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Chapter 4
BPOV
I had a relaxing day off at the pier. I've always enjoyed going there. The sights, the sounds, and just watching people. But it's back to the real world.
Once I got home, I had several messages from Mrs. Cullen. I was working closely with her on her husband's retirement party at the hotel.
She wasn't hard to deal with, but she had very clear ideas of what she wanted.
I decided to work on it myself instead of delegating it out to my other staff planners.
Since being promoted to Executive Coordinator of Events at the Tropicana, I can delegate a lot of things out. But the Cullen party is a top priority, since the Cullens have always used the hotel for their business conferences and other parties. They get preferential treatment.
They are on par with the Trumps.
I was surprised when Mrs. Cullen contacted me about this party, usually people of their stature go with the more glamorous Taj Mahal, but she said that she was impressed with some get together that I did a while ago.
She said that I came highly recommended.
I called her back and assured her everything would be fine.
She had some concerns about the flowers and the number of guests.
I know that this was a big deal, so I told her that the day of the party I would make sure everything would go as planned, as well as be on hand during the party to assure that things went smoothly.
She seemed pleased with that and thanked me profusely.
I just hope that everything went well.
After I finished the call, I went and made some dinner.
I thought back over what Madame Rita said and wondered if there was any truth to it.
How could she have known the stuff she did?
There's no way she could've.
I want to believe in it, I really do. But it's not logical.
I finished dinner, then got myself ready for bed.
It was going to be a busy three days.
I'm sure most of my work day will involve being in contact with Mrs. Cullen.
Sometimes it's hard to be in the position that I have. One little thing goes wrong and it sets off a chain of other mishaps.
I am confident in my ability to troubleshoot and I'm sure that my staff will be able to handle anything that could come up.
I got comfortable in my bed and tried to turn my mind off.
It was hard, so many thoughts were running through my mind.
Things that Madame Rita said to me and other things.
Is love really out there for me? Especially one that isn't jealous of my success.
I just want to find someone who will be my equal, or at least won't be mad about my job.
If I find someone who has a better job than me, or who is more successful than me I wouldn't be upset by that. I'd be supportive.
Sleep wasn't going to come easy for me.
I thought about that young couple at the carnival game. What a beautiful sight to see, the innocence of young love.
I can't figure out how that other man was involved in the younger man winning the prize, but it seemed like he was involved in it.
It was nice to see people helping others out.
Not many people do that anymore.
I snuggled up in my blanket and finally let sleep overtake me.
Once I got up, I went through my morning routine and then made my way to work.
It was going to be a busy day.
I called ahead and had my assistant Angela have things set out for me.
I needed to have the Cullen binder on my desk, as well as the flower samples also.
I stopped on my way in and got a coffee and a muffin.
I could've gotten that at the hotel, but I am partial to my Starbucks in the morning.
Besides, its the little things in life that make you happy.
Upon arriving at work, I had to deal with two members of my staff in a disagreement over how to place the tables for the Cullen party.
"Eric, what is the problem?" I asked as I walked into the conference room.
"Ms. Swan, Mike says that the Cullen table go one way and I say they go around the other way."
"If you would've have been paying attention at the meeting you both would have no problems. I gave you both detailed plans for the placement of the tables. I suggest you go back and get your binders and follow it to the letter. There is no room for arguments or mistakes."
How did such incompetence end up on my staff?
I didn't have time for this.
I walked towards my office and my assistant was waiting for me by my door.
"Isabella, Mrs. Cullen is in there waiting for you," Angela said.
"That's good, I'm sure she will tell Mike and Eric a thing or two," I huffed as I opened the door.
"Good Morning, Mrs. Cullen."
"Morning, Ms. Swan. I've told you to call me Esme," she said with a smile.
"Sorry, Esme. What can I do for you?"
"I just want to be as hands on as I can. I want this party to be grand and I want my husband to be pleased."
"I'm sure he will be, Esme. Your ideas for the party were awesome and they are coming together nicely. I'm sure you will like what my staff has put together."
"It's a very important night for my sons, Emmett and Edward. My husband is announcing who will be taking over the position of CEO," she said.
"Oh, that must be hard to choose between two sons, I don't envy him on making that decision."
"I'm sure Carlisle will come to a good decision. He hasn't told me what he's going to do but I'm glad that my daughter has no interest in the business. She's a fashion designer."
"That is cool. You don't look old enough to have three grown children," I said with a smile. It was a genuine compliment. She really doesn't look that old.
"Thank you, Isabella."
"You're welcome, shall we go down to the Royal Swann Ballroom to see how its coming along?"
"Yes, let's go."
I led the way to the elevator and we rode down.
She chatted the whole way down.
She was quite the talker, but she wasn't annoying.
Once in the ballroom, she gasped as she took in everything.
"Oh, Isabella everything looks perfect, just as I imagined it would be,"she exclaimed.
"I'm glad it's to your liking."
"It is."
As we walked around, she smiled at how it all looked.
On every table the centerpiece was adorned with the Cullen Crest. Each placecard, held each guest's name and a little goody bag, for either male or female.
The head table up front had all the Cullen family and their guests.
I noticed that there were only seven seats, that meant that one of her son's was single.
The podium was also adorned with the Cullen crest.
She was really impressed with everything.
We went over the menu for the evening and we even had several cakes to taste.
I wanted to make sure that our bakers had the exact taste down.
Esme was very particular on the desserts that she chose and I wanted to make sure that they were the way she wanted them.
There was a Strawberry Tiramisu, and a black and white tuxedo cake with raspberry creme.
Lastly, we went over the wine list.
She chose several of our most expensive wines from a California winery as well as our best Cristal champagne.
Once we had everything pinned down, we went back up to my office.
"Ms. Swan, I want to thank you for all your expertise and your special touches that you have made."
"You're welcome. It's all a part of my job."
"You my dear have went above and beyond your job. You seem to take pride in your work, and that is rare in this day and age."
"Thank you," I said blushing.
"You're welcome," she said as she slipped on her coat.
"I'll see you at the party, Esme."
"Yes, I'll see you then. Oh, before I forget my daughter will be sending over your dress for the party. It is my gift to you."
"You don't have to do that, I do have my own dress," I said in protest.
"Nonsense dear, my daughter loves to give away the dresses she designs and I know this dress will be perfect for you. Please accept it and wear it the night of the party."
"Okay, I will. But it's really not necessary."
"I know, but it will make me happy," she said as she walked out the door.
I couldn't argue anymore with that.
I wanted to make her happy.
Later that afternoon a garment bag was delivered to my office.
Angela brought it in.
"Bella, this just came for you."
"Thank you," I said as I got up and came around my desk to take it from her.
I opened it and looked inside.
It was a long royal blue gown, that gathered on one shoulder.
Inside was a note,
"Ms. Swan, my mother said that this shade of blue would accentuate your creamy skin tone, and that it would bring out your eyes. I'm looking forward to meeting you."
Sincerely,
A.M. Cullen
I zipped the bag up and laid it over the chair.
Wow... what a beautiful dress. I couldn't wait to wear it, even though it wasn't necessary.
