hey :)

i don't think i've ever been as stressed as i am right now.

people rush around frantically in front of me as i stand at the center of the grand room, clipboard in hand. the gala takes place tonight which means it's only a matter of hours before guests begin arriving and my work is put to the test of hundreds of wealthy people with nothing better to do than seek for flaws.

i think about the beautiful dress i bought just for this occasion sitting in the back of my car along with my makeup and everything i'll possibly need to be ready for tonight. I wasn't going to try much to improve my appearance and just wear something in my closet but then I realized that if people ask who planned the event, they'll be pointed in my direction. I suppose I represent the company when I come as an employee so I want to do so correctly.

i informed wesley that he needs to meet me here at the venue because i'm just too busy to meet him anywhere else or even at the door. i feel a little bad because i don't think he knows that he's getting into a night of watching me rush around while he sips at champagne. he seemed okay with it so i've decided to just deal with that when the time comes. for now, i have flowers to arrange.

"can you just place that vase right here by this statue?" i pat a podium, gesturing for the man to set down the beautiful ceramic vase filled with baby's breath and other assorted white flowers.

"do you mind plugging in the lights on the staircase? thank you so much." i grin at one of the younger women. mr. ward was kind enough to hire plenty of people to help with the event and i couldn't be more grateful. what would have taken me all day only takes a few minutes with all of these extra hands.

my mind is going one hundred miles a minute as i try to recall each thing that needs to get done. i've written every possible thing i could think of onto my clipboard yet there's still some sort of hyper management part of me that thinks i've forgotten something.

the champagne and other beverages will be arriving with the servers about an hour before the gala begins just in case anyone arrives early. mr. ward will most likely either be early or fashionably late. i can't figure out what type of ceo he is yet when it comes to parties. he didn't seem very thrilled about it the other day so i've tried not to mention it since or bother him with any questions.

i left a schedule for the night on his desk just to let him know what's getting done today and when. he had left a tux in my office yesterday so i had that dry cleaned and it'll be delivered back to him by three today. i'm not sure why he got me to do it and not vivian since she's usually the one to do personal errands like that for him.

speaking of vivian, i suppose i'll be forced to see her tonight. we aren't required to speak much since we have our own separate jobs to do which has been nice. i don't hate her but she makes me second guess myself and i don't like that.

hours pass before everything is absolutely perfect and exactly as i envisioned it. all of the helping hands disperse apart from a few who are finishing up their tasks. i stand in the middle of the ballroom, turning slowly to get the full effect of what we've done. a small proud smile creeps into my face as i hold the clipboard to my chest.

all i've done is plan a party yet i feel like i've taken one giant step towards independence. then again, it's not just any ordinary party. it's an entire event that i planned in just a few weeks time. it wasn't easy but i did what had to be done, i put in the necessary hours, and i drove about a million miles in the process getting to and from work. after this is over, i'm going to have to seriously consider getting a more gas efficient car.

i stand there for a few minutes ogling the lights and the art display, nerves swimming in my stomach as i wonder how tonight will go. i've planned the gala but only time will tell if i've done so successfully.

checking the time, i decide now is a good time to begin getting ready seeing as the servers will be arriving in about an hour and a half. i grab my stuff and run back inside to avoid the chill and make a dash for the ladies' restroom. i thought about going back to the office to get ready but it just wouldn't make sense so my only option is to get ready here. this doesn't bother me at all seeing as this is the nicest public restroom i've ever seen. with high ceilings, tasteful colors, and even couches to sit on, it's a pretty comfortable atmosphere despite me being in this huge building nearly completely alone.

i do my makeup first, keeping the eyes simple but making my eyelashes as dramatic as possible. i contour the heck out of my cheek bones, even blending some of the makeup along my collarbones and jawline before blending the makeup down my neck to take away my terribly pale skin tone.

curling my hair in big loose waves, i pull about a third of it into an updo, placing white pearl pins into the blond locks to keep the hair in place, the remaining hair resting against my back. the ends just barely touch the bottom of my back as i do a small turn, checking out the back to make sure it looks okay.

i slip my dress on last, shivering slightly as i silently regret choosing such a thin material. the gown is a white silk with a tint of pink as the light hits it. thin straps lay upon my shoulders as the back dips low, showing a bit of skin on my back. i don't mind though because my hair covers most of the skin, making me feel less exposed. pulling on the white heels i brought, i stand up straight, checking my appearance in the mirror.

i'm ready before i thought i would be so i have about thirty minutes to kill. i rush my belongings back out to the car, bundled in my coat. as i lock my car and turn to make a beeline for the heat of the building, i see mr. ward calmly walking up to the doors, his hands in his pockets.

i suppose now i know that that he's the type of ceo to show up early to his parties. i wish i would have known that sooner seeing as now i'm feeling unprepared.

