Page 60 of Worth the Wait
“Thank you for including me, Mr. Judd. I appreciate the invitation.”
The politeness is perfect, professional, exactly the kind of gracious response my mother values. But underneath it, I can hear the wariness of someone preparing for judgment.
We move into the living room where my mother waits, elegant in cream silk, her smile carrying the careful neutrality of someone determined to be appropriate regardless of personal feelings.
“Miss Peralta. Welcome to our home.”
“Mrs. Judd. Thank you for having me. Your orchid arrangements are stunning—the white phalaenopsis by the windows are particularly beautiful.”
My mother’s expression shifts slightly, genuine pleasure replacing diplomatic courtesy. “You know orchids?”
“I work with florists frequently for events. I’ve learned that phalaenopsis are challenging to maintain but create such an elegant impact when they’re healthy. These are clearly well cared for.”
It’s a small moment, but I can see my mother processing the fact that Lianne noticed details she cares about, spoke knowledgeably about something beyond professional necessity.
“Uncle Cameron!” The voice from the hallway announces Sophia’s arrival, followed immediately by the sound of small feet running toward us.
“Alessandra!” I scoop up my three-year-old niece, who launches herself at my legs with the fearless enthusiasm of someone who knows she’ll be caught. “How’s my favorite girl?”
“We brought cookies!” she announces, then notices Lianne and grows suddenly shy, pressing her face against my shoulder.
“Alessandra, this is my friend Lianne. Can you say hello?”
My niece peeks at Lianne with the careful assessment of someone deciding whether a new person is trustworthy.
“Hi,” she whispers.
“Hi, Alessandra. I saw pictures of your birthday party—the ferris wheel looked amazing. Did you get to ride it?”
“Lots of times!” The shyness disappears immediately. “And there was cotton candy and ponies and a magic show!”
“That sounds like the best birthday party ever. I help plan parties sometimes, but I’ve never done one with a ferris wheel. That must have been so special.”
Sophia appears in the doorway, looking polished but with the slightly frazzled air of someone who’s been dealing with toddler logistics. When she sees Lianne, her expression shifts to recognition and something that might be relief.
“Lianne Peralta. I wondered if I’d see you again.”
“Sophia. Congratulations on everything—your beautiful family, your work with the foundation. Alessandro seems like a wonderful partner.”
“He is. Though he’s running late tonight because someone had a soccer emergency.” Sophia moves closer, her tone becoming warmer. “I’ve been meaning to reach out actually. The nonprofit board I’m on is looking for an event planner for our annual fundraiser. After what you created for my wedding, and what I heard about Cameron’s gala last weekend...”
“I’d be honored to discuss it with you.”
“Perfect. We should set up a lunch meeting this week.”
The exchange happens naturally, professionally, but I can see my mother observing every detail. Lianne fitting into business conversation with family members, being sought out for her expertise, treated as an equal rather than a social climber requiring accommodation.
Dinner proceeds with conversation that carefully avoids anything too personal or potentially controversial—the weather, upcoming events, Alessandra’s preschool activities. Alessandro arrives just as we’re sitting down, apologizing for the delay and greeting Lianne with the warm directness of someone who makes friends easily.
“Cameron’s told us so much about you,” he says, settling into his chair. “The Sterling Industries event sounds like it was incredible. Five hundred guests and everything flawless? I can barely coordinate dinner for six people.”
“It helps to have an amazing team,” Lianne replies. “And months of preparation. Though I have to admit, there were moments when I wasn’t sure we’d pull it off.”
“What was the most challenging part?” Sophia asks, and suddenly we’re deep in conversation about event logistics and vendor coordination and the kind of behind-the-scenes complexity that most people never consider.
My parents listen as Lianne describes the intricacies of managing multiple timelines, the diplomatic skills required to coordinate competing vendor egos, the strategic thinking involved in creating experiences that exceed expectations while staying within budget constraints.
“It sounds like running a small corporation,” my father observes.
