Page 14 of The Future Play

Rae bumps her knee against mine. We’re sitting in a circle on my bedroom floor, all cross-legged, with the sushi like a holy platter in the middle.

“It’s okay to ask for help. You’re not being a burden. You’re relying on your support system.”

I stare at them for a second, then Sarah whispers, “Ask us.”

Then they’re all whisper-chanting it.

“Fine. Will you help me set up for my event next Friday? Please.”

“That was physically painful for you, wasn’t it?” Mackie asks.

“A little.”

“Well, we’ll just have to keep practicing it then. Like immersiontherapy.” Rae smirks at me. “But we’d be happy to help. We’ll all be there whenever you need us.”

“And when you’re done, you’re coming back to our place to shower,and thenwe’ll do your hair and makeup,” Sarah says.

“Okay.”

Mackie knocks her knee against mine. “Once more with feeling.”

“Okay. Thank you.” I let out a long sigh. “I love you all. Now, can we eat? I’m starving.”

“Whatever the birthday girl wants,” Rae says.

But as I look around at them, I know I’ve already got everything I want.

I lovewhen an event comes together.

It might sound completely stupid that I’ve wanted to be an event planner my whole life, but for me, it makes sense. I love parties. I love creating an entire theme and decor. I love making people happy. Those are all things I get to do on a regular basis.

I probably don’t need to go to college for it, but I don’t just want to do this job, I want to excel at it, which means learning everything I can, whether in the classroom or in practice. Event planning isn’t just one job. I’m part creator, part designer, part businesswoman, part counselor—helping people figure out what they actually want—and part travel agent. All while being the head bitch in charge. Event planning allows me to use every single one of my skills to perfectly organize chaos into something beautiful.

This is the first ever event I’m hosting for someone not connected to my parents. It’s still not big. It’s a small fundraiser with a silent auction, a couple of singers, and a few poets doing readings, all to help raise money for a new county arts center.

It’s being hosted by one of the board members of the countyarts council, though I’ve mostly spoken with his assistant and his wife—as he put it, he has no eye for planning, just goals he wants to achieve—and I’m the one working to make it all happen.

Watching it all happen.

Having the girls help me set up made everything go much more smoothly, and I hope if I need their help in the future, I’ll be able to swallow my pride and fear of feeling like a burden and ask for it. We also had a fantastic time while they made me look polished and professional.

I’m not wearing any fancy clothes, just a pretty oversized light tan sweater with black leggings and high-quality black low-top sneakers. My hair is smooth and shiny, and the bottom strands have been curled. I feel like a badass boss, and it’s a little strange to think that’s exactly what I am. I curated this event.

I really need to choose a business name. The other day I made some social media accounts and started posting pictures of my process, but if I’m going to take this seriously, I need to figure out my branding and a website.

But that’s future me’s problem. Right now, all I need to do is make sure this event keeps running smoothly.

“Oh, Amanda!” I turn to face Marissa Henderson. She and her husband Bill have been great to work with through the event planning process.

“Is everything all right?”

She puts a hand on my arm. “It’s excellent. I just wanted to thank you again. I keep getting compliments about how beautiful and well put together everything is. I just wanted to let you know that.”

“Thank you. I really appreciate it.”

She sighs dramatically. “I appreciate you. Bill is great about a lot of things, but planning any kind of event isn’t one of them, and with four kids, I barely keep my head on straight most days. You made everything so much easier, and that alone will have me singing your praises to anyone and everyone.”

My cheeks heat a little. “Thank you.”

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