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“As you know, Austin is going to be working with me on an upcoming event,” Jane shared, “so he’s shadowing today, getting a feel for how everything comes together.”
Caitlin looked over at Austin. “Not so glamorous behind the scenes, huh?” she chuckled.
“Well,” Austin said honestly, “I knew it wasn’t all fun and games, just from growing up here, but I have to hand it to you both, there’s a ton of work that goes into every detail,” he said while looking around at all the decorations and guests.
“Your favorite part is about to begin,” Caitlin winked over at Jane, which made her smile. “I know you don’t like to miss it if you can help it,” she continued, “But listen, I’m going to go make sure we’re on track for service. If there are any issues, I’ll text you.”
“Sounds good,” Jane nodded. “I’ll be on the property until around 10 pm tonight, so if you need me for anything, just let me know. I’ll be here.”
“OK,” Caitlin said as she was about to walk off. “Nice to meet you, Austin.”
Austin nodded with a smile and watched Caitlin walk off. He looked over at Jane, wondering what Caitlin had meant. “Hey… what’s she talking about, your favorite part? Hasn’t the bride already been introduced and stuff?” Austin asked, thinking it must be the first dance or something like that.
“Oh,” Jane shrugged, “it’s silly.”
“Silly, huh?” Austin asked curiously. “Now you have me intrigued.”
“It’s just something that I started doing with the team here when I started. It’s a little thing I used to do for weddings at my old job.”
“And what’s that?”
“Well, as you’ve seen tonight, each event is special in its own way, but most of us who run these have a favorite part when it comes to the actual event itself. So…” Jane said, not sure if Austin would find it crazy or not, “I started asking my team here to share their personal favorite part about the actual wedding itself. It could be anything from the ceremony to the reception.”
“OK…that’s cool,” Austin said, wondering what she was going to say. “Does it change from wedding to wedding?”
“Not often,” Jane said smiling as she looked out into the crowd, “it’s usually the same for each wedding. It’s not always an easy question to answer right away, but it’s fun hearing what everyone says. You see, most people say the first dance is their favorite, or when the couple is introduced for the first time.”
“OK,” Austin nodded as he looked out into the crowd again, “but I’m assuming those aren’t your favorite.”
“No, not mine,” she said with starry eyes, as she looked out at the couples walking to their tables so that the food service could begin.
“So, what’s yours?”
“Like I said, it probably sounds silly, but my favorite part is when someone saves a seat for someone else.”
“Save a seat?” Austin asked, confused. “You’re kidding me, right? Aren’t seats assigned?”
“Not always,” Jane answered, “and that’s why it’s my favorite part. You see this wedding has reserved tables, so each person has a table they are assigned to sit at, but not a specific seat.”
Austin cocked his head at Jane, understanding what she was saying, but surprised by her answer. He would never, in a million years, have guessed her response to the question.
Jane let out a small laugh. “See, you think I sound crazy, but that’s OK. You’re giving me the look my team gave me when I first told them about this. But yes, it’s my favorite part. Normally people come to weddings with a plus one, so I just love seeing who people are saving a seat for. It’s a romantic gesture, and I love it.”
“So you’re a romantic, too, huh?” Austin chuckled, as she stared at her.
“Yes,” Jane shrugged, feeling herself start to blush. “I guess this makes me one, but it’s true. I just love watching a young man with his arm draped over a chair waiting for his date to arrive. I mean, right now, look at all the tables,” she said, pointing to a particular table. “See how the table is half full, but see how that man is obviously saving a seat for someone. Just waiting for her to show up. Her eyes always light up, even though it’s expected. It really is just a sweet, kind gesture to do for someone you care about.”
Austin looked out at the crowd and noticed a couple of guys sitting at tables with empty seats next to them. “So you’re telling me you love watching someone save a seat for someone else?” he said amused, trying to make sure he understood correctly.
“Well, someone they love, or are here with. There’s a distinction. They are not saving a seat for just anyone,” she said, looking over at Austin and noticing the confusion on his face. “I told you it was silly,” Jane replied. “My entire team thinks I’m crazy, but, yes… I love it. It doesn’t matter how old you are, or how long you’ve been dating or married, it’s sweet. I mean, think about it, whomever you save a seat for is the person you want to be with, right?”
Austin thought about it for a second because he had never thought about anything like this before, but Jane seemed to have a point. “So is that the big, romantic gesture you look for in a guy?” he asked, still amused.
Jane smiled, “That, among other things, but yes, I’d want him to always save me a seat.”
“You’re an interesting woman, Jane Jones, that’s for sure,” he responded.
“Well…” Jane said, feeling her stomach tighten at his words. “Everything seems to look good here, I’m going to go to my office and get a few things done so I can leave by 10 pm. I really appreciate you staying and working with me all day. I hope it helps as we fast-forward into planning with Molly.”
“Yes,” he nodded, “It will be much easier walking Molly through things on Monday with you, especially the food options.”
“Good,” Jane nodded. “That’s exactly what I was hoping for,” she said as they walked back into The Oxford where the events for the day were winding down, but the nightlife was heating up at the restaurant and bar.
“Well, Jane,” Austin said, looking over at her, “I’m going to officially call it a night and clock out. I believe there’s a drink calling my name over there at the bar.”
Jane smiled, knowing that he had probably worked harder today than he had in his entire life.
“Enjoy your drink, Austin,” Jane replied, “you earned it today.”