"miss harris." he greets me as i walk through the door, my coat pulled tightly around me.

"mr. ward." i reply with a polite smile, "the servers will be here in about ten minutes with the food and champagne. the band is setting up now. i think that's everything." i breathe, the heat warming up my cheeks and nose.

he pulls off his coat, throwing it over his arm and fixing his tux jacket. "everything seems to be going smoothly. i just thought i would come early to greet the guests when they arrive. i might also need a glass or two of champagne to prepare me for the boring conversation." he says dryly. i fight a laugh when i realize he's being completely serious.

i clear my throat, "i'll have someone prepare you a glass before people start arriving."

"that would be appreciated." he sighs, looking around the room. he takes the finished look of the gala in with an unreadable expression. as he glances around, i tug off my coat, throwing it over a coat hanger by the door. i remind myself to remove it before anyone gets here just in case i lose it or it gets stolen.

i feel my hair fall down my back and i pull a few hairs forward to the front absentmindedly, taking in the surroundings with a sense of completion. i open my mouth to say something to him but as soon as i look back to meet his gaze, he's already watching me.

such an odd feeling rushes through me as he looks away calmly, his expression still frustratingly unreadable. i shake my head, feeling as if i just imagined it.

"let me know when they arrive." he tells me, walking towards the dining room.

"okay." i sigh, fighting an eye roll. that man makes me more uncomfortable than anyone i've ever met in my life.

an hour passes and servers are standing at attention with tall glass filled with bubbling liquid. i do one more walk around the area just before the first group of guests arrive. voices begin filling the room as minutes, the classical music starting suddenly, blending with the conversation.

beautiful women young and old with important looking men on their arms, shoulders pulled back with pride, pass me as they glide to the door of the dining room, the servers following suit as they lead them to their seats and serve them their desired beverage.

"hello." i smile, greeting a few people as i meet their eyes cordially, "welcome. dinner will be served in the dining room to your left."

i stand there with a smile on my face until my face begins hurting. the people that have arrived form a small group compared to the rest of the guests who will be showing up after dinner is over. my face hurts already so i have no idea how i will get through the night with my cheek muscles in tact.

as soon as everyone is seated, i make the call for the servers to begin dispersing the appetizers and first course almost directly after. i stand in the corner quietly and out of the way, observing and watching to make sure everything is going smoothly. no one glances my way as they make conversation, different languages mixing together in a swirl of words and expression.

mr. ward sits at the head of one of the tables. when i looked at the seating chart i noticed he requested to be seated with his most important clients and now i see why. he's so good with people when he has to be, his smile wider than i've ever seen as he listens and replies with little to no effort. if only he was that way with all of his employees maybe i wouldn't nearly have a heart attack every time i talk to him.

"miss harris? the main course is ready to be brought out. just give the signal when you're ready." edmond, the head of the catering company i hired, tells me as he waits for a reply.

i think for a moment, looking around. "just bring it out but if there are a few slower eaters who ask for it to be brought out in a few minutes, take account of the names so we get it out to them promptly and they're not forgotten. double check the food allergy list as well. we don't want to give someone the wrong meal and have the ambulance rushing in."

"yes ma'am." he nods with a smile, turning on his heel and heading back through the door to the area they have set up in the other room, all of the food in heaters and containers being placed onto plates and expertly prepared.

i stand there for a moment, checking the list on my phone being held in a clutch purse to make sure i haven't missed anything.

"miss harris." i look up with a sigh, expecting to see edmond but instead i see a familiar set of brown eyes.

