Are You The One?

“Always the overprotective big brother. For her and me,” Eric joked.

“Well someone has to look out for you two. I’m not so sure about Holly though. She doesn’t want my help.”

“Look I’m sure she’ll come around. Besides how do you know he’s a bad guy?”

“I don’t. But she’s blowing through her money.”

“And she did before he was in the picture.”

“Not on this scale but I guess you’re right.”

They talked some more about business and Tara before the conversation returned to Brittany.

“You should fix things with Brit if you’re interested. She’s a great woman.”

“I plan on it. If only she would answer my calls.”

*****

On Monday Brit and Tara were watching television, enjoying their day off. Eric was away on business so they were surprised when the doorbell rang. They hardly got visitors.  Tara opened the door while Brit stood in the doorway.

“I have a package for Brittany Spencer,” the young driver whose nametag said Mark announced looking at the receipt.

“That would be me,” she said surprised.

“If you can just sign here,” he said holding out the clipboard.

Brit signed her name and handed it back to him.

“I’ll be right back,” he said.

A few minutes later he came in holding a large vase of flawless long stemmed red roses.

“Whoa. How many roses are that?” Tara asked incredulously.

“That’s our biggest bouquet. One hundred and forty-four roses to be exact” he said. “Whatever he did he must be really sorry,” he added with a grin.

Brit was shocked. She gave Mark a tip and placed the vase on the table.

“Read the card,” Tara urged.

Brit ripped open the tiny envelope and pulled out the card inside. She knew that they would be from Cliff but still seeing his name on there made her heart flutter all the same. She began to read the message to herself.

“Brittany. If you are willing I would like to explain about the other night. I hate that I made you feel like I wasn’t one hundred percent interested in you. Please accept my apology. I’m just asking for one chance. Cliff.”

“These are beautiful,” Tara said interrupting her thoughts.

“They are,” Brit said smelling one of the flowers.

“You really should give him a call you know. I know you like him. Otherwise you wouldn’t be so hurt.”

 “Fine,” Brit agreed.

But she couldn’t help smiling as she reached for her phone.

“Hello Cliff?” she breathed into the phone.

“Brit I am so glad you called.”

“The flowers are beautiful. Thank you.”

“Does this mean you will give me a chance to make up for our horrible first date?” he asked.

“Yes. I’ll give you another chance,” she agreed.

“I’m having a letter sent to you by messenger. You should receive it shortly,” he said.

“How did you know I would call?” Brit teased.

“Well I was hoping you would. And if you didn’t I planned on seeing you there.”

“Seeing me where?” she inquired.

“You’ll see. See you soon Brittany.”

Right on cue the doorbell rang.

“See you soon,” she laughed as she hung up and ran to the door. 

“Wow another envelope. It came by messenger,” Tara said.

Brit eagerly ripped open the envelope. Inside was two envelopes. The first one was lighter and said read me first. She opened the envelope and hastily read the letter inside.

“Brittany I was hoping that you would agree to see me. In the other envelope you will find something that I think will make up for your first impression of me. Even if you don’t call, please still accept this small apology.”

The second letter was embossed and felt heavy inside. She used her nail to pry it open and pulled out two invitation cards.

“What is it?” Tara asked looking over her shoulder.

“It’s two invitations to the VanGuardian Ball,” she said in shock.

“And that is?” Tara inquired confused.

“It’s an ultra-exclusive black tie event, sort of a gala for journalists,” she replied excitedly.

“Are you going?”

“Of course I’m going. I just have no idea how Cliff got an invitation. These are invite only and you have to be big in the media or garnering some buzz to even get one. You just can’t buy a ticket, trust me I asked.”

“I’m sure Cliff is the kind of person that gets invited to these ultra-exclusive soirees or can afford their unpublished price,” Tara suggested helpfully.

“This is an incredible networking opportunity,” Brit enthused.

“I don’t think that Cliff had networking on his mind when he invited you,” Tara teased.

“There will be so many important people that I can meet. That I can send my portfolio to. Just meeting them is getting my foot in the door.”

“It sounds like fun. Hey there’s something on the other side of your invitation,” Tara pointed out.

The something turned out to be a sticky note.

“Brit… the other ticket is for you to invite who you’d like. On the off chance you don’t call.”

She called Cliff again.

“Hello,” he answered.

“How did you get invitations?” she gushed into the phone.

“I know some people,” he said cryptically.

“So I’m assuming you gave me your invitation as a security measure. I know how bad you are about losing them,” she joked.

“Actually I have two other invitations. I’ll be honest, I wasn’t sure if you would call so I got extra tickets in case you decided to bring Tara instead. Which is fine because I was planning on bringing Eric,” he replied.

“So you were going to ambush me either way,” Brit stated.

“I just wanted to see you again. I wasn’t going to take any chances this time. So I’ll pick you up at eight?”

“That would be perfect.”

Brit blushed and ended the call.

“What did he say?” Tara asked.

“That I can invite a guest. He already has another invitation. How did he…”

“Do you know who you are taking?” Tara asked coyly interrupting her.

“I was thinking Allison might…” Brit began.

Tara made a noise like a hissing cat.

“Don’t be daft. Of course I’m taking you. We need to go shopping!” she said with a grin.