Back To You

Chapter 2 || The Clients

𝐒 𝐎 𝐏 𝐇 𝐈 𝐀

"I'm calling to confirm the venue viewings we have this week for the Kensingtons. The bride to be has been calling me a lot, worrying something will go wrong," I explain to the venue owner over the phone, juggling three coffees in a drink holder in my other hand. Pushing the door to the coffee shop open with my hip, I make my way back onto the bustling streets of New York.

The sound of the cabs beeping their horns and the cab drivers shouting out the window to pedestrians getting in their way reminds me of why I moved to the city from the suburbs. The nine-to-five office workers talking on the phone or shouting to someone who didn't do their job proper, as they try to get to work on time fills my ears, like it does every day. It's no surprise how New York got the title of the city that never sleeps. From the busy work days to the bustling nightlife, the city is always awake.

That's New York for you.

"Yes, Tuesday at eleven and three. Then Friday at one and four," I clarify, as I cross the road. My heels click against the pavement as I make my way through the streets to get to work. Turning down a street, away from the hustle and bustle, I wave to some business owners as I pass by. After setting up my wedding planning business down here three and a half years ago. I have gotten to know the neighboring shops and their owners.

"That's great, thank you." I end the call before placing my phone in my bag and opening the door to the office building, seeing Nicole sat behind her desk and Jackson sat in front of it as they talk. "Good morning."

"Morning, boss." Nicole smiles. "Pay up," she says to Jackson with a smirk. He sighs, pulling out his wallet slapping a twenty-dollar note into her hand.

"I thought today would be the day where Sophia Coleman turns up late," Jackson sighs, putting his wallet away. I roll my eyes, placing the coffees down on Nicole's desk before taking my coffee and putting my stuff down on my desk.

"Jackson, you should have learned by now the only time Sophia here will ever be late to work is if the world is ending." Nicole rolls her eyes. I sit down at my desk, placing my bag under the table and turning on my computer.

"I was getting us all coffee. You're welcome, by the way." I glare at him, and he chuckles. "The line was horrendous. You know how New Yorkers feel about their coffee," I say, and they nod.

Never get in the way of a New Yorker and their coffee.

"Yeah, I remember first moving to New York and on accident spilling someone's coffee when I worked at Starbucks when I was in college," Jackson says. "That day still haunts me." 

"And you never spilled coffee ever again," Nicole tells him. "How was your night?" she asks me. "No, let me guess, the Bachelor," Nicole says and I smile sheepishly. "You have a problem."

"And how was your night, miss judgemental?" I tease.

"It was good, Meghan surprised me with dinner when I got back in," Nicole says, referring to her girlfriend of two years. "Now that ladies and gentleman is the perfect soulmate."

"Speaking of, you know when you pop the question, I'll take care of your wedding for you," I tease.

"Yeah right, I know what we charge our clients. I can't afford those rates," Nicole says, getting a file out of the cabinet.

"Oh, come on, I'd never make you pay for it. It would be a wedding gift," I offer. Nicole smiles gratefully.

"Do I get that too?" Jackson asks and I chuckle.

"For your pretend wedding with my best friend?" I tease him about his crush on Victoria, and he glares at me as Nicole laughs. "When you get someone to marry you for real and not in your fantasies, let me know," I joke.