"sir?" i respond, surprised to see him up and out of his seat, speaking to me in front of all of his so called important guests.

he looks around before leaning down and mumbling lowly, "i would like to ask that you take a seat and enjoy the meal."

i blink, "that wasn't the - "

"miss harris, my clients are wondering why my assistant who planned this entire event is standing in the corner working instead of relaxing and enjoying the evening." he sighs.

"oh." so this is just his attempt to keep his partners happy, "very well. where would you like me to sit?" i stand up straight, placing my phone inside my clutch and holding it at my side.

mr. ward glances around for an empty seat, "over there is fine." he says swiftly, nodding in the direction of a table near the exit.

"alright." i force a smile, walking away quickly, my heels hitting the marble flooring. i'm about to take a seat when i spot an older man at his table say something to him with a chuckle. my brows furrow and my eyes meet the young ceo's before he sighs and waves me over.

i release a low breath, feeling nervous. as i approach the table, i receive several greetings to which i smile and return with a bright professional smile. taking a sear in the only empty space, i sit two seats away from mr. ward as he takes his own chair at the head once again. glancing across the table, i meet the slightly suggestive smile of the older man who meets me gaze.

"good evening." he speaks with a thick british accent, "i bear you're the person we should be thanking for the fine event."

"i appreciate that, sir, but all i did was plan it. it's mr. ward we should all thank for his generosity." i do my best to make my boss look good. after all, that's apparently my only job tonight.

"well jared isn't as beautiful as you so pardon me if all my thanks goes to you." he winks once with a chuckle, stabbing his food with his fork because placing it between his lips.

my skin crawls but i force a tight smile, "then i suppose i will accept your thanks and respond by saying it's been a pleasure."

he stares at me, his piercing blue eyes studying me as everyone else goes about their own conversation, clearly oblivious to my discomfort, "jared, i can't believe you've kept such a gem from the rest of us. gorgeous and capable of putting up with your snobbery? wherever you found this girl, i need details." he grunts with a snide smile.

mr. ward looks in my direction, regarding me with blank eyes. "robert, stop ogling my assistant and enjoy the food." he takes on a slight joking tone but the look in his eye says he's far from kidding.

"alright alright i'm just having a bit of fun." he replies, swallowing the last of bud wine in his glass.

the rest of dinner goes smoothly besides me having to make eye contact with edmond every once in a while and do my best to mouth subtle orders to him from across the room.

as soon as dessert is over, i couldn't be more relieved. i was so nervous and uneasy sitting at that table with so many millionaires that i barely touched my food anyway, pushing the desert out of the way, barely being able to stand the sight of it with my stomach churning as it was.

i finally relax when i'm able to catch my breath, guests flooding into the ballroom and taking a place on the floor. couples begin to dance as the band plays, voices mixing with every note and laughter filling the air. i finally allow myself to smile genuinely for the first time tonight. it looks like tonight is going to be a success.

"symphony?" i turn around with a fright, my hand placed on my chest. my eyes widen slightly at the sight of wesley in his sleek white tux, the color pairing nicely with my dress along with the shade of his eyes.

"wesley." i breathe, feeling slightly guilty because i completely forgot about him between the start of the night and now, "i'm glad you could make it."

he grins, stepping forward and handing me a single rose he must have been hiding behind his back, "me too, the traffic was insane. this event seems like...a big deal." he laughs slightly.

smelling the rose, i release a chuckle, "yeah i guess it is."

"and you planned this whole thing?" he raised his dark brows.

"most of it, yes." i nod shyly, feeling embarrassed by the awestruck expression on his face.

"well thank you for letting me come, everything looks beautiful." he pauses, his eyes running up and down once, "you look beautiful." he adds with a shy smile.

my cheeks feel hot as i smile in return, "thank you, wesley. you look pretty sharp in that tux too." i rush to add my own compliment, making me feel even more out of my element.

he rocks back on his heels, looking around. "well...i'll go grab a drink and circulate. if you need a dance partner, i'm your guy." wesley winks jokingly, making me laugh, my shoulders relaxing a little.

