Meant to Be

CHAPTER 23 - A NEW YEAR, A NEW BEGINNNING?

Rory arrived at the Plaza in the early morning hours and for a city that never sleeps, the streets of New York City were a ghost town. She made her way over to the hotel reception area and checked in to her suite. Leave it to Finn to book them five penthouse suites for the festivities. Rory dropped her overnight bag off in her room and headed to the grand ballroom.

The rental company was setting up tables, dropping linens, and setting up the sound system. The florist was busy pacing floral arrangements of white roses, gardenias, and orchids around the vast room. The caterer was working away in the kitchen preparing a variety of hors d'oeuvre for the guests. Rory was directing the staff on where to set up the bars and place the ice sculptures when Claudette walked in to the ballroom.

"How are things going Rory? Any major issues I should know about?" Claudette asked.

"Everything is going well. The twinkle lights are going up over the patio and I am just waiting on the company to bring in the swans for the pond and we should be all set," Rory responded confidently.

"Good to hear. I can take over down here. Go ahead and run home and get ready. I will need you back an hour before the event starts," Claudette cautioned.

"Sounds good. I should be back well before the event kicks off," Rory replied, not wanting to alert Claudette that she was spending the evening in a Penthouse suite.

***

Rory was ensuring that there were no problems at the entry with the guest list when she heard Finn loudly from across the room.

"Love, is that you? Quite a dress you've got there. If I wasn't mad over this redheaded lass right here I would have my eye on you," Finn called out.

"You'll keep your eyes on me Finny if you want to be sure you have something to celebrate later," Rosemary joked before wrapping her arms around Rory for a quick hug.

"You both look amazing. Where is everyone else?" Rory asked.

As the question escaped her mouth, Rory couldn't help but see Colin, Steph, Rosemary, Robert, Logan and Katie making there way over to them from across the room.

"Rory! I cannot believe you planned this event on your own. It's amazing," Juliet offered.

"Yeah Rory, this is really something else," Robert agreed.

"Thanks guys. I hope you have fun tonight," Rory responded.

Steph and Colin offered her a quick hug before greeting Finn and Rosemary. Logan stood in a black tuxedo, his golden hair slightly combed back and that signature smile on his face. He was the most handsome man in the room and it took everything in her power not to stare at him. Katie stood hand in hand with Logan wearing a dark green halter dress with matching Louboutins. She looked at Rory with a pleasant smile and said, "Hi Rory. You look nice this evening. I didn't realize the Plaza allowed staff to dress so fancy when they were working."

Steph overheard Katie's comment and gave Rory a knowing look, one word from Rory and she would step in and handle Katie for her. Rory shook her head and smiled right back at Katie, "Oh how nice of you to say. I planned the event but my official duties are over. I am here to enjoy the party and that's what I intend to do."

With that, Rory walked away and headed to the bar. A drink was definitely needed to be able to put up with Katie this evening. As the hours rolled by Rory danced with Finn and Robert but spent most of the evening chatting with the girls. Logan did his best to keep his eyes focused on his fiancé but Rory was undeniably the most gorgeous woman in the room and he stole a few glances at her whenever he got the chance.