Fall Girl

Margot

One evening, while I was discussing event arrangements with Kev after dinner, his phone suddenly began buzzing. He smiled and answered the call.

Meredith's voice came through the phone, "Kay, Mom told me today you're going to show us your girlfriend."

This caught me off guard because Kev hadn't mentioned anything to me. I was still in my jammies and completely unprepared to meet his family over a video call. I was familiar with Dane, but I had just seen Ruth when I was ten years old. The thought of meeting her now makes me nervous. What if she doesn't like me?

Kev chuckled when he noticed my pale face and asked his mom and sister, "So, are you both ready to meet her?"

Meredith responded eagerly, "No, wait, Mom and I want to see your girlfriend together."

Kev then asked, "Where is Mom?"

Ruth's voice explained, "I'm sorry, Kev. While I was talking to David, Meredith overheard me mentioning Margot. When she heard about your girlfriend, she couldn't wait and decided to call herself."

Kev moved closer to me, holding his phone out towards me. "Mom and Meredith, this is my gorgeous girlfriend, Margot." Then he looked at me and introduced, "Margot, this is my mom and my lovely baby sister Meredith."

Ruth greeted me warmly, "You've grown up so beautifully, Margot."

Meredith chimed in, "You're very pretty, Kay's girlfriend."

I smiled at Meredith and apologized to Ruth for being in my pajamas, explaining that I wasn't aware we would be having a video call. I angrily looked at Kev. "Someone must have forgotten to mention that."

Ruth responded understandingly, "Yes, he told me you wouldn't have expected this call because you're busy preparing for the event in two days, so he didn't want to bother you too much."

Turning to Meredith, I said, "Meredith, has anyone ever told you that you're the most wonderful and stunning sister in the whole wide world?"

Meredith smiled but didn't say anything more.

I added, "Kev has told me so much about you, Meredith. I'm really excited to finally meet you."

Meredith giggled and looked at Ruth.

Kev interjected, "Alright, Mum, we have to sleep now."

Ruth wrapped up the call by saying, "It was really great talking to you, Margot. I'm happy for both of you," before blowing a kiss and ending the call.

.................

The next day, I went to meet Aurora to discuss about the bar arrangements for the event. I go through the list finalized by Justine and Alyssa. I can't believe they have finally done this task together without turning the world upside down. the list included Stella Artois beer, Mezza Corona wine, and a variety of cocktails.

I put the list aside and nodded. "All drinks are perfect, but I am gonna need someone in a bar who religiously knows about every drink and the mixing process."

Aurora rolled her eyes. "Are you doubting me or my services?"

I shook my head. "Nope, that's not what I mean."

Aurora asked. "Have I ever let you down in terms of food?

I smiled. "Of course not. I just wanted to ensure everything is perfectly arranged. You know it's gonna be my first editor-in-chief event."

Aurora flicked her hand. "As your editor-in-chief, there will be plenty of events."

Aurora showed me another list, and Justine and Alyssa once again amazed me because the list is perfectly fine for foods like Oyster Rockefeller, Gruyere and Crab Palmier, Avocado Bruschetta, Spicy Crab Salad Tapas, and more.

I looked at Aurora, keeping the tablet aside now. "What about the stands of the magazine name?"

Instead of answering me, Aurora asked for my opinion about it. " Do you have anything specifically in mind about it?"

I nodded. "I'd like the stand to be adorned or highlighted so it catches people's attention."

Aurora nodded confidently. "Consider it done."

I leaned back and closed my eyes for a while to relax when Aurora asked. "Now what is the update on you and Kev?"

I opened my eyes and straightened my back in excitement. " I told Blake about us, and Kev has shared the news with both of his parents. Also, remember I told you about Kev's little sister?"

Aurora nodded. "Maren. Right?"

I shook my head. "No, Meredith."

Aurora chin-up. "What about her?"

I smiled. "I talk to her, and I swear she looks adorable when she blushes and giggles."

Aurora nudged me with her shoulder to tease me. "I can imagine how adorable she is by looking at her big brother."

I narrowed my eyes. "Whatever."

I excitedly jumped on my couch and facepalmed. "How could I forget to tell you that I am going to be Auntie Margot soon?"

Aurora's mouth dropped down. "I need a drink to process all the good news you told me in the last five minutes."

After clinking glasses, Aurora added. "I am happy for Blake and Thea; I am also thrilled for you and Kev."

After a sip, I kept my glass on the table. "What is new with you and Ivan?"

Aurora, after taking a few moments. "I decided to live in the present and right now I am having the best time of my life."

I asked. "Have you invited Ivan to my party?"

Aurora squared her shoulders. "I don't know if he likes parties or not."

I squinted. "Aurora, what is wrong with you? Since when do you care about such things?"

Aurora sighed. "I don't know. I am afraid to lose him."

I asked. "Did you tell him about it?"

Aurora shook her head. "No, what if I lose him because of my stupid fears?"

I put my hand on her shoulder to show my support. "Aurora, you need to tell him how important he has become for you."

Aurora asked. "What if he would go away or if he would feel burdened by my fears?"

I pressed my hand onto her shoulder. "Let him decide but seriously, Ivan has every right to know about your feelings for him."

Aurora's face lit up. "So, should I invite him to the party?"

Shaking my head in disagreement, "I think he deserves to know how you feel about him and your fears. Let him decide what he wants."

I smiled and nodded.

One day before the event, I visited the venue and Blaine was nowhere to be found. When I was dialing Blaine, someone told me that he was backstage with Aspin.

The venue staff came and started giving me a briefing about the setting of neon lights in covered corridors, staircases, and the tunnel bathed in pink hues. While walking through the venue, we reached the DJ booth and stage within the open section.

He showed me the covered area for magazine displays and food. When the venue staff told me, Mr. Fletcher had strictly instructed us to follow your guidelines. It took me a few moments to realize they were talking about Blaine. I completely forgot Blaine's full name.

When I reached backstage, I asked Aspin. "How is everything going?"

Aspin gave me a thumbs up, then I looked at Blaine. "What do you think?"

Blaine tucked his hands in his pockets and nodded. "Everything seems perfect so far."

I smiled excitedly. "Alright, I am heading back home."

Then I waved to everyone and left the venue. I eagerly started waiting for tomorrow because it was the day I had been working for so long. I don't know how I am going to sleep tonight due to the nervousness or excitement of the event. I hope everyone loves the new look of the magazine.

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