Chapter 29: Meeting Abbot

SLOAN

Carly shadows me for most of the morning, taking notes. We start to work on a document about LILAC’s brand standards to leave behind when I am on leave.

“Carly, did Marlene explain the whole situation to you?”

“She said that you need an assistant and thinks we would work well together.”

“Yeah, I just realized that she probably didn’t tell you everything. So, I’m pregnant. I don’t plan on being out for long, but it will be for a while at least,” I explain.

“First, congratulations! Second, holy shit, I’m not ready to take over for you,” she says nervously.

“You don’t have to. You can handle the day-to-day things, and anything bigger, I’ll at least consult on. I love LILAC and want to come back, so don’t freak out.”

“Okay, yeah, I guess I see why Marlene didn’t tell me; it’s not her place. But thanks for letting me know. I guess I need to make sure my notes are on point.”

“You’ll be fine. Do you have plans for lunch? I’m meeting with Abbot Dubois about an upcoming project and I’m sure I’ll need your help on it, so if you’re free, I’d love for you to join us.”

“Yes, absolutely, thank you, Sloan, I would love to come.”

We work a little longer until it’s time for our meeting, then Carly and I leave in my car and head downtown.

When I pull up at the restaurant, there is a valet, so I check my car, and we make our way inside.

I know what Abbot looks like from the Internet but I hope it’s easy to pick her out. Carly and I stand in the entryway, while I scan the space, then I feel a tap on my shoulder.

When I spin around, Abbot Dubois is standing there, smiling at me. “Sloan! I’m so happy to meet you, you look so beautiful.”

“Wow, thank you, so do you. This is Carly, she is my new assistant and she’ll be helping with the event as well.”

“Great, let’s sit, I can’t wait to pick your brain,” Abbot squeaks.

After I’m seated with Abbot and Carly, a waitress comes and takes our drinks order. Abbot orders mimosas for the table, but I respectfully ask for water instead.

Abbot laughs. “Sorry, I know it’s a working lunch but I think better with a little champagne in my system.”

“You’re fine, go ahead, Carly. Actually, Abbot, I should tell you I’m pregnant, but don’t worry; we have Carly to help us out.”

“Wow, congratulations. I mean, sorry if I’m prying, but is the father the singer from the purple party?”

“Yes, Kade, we’re engaged. We’re getting married this weekend.”

“Wow! That’s amazing, congratulations,” she squeals.

Abbot turns to Carly. “So, Carly, how do you feel about getting into branding and event design?”

“I love LILAC, and Sloan is great, so I’m excited about the opportunity,” she answers, sounding and looking meek and shy.

“Carly, I know it’s a lot to take in, but you’ll be okay,” I assure her.

“Thanks, Sloan.”

Abbot and I chat about her expectations and wants for the event, while Carly feverishly scribbles notes.

I almost feel bad that she is working so hard, but at the same time, with the baby brain I’ve been experiencing lately, her notes might be a godsend.

“I’m actually really enjoying myself,” Abbot says, smiling. “You girls are fun.”

“Yeah, this is going well, I’m getting a ton of ideas. The only thing we haven’t discussed is the date,” I explain.

“Sooner than later hopefully. Maybe in two or three months.”

“Wow, I’ll be really pregnant, then, but we’ll just make sure that Carly is up to speed.”

“I plan to help out a lot too. Dubois is very particular about their branding for shows and things, so it won’t all be on you two,” Abbot assures us.

“All right, well, I think this is great for a first meeting. Maybe we’ll do this once a week for a while until we’re all on the same page,” I suggest.

“That sounds great, thanks for meeting me today, ladies,” Abbot says.

After we settle the bill and say goodbye to Abbot, I head back to the office with Carly in tow. She asks me a ton of questions and takes more notes.

“Carly, I appreciate all the effort you are putting into this, but try not to think of me as like a boss. This will go better if you can talk to me openly and honestly.”

“I know, Sloan, sorry. I tend to get myself worked up.”

“You’re fine, don’t worry. I just want you to know that you can talk to me. I’m not used to being anyone’s boss either.”

We both laugh a little, and the rest of the day goes smoothly until it’s time for me to head home.

When I get home, Kade has dinner made already, and the two of us share a romantic night on the deck before we get tired and head to bed.