Sarah & Allison The Party
Sarah's dad was called into the managing partner's office first thing Monday, "Morning, Ted. What's up?"
"Morning, Al. I just found out that Bill Brown is going to be in town Friday. He wants to look us over one more time before inking the deal."
"That's good. What's the problem?"
"I'll be in New York on Friday and I can't reschedule. I was hoping that you would be able to host a small reception for him after the meetings."
"I don't know, Ted. Alice is on call this week. I'm not sure she'll be there Friday, or if she's home, she'll be able to stay."
"I understand, but this is important. It could mean millions in billable hours for the firm. Is there anything you can do?"
"Let me pursue an idea. I'll give you an answer before the end of the day. I can't promise anything, but I think everything will be ok."
"OK. Let me know as soon as you can. The expense account for the party is unlimited, if it makes a difference."
"Probably not, but thanks for letting me know. Talk to you later." Sarah's dad returned to his office and called his wife at her practice. He talked to her for a few minutes and then called home, leaving a message for Sarah and Allison to call him as soon as they got home.
Sarah called her dad's office after listening to the message when they got home. Since it was addressed to Allison too, Sarah used the speakerphone, "Hi, pops. What's up? It sounded important."
"Thanks for calling back, punkin. It is. I talked to your mom earlier and I have a proposal for you two."
Allison piped up, "Sounds intriguing. Who do we have to scam?"
"Nobody, sunshine. Everything's on the up-and-up. I have an important client coming into town Friday. They want me to host a reception for him and his wife after the meetings. I was worried because your mom is on-call this week, and covering for Dr. Grey. If she made it home, she might have to leave at any time, or she might not make it home at all. That makes it hard for her to host a party."
"I'm with you, so far. Where do we come in?"
"I talked to your mom and we agreed. We think the two of you should host the party."
"You're kidding...That's so cool. What would we have to do?"
"Greet the arriving people and see them out when they leave. Circulate. Conversate. Keep an eye on the food and drinks. Supervise the set-up and clean-up. Do the best you can to make sure everyone is happy."
"We can do that."
"So, are you interested? It would mean a new dress for each of you. And you would be able to invite a couple of your friends too. The food and drinks will be catered. We might even be persuaded to allow the hostesses a glass of wine during the party."
"We're always up for dress shopping. What about a glass of wine for our friends?"
"With parental permission, we might be persuaded."
"Looks like you have a pair of hosts for your party."
"I'll let Ted know. Plan on me picking you up after school tomorrow for dress shopping. Be thinking of who you want to invite. The party will be at 8pm, Friday, at the house. Your friends can sleepover, if they want to."
"Sounds like a plan. See you when you get home."
"OK. Oh, and Allison?"
"Yes, sir?"
"Can you check and see if your parents can come to the party? Your dad might want to meet my client."
"No problem, Mr. Black. I'll check and let you know."
"Thanks girls...Bye dad...Bye Mr. Black."
Sarah's dad called Ted and let him known that the reception was on for Friday.
When school let out, her dad was waiting for Sarah, "Hey there, Father mine. Dids't thou have a wondrous day?"
"Fairly well, daughter mine. Are we going to pick up Allison?"
"No. We talked to Rikki this morning and she wants to help with the party. She talked to her mom and she wants to come. Her mom will pick up Rikki and Allison and meet us at Barentano's."
"Well then, shall we be off," offering Sarah his arm?
"At your leave, my Liege," taking his arm.
Allison and Rikki were waiting outside the dress shop, along with an older woman. Allison bounced over, "Hey, munchkin...Mr. Black."
"Hey, sunshine. Hey, Rikki. Glad you could come to the party. Any excuse for dress shopping, right?"
"You bet, Sarah. Thanks for inviting me. Sarah, Mr. Black, let me introduce my mom. Mom, this is Sarah, Allison's friend, and her dad."
Sarah's dad reached out to shake her hand, "Al. Glad you could join us."
Rikki's mom continued, "Jessica. Rikki's had nothing but good things to say about the girls and you and your wife. Thank you for the invitation."
"You're very welcome. I have an ulterior motive too. The party is for a business client. Brown Security Associates is moving its headquarters here and my firm is the front-runner to get their business. Besides Rikki helping the girls out and you having a good time, Mr. Brown might want to talk to you about a commission."
"It could be an interesting night."
"Shall we get the show on the road before the girls jump out of their skin," offering his arm?
"Let's," taking his arm and entering the shop.
A young lady approached them as the door closed. "Good afternoon, Mr. Black. It's good to see you again."
"Good afternoon, Patricia. It's always good to see you too. You remember my daughter, Sarah, and her friend, Allison."
"Of course. I wanted to say thank you."
