"No, I said I want the poker tables over there!" I bark and pinch the bridge of my nose. "Geez, does no one have vision!"

I flinch as there's a crashing sound and someone calls out 'sorry!'

Lord help me.

Svetlana scurries up to me, clipboard in hand. "I just got off the phone with the caterers."

"And?"

"And," she cringes. "Unfortunately there was some sort of location mix up. They won't be able to make it."

I almost scream. "How was there a location mix up Svetlana?! Hmm!?"

"I'm so, so sorry, it was my fault and-"

I shake my head and breathe in deeply. "You know what, forget it. Just find me another catering company." When she's still standing there with wide eyes I yell. "Now Svetlana!"

"I'm on it!" she takes off. Isiah comes up to me as she's leaving.

"Bartender should be here around four. That work for you?"

"It's perfect," I sigh. At least one thing was going according to plan. "Thank you."

"Hey," he places a hand on my shoulder. I don't realize how tense I am until he gives it a squeeze. "Relax. Everything's going to be fine."

I'm too stressed and strung out to believe him. All morning I've been running around like a chicken with their head cut off trying to make sure this event goes off without a hitch. And even though I said I could handle her, a part of me can't help but worry about Winston's sister Cecilia. I need her to like me because I really like her brother, and if this night is a disaster then I might as well kiss my budding relationship with him goodbye.

I give Isiah a tight smile and nod. He shakes his head and pries the clipboard I'm holding from my hand. "Why don't you go take a break? I've got it from here."

"But-"

"Go," he gently pushes me away. "Go have a drink or something. I won't tell if you don't," he winks and this time I give him a genuine smile. Signing, I turn away and run a hand through my hair just as Vienna bursts inside, carrying two trays with coffee.

"I brought in reinforcements!" She announces. Winking, she hands me a cup.

"Don't worry, I made sure to add a teensy bit of whiskey in yours."

"You're a lifesaver," I accept it gratefully and inhale the aroma of freshly ground coffee beans.

"And these are just extras for whoever needs them. I brought extra creamer and sugar just in case."

"Thanks. Just set them down over there," I point toward a table. After doing so Vienna dusts off her hands.

"So. How can I help?"

I laugh humorlessly. "Do you have a magic wand you can wave and just make everything magically be perfect?"

"No, but I have the next best thing," she stuffs her hands in her pocket and twists around. "Reservations for a spa day."

"You're kidding right? I can't just leave."

"Yes you can, and I'm not taking no for an answer."

I open my mouth but Vienna cuts me off. "Look, I'm sure Isiah has everything covered. He knows how important this is for you and he wouldn't fuck it up. Besides, if there's anything wrong, he'll call," she shrugs.

"Yeah but-"

"But nothing," she forcefully links her arms through mine. "Just looking at you is stressing me out. You need this." She looks over my shoulder and calls out. "Hey Isiah, we'll be back alright?"

He gives her a thumbs up before turning back to direct someone.

"See? He's got it handled."

I groan. "Why am I letting you talk me into this?"

"Because you love me and you just can't resist my pretty eyes," Vienna flutters her lashes for dramatic effect.

I roll my eyes.

...

"Welcome to Juvenex Spa, where we rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul," the gentle voice of the receptionist greets us. "How many I help you ladies?"

I take in the interior. The floors and walls are white marble. Gold pillars stand tall, supporting the buildings structure. Tropical green plants decorate the space giving it a tropical forest vibe. Soft rainfall can be heard in the background and there's a huge glass fountain in the center of the room.

"Hi," Vienna walks up to the receptionist and leans against the counter. She reads her name tag. "Lacey. What's the best treatment you'd recommend?"

Lacey smiles. "Definitely the enhanced beautification program. It includes general admission to our Juvenex Jade Journey along with a full facial of your choice, brow perfection, and our fresh eyes cooling eye treatment."

"What's the Juvenex Jade Journey?"

"It's one of the best services we offer and includes four phases. You'll begin with the thermal phase, where you de-stress and detoxify in our igloo sauna. Next is the Diamond Herbal steam sauna and the cold rainforest shower. In phase three we'll have you lounge in our Japanese style soaking tubs laden with sake, ginseng, seaweed, and all natural Noni, Neem & Tea Three or any of our other specialty soaks. Finally, you'll complete your journey by resting in our baked-clay, low-temperature sauna and relax as it draws the toxins out of your body."

My eyes widen and Vienna grins. "And this is all part of the enhanced beautification program?"

Lacey nods.

"Well shit. Where do we sign up?"

"Wait," I hold up my hands. "How long will this take?"

"The enhanced beautification program is about two hours and thirty minutes, give or take."

"Two hours?!"

Vienna waves her hand dismissively. "Relax. It's eleven am. We have time. Besides, did you hear Japanese style soaking tubs? Now, this may be the Asian in me speaking, but I've never been in a Japanese style soaking tub before. Given that my family is actually from Japan, this is shameful," she turns back to Lacy. "We'll take it."

