ONCE MORE, WITH YOU

IX

Summer Preston

"I know—that's why I booked the venue months in advance to avoid this exact problem. So why am I now dealing with the issue I worked to prevent?"

I pressed the phone to my ear, pacing around in my office. The venue owner had just called to inform me that another event had been scheduled on the same day as the premiere. Their double booking wasn't my problem, but it had quickly become my headache.

"We understand your frustration—"

"Will I be able to host the premiere there or not?" I interrupted, my patience hanging by a thread.

"I'm afraid not. We deeply apologize for the inconvenience—"

I hung up mid-sentence, tossing my phone onto the desk as a frustrated groan escaped my lips. Three weeks. I had three weeks to find a new venue.

The rest of the day became a blur of phone calls. After what felt like endless rejections, I finally secured Orion Palace Theatre. It was a blessing in disguise: the venue boasted the perfect theater size, plus indoor and outdoor event spaces—ideal for the red carpet and press. I didn't hesitate to book it and pay in full.

When I called my interior designers with the change of plans, they were unfazed. In fact, they sounded thrilled. "We can do even more with this space. Trust us, it'll look incredible," they assured me. I settled on a clean and elegant white, gold, and nude palette to keep the look timeless.

With the caterers confirmed and everything else falling into place, I sent a message to the group chat.

The premiere is officially set at Orion Palace Theatre. It's going to be stunning.

I had just sent out the group chat update when my phone buzzed with a new text from Adrianna.

Adrianna: Omg I can't wait to go to LA!

Before I could respond, another message popped up.

Adrianna: I'm so excited! I need to find a plus one.

And then, as if to reassure herself:

Adrianna: I always have options.

I rolled my eyes, amused, as Nolan jumped into the conversation.

Nolan: Please, Adrianna. We all know you're bringing whoever's "in rotation" this week.

Adrianna: Excuse you, Nolan. I have standards.

The banter was cut short by another text from Adrianna, this time addressed only to me.

Adrianna: Omg, invite Solené

I blinked at the screen.

Why would I do that?

Adrianna: Because it's obvious you like her, and this is the perfect chance to spend more time together. Duh.

I sighed, the familiar mix of annoyance and affection only Adrianna could evoke settling in. She wasn't wrong, but it still made me feel a little exposed.

After a moment's hesitation, I caved.

I opened Solène's chat and quickly typed:

Hey, Solène. I'd love for you to come to the premiere in a few weeks. I'll send you all the details if you're free. It'd be great to see you there.

I hit send and stared at my phone, wondering if Adrianna was secretly a genius or if I'd just walked into a situation more complicated than I was ready for.