Sarah asked, "Thank you for what?"
"The coverage of the Renaissance Foundation Gala included several pictures of you. Someone recognized your dresses as our creations and we were inundated with calls. Our way of saying thanks is to offer a purse or new pair of shoes to your ladies and Dr. Black."
Both Sarah and Allison spoke at the same time, with a gleam in their eyes, "Thank you, Patricia."
"Let me introduce Rikki Laveque and her mother, Jessica."
"Welcome, ladies. My name is Patricia Coe. I've been taking care of Dr. and Mr. Black's needs for some years now and I would be happy to care of you as well. I'm a fan of yours too, Mrs. Laveque."
"Thank you, Patricia. We'll certainly keep you in mind."
"You're very welcome." Turning to Mr. Black, "How can I help you, today?"
"We're throwing a cocktail party for an important client, Friday. The girls are hosting and need new outfits. Mrs. Laveque is attending too, but she can tell you what she needs."
"A small party or large?"
"Small."
"Shall we get started, Ladies. I think I have some very excellent choices for you to consider."
Sarah and Allison took over one dressing room. Rikki and her mom took over the one next to it. Patricia brought choices into both rooms. The girls passed easily back and forth, in all stages of dress and undress, showing off potential choices.
Allison came out to ask Mr. Black's opinion on a potential choice. He looked up from the brief he was reading and swallowed. Before him was a vision. Allison was wearing a black sheath with gold filigree around the neck and hem. Emphasizing her height and figure, Allison was beautiful. "Ally, darling. Any other choice would pale in comparison with that."
"Thank you, gentle sir. I agree. I think Sarah will be out in a moment."
"I'm not going anywhere."
Placido Domingo was singing a love song in Italian over the loudspeakers when Sarah came out. She cleared her throat to get her dad's attention. He looked up and was struck speechless. His 'little girl' had grown up. Sarah stood there in a gold colored sheath, like Allison's but a little shorter, with black filigree. She smiled, "There can be no greater compliment to a woman than to strike an admirer dumb. I take it you approve, my Liege?"
He could only shake his head yes.
"Rikki will be out in a minute. She wanted to get your opinion on her choice."
"I'll be right here."
Rikki came out with her mom. She was wearing an ivory colored dress with a full skirt. It looked like a long tutu. Her mom had on a basic black party dress. "How do you feel, Rikki? Do you like the dress?"
"Very pretty, Mr. Black. It's the most beautiful dress I've ever had on." Allison and Sarah came out and stood beside Rikki.
"I think Jessica will agree with me. The three most beautiful young ladies in the universe are standing before us."
"I do." All three girls smiled.
"But I couldn't ask you to buy it for me."
"Rikki, dear. You are helping me out. Consider it a 'thank-you' gift before the fact." Rikki beamed. The girls went back to pick out shoes and purses. When everyone was done, they picked up some burgers and a salad for Sarah's mom on the way home. Jessica and Rikki said good-bye. Of course, Sarah and Allison had to model their new dresses for Sarah's mom when they got home.
The girls started their party preparation Thursday after school. After showering and getting dinner started, they finished up their homework assignments. They cleaned and stocked the downstairs bathroom, with replenishments handily nearby. They slid the living room furniture against the wall to maximize the open floor space. Most of the dining room chairs would get put into the living room. They put the extra leaves in the dining room table to expand it. They cleared off as much counter space in the kitchen as they could. After dinner, they talked a bit about things they might encounter tomorrow.
Since he would be in meetings all day with Mr. Brown and his wife was busy too, Sarah's dad called her school and got her released from her afternoon classes so someone would be home when the caterers arrived. She worked on her homework while the catering staff set up in the kitchen and the living room. Allison and Rikki arrived after school with dress bags in hand. They moved the dining room chairs into the living room and set up the stereo with a selection of music.
When Sarah's mom got home, Sarah brought her a cup of coffee and the mail. "How was your day, momster?"
"Very busy. Why don't you take advantage of the fact that I'm here for now and get dressed."
"Are you going to be able to stay?"
"Fingers crossed, yes."
"I hope so, too. See you in a few minutes." Sarah gathered up Allison and Rikki and headed upstairs to clean up and dress. Rikki went first. While she started on her makeup, Sarah and Allison jumped in the shower together. Rikki started combing out Allison's hair while she did her makeup. They slipped on their dresses and gave each other a final check. They went back downstairs so Sarah's mom could have a chance to change.
Rikki's mom and Allison's parents both arrived about 7:30 in case there was any last minute help they could give the girls. A last look around and everything was in place. On the dot of 8 pm, a limo pulled up.
Sarah started the stereo, "Places, ladies. I believe our guests have arrived."
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Copyright 2004 Donal