Change of Plans - (LILAC Book 1)

Sloan

I’ve had my life meticulously planned out since I was sixteen years old. I had the grades, extracurriculars, and community service to get into my dream school. I graduated from high school with honors and did four years of college, where I met the man of my dreams, Archie Smith. He’s handsome, smart, good with money, responsible, and perfect in every sense of the word.

As long as I can get him to propose to me within the next year, everything will be on track.

It wasn’t just my personal life though, my planning also helped me land my perfect job right out of college. I interned at LILAC during the last two years of college and befriended one of the writers, so it was easy for me to assimilate myself. I’ve been working my way up to my dream position for two years and finally landed it last week, Head Fashion Consultant.

I get to style and arrange all the photoshoots for the blog and sometimes help with video content too. Life can not get any better.

My boss, Marlene, pokes her head through the door to my office. Her expression is unreadable, “Sloan, can you come to my office for a few minutes?”

I follow my boss quickly but, honestly, I’m kind of nervous. Usually, Marlene is pleasant to be around. She’s a great boss who takes care of her employees. But being summoned like this has my stomach sinking. What does she want to talk to me about?

When we get to her office, she steps in ahead of me and waits for me to follow. Before moving toward her desk to sit down, she closes the door behind her.

“Take a seat,” she smiles, gesturing at the empty chairs.

I sit down across from her and do my best to hide the fact that I’m shaking in my Jimmy Choos.

“I know you’re new to the position,” she tilts her head. “But I have something I want to ask you about.”

This should be okay. I haven’t been in the position long enough to do anything wrong–yet. “Okay, I’m all ears.”

“It’s LILAC’s tenth anniversary in two weeks, you know the party,” she waves her hand in the air.

Of course, I know what she’s talking about, it’s only the biggest event LILAC has ever hosted.

“Well I just saw some of the plans and it’s not looking right,” Marlene continues, grimacing. “I was wondering if you have time to work with the designers to help give it that LILAC look.”

The brand is what’s most important to Marlene. At least that’s how it seems. And I’ve made it my mission to study brand standards for the last few months. I should be able to do this and it will only make Marlene happy with me.

“Sure, Marlene, but I’m not an event planner,” I admit, with a soft smile.

“It’s just the look I’m worried about,” she shakes her shoulders like she’s uncomfortable. “They splashed purple everywhere but it’s just not right. It’s missing that LILAC chef’s kiss… know what I mean?”

When she’s looking at me like that I feel so important. This is the first time it feels like my opinions might really matter here but I try to play it cool.

“Okay, sure. I am pretty much done for the day.” I pull out my phone to take notes. “Who should I talk to?”

She slides a folder across the desk, “The contact info for the planning company is in there, they’re working at the venue next week.” Her fingers tap the folder while she talks, “I’ll give them a call and let them know you’ll be handling them going forward.”

“Thank you for trusting me Marlene, I’ll do my best,” I assure her as I reach for the folder.

Well, Sloan, this is what you planned for. Now you just have to make it happen.

Over the next few days, I exchanged a few emails with the event coordinator and we agreed that I’ll be in the venue with them next week for styling assistance.

When I told her about my plans, Marlene cleared my schedule for the week. She wants this party to be perfect. Besides the celebrities who work with our brand, a few big influencers are on the guest list and we have to impress. I believe her exact words were that she wants to break the internet. I don’t know if that’s still hip or not but I know what she means.

Now that it’s finally Friday, I can’t wait to go home and see Archie. We rarely see each other during the week. Typically, we exchange a few texts here and there. We’re busy, it’s understandable, and someday we’ll live together and see each other every night.

When I get home, I quickly shower and try to make myself look pretty. Archie likes it best when I wear a dress and full make-up–he’s just old-fashioned. I’ve spent most of my life around men like him and keeping up appearances is always important.

Almost as soon as I’m ready, he’s ringing the doorbell so I hop over to the door and open it. “Archie! I’m so happy to see you, I missed you.”

“Hi, honey,” he smiles.

“Come in,” I beam.

He does and I wrap my arms around his neck. He holds me and pats my back like he always does, then kisses my forehead.

“Are you almost ready?” He asks as he checks his watch.

“Yes, let me just grab a sweater,” I step away from him.

“The pink one,” he suggests.

“Okay, I’ll be right back,” I shoot him a smile before turning to head into my bedroom.

Every Friday, we have dinner with his family at their favorite restaurant. Archie’s parents are very strict and polished so I have to dress and act the part. Archie will never propose to me unless they bless our union. Five years of a relationship means nothing without their stamp of approval.

Once I get my sweater and purse together, Archie escorts me to his car and lets me into the passenger seat. He walks around the car, gets behind the wheel, and starts to drive to the restaurant.

“How was work?” I ask, glancing at his handsome profile.

“You know how my father is,” his shoulders tighten like I poked a soft spot. “Lots of running and planning but I can’t complain.”

“What are you working on?” I reach my hand toward him, brushing my fingers over his knuckles on the shifter.

