Page 52 of The Funnel to You

“I remember the first time we went to this restaurant together.”

“You wore your blue cardigan and pink lipstick t-shirt.”

“You got sauce on the shirt, but it was on the lipstick tube so the stain was hidden.”

“I love it when you wear that shirt.”

We chuckle together about the notes. But it’s perfect.

Me: Thank you for dinner. I’m actually wearing that shirt today.

Matt: You look beautiful. Enjoy.

Monday is insane. We pack and have phone calls with Chelsea and Natalie’s team. We check in for our flights and make sure we have everything printed in our folders for hotel and car rental and contact numbers. I am zipping up my last duffel that I will use as my carry on and the zipper pops completely off.

“You have got to be kidding me!” I whisper shout at my bag. This thing is insanely old and I knew it would happen soon. But I was really hoping it would hold out for this trip. I didn’t want to try going to any stores this week. Everyone is holiday shopping, and it’s going to be crazy enough at the airport tomorrow.

“Kylie, do you or Carter have an extra duffel bag that I can borrow?” I shout down the hallway.

“No, I’m sorry. Carter let one of his friends borrow them to move this week. I have literally zero luggage on the premises.” She comes into the room to tell me. “How much more do you have?”

“Just my overnight stuff. I wanted a couple outfits and my base makeup bag in this bag just in case checked luggage gets lost or delayed.”

“Makes sense. Have you asked Ashley?”

“Not yet, let me call her.” I take out my phone and give her a quick call.

“Hey, Sasha, what’s up?” She responds. I can hear her moving things on the other end and assume I’m on speaker while she is packing up her things too.

“Hey. Just finished packing my carry on and my bag just broke. Do you happen to have an extra bag I can borrow? I really don’t want to run to the store if I can help it.”

She’s quiet for a moment and I wonder if her mom is helping her pack and they’re communicating on the other end.

“Yeah, I’ve got you babe. I’m still planning to come over tonight to spend the night so we can leave together in the morning so I will bring it with me then, is that okay?”

“Yeah, that’s perfect.”

“Do you need anything else before I finish up here and head over there in a little while?”

“No, I think I’m all set. See you soon.”

I breathe a sigh of relief. One less thing that I need to worry about.

A couple of hours later the bell rings. I go to answer it thinking that it’s Ashley, but it’s actually a couple of boxes from Macy’s. They’re addressed to me and there’s a note taped to the top one.

“Sasha, I hope these options work for what you need. I was in the room when you called Ashley and I told her I would take care of getting you a bag. You are going to do great tomorrow. Sleep well tonight.”

I smile softly as I grab the boxes and come back into the living room. I needed one bag. What is all of this?

Box one has two different duffle bag options. Both are purple and absolutely gorgeous but still professional. Box two has a set of silk pillowcases and a sleep mask with a note that says “for the hotel.” I chuckle to myself – I hate using hotel pillowcases. I have no clue why, but they freak me out. I’m fine with the blankets and everything else, it’s just the pillowcases. Box two also has a travel coffee mug, my favorite lip balm, and about fifty different pens.

Me: Thank you so much for all the goodies. Quick question though, why so many pens?

Matt: I didn’t know what you would be in the mood for this week so I checked off all the boxes with the options.

Me: They’re great. Thank you, Matt.

Matt: You are very welcome. Sleep well, Sasha. Be safe tomorrow. You’re going to do amazing!

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