When Perfect Meets Crazy novel Chapter 30

“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.”

“Ohh.” The disappointed wariness in her tone was too heavy to be misinterpreted.

It brought to mind the image of Louise harassing her over an angry phone call.

“I’m sorry we had to cancel on such short notice.” Her tone was more passive aggressive than apologetic.

My gaze shot to Louise who looked like she was barely managing to keep herself from cussing the lady out. I smiled inwardly.

“I’m sure you are,” I cooed. “We understand that you need to put the needs of your business first and we’d be more than happy to take our deposit back.”

At this, everybody at the table shot me agitated looks of surprise. Ralph and Elaine even went as far as dirty looks and a hiss. All of which I ignored.

“However,” I continued. “We think it’d be in your best interest to reconsider.”

The person on the other end began to reply but I cut her off.

“Just like you, we have to consider the reputation of our school first. Which means we don’t have time to hope you change your mind. We’ll be contacting a replacement first thing tomorrow so we will need that deposit promptly. However, I feel it’s only fair to warn you. This event is very important 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 you cancelled on us...,” I paused, sucking in air through my teeth. “I can’t guarantee you that we can stop them from coming after you. I saw you linked your personal account to your business account on Instagram.”

I let the implication sink in. Silence rang from the other end of the call. Satisfied with the reaction, I carried on.

“We all know what kids these days are capable of.” I heaved a sigh, shaking my head with false sympathy. “Well, you’ll just have to tough it out. My advice though; deactivate your personal account.”

I could practically smell her agitation.

“Just for a while,” I added soothingly. “Till 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 don’t.”

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

“But, the heat of it should’ve lessened 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 comments by then.”

I paused for effect. Silence rang back from the other end of the phone call.

“Just for a couple of weeks. In the long run it’s not so horrible, don’t you think?”