I continued, “The influencer couple will be the first to arrive. They’re requesting ‘ambient natural lighting for the content they’ll be capturing’.”
Caroline nodded gracefully. “Of course. Jacqui and Leon are lovely, actually. A bit theatrical, but very kind.”
Theatrical was one word for people who were rumoured to have once brought their own lighting technician to a dinner event, but I didn’t say that.
“They also wanted to confirm if the terrace will be… ‘aesthetically neutral’?”
“That means beige,” she explained. “Everything has to be beige.”
Right. Of course.
“And the actress will be arriving after six,” I said. “She asked if her seat could be somewhere with good airflow.”
Caroline gave a small polite shrug. “Candice gets warm easily. It’s not a diva thing. She just… wears a lot of layers.”
“Good to know,” I said. “I’ll place her on the outer edge of the terrace.”
“And James’s old partner, Sam?” she asked.
“He’s coming too,” I said. “His assistant asked if there would be a spot where he can take calls privately.”
Caroline didn’t even blink. “He’s investing in another company. He’s always investing in start-ups. Just give him a corner.”
I made a note. Corner for casually handing out millions of dollars.
Caroline exhaled through her nose, elegant and resigned. “He may attempt to turn the dinner into a business pitch. Let him. Mother finds it endearing.”
I smiled. “Not sure the rest of the table will.”
“That,” she said, smoothing her skirt down, “is why you’re here.”
And for a moment, standing there with my tablet and her effortless poise, it felt like we were co-captains on a very shiny, very unpredictable ship.
James leaned back in his chair, listening contently. “You’ve outdone yourself, Holly. I think Margaret’s even smiling.”
That, apparently, was the highest of praise. I turned towards Margaret, who was indeed smiling, at least with her mouth.
James stood up to say something to Elaine, and I was halfway down the table when I caught Ethan’s voice behind me.
He had begun a conversation with Caroline, leaning towards her so he could be heard over the chatter. He appeared composed, but there was something taut about it.
“Are you sure you’re all right?” he asked gently.
Caroline smiled, a little too quickly. “Of course. Just nerves. It’s all so… much.”
Her hand fluttered to her wine glass but didn’t lift it. She stared at the sunlight glinting off the rim, as if searching for calm there. “My mother is in full form,” she added after a moment, her tone light but her jaw tightening. “She means well, but she’s… a lot.”
Ethan nodded, the picture of calm reassurance. “James said the same thing this morning,” he said gently. “You’ve both taken on more than most people could.”
She nodded, “You know what she’s like. She’s already changed the seating chart twice today.”
He smiled faintly. “Maybe she and Holly should compare notes.”
That earned a genuine laugh from her this time, quick and bright, then gone. She reached for her napkin, smoothing it flat. “I just want it to go well. For everyone.”
His gaze lingered on her for a heartbeat too long. His voice lowered.
“It will.”
