Page 8 of Unpredictable
“Are you nervous? Because you’re going to rock it.”
“Thanks.” I took a calming breath and smoothed down my dress. I knew Landon cared about me, which was why I let it slide. That and I was a little preoccupied at the moment by the large audience. “I just get a little anxious about public speaking.”
He leaned in, butting my shoulder with his. “Do you want to hear a tip?”
“If you’re going to tell me to imagine the audience naked, it’s not going to work.”
“No.” He picked at my shoulder, removing a piece of lint. “Just be yourself. You’re prepared, you’re passionate, and you’re going to rock this.”
“Thanks.” I grinned, feeling better already.
And I did feel better. After an invigorating run and a shower, I felt like a new woman. And coming to the wedding expo had been just the thing I’d needed. Interacting with so many professionals in the industry was inspiring, exciting. I’d come away with new ideas for my clients and couldn’t wait to implement them.
Landon and I watched as the event organizer took the stage, walking over to the podium. She greeted the audience before introducing me. When the crowd started clapping, Landon gave me two thumbs up, mouthing “You’ve got this.” I grinned and shook my head before making my way toward the podium.
“Thank you for joining us tonight. I’m honored to be here among so many talented professionals.” My hands shook as I reviewed my note cards, but I forced myself to slow down.
As I spoke about the importance of catering to unique diets, I could feel myself growing more excited. This was my passion—helping celebrate life’s events, both big and small, while ensuring that no one was left out due to their special dietary needs. It was why I’d started my business, and it was what kept me going.
When I finished my speech, the applause was deafening. I beamed out into the crowd, feeling more like myself than I had in months.
“You rocked it,” Landon said, giving me a high five. “Seriously, Juliana. You had the audience captivated.”
“Thank you.” I grinned. “Want to go to the bar for a celebratory drink?”
“Are you sure that’s a good idea after—” He gave me a meaningful look. “You know?”
“I told you. I’m fine. I went for a run earlier, ate some food, drank a ton of water.”
“And you’re staying here tonight, right?” He narrowed his eyes at me, hands on hips.
“Yes.” As one of the speakers, part of my compensation included accommodations. It wasn’t necessary, seeing as I was a local, but Landon had convinced me to accept the offered suite. He argued it would be the ideal opportunity to sample the full guest experience for our clients. I secretly hoped the change of scenery would help me finally get a good night’s sleep.
“All right. All right. I’ll go to the bar with you,” he said it like it was a hardship, when we both knew it wasn’t. “But no shots.” He pointed at me, narrowing his eyes.
“Deal.”
We headed to the bar, though we got stopped several times by people who wanted to congratulate me on my speech. I exchanged contact information with a few of them, and by the time we reached the bar, I was floating.
We took a seat and ordered drinks, still buzzed with excitement from the event. When they arrived, Landon held his up to toast. “To the best boss babe I know,” he said with a huge grin. “You rocked that speech, girl. And you are going to rock this wedding season.” He tipped his glass to mine.
“Weare going to rock this wedding season,” I said with a grin, and we both sipped our drinks. “Actually, there’s something I wanted to talk to you about.”
“Uh oh,” he said. “That sounds ominous.”
“No.” I shook my head. “You really impressed me today. You kept the clients calm and business running smoothly, even when…” I cleared my throat, glancing down at the bar. “I couldn’t.”
“Thank you. You know I’m always happy to help where I can.”
“I know,” I said. “Which is why I want to give you a promotion.”
His mouth fell open. “Promotion?”
I nodded. “I’ve been thinking about it for a while, and I want to bring someone on to handle the front desk exclusively. Which would free you up to support me more on some of the bigger events, as well as plan some of the smaller ones by yourself.”
“Oh my god.” He fanned himself, looking like he was going to cry. “Are you serious?”
“Yes.” I laughed. “Landon, you deserve it.”
