follow-up meeting two weeks ago sealed the deal. Today’s just a formality.”
I flip through my leather portfolio one more time, reviewing the key points that have gotten us this far. Sterling Industries’ 50th Anniversary Gala needs to honor their legacy while showcasing their innovation. Five hundred guests, mix of investors, clients, and LA’s social elite. Venue suggestions ranging from Beverly Hills Hotel to private estates in Santa Barbara. Three different theme concepts, each more spectacular than the last.
Already, we’ve been through three rounds of presentations. The preliminary meeting where I outlined our capabilities and vision, the detailed proposal session where I walked them through logistics, timeline, and budget breakdowns, and the third meeting simply reiterating the same details as the second meeting.
Each time, the Sterling Industries team—marketing director Jennifer Cooper and communications managerSidney Chambers—responded with enthusiasm and follow-up questions that suggested genuine interest.
Today’s the final decision meeting. The moment when they either sign the contract that changes everything for Luminous Events, or politely inform us they’re going with someone else.
“Confidence, Lianne,” I mutter under my breath. “You’ve earned this.”
And I have.
Four years ago, I was planning small corporate retreats and anniversary parties as a junior planner for Morrison Events, working eighteen-hour days and sleeping on my office couch to save money on rent. Now I’m walking into a Fortune 500 boardroom as a business owner carrying a portfolio that showcases events for tech moguls, charity galas that raised millions, and weddings featured in Los Angeles Magazine.
The girl who grew up bouncing between foster homes, who was told she’d never amount to anything, is about to land the contract of her career.
“Conference Room B,” Amanda says, pointing toward glass walls that reveal figures seated around an oval table.
Through the transparent walls, I can see three people waiting for us. Two women I recognize from our previous meetings—Jennifer and Sidney—and a man sitting at the head of the table with his back to us. He’s wearing a navy suit that fits him perfectly, his dark hair styled in a way that suggests expensive barbers and regular maintenance.
For a moment, I’m reminded of someone. Same hair style, same bearing, same?—
Stop it, Lianne. It’s been four years.
“Jennifer mentioned they’d have executive approval today,” Amanda whispers as my stomach flutters with anticipation.
This is it. This is the moment that determines whether Luminous Events joins the ranks of LA’s elite event planning companies or remains a successful but mid-tier operation.
I take a deep breath, feeling the weight of my journey in this moment. Every foster home that made me feel unwanted. Every scholarship application that let me prove my worth. Every late night building a business that reflects my vision.
I push open the conference room door with my brightest professional smile.
“Good morning,” I say, my voice projecting as much confidence as I can muster without appearing too brash. “I’m Lianne Peralta from Luminous Events, and this is co-founder Amanda Gardner. We’re thrilled to present our final proposal for Sterling Industries’ anniversary?—”
My world stops as the man at the head of the table turns around, my breath caught in my throat.
“Lianne.” His voice is deeper than I remember, rougher around the edges, but it still sends an unwelcome shiver down my spine as my portfolio slips from my fingers, papers scattering to the floor.
Suddenly I can’t breathe. I can’t think. I can’t do anything but stand frozen in the doorway as my past collides with my present, four years of success and security crumbling in the space of a heartbeat.
Cameron Phillip Arthur Judd. Pacific Palisades royalty. Trust fund baby. The man who chose his family’s money and approval over what we had together.
