The engagement was called off for good. The Collins family was furious, and the Whitmores lost face over it. But Vanessa didn't look back.
She moved out of the house the Whitmores had arranged for her and found an ordinary job. On her first day, she called me from outside a subway station in a poorly fitting suit.
"Claire, my boss wants me to make a guest reception plan. I don't know how."
I said nothing for 2 seconds.
"I'm not asking you to do it for me," she added quickly. "Can you tell me where to start learning?"
I smiled.
"Start by writing down the meeting time, place, and number of guests. Put the guest list in order of importance. Note each person's dietary restrictions and contact details separately. If you're unsure about anything, ask the person in charge."
Vanessa scribbl
