When I made it back to my office, I was full of triumph and smiles. Nothing, not even the lingering threat of unemployment, could make me frown today. I walked back in, my lightly soda spotted blazer buttoned up over my borrowed t-shirt, and sat down at my desk. I spent about twenty minutes on my computer, putting out a few social media campaigns for event planning. Sure, my twitter ads were more likely to bring bar mitzvahs than celebrity mixers, but the rules had been outlined. Whoever brought in the most money from new clients would be given an edge, and I could do a ton of small events and be incredibly successful. It's not like I had a full social life outside of work, not when my job was on the line at least. After I closed my screen, I felt a tap on my shoulder.

"What are you wearing?" Robert asked, chuckling. "I've always liked the edgy look you have, but my mother's kind of crazy about that. Is that a Triumphant Thunder t-shirt?"

"It's sort of long story," I said. "I'm sure she'll understand. She ran into Andrew and I at the restaurant; Lucy's purse knocked over my soda."

"That woman and her bags," Robert said, smiling. I could see it, the hint of admiration in his eyes. he had no idea whatsoever who off the wall crazy he was.

"Well, I have one new client recruited," I said. "And he's taking me out to dinner, so all in all, your fiancé's purse was no big deal. She is certainly close to your mom, huh?"

"They get along."

"Congrats," I said. "She seems like a nice girl."

"Speaking of brides," Robert said. "I am here to brief you on your new assignment, the high profile one you need to get a permanent position at Exquisite."

"It's a wedding!" I squealed. "Yay, I love weddings!"

"I know, which is why I requested my mother give you this assignment. but I have to warn you, it's the most difficult assignment."

"Oh great, difficult! I love challenges..."

"Let's head back to my office," Robert said. I stood up, flattening my skirt as I followed him. "Soon, you might have your own office, Ann."

"Well, one can only hope. Right now I am nervous about this assignment. Is she a bridezilla?"

"Let me close my door before we talk. Ann, this assignment requires the utmost discretion and you might have to sign a confidentiality agreement."

"Wow," I said. Robert opened the door and I found myself sitting down in Robert's office chair, just like the first time we'd met.

"Hmmmm..." Robert said.

"What?" I asked him.

"I just, I noticed you're not wearing the bracelet..."

"I thought it'd be best not to. I mean, your fiancé might not like it, even if it was a gift from another time."

"Well, we should probably discuss your assignment. What do you know about Lacy Calvin?"

"Lacy Calvin?" I said, questioning him. "She's a model turned movie star. And, wow, small world, she's the one who punched my cousin's friend Stephanie on that YouTube video."

"Right," Robert said, even though he clearly didn't know these things. "Your assignment is the Calvin-Jensen wedding. Our last event planner, Maggie with the curly hair, she just put in her two weeks notice. Her letter of resignation said that working with Lacy for seven months, she decided life was too short. Their wedding is in six weeks, and if we can't give her the wedding of her dreams, we'll be facing a massive lawsuit."

"Wow. Wouldn't Lucinda want to handle it herself, or give it to a senior agent."

"Mom hates Lacy, and so do most of the staff members. Besides, aside from being a superb wedding planner, you are great at handle crazy women without loosing your cool."

"Thank you."

"So, anyways, here is the file from Maggie. She has booked mostly everything, planned 90 percent of the wedding. Your immediate to do list includes planning two bridal showers, the bachelorette party, and the rehearsal dinner. And of course, you'll be in command on the wedding day. Lacy had also requested you assist her on her final dress alterations, to make sure everything is perfect."

"Ok," I said. "That sounds reasonable, but why does she need two bridal showers?"

"One is in LA, and one is in Seattle, Lacy's hometown. And Lacy wants to have her bachelorette party in Las Vegas."

"I'm sorry, am I supposed to with her to these events?"

"Well, you'll be given first class tickets to fly to the events. We'll also cover your hotel costs and give you a per diem for food."

"But, that's so generous. I mean, even if I don't get the job, I'm getting two vacations!"

"Well, believe me, you're going to earn every penny. Lacy is demanding to say the least."

"I'll look over these files and get everything squared away."

"And Ann," Robert said, sighing as he spoke. "You have a five o'clock appointment with the happy couple. They want to meet you."

"Wow," I said. "I better get to work. I guess I'll start with the proposals for a bridal shower in LA."

"That's my girl," Robert said, before he frowned at his word choice. I stood up and smiled weakly.

"Well, thanks for the opportunity," I said as I closed his door. I didn't have time to contemplate the weird way Robert was acting towards me. One moment he was doting on his new fiancé, the next he was sending me on exotic trips and giving me lingering looks. I had to focus on my newest client.

**********

Lacy Calvin was everything you expected from a modern Hollywood starlet and more. She had the giant purse, the sunglasses she wore indoors, the designer shoes and overdone outfit, and the arm candy. Ah yes, her fiancé Jerry Jensen was every inch of tall dark and handsome he appeared to be in the movies, making even me want to swoon just a tiny bit. As they waltzed into Robert's office, which he'd kindly offered to let me borrow, I felt my stomach dropped just a little. I'd made proposals, given them options, and made checklist confirmations for the plans Maggie had made. But it didn't matter, because I had to be better than "intern Ann". I wasn't doing this for my cousin or some forgotten model about to turn thirty. This was a legitimate celebrity wedding, the kind that got you centerfolds in People and exclusive wealthy clientele.

I stood to meet them, and Lacy extended her arms as if I was her new soul mate. Jerry stood back idly, although I could almost swear he did the glance up and down thing , when guys not so subtly check out every detail of your body in one sweeping look. But he was there with his super-model-gorgeous fiancé, so I shrugged it off. I secretly wondered if I was more appealing to men with serious commitments in their life. I didn't have time to debate this, because I was being suffocated by the tiny arms hugging me.

"You are an angel," Lacy said. "That Maggie, I swear, she was out to sabotage my wedding. clearly, she had lost her mind or something. I was so relieved when Lucinda promised me she had the perfect woman for me. She said you just planned the wedding for Joel Mcnarie."

"I did, so I am familiar with working with celebrity clientele. I know that in addition to dealing with the typical bride's concerns, you also have twenty hour workdays, paparazzi stalkers, and millions of curious fans to deal with. But I believe I can still make your day special, private, and over the top. Of course, our easiest task will be making you look perfect. You're so beautiful already."

"Thanks Ann, but don't worry about the 'private' part. We're doing a special with "E!" on our wedding, so they have the exclusive legal rights to all photos and videos. Plus, free photographers and publicity!"

"Smart," I said. Secretly I thought it was weird they were pimping out their wedding, but to each their own.

"I have a question, " Jerry said. "Since you planned the Mcnarie wedding, did you meet Joel's sister?"

"Jerry, really?" Lacy said. "Jerry and Stephanie had a little "thing" before we got engaged."

"Well, I know her. It sounds like she's next in line to get married."

"I bet it's that hot drummer she dumped Jerry for," Lacy said, laughing. "Come on, honey. Everybody wound up with someone they love, smile, ok?"

"You have a good attitude," I said.

We went on to discuss the arrangments, and I discovered that Lacy frequently liked to sqeual with excitment. Jerry, however, spent most of the meeting trying to peek down my blouse. Between his wondering eyes and his comments about Stephanie, I began to wonder if this wedding was goign to happen at all. Lacy's phone chirped and she smiled.

"It's about a job," she said. "I'll be right back, ok? Jerry, why don't you guys talk about the caterers. Guys love their food, huh?"

"Sure," I said. "Take your time."

Lacy flipped it open and walked out, but her voice still trailed in the office. She popped her head back in to tell us she'd walk around and come back in ten minutes. Jerry and I reviewed the menu briefly, and everything was in order. Then an awkward silence followed, and Jerry and I made eye contact.

"How old are you?" He asked me.

"Almost twenty," I said. "But I'm highly qualified."

"So you're probably too young to be one of my fans, then?"

"I missed the boat by two or three years, but I've seen your movies."

"Oh, and did you like them?"

"The one with you and your fiance was good," I said. "I guess you guys fell in love on set."

"Something like that." Jerry smiled at me, and I was taken aback. Some men were good looking, like Robert, but Jerry was downright beautiful. Sometimes dangerous men come in pretty packaging.

"Do all the interns here wear short skirts?"

"Some of us do," I said. "Sometimes I don't. We should probably discuss the wedding." I wasn't tryign to be promiscuous, but as a short girl, longer skirts made me look weird.

"Yeah, you know, I'd love to discuss some things with you private. Maybe you could come by my hotel room later..."

"What? I'm sorry, I don't think that would be appropriate."

Jerry stood up and gave me a business card. It had his cell phone number, and hotel room on it.

"Lacy and I are in seperate rooms. We're trying to abstain before the wedding, build up the romance, you know? But I have needs, so swing by sometime..."

I didn't say a word, nor did I take his card. He set it down on the desk and I just gaped at his audacity. Did women actually do this sort of thing? Sure he has a fiance, but he's famous! The notion made me queasy.

"I'm going to find my fiance and take her out tonight. I'll see you around, Ann."

After Jerry Jensen left, I felt my skin crawl and I tried to calm down. But files and busywork couldn't shake the feeling. To make matters worse, Lucinda walked in unnannounced.

"How did it go?" She asked, with utter distaste in her voice.

"Great," I said. "I'll be her planner. But there was this one thing that was strange...I'm not sure what to do."

"What was it?" Lucinda asked, sighing heavily.

"Jerry Jensen hit on me," I said. "Do I tell the bride, or do I let it go?"

Lucinda raised her eyebrows before bursting out into a maniacal fit of laughter.

"Tell her? As if she doesn't know. Ann, you're so silly..."

"What? Why would she know about her fiance's...indescretion?"

"Because Ann, this isn't some small town in Missippi. People here have their own set of rules. Haven't you ever heard of an open marriage before?"

"Yes, but...wait, is that what they are, an open couple?"

"Yes," Lucinda said. "It's a well kept secret in Hollywood, but most couples are more....open minded these days. And how do think Lacy is still getting roles over more talented twenty two year olds? She is giving the casting director's a reason to look her way."

"What?" I said. "You know, it's not my business. I'll plan their wedding, but I don't need to hold their hands. They're adults and I'm sure they'll do right by each other."

"Oh Ann," Lucinda said, still laughing. "No wonder Robert liked you so much. You're so simple minded; it's refreshing really."

For once Lucinda's remarks didn't hurt. If wanting monogamy and honesty were simplistic, than I guess I was a simple minded kind of girl.