Sharon slowly shook her head. “That is the cutest thing I’ve ever seen.”
“You mentioned you love the grab-and-go charcuterie jars that I used at another party.”
“Yes! I love that idea.”
“So, I think we can do small little jars and fill them with a bit of fruit, nuts, a long pretzel with deli meat, and top it with a cheese wedge.”
“Love it!”
“The dessert bar will feature the large snowman cake sitting on a red sleigh. I was thinking some lighted trees, white and red, scattered throughout the desserts. All the plates will be white to showcase the colors of the desserts. I’d really like to use the cake as well as the desserts as a decoration focus.”
She nodded. “I love it!”
“The tables will all have white tablecloths and black napkins—which, again, are the hats for the snowmen. The dessert table will have red napkins as you requested.”
“Hollie, you are amazing. This is going to be the best charity dinner I’ve ever thrown!”
“Any changes?”
“No!” she gasped. “Do not change a thing!”
Laughing, I put my notebook back in my bag. “In that case, I will head on out to my next appointment. If you change your mind on anything or want to add something, please let me know as soon as possible. I’ll be there the morning of set-up, and you’ll have my cell phone if you need anything.”
Susan gave me a hug and stepped back. “Thank you again, Hollie. I couldn’t have done this without you.”
“It was my pleasure, Susan. Talk soon!”
I quickly called and checked my voice messages, then slipped into my car and headed to my next appointment. A front was moving in, and they were talking about a pretty good chance of snow, so I wanted to get everything taken care of before it started coming down.
“It would be a pity if I had to miss dinner at my folks tonight because of a storm!” I said to myself.
My next appointment was with the City of Salem. They were having a Christmas party for all city employees that was Grinch-themed, and I was the lead party planner handling the decorations and the dinner. A job I took very seriously, especially since one of the city councilmen from Boston would bein attendance. If I could land something with the City of Boston, that would be amazing!
As I walked into the meeting room, I came to an abrupt halt. Lucas was leaning against the wall talking with another guy who appeared to be about the same age as us. Before I could say anything, a voice from my left said, “Ms. Craft, it’s such a pleasure to see you again.”
Lucas turned and saw me right as I looked at Tammy Larson, the woman in charge of the planning for the city Christmas party.
“Hello, Tammy, it’s nice to see you again.”
“My last meeting ran over, and I was chatting with some friends.”
Sweeping my gaze past Tammy, I couldn’t help but smile when Lucas winked at me. He made his way over to me, never once looking anywhere other than my eyes. Leaning down, he brushed his lips over mine tenderly.
“Long time, no see. How was your first meeting?”
Feeling my cheeks heat, I quickly looked at Tammy, then back to Lucas. “It went great.”
“Are you free for lunch?”
“Considering my next appointment is with your mother, I think so.”
Lucas laughed. “Call me when you’re done here. I’ll wait for you in the lobby.”
I gave him a nod and focused back on Tammy. She seemed amused.
“I take it you know Lucas?” she asked with a chuckle.
“Yes, he’s my boyfriend.”
