Free (Sequel to Through The Dark) Complete

Chapter 11

Julie walked back into the banquet hall that night.  She was happy with the choice of the Le Foyer Ballroom in North Hollywood.  Besides the wonderful and conscientious staff, the grandiose ballroom was beautiful and perfect.   She made sure to arrive before the rest of the guests.  The place looked absolutely amazing.  The flower arrangements from My Fair Lady's Flowers were perfect, and Jennifer Bennett had accommodated every request.  The managers of Le Foyer had actually been fun to work with, not snobbish like Julie had feared they might be.  They had worked with the caterers that she chose and made it all pretty simple.  Chef Gregorio Stephenson from Nobu was also very open to a wide variety of foods for the occasion.  Not only did he make a variety of sushi dishes that he was famous for in the Malibu restaurant, but he had also made some more all-guest friendly food.  Julie wasn't a fan of sushi, so she appreciated his diverse menu more than anything.  If there were any other parties that needed to be done, she would recommend this place, because it wouldn't be her.  Her party planning days were over.  At least for a while. 

Niall had suggested she hire a party planner to help her with all the details, but she had declined.  She wanted to make sure that it was as personal for Amanda as she could make it.  She knew Amanda would appreciate it no matter what; however, it wasn't personal enough for Julie if she didn't do it herself.  Maybe it hadn't been such a great idea to not accept any help, but it had all come together, and the venue looked phenomenal.  She walked around and thanked everyone she came in contact with.  This was going to be an amazing night for Niall and Amanda.  She made her way over to the stage that was set up for music.  Couldn't have a party for a member of One Direction and not have good music.  Maybe she would have them play some One Direction music, she mused.  That would be fun.  She had told Amanda and Niall to arrive later so that they could make an entrance with everyone already there.  She was nervous about her surprise for them.  If there was one good thing about her encounter with Harry earlier this morning, it was that she had something other than her surprise to think about for most of the day.  But now that it was getting closer to the time, she was nervous again.  Maybe it wasn't the time.  Oh hell, it was never the time.  Not in her mind.

"JJ?"  Liam greeted her as he walked into the hall, arms outstretched to her.  "This place looks spectacular."

"Hey, Liam."  Julie said smiling and returned his hug.  She hadn't seen him since, well, since before she and Harry had broken up.  She closed her eyes when he hugged her tightly.  He always had such a calming presence about him.  He was probably the one she'd interacted with the least.  But she always loved being around him.  "How are you?  It's been so long."  She stepped back and couldn't help but return his smile.  He had such a beautiful, happy smile.

"Good, things are good.  I'm happy.  Been spending a lot of time with the family and catching up with friends. Weird being off doing whatever I want.  But it's good."  He said hugging her again.  "How are you?"

"A bit crazy."  She said to him and laughed.  "Things have been complicated and very busy to say the least.  I'm not surprised you're one of the first ones here.  Would you like something to drink?"  She gestured towards the bar and walked with him.

"Yeah, let's get you one too.  You seem a little on edge.  I could tell by the hug."  He replied.  He ordered her a glass of wine and him a vodka tonic.  "Still the white wine, right?" He glanced at her and winked

She nodded.  "Yes, thank you."  She looked around the room as more people started to show up.

"You did an amazing job.  I will say it again."  Liam said.  He put his arm around her shoulders.  "You should be proud.  You're a great friend to manage a whole party on your own."

"I could never repay Niall or Panda for what they've done for me.  They've done so much.  Especially the past half a year.  I would do anything to make things great for them.  No matter what it is."  She said shrugging her shoulders.