The arrangement that is refreshed weekly is currently packed with roses, ranunculus, mums, carnations and thistle. JoAnna’s penthouse apartment’s décor is bright pops of color mixed with neutrals that give perfect balance. It’s JoAnna’s style, polished and elegant, with a hint of sass and flair.

“Let me know where I can put these and I’ll go get another load,” Orlando tells me.

I set the cake and tote on the foyer table, and let the balloons drift freely, then I show Orlando to the guest bedroom by JoAnna’s office and indicate where he can stack the boxes.

I give him the key card to get back up, and while he goes downstairs for another load, I take a moment to drop onto the overstuffed sofa to think. Scrolling through my phone, I hope to find someone’s name that could help me. A favor that I could call in to get me out of this bind. The party starts in less than an hour, I have to figure something out. I scroll to Jules’s name and hit the call button.

Jules barely answers before I blurt out, “I’ve got a huge problem.”

“Is this about the cake? Because I don’t think huge can ever be a problem in that regard. Whether it’s of the flesh or baked good variety, huge dicks are never a problem.”

“No. It’s not about the cake, though I did get a few odd looks on the subway. The private room reservation was cancelled.”

“Oh, no. Why?” Jules asks.

“Okay, not necessarily cancelled,” I sigh. “I forgot to confirm the reservation and the restaurant gave it to the next party on the waitlist. I’m so screwed! Where am I going to find a place that will fit sixteen people with such short notice? I’m going to have to cancel the party. Lauren’s mom and aunt and sister flew into New York this afternoon just for the party. Not to mention her co-workers and friends. Friends that I haven’t met yet, but will soon learn that I’m an incompetent bridesmaid for messing this up. She’s going to be devastated.”

“Okay. Time out. Just breathe. Where are you now?” she asks.

“I’m at JoAnna’s apartment. There was an issue with a review copy order and she needed me to stop by. She flew to Los Angeles this afternoon. Maybe I can try calling Vance at The Magnolia. JoAnna’s done so many events there. Maybe he can cram us into one of the conference rooms. Or—”

“Wait. So, you’re in JoAnna’s penthouse and she’s gone for the weekend?”