Happy with my appearance, I start to gather my things to head to my appointment. I assemble my briefcase with all my samples and plans, grab my phone, keys, and purse and head out. As I drive through town, I can’t help but look at all the people out and about. I have to wave to at least six different people. I still have some time to kill so I pull up in front of the bakery and run in for some coffee.
I go inside and order my favorite cappuccino.
“Destiny?” I hear someone say.
I spin around to find Mrs. Weathers smiling at me. “Hi, how are you doing?” I ask as I wait for my coffee.
“Good, dear. How are you?”
“Good.” I smile and nod.
“I’ve been meaning to get ahold of you to talk about my son’s birthday party. I’d like to hire you for the event.”
“Oh, great. When is it?”
“Next Sunday” she responds, tucking a stand of dark hair behind her ear.
“Oh, I wish I could, but I’m booked solid for the next two weeks. I’m planning the party at the new hotel.”
“Oh, darn,” she says, her face dropping with disappointment.
“I’m really sorry, but let me know if there is anything I can do to help you. I can give you some great contact information for catering, entertainment, and rentals.”
“Oh, okay, dear. Thank you anyway.”
I offer a sad smile. “I’m really sorry.”
“No worries, dear.” She waves and steps out.
“Here’s your drink.”
“Thank you.” I accept the coffee and head for the door, taking a sip and letting the hot, sweet mixture cover my tongue.
I climb back behind the wheel and start toward the hotel. It only takes me minutes to drive there, and even though I’ve watched the building come to life, I’m still amazed by its size and beauty. I pull into the parking lot and shut off my car. I look up at the building and feel stunned. It’s at least twelve stories high, and that’s huge for this area. There are balconies on some of the rooms and the landscaping out front is perfect. Almost the whole front of the building is glass, and you can see the massive chandelier inside the lobby. I just know it will look beautiful at night, shining through the darkness.
The party will be held in the event center, and I look over at the addition and see that workers are stilling coming in and out. They’re all dressed in white painters’ suits and carrying paint buckets and ladders.
Wait, the event center isn’t even finished yet?
How am I supposed to plan a party if the venue isn’t even finished being built?
Is this really where we’re holding the meeting? I pull out my phone and double check my email to confirm that I’m at the right location. I could’ve sworn that the email said the meeting would be held at the event center, but I could be wrong. I scroll through until I find the email. Sure enough, I’m in the right spot. I look around again, confused.
Maybe they’re just adding the finishing touches. I grab my things, take a deep breath, and step out, ready to kill this meeting and put my talents to good use.
Chapter Two
SHEPARD
“Ihave your plane ticket at my desk, sir,” my assistant, Linda, says over the intercom.
I hold down the button. “Thank you, Linda. Please forward all correspondence to my cell for the time being. I’m walking out now.”
“Will do, sir,” she replies immediately.
I finish up what I’m working on and gather my things to leave the office. As I’m walking out, I stop by Linda’s desk and she hands me my passport and plane ticket with a smile.
“You enjoy yourself now. You’re all business, all the time,” she tells me.
