Page 42 of Last First Date

"I'm not saying we need to completely change everything," I continued, trying to temper my previous statement. "But, let's broaden our horizons a little bit. Try new themes, new designs, something different. Obviously, we want to give clients what they want, but I'd like you all to pitch at least one totally new idea. See if they bite. I don't want us to get stuck in the past. There is timeless and there is just plain boring."

"Like what?" one of them asked.

I glanced at the speaker, a man named Derek who had been with the team for about five years according to his file. He was reliable but traditional.

"Perhaps an all-out futuristic theme. Metallics, holograms, even incorporating tech in some way. Holograms are the future. Yes, they can be expensive, but all kinds of people are offering the technology. Imagine having a late loved one or someone like Elvis performing at their event."

A murmur of agreement ran through the room. The idea seemed to appeal to them.

"Use your imagination," I continued. "New York and LA have amazing event planners with clients that tend to include A-list celebrities. The circus thing has been done. The typical red carpet, Hollywood vibe, done. Yes, our clients are going to love the old stuff because you've done a good job. They don't know any better. It's up to you to bring them into the future. Why don't you guys pitch some ideas? Think out of the box. We'll work together to develop them."

While they were all talking and throwing out ideas, my phone vibrated on the polished surface of the conference table. A quick glance said it was Waverly. It was odd she was texting me, but I assumed that was because she didn't want to be in the same room with me. I read it and nearly jumped out of my seat.

"You guys keep tossing around some ideas," I said. "Put them together and email them to me."

I left the conference room and walked back to my office.

"Waverly, my office, now."

She took her sweet time coming in. "Yes?"

"You said there was a VIP client in New York that wanted us to take on their event."

"Yes." She nodded. "I forwarded you the email request. It named you specifically. I texted you because it's urgent."

I groaned. "I know. Can you please give me the details?"

"I'll be in there in a few minutes," she said. "I need to finish this email."

The woman was trying to drive me bananas. It went against every part of me to let her defy my basic requests. I was the CEO. She acted like I was an annoying fly bugging the shit out of her.

Her defiance was almost admirable, in a comedic way. I rolled my eyes, deciding to keep the peace. "Fine," I said. "I'll wait."

I spent the next ten minutes checking the other emails and reports that had trickled in during our meeting. When Waverly finally decided to grace me with her presence, she was holding a slim tablet, a frown etched on her face as if she'd rather be anywhere else.

"Finally," I muttered.

"The event is for a lingerie company," she said as she sat down. "They want a Valentine's Day event. The firm that was handling the event either got fired or quit, which is why it's so short notice. The client specifically asked for you because they heard about some event you did for their competitor a couple of years ago."

"Lingerie company?"

"Yes," she muttered.

I couldn't help but smile. "Well, that sounds like something I could handle."

She made a noise. "I'm sure you can."

"Do they want it in New York?" I asked eagerly.

"I sent you the email."

I couldn't suppress the surge of pride that welled within me. This wasn't just a job. We made it. If a national company was coming to us to pick up the pieces of someone else's failed job, that meant they trusted us.

"You're my assistant," I growled. "Assist me."

She rolled her eyes but leaned over me to pull up the email on my computer. The scent of her perfume invaded my senses, like a bouquet of wildflowers laced with a citrus, forcing me to adjust in my seat uncomfortably as she read.

"New York City, yes. The venue is set but they're not happy with the previous event planner's design and they want it all changed. Two weeks from today.”