* * *
My gaze flicks to the wall clock hanging in my bedroom as I give myself a final touch-up for today by applying the deep red lipstick, before I leave the confines of my home. Though it’s more of a place where I come to sleep since I’m the only one here.
Even the plant I have is of a cactus varietybecause I know I’m not home much and have no one to take care of it in my absence or when I’m away with the team for their games.
At the thought of it, I glance at the small pink bucket holding the succulent through the mirror. I kept the plant on my window ledge, hoping that at least it would have the sunlight it needed to grow.
This plant was actually a gift from Stacy. I still remember that day clearly. It was on the third day of my job with the Bandits when I found this by my locker because I still didn’t have an office yet.
There was also a handwritten note with the plant. It brought a smile to my face, hoping that this might be the start of a new friendship. The note said,‘Congratulations on getting the internship. ’And though there was no name mentioned, I knew it was from Stacy because I saw her leave the locker room with a smile as I entered.
That small gesture was enough to make my entire week. I haven’t really had girlfriends or even friends for that matter who made any effort for me or gave a damn about me. I’ve only ever had selfish relationships and people around me.
The ringing of my phone snaps me out of myfond memory. I spy its screen lighting with an incoming call from the mirror. Sitting up straight, I give myself one last look in the reflective surface as I straighten out my suit and head over to where the phone is on my bed.
Seeing that it’s Jodi calling, I look at the time. “Shit,” I curse out loud when I see that if I don’t leave within the next minute, I’ll be late.
Accepting the call, I hold the phone between my shoulder and ear as I pick up my black purse and check it for my Bandits’ ID and essentials, including a lipstick and bandages. A woman’s purse is like a Mary Poppins bag. You’ll find most things you might need in it, no matter the size.
“Hey, Jodi,” I say as I close the purse and sling it over my shoulder by the strap.
Her nervous voice comes through the other end, “Hello, ma’am. So sorry to bother you, and I know I shouldn’t have called. You could’ve been driving, but–this was a bad idea. I’m sorry. Nevermi–”
My tone softens when I realize that she’s freaking out right now. That’s how Jodi is. Talented but unsure of herself. I want her to realize her own potential and believe in herself. And one of these days, I’ll get her to do so.
“Jodi. Jodi, listen to me. Stop rambling. It’s okay, now breathe with me,” I instruct her as I slide my feet into my red-bottom heels and scurry to the door. Picking up the keys to my car from the bowl on the entrance table, I ask once she has calmed down and taken a breather, “Now, tell me. What happened?”
“Ma’am, the singer you asked me to arrange for today’s event, Sonia,” Jodi hesitates.
Locking the front door, I’m in my red Subaru BRZ in seconds as I key the ignition for the car. “Yes, what about her?” I ask, not understanding what she’s getting at.
She takes a deep breath as if to muster courage and spills, “I mixed up the schedule, and now she’s booked for a week later.”
Fuck, I’m screwed.
Nine
Kaeli
The tires of my car screech when I reach my destination, and I’m pretty sure I’m leaving marks on the ground. The moment I park the car in the staff parking lot, I’m rushing inside the building.
Staff members wish me morning as I breeze past them, looking at me funny and concerned as they see me run like Usain Bolt in my 3-inch heels. I yell over my shoulder to whoever greets me.
Barging in through the door of myoffice, I find Jodi already pacing the length of the room. Out of breath, I fling my purse over the table and slump into my seat.
“Ma’am…” she trails off.
Shutting my eyes closed, I take a few deep breaths to calm my racing heart, knowing panicking will do me no good. I need to be at one hundred percent to get us out of this crisis. The concert is the most-awaited show of the event, after the children’s skating with the players, of course.
“Keep trying, Sonia, and her assistant, to check if she picks up. In the meantime, look for other prospective singers for the evening,” I instruct Jodi in a tone that clearly means business, and she nods to everything I say. “I’ll do the same,” I mutter under my breath.
“Yes, ma’am. On it.”
“Let’s hope we find someone, or this is gonna be a shit ton of trouble for us to wade through.” Her face pales at my statement, and she rushes out the door with her phone already in hand.
Picking up my phone, I glare at it as if it would give me a miracle solution. When it doesn’t, I pinch the bridge of my nose and mumble, “Fucking hell, the event hasn’t even begun yet,and I’ve already screwed up. I’m definitely gonna lose my job.”
Shaking my head to center my focus, I get to work to find someone for us to sing.