"Of course. Right this way ladies," she moves from behind the counter. "Just leave your bags here. I'll put them away for you."

We're lead into a changing room where the kind receptionist hands us two robes and head wraps. After she tells us someone will be in to assist us shortly she leaves, gently shutting the door behind her.

Vienna doesn't hesitate and strips down to her underwear before shrugging the robe on. "Oh my God this is so soft. Try yours."

Reluctantly I peel of my clothes before putting the robe on. It's like being wrapped up in a cloud. I start to relax.

We tie our hair up in the head wraps before sitting down. Vienna insists we center our 'chakras' before beginning the treatment. I'm not exactly sure what she means by that nor do I know what I'm doing so I just copy her. Soon another attendant comes in and leads us to our first treatment of the day, the igloo sauna.

"Isn't this nice?" Vienna sighs blissfully. "I could get used to this."

Begrudgingly I have to agree.

"I can't wait for the soaking tubs."

"Yeah, you made the clear." It becomes silent. "The facial sounds nice," I finally admit.

"I knew you'd eventually see things my way," Vienna says smugly.

"Don't get used to it."

"Oh I will."

...

Two and a half hours later I feel fully refreshed and ready to take on the world. I'll definitely be coming back here again and recommending them to anyone who will listen. Hands down best treatment of my life.

"I have to get home," Vienna checks her phone, then looks up on an eye roll. "My parents are freaking out because I told them I was going on a coffee run and I'm not back yet."

"Do you think they'll still let you come to the fundraiser?"

"Yeah, and even if they don't, when has that ever stopped me?"

"True. Well I'm heading back to the hotel to check in."

"I'll be at your house by five thirty to start getting ready," she waves as she walks away.

I wave back then turn around to hail a cab. On the way I text Isiah.

Me: how's everything going?

Isiah: swimmingly

Me: you sure?

Isiah: yep. Everything's going fine. Svetlana managed to find a new catering company last minute and the set up is coming together pretty nicely if I do say so myself. The band is set to arrive just as you scheduled.

Me: well I'm on my way back right now to check

Isiah: no problem. Thanks for the coffee btw

Me: you can thank Vienna

Isiah: I'll make sure to extend my gratitude to her tonight

I let out a breath. It's fine. Everything will be fine and tonight will be perfect. I just need to relax.

After checking in with Isiah back at the hotel and making him promise to call me if anything goes wrong, I leave him with the crew to finish up and head home.

"I'm home!" I call out to an empty house. My dad is at work and my mother had to travel for a runway show. Relief fills me as I step out of my heels and shuffle upstairs to my bedroom. However that relief is short lived as my phone goes off.

"Now what," I mutter, lifting the screen. It's a text message from an unknown number.

Unknown: heyyy! Is this Kennedy?

Me: yes. Who is this?

Unknown: it's Cecilia, Winston's sister

My eyes practically pop from their sockets. How the hell did she get my number?!

Unknown: you're probably wondering how I got your number. Don't worry, Winston gave it to me

Unknown: lol that's a total lie. I stole it, but semantics. Anyway, looking forward to meeting you tonight! XOXO, Cece💋

I don't even know how to respond, and somehow I don't think she's expecting one.

So much for relaxing.

...

"I need you to be honest with me," I spin around to face Vienna. "Do I look okay?"

"You look drop dead gorgeous," she affirms, her hands steady as she applies eyeliner.

"You're not even looking."

"I don't need to look to know you'll have boys crawling on their hands and knees just to kiss the floor you walk on. Trust me, you look amazing."

I turn back to the mirror. The dress fits like a glove, and I've accessorized with a silver Swarovski choker and matching earrings. My hair is pinned up in an elegant updo with a feathered diamond flapper headband. My makeup is light and tasteful with matte dark nude lipstick.

"Now how do I look?" Vienna stands. "I'm ninety nine percent sure Danny will be at this thing and I still haven't spoke to him since that night."

Vienna doesn't wear makeup often but when she does it's usually more eccentric. Tonight she has on glittery gold eyeshadow with winged eyeliner and lashes. Her lips are red and her hair falls pin straight down her back with a gold beaded flapper head cap. Her entire face sparkles.

"You look...wow. I think Danny will be the one on his hands and knees."

She laughs nervously. "I hope. How are you feeling? About meeting Winstons sister I mean. I can't believe she texted you."

"Me neither, yet I'm not surprised. I might need a drink...or two."

"Well we promised Headmaster Jones that there wouldn't be any alcohol served," Vienna rolls her eyes. "Remember? School sanctioned event?"

A slow smile spreads across my face. "That's the thing V. It's a speakeasy. A private underground club known for illegal drinking."

Vienna looks confused for a moment before understanding dawns across her features. "You didn't."

"I did. Let's just say there'll be a little more than juice served at the bar."

"God I love you bitch. Come on, let's blow this joint."

...