"okay." i respond, watching him go, "have fun." he just gives me a boyish grin before picking up a glass from the nearest servers tray and taking a sip.

i watch him for a moment before shaking my head with a small chuckle. turning on my heel, i make my way back to the dining room to help with cleanup as to make sure everything is packed up smoothly. i plan to have everything ready to be picked up by wesley's family tomorrow afternoon.

i hum along with the sound of the classical music being muffled through the walls, stacking plates carefully before carrying them to be washed. thirty minutes pass before i can even begin to gather napkins and silverware and another forty minutes pass before everything is ready and packed away.

"good work everyone. thank you so much for all of your help, have a great rest of your night." i smile at everyone a they prepare to leave, "the final check will be sent to you shortly."

they thank me and i make my way slowly back to where all of the excitement is. i'm not in any hurry to be in the middle of the large crowd so i take my time, taking in the hum of conversation and music.

"symphony! there you are." wesley breathes, two glasses in his hands, his cheeks slightly red from moving through the crowd.

i take one of the glasses with a thankful smile, "i'm sorry, i had something to take care of. i hope no old women tried to recrute you as their pool boy while i've been gone." i joke.

he chuckles, shaking his head. "only a couple but i managed to escape."

"how fortunate." i reply, "are you having fun?"

he releases a sigh, looking around the room. "you've put on some shin-dig here, i must say. but i have to admit that music isn't much fun without a dance partner." with the last word he holds out his hand with a small smile.

i accept, placing my hand in his. "i suppose i can't avoid dancing all night at a gala." with a shrug i follow him to the dance floor. once you're in the midst of the crowd you realize there really aren't as many people here as it seems.

a beautiful string piece begins to be played as wesley's hand is place on my lower back, the other holding my hand. my clutch is held in my right hand, just behind his shoulder.

we sway for a moment before he speaks, "you're a terrific dancer."

"i hardly count stepping back and forth worthy of a compliment but i accept." i laugh, glancing around the room, finding it hard to take myself out of work mode.

we make small talk and reminisce on the good old college days. we basically just graduated but to me it feels as if it's been a century. a couple of songs later, i've run out of topics to speak about and i excuse myself to use the restroom.

i release a breath, leaning against the counter of the ladies' bathroom. as i leave, i hear muffled voices in the dining room. i continue walking, assuming that it's just the remainder of the servers lingering around but then i hear a familiar voice and i stop in my tracts, furrowing my brows.

" - don't think that your father would want this, jared." a deep voice i don't recognize barely mumbles through the door.

"don't tell me what my father would want." jared replies sternly, "he's gone and i'm left to fix his messes. he was a good man but a terrible business man. some things are just impossible to fix."

"you're still acting like an insipid child." the man barks loudly, making me jump slightly in my place, "you were willing to give up an entire empire your father built just to play an instrument! i thought you had grown out of making these ridiculous decisions but this is even worse." his tone is taken down but not by much.

i stand there, barely breathing. here i go again being too nosy for my own good. i know i should step away something about the man's words intrigued me. mr. ward almost gave up being ceo to play an instrument? he doesn't seem like the musical type. then again, most serious musicians can be rather intense.

there's a moment of silence before my boss speaks again, "i've made up my mind. i apologize if the whole board doesn't approve but i've gotten the necessary amount of votes on my side so i'm going ahead with it starting on monday."

"monday?" the man chokes, "you stupid boy! you're going to ruin everything your father built!"

"i'm going to save it!" mr. ward raises his voice, making my eyes widen, "i'm shedding off the business that isn't serving a purpose anymore. i'm aware that we may suffer a loss at first but overall it will preserve the company. if you can't see that then you're a fool yourself." he states calmly.

"when the said business you speak of happens to be some of the richest and most powerful men in america, no. no, i don't see how that can beneficial for any of us."

"they do nothing! they take their stocks and they make profit off of me and i get nothing from them!" mr. ward fights back, "i'm not going to carry the dead weight any longer. now, this conversation is over. enjoy the rest of your night, lucas." my boss grumbles. soon i hear his footsteps and i rush back into the restroom, my heart pounding as i press my back against the door, the door to the dining room opening.

i wait at least ten minutes before exiting, my mind clouded with curiosity. the gala continues on as it was but now it carries a sense of seriousness in the air. i don't know exactly what's going to happen on monday but apparently it's something big.

for now i have a party to get through.