Hi, Cass,
Hope you’re having a good week! Just wanted to let you know that I was able to fast-track your friend’s permit application, and his two-day event （12 p.m. – 5 p.m. on Sat 8/14 and Sun 8/15） has been approved. He should receive his permit by the end of the day.
Cheers!
Val
P.S. The festival sounds super fun—can’t wait to see you there!
“Yes!” I squeal under my breath.
I brace myself for the typical disapproving cough, but my cubicle remains silent. Peering over my shoulder, I frown at Mercedes’s empty desk. Huh. I hadn’t noticed she’d stepped out. The last few weeks have been relatively quiet on the Mercedes front. We seem to have settled into a mutually accepted stalemate of surface-level politeness and general avoidance, which is perfectly fine with me. I have enough on my mind without worrying about cutthroat coworkers.
Shoving back from my desk, I stand. I need to call Perry.
Well, I don’t need to. I could just text him. But this kind of news deserves a phone call, right? So what if the thought of hearing the smooth tenor of his voice has my heart hopscotching?
Swallowing hard, I walk to the women’s bathroom, phone in hand. Cubicles aren’t exactly private, and I don’t like to make personal calls at work—especially not about the festival, since I’m still trying to keep my organizer role under wraps. Even though I’m no longer working for Frank Carlson in the public law group, I can’t be too careful.
When I reach the restroom, I glance around briefly to make sure I’m alone and promptly call Perry. He answers on the first ring.
“Hey, Cass. What’s up?” His silky voice pulls my lips into a smile as though on a string.
“Oh, I don’t know. Just the best news ever.”
“The Browns won the Super Bowl? Oh wait, their season hasn’t even started yet. Never mind. What is it?”
I laugh. “Remember my friend I told you about—the one who runs the Permits and Zoning Department for the city? I just found out she was able to fast-track your event application and you’ll receive your permit by the end of the day. The Ohio City Flower & Beer Festival is officially a go.”
“Seriously? Cass, that’s amazing. You’re a miracle worker.”
“Just doing what I can.”
“I’d say you’re doing way more than that.”
I gnaw my lower lip through my smile. “How’s the search for corporate sponsorships going?”
“Great. In fact, I have some good news of my own. Mikey came through with his car dealership this morning: they’re in. That brings the total number of sponsorships up to five, including Key Bank. And they’ve all agreed to cover the cost for tents, signage, and the fee for the event permit as long as we feature their logos prominently on all publicity materials.”
“That… is… awesome!” I pump my fist in a victory dance. I make a mental note to revise my opinion of Mikey—maybe he’s not such a goon after all. “We are killing it with this festival planning,” I croon.
“You’re killing it. You drew the logo for the event, got us a great deal on table and tent rentals, followed up with local artists and breweries to confirm they submitted their booth fees, and now you snagged us the permit we need. We never would have made it this far without you.”
My cheeks warm even as I bask in his words. My phone beeps, and I blink at the familiar number on the screen. “Oh hey, I gotta go. My stepdad’s calling me.”
“No problem. Hey, are you still coming to the prep meeting next Thursday? With all the extra flowers I’m having delivered, it’s an all-hands-on-deck kind of situation to get everything arranged in time for the festival. I’d sure appreciate your help if you have time.”
“Of course. I wouldn’t miss it.”
“You’re the best.” His words thread through my heart, igniting a wave of happiness that drips through my veins like honey.
I grin at my reflection. “See you later.” Tapping the screen, I switch over to the new call. “Hi, Rob,” I say, leaning against the sink.
“Helloooo there,” my stepdad drawls. “How’s the big-time lawyer doing?”
“Good, thanks. How’s my favorite Realtor?”
“No complaints—I feel great, all is well. It’s a beautiful day to be alive.” I chuckle at Robert’s response, which is his standard, regardless of the weather. “So you know that property search you wanted me to run? I have something interesting for you.”