It really sounded like a fun, sweet, meet-cute. Her friend chickened out because she’s afraid of heights. His date got sick on the Tilt-A-Whirl and ended up going home, so there they were, in line together, ready to look over the cityscape alone, until the ride attendant made the assumption that they were a couple and forced them into the same carriage. And the rest is gaudy pink and carnival history.
Which we are fully embracing this weekend for what may be an epically hellish bachelorette party. “The weirdness of this might be on par with the hobbyhorse expo.” It’s a full-on assault to the senses.
“I think it might surpass it, if I’m going to be honest. I can’t wait until you see the cake.” She wheels me across the foyer, past a massive Pepto-Bismol pink flower arrangement to the dining and event room.
We head for the office, where I’m sure we’ll find what is likely to be a very stressed-out London based on what Harley has told me this morning. I don’t think we ever planned for a scenario like this, and maybe I didn’t do a good enough job setting things up in the first place to make it easy for Harley and London to manage.
Harley wheels me into the office. We don’t spend much time in here during events, but when we’re in the planning stages, it’s the hub of Spark House. We each have a desk arranged in a way that makes it look more like a chilled-out library than an actual office.
I don’t particularly love having to sit behind a desk all formal-like, so beyond my desk is a set of huge, comfy chairs close to the windows that overlook the sprawling gardens outside. There’s also an adjustable standing desk facing the windows and a yoga ball that I can sit on when the chair isn’t working for me and neither is standing.
Harley’s space looks like it belongs to a very organized teacher, and London’s has a placard that says LADY BOSS on it. We got it for her as a Christmas present. While I tend to be the face of events, London manages all the things behind the scenes: liaising with companies to get great deals on supplies, coming up with cool ideas to complement the theme of whatever event we’re hosting. Very lady boss behavior, even though she doesn’t necessarily like the title.
London is sitting at her desk, a pile of tiny stars in front of her, which after hearing Harley say how many there are around their house, tells me that this is her way of coping with stress. “I’m sorry, but that’s not what we agreed upon. I have the email right here. If you’re not going to honor the price, I’m happy to negotiate with another vendor. We have five weddings planned through the end of this year and we’re looking at least another fifteen next year, so I’m not interested in working with a company that says one thing and then does another. Especially when it puts our reputation on the line.” She spins around, eyes going wide when she sees me. She holds up a finger. “I’m more than happy to forward you the email citing the price. There’s been no miscommunication on my end. Maybe it would be wise to speak with Claude, as I’ve dealt with him on the past two events.” She picks up a star and drops it in a glass jar where it joins its sisters. “I’ll need an answer by the end of the day, or unfortunately I’ll have to go with a different vendor. I’m sure you understand how delays such as these can impact the success of an event.”
Her smile holds strain, but her tone is sweet. Almost admonishing. London is very good at getting what we need at a very fair price. “Of course, I sincerely appreciate you getting to the bottom of it so quickly. I’ll speak to you later. Have a lovely afternoon.”
She ends the call and rounds her desk, leaning down to give me an awkward hug. “I cannot tell you how much we miss you around here.”
“I miss being here.” Although based on the way London schooled that supplier, she’s holding her own.
“Netflix bingefest getting old?” She leans against her desk and crosses one heeled foot over the other.
What I wouldn’t give to wear a pair of shoes right now, even heels. I’m currently sporting a single Birkenstock. My toenails could really use a fresh coat of polish. “It was fine when I was medicated and my brain was firing on one cylinder, but now that I’m not in a complete fog and my brain is actually functioning, binge-watching shows is not all that exhilarating. On the upside, I can use a crutch to move around now, so I’m not completely reliant on Declan for every little thing. At least when I’m not being monitored by the crutch police.” I thumb over my shoulder at Harley.