Eclipsed by Destiny

Chapter 6: Music Mayhem and Wedding Troubles

Kate Harper has experienced some stressful situations in her professional life, but a disastrous last-minute wedding? The turmoil had reached a new level.

With the subject line screaming in all caps, "URGENT: HELP NEEDED – WEDDING EMERGENCY!," she gazed at the email on her screen."

After her first wedding planner resigned because of "irreconcilable differences" with the bride's mother, Kate was recommended to Naomi, the bride, who was a friend of a friend. Kate knew it would be difficult, but she couldn't refuse, especially since the wedding was just two weeks away. Kate's corporate reputation depended on her ability to manage the impossible, and Naomi was in dire straits.

She was now reviewing a checklist that felt more like a ticking time bomb while seated in her office.

Checklist for the Wedding of Ryan and Naomi:

1. The venue is confirmed, but the last decorations are still missing.

2. The caterer has threatened to cancel since the deposit has not been paid.

3. Due to a double booking, the band is unable to perform.

4. The bride's mother secretly added twenty more guests to the guest list.

Kate ran a hand through her hair and moaned. How did she start? She went into a tailspin just because of the band situation. Determined to locate a replacement, she picked up her phone and began calling.

Mayhem in Music

Kate was about to give up after three hours. Every band she called was either completely out of Naomi's price range or unavailable. Just when she was about to give up, she recalled a light-hearted discussion she had had with Jake a few weeks prior.

"You were in a band once, right?Over coffee, she had asked him.

Jake had laughed and replied, "Yeah, back in the day." "Just a garage band with some friends, nothing serious." Why?"

She hadn't given it any thought at the moment. It felt like a lifeline now, though.

Reaching for her phone, Kate dialled Jake. On the second ring, he answered.

"Hi, Kate! What is going on?"

She said, "I need a favour," getting right to the point. "Are you still performing?"

Jake's voice was startled. Yes, indeed. Why?"

"The band abruptly cancelled, and I'm organising a wedding. I'm at a loss on what to do, and the wedding is in two weeks. Are you able to assist?"

After a brief pause, Jake answered, "Two weeks? There isn't much time to form a band.

"I understand," Kate responded in a beseeching tone. But Jake, you're my only hope. Would you please?"

He let out a sigh. "All right, let me see what I can manage. But no guarantees.

Kate exclaimed, "You're the best," with a wave of relief. "Notify me as soon as possible."

Wedding-related problems

Kate focused on the other issues that needed to be resolved after temporarily resolving the music situation. The catering crisis was the first item on the list. She promised to personally guarantee the deposit would be paid by the end of the day, and she spent the greater part of an hour bargaining with the vendor over the phone.

She then worked on the guest list. Susan, Naomi's mother, was a formidable opponent. Although Kate had previously worked with challenging clients, Susan was an absolute pro. Insisting that "family is family" and that it would be impolite to leave them out, she was adamant about inviting the additional guests.

Kate attempted to be tactful. "Susan, I know that you are worried, but there is a tight capacity limit at the site. We will be in violation of the fire code if we surpass it.

Susan dismissively waved a hand. They'll make an exception, I see. I am directly acquainted with the owner.

Kate suppressed a sigh. Knowing full well that "seeing what she could do" meant finding a way to make the impossible work, she answered, "I'll see what I can do."

Jake's Solution

Kate was exhausted by the end of the week. She had gotten the caterer, placated Susan (for the time being), and finished most of the decorating. The music was the sole unanswered issue.

She was concerned since Jake had been very silent. Time was running out, but she didn't want to press him. She chose to send him a brief text message asking, "Any news on the band?"

Almost instantly, he responded:

Jake: "This evening at seven o'clock, meet me at The Soundhouse. Don't forget to bring your planning notebook.

In the centre of the city was a tiny music venue called The Soundhouse. Although Kate had never attended, she had heard that local bands liked it. Clutching her notebook and feeling a little anxious, she arrived just before seven o'clock.

Jake, in his typical easygoing manner, greeted her at the door. "I'm glad you were able to make it," he smiled.

Kate tried not to sound frustrated as she continued, "Jake, you're cutting it pretty close."

He led her inside and whispered, "Calm down." "I think what I've put together will appeal to you."

With a stage at the far end and a few strewn tables, the space was compact but comfortable. Three men and a girl were on stage, each of them tuning an instrument.

Jake pointed at them. He said, "Get to know the band."

Kate's eyebrows went up. "You're teasing them?"

Jake picked up a guitar from the side of the stage and said, "Yep." "We have spent the entire week practicing. Let's play you a set, and I'll keep searching for another choice if you don't like it.

Sceptical but prepared to give him a chance, Kate crossed her arms. "All right. Impress me.

When the band began to perform, Kate's doubts vanished in a matter of seconds. They were excellent—excellent. Jake's guitar playing was very amazing, and the lead singer's voice could fill a stadium. Kate was beaming from ear to ear by the time their set was over.

"All right," she clapped. "You prevail. You have the job.

Jake chuckled. "Told you to have faith in me."

Not a Small Surprise

Kate thought she was finally moving on with the band secured. But Naomi called with yet another dilemma just as she was beginning to unwind.

"My dress," cried Naomi. "It is ruined!"

Kate blinked. "Raised, what do you mean?"

"I'm not sure what happened," Naomi stated in a terrified tone. When I picked it up after leaving it at the dry cleaner, it was covered with strange stains. How will I proceed?"

Kate inhaled deeply, attempting to control her own panic. "All right, don't worry. We will find a solution. Could you email me a photo showing the damage?"

Kate flinched when she saw the picture that Naomi sent. The stains were subtle but obvious, and no amount of deft placement or accessories could cover them up.

Kate's thoughts were racing as she attempted to come up with a solution. Then she recalled a*****e that specialised in last-minute repairs and adjustments that she had collaborated with a few months prior. She informed them of the problem over the phone right away.

The seamstress answered, "We can have a look." "Come in tomorrow morning with the dress."

Naomi sounded little less alarmed when Kate told her the news.

"I'm grateful, Kate," Naomi said. "Without you, I don't know what I'd do."

The Quiet Before the Storm

Kate felt like she had aged ten years by the time of the wedding. However, she couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction as she stood at the venue and watched the finishing touches come together.

The caterers were putting the last touches on the buffet, the band was getting set up on stage, and the decorations were gorgeous. For the majority of the morning, even Susan had been able to keep her thoughts to herself.

With a coffee cup in his hand, Jake approached her. He handed her the cup and remarked, "You did it."

Kate took a