Free Hopeless Vows by Rachael Duncan Page A

the office, there is also a small selection of tuxedos. These will be available based on first come first served. We expect all of our staff to present themselves in a way that reflects highly on not only Trend, but also Mrs. Van der Boor. If you have any question on your attire, please email me to schedule a meeting.
    Lastly, we need the names of your plus one to the event no later than a week from today. Details for the event are listed below.
    When: September 19, 2015 at 7:00 PM
    Where: The Metropolitan Museum of Art
    Attire: Black Tie
    Best,
    Sarah Thompson
    Executive Assistant to Karen Van der Boor
     
    I look at the calendar and realize I need to have my date’s info to Sarah today. I had originally planned to take Janey with me. We’d talked about it and she was so excited, but now that I’m married, shouldn’t I take my husband? I don’t want to disappoint my friend, but the show will be filming the party, and I’m sure the producers will have a fit if he’s not there with me. Feeling like I have no other choice, I send a quick text message.
    Me: Looks like someone was being sneaky this morning . . .
    His response comes a few minutes later.
    Austin: I take it you got the flowers? I was about to lay into the delivery service. They assured me they’d be there before 8.
    Looking at the clock, I see it’s already after noon. Guilt washes over me for not thanking him sooner. Way to look ungrateful, Jillian.
    Me: Sorry, I’ve been swamped here today. But thank you. They’re gorgeous.
    Austin: You’re welcome.
    Me: I wanted to ask if you’d like to come with me to a work function next week?
    Austin: What kind of function?
    Me: A fancy party with a bunch of pretentious people who will judge what you wear.
    Austin: Sounds fun. Count me in!
    His sarcasm isn’t lost on me.
    Me: ha ha It’s okay if you don’t want to go. I’ll just bring Janey instead.
    Austin: Of course I’ll escort you. You don’t even need to ask. Just tell me when and where and I’m there.
    Me: Okay, I’ll fill you in on the details later. I gotta get back to work.
    Austin: K. C ya.
    I shoot a quick email back to Mrs. Van der Boor’s assistant letting her know Austin will be coming with me, and brace myself to tell my best friend she can’t come. I love Janey to death, really I do, but I find myself walking on eggshells with her a lot. She’s a very demanding friend. She tries to play it off in a passive-aggressive way, but I see through it. I hate arguing with her since she’s really all I have, so I usually suck it up, ignore her attitude, fix whatever is pissing her off and move on.
    Me: Remember that party you were coming to with me?
    She answers immediately like usual.
    Janey: Yeah . . .
    Me: I’m gonna have to give you a rain check on that. I have to take Austin instead.
    Janey: Are you fucking kidding me?
    I blow out a tired breath before responding.
    Me: Look, I’m sorry. The network is forcing me to take him.
    Okay, so that’s a lie, but I have to soften the blow somehow, and creating a scapegoat seems like the perfect way.
    Janey: Whatever.
    Me: Are you seriously mad right now? I do everything with you. I’m married now, so I’m gonna be spending time with him too.
    Janey: Really? You mean the husband you’re keeping secrets from and plan to leave? lol
    Me: I can’t believe you right now. That’s pretty low down to throw that in my face.
    Janey: I’m joking. Chill out.
    Except she’s not joking. Just because you add “lol” at the end of something bitchy, doesn’t make it any less bitchy. Again, passive-aggressive. She’s always been there for me and is usually supportive, so I guess I have to take the good with the bad.
    Me: Okay I have to get back to work. Sorry again.
    And, like always, I’ll let it go to keep from fighting more.

“EAST FIFTY-THIRD AND Second Avenue, please,” I say in a rush as I slide into the back of a taxi, shutting the door quickly. The shouts of the production crew yelling my name