“This is your fault, Tiffany. You should’ve invited the man when you had the chance.”
Despite feeling like he should have known, the right thing to do would’ve been to invite him the first night. Now, it’s too late,and I’m riding to one of the biggest events of my career alone. I place the note back into the flowers and lean my head back as I stare out of the window on my way to the ceremony.
The awards ceremony was held in the downtown area at a large hotel known for holding conferences and weddings. The room was packed. Circular tables crowded the space and lined with white linen tablecloths. All the chairs had matching seat covers. The walls in the ballroom were trimmed in gold. At the front of the room was a large stage with gold drapes behind it. And at the back of the room, near the door, was a fully stocked bar.
I make my way through the aisle between the tables to find my seat. The circular table with my name card is at the front of the room. Pulling out my chair, I place my clutch down on the table and take a seat.
There are already people at the table. When I learned I had made the top five, I looked up the other nominees. I was honored to be on the same ballot as these designers.
Across from me is Jason Hickman. He was nominated for his work at Carelli’s, an upscale Italian restaurant. He’s been in the design business for a while. A very clean cut and prim man, not a hair out of place. He looks as if he could be a model with his strong jawline. The way his forehead barely moves and the narrowness of his nose tells me he might have had help with that.
To the left of Jason is Paula White. Paula has been nominated many times for the AAIDE award and has yet to take one home. Her platinum blonde hair hangs down to her very high cleavage. Her face gives you the impression she is in her late twenties, however the wrinkled and sagging skin around her neck and chest tells a different story.
On the other side of Paula is Chad Nickles. Out of all the candidates, I admired Chad’s work the most. I’ve been following him for a while. He’s an independent contractor. Although he is an incredible designer, he’s better known for his engineering work. I know quite a few companies that have hired him to create unique floor plans and eye-catching buildings. I’m assuming the brunette beside him is his wife.
Sitting across from Chad is Gloria Hampton. Gloria is Chinese- American. Her sleek black bob and high cheekbones gave her a chic look. Gloria was the queen of residential design. Most of her work went into designing homes for the wealthy. Her husband was with her tonight.
I was sitting at the table with the best of the best in the local design world. I felt privileged.
Paula makes eye contact with me, and I feel it’s only right to speak.
“Hi,” I say in greeting. “It’s nice to meet you, Paula.”
The smile on her face immediately drops and turns into a sneer.
“I remember when these awards were so hard to come by. Now, they just let anybody get them,” she says the words so casually, you would think she was talking about the weather and not throwing shade.
A few chuckles go around the table. There is no mistaking the dig is aimed at me. I literally just sat down and the cattiness started immediately. Look, it’s not like I didn’t understand how unique it is to be at this table off my first and only job. Yes, it usually takes years for this type of acknowledgment and recognition. However, fuck that. I earned this place at the table. I lift my chin, ignoring her. One person’s opinion of me doesn’t faze me.
“Everybody except you, right? Isn’t this your third nomination without an award?”
Paula’s surgically enhanced face turns bright red. If her eyes could spit fire, I’d be a burned crisp right now. It seems the bitch can throw shade but can’t take it.
Chad and his wife both snicker.
“Now ladies, no need to be catty,” Jason says. “Besides, Paula, we all know who the true talents at this table are.” Jason glances at me and rolls his eyes. Even that movement didn’t cause a wrinkle to cross his forehead.
Paula chuckles as if he’s made some kind of joke. As far as I’m concerned, I’m done with this conversation. I didn’t have to prove shit to these people, and I wasn’t going to let them ruin my night. Instead, I get up and move around the room.
While mixing and mingling, a few people came up to talk to me about my work at North River. Everyone I met had lots of good things to say about the hotel. Most wanted to know when the grand opening would be.
I stop a server with a tray of hors d’oeuvres. Taking an avocado deviled egg off the tray, I pop it into my mouth.
“You really think she doesn’t belong?” a female voice to my right has my attention.
Gloria Hampton is standing with a group of women surrounding her.
Gloria chuckles, placing a hand on her chest. “Her work is cute, but not nearly good enough to be here.”
“I heard she only got here because she’s married to Niccolo Basille.”
The women gasp. “Well, that explains it. He bought her this nomination.”
Feeling disgusted with their conversation, I move away, stopping a server with a tray of champagne. I downed the glass enjoying the bubbly wine. When the next server walks by, I place the empty glass on his tray.
“And she has the audacity to act as if she belongs.”
This time the voice talking shit belongs to Jason. He and Paula are standing among a few of their peers.