“I can’t talk to you about that, you know what my father says, work stays at work,” Archie says sternly.

I can feel him shutting down but I already learned that this is not a place to push him. So, I back down, “Okay.”

After a few minutes of silence, I try again, “I didn’t tell you but I got offered a pretty big opportunity at work this week. I’m in charge of styling the anniversary party.”

“The what?” His face twists in surprise.

“You know, the 10th Anniversary LILAC party, you said you would come,” I remind him.

“Is it on my calendar?” He looks at me for a second before turning back to the road.

“I don’t know,” I shrug, feeling my cheeks start to burn. “You just said yes.”

“Tell me again tomorrow, and I’ll send an email to my secretary,” he waves his hand.

“Okay.” It takes all my strength to stop the frown from stretching my face.

I know he’s busy but it hurts when he forgets my things–especially something as important as this big party. Even before I had this new role, I was looking forward to him coming with me and finally meeting my co-workers.

“So you’re blowing up balloons and serving snacks?” Archie breaks the silence with a chuckle. “Doesn’t seem like a big opportunity.”

“Archie?” Suddenly my stomach hurts.

“Just don’t bring it up with my parents,” he laughs. “They’ll eat you alive.”

Now I can’t stop the frown so I turn to look out the window. “I won’t.”

The rest of the car ride is silent. I feel a bit sad and Archie must be stressed. He always gets like this when he’s stressed–all disconnected and short with me.

When we get to the restaurant, the valet takes the car keys and Archie walks me inside.

Almost as soon as we step into the restaurant, the host greets Archie, “Mr. Smith, follow me, your parents are waiting.”

After we greet his parents, we sit down at the table across from them. As per the usual, everything has been chosen and ordered for us. Mrs. Smith is nothing if she isn’t picky.

But now that the pleasantries are over, there is silence at the table. The low murmur of the restaurant patrons is all that can be heard. I’d think of something to talk about but I know that’s a bad idea. It’s best to just leave this up to Archie and his parents.

“Archie, your father tells me you have news?” His mother asks, delicately placing her napkin on her lap.

“At the table?” Archie asks, his head jutting back in shock.

“You’re among family, son,” his father assures him.

This is new. Archie and his father never discuss business with us, so I can’t help the anticipation that’s creeping up in my belly.

“I’m up for the VP position,” Archie admits but he hardly looks happy.

I, on the other hand, can’t hold myself back. I know he’s been waiting for this. “Archie! Congratulations,” I squeal.

“Yes, I’m very proud of you,” his mother adds smiling sweetly at him from across the table.

“He just needs to dot a few Is and cross a few Ts, and he’ll be golden,” Mr. Smith explains, grinning from ear to ear.

Archie lets himself feel it for a moment and smiles proudly but quickly returns to his stern face when his father looks at him. Now the uncomfortable silence is back so I reach for my water and take a long sip.

“Sloan, how is your work going?” Mrs. Smith asks, her voice suddenly calling the attention of the table.

I don’t want to be cold, but I also don’t know what to say because of the way Archie was acting in the car. My cheeks burn, and I feel put on the spot. My job, I love my job–this should be easy to talk about. What is going on with me?

“Well,” is all I manage to say.

“You got that promotion last week,” Archie chimes in, letting his eyes meet mine for a moment.

“I did,” I swallow the lump in my throat.

“She is doing great,” Archie beams as if he’s suddenly proud of me. “She got offered another opportunity this week.”

Why did he say that if he doesn’t want me to tell them? My teeth grind, and I feel a spike of anger in my stomach.

But before I have to say anything his mother replies. “That’s wonderful dear.”

She meets my eyes, “You should soak in all the experience, after all, this is all just in the meantime. Once you and Archie start your life you’ll be at home anyhow.”

What is she talking about? That’s what I’m thinking but thankfully I have the good sense not to say that. “I’m not sure, I think I’d like to stay in my field.”

“Sloan,” Archie warns.

I’m about to say something else when the waiter places our food on the table and breaks the tension. Instead of getting into a debate with the Smiths, I pick at my salad and eat my food in silence while everyone else talks.

This night is not going well for me at all. I keep thinking that all I want to do is go home.

After dinner, I get my wish, and Archie drives me there. The ride is silent but I can’t tell if it’s me or him–maybe a little of both.

“Do you want to come in?” I ask as he stops in front of my building.

“Not tonight honey,” he gives me a sweet smile. Reaching out he caresses my cheek as he talks, “That meal was heavy and I need to get some sleep. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”

“Okay, Archie, I love you, I hope you feel better.” I reach out and squeeze his hand before I open my door to get out.

“Goodnight Sloan.”

I close the car door behind me and make my way inside. Once I’m in the elevator I just feel like crying but I’m not even sure why. It’s all too much to unpack right now. Right now I want to keep my head down and not start any problems. With the party coming up, I’m going to need to be in a good head space.

Stepping into my apartment I quickly kick off my shoes and head into the kitchen. After I have a cup of tea, I decide to take a bubble bath and read until I’m relaxed enough to go to bed.