When Perfect Meets Crazy

“So,” I pulled out a chair to sit on at the table with the rest of the prom committee, “what have you guys come up with?”

Ian dragged a chair from a nearby table and joined our small circle. A few eyebrows were raised but no one outright objected. An invisible ‘he’s with me’ stamp was on him. I wasn’t quite sure how I felt about being so easily associated with him but I was soon distracted by the realization that Claire wasn’t in attendance. It both annoyed and placated me. On one hand, it meant I was more valuable to the committee than she was but at the same time... How was I key member and she wasn’t? And wasn’t that really just code for she’d get to enjoy her free time while I wouldn’t.

“We were thinking of switching to Eloise’s uncle’s catering company.” The secretary, Elaine, shrugged half-heartedly. “They’re the only ones who’ll take us on such short notice.”

I arched an eyebrow in disbelief, my gaze drifting from one face to the next.

“Really?” My tone was heavily laced with disapproval. “That’s the best you could come up with?”

Unexpectedly, it came out sounding so much like my mom. I shuddered involuntarily. I had been on the receiving end of her disapproval enough to know that it sucked a whole lot.

“I’d like to see you do better.” Ralph sneered.

I rolled my eyes, the resemblance moment instantly taking backseat. Ralph really needed to get over himself.

“There was a reason we didn’t go for that in the first place, remember?” I said, letting his jab pass without comment which I knew would piss him off even more.

They clearly did remember seeing as they all suddenly had something to pointedly stare at to avoid meeting my gaze. I sighed, pinching the bridge of my nose. Seriously?

Beside me, Ian leaned forward, watching the interaction with the avid interest of a child unwrapping a present.

“Fine.” I sighed, pulling out my phone. “Give me the number of the caterers.”

Ralph grudgingly supplied the number of the catering service trying to bail on our deal.

I hit the call button and waited patiently.

“Hello.”

“Hello,” I replied amicably, putting the call on speaker. “Is this Sweetwater catering?”

“Yes.” The voice on the other end replied.

“Perfect. I’m calling on behalf of Claire Anne high school.”

The disappointed wariness in her tone was

Louise harassing her over an

cancel on such short notice.”

Louise who looked like she was barely managing to keep herself from cussing the lady

need to put the needs of

shot me agitated looks of surprise. Ralph and Elaine even went

“We think it’d be in your

to reply

to the students here. I mean the student council can only do so much but since majority of the students already know we booked your company, when they find out that

other end of

sigh, shaking my head with false sympathy. “Well, you’ll just have to tough it out. My advice though; deactivate

practically smell her

the heat of it passes. It’s an elitist private school, you know? The students here are, of course, spoilt brats used to getting their way. Spoilt brats who know how to hold a grudge when they

gaze met Louise’s who had her mouth hanging open. I

by the end of summer. With seniors jetting off to college, everyone will be a little distracted. The most you’ll get is a few hate

for effect. Silence rang back from the other

the long run it’s

swung to Ian’s indecipherable

hire you for any events. The kid of the Sheriff goes to our school. The Policemen’s ball is coming up, isn’t it?

Idiot. I glanced away almost as soon as it did but not so fast

used to cater their launch parties. And Greenich

looking away.

tone turned conciliatory like I was completely on her side and felt the offer was a nuance, “but I’m obligated to say it anyway. Have a nice

that parting remark,

“Done,” I announced.

Ian blinked.

“Wow.” Louise exhaled.

nature.” Elaine beamed. “Remind me to

to the one person who wasn’t

saying,

“Just wow.

rolled my