The kitchen remodel was complete, but the rest of the building was a blank slate. They had refinished the hardwood floors and had mock-ups of what they wanted the space to look like. For now, they’d had to rent all the tables and chairs from a rental company. She wanted the evening to be fun, so she had set up cornhole boards in the back corner along with signs about how to play. The front of the room held the photo wall she’d put together and an information table where guests could drop off donations and also pick up pamphlets for volunteer opportunities with several local cancer outreach programs.

Her phone dinged in her back pocket, and it was a text from Jill. She had texted her earlier in the day during a minor breakdown that the night was going to be a disaster. Her panic had increased when Jill hadn’t gotten back to her right away. Seeing her name on the screen sent instant relief to her nerves.

Sorry I was in a mtg. Tonight will be amazing because you are amazing.

Reagan took a deep breath and smiled as another message came through.

You’ve poured your heart and soul into this and everyone will see that. I’m so proud of you and can’t wait to see you tonight.

Thanks :) Reagan texted back. See you soon!

Reagan pocketed her phone, feeling more composed than she had ten minutes ago. Seeing that setup was moving along, she went into the kitchen to check on Gwen. “Need anything?” she asked.

Gwen drew a line on the sheet of paper she had taped to her workstation, capped her pen, and stood in front of Reagan. She gripped Reagan’s shoulders, shaking her playfully. “For the hundredth time, I’ve got things covered back here. We chose a simple buffet meal for a reason. I’ve got this. Why don’t you go home and get ready?” Gwen glanced at her watch. “By the time you do that and get back here, you’ll only have a half hour to obsess over all the details.”

“That’s probably a good idea,” Reagan mumbled.

“Everything will be okay.”

“Jill said that too.”

“Maybe you should listen to your girlfriend then.”

Reagan grinned. “Maybe I should. Just don’t tell her I said that. Okay, I’m heading home. Call me if you think of anything you need.”

“Just go.”

“I’m going.” Reagan held up her hands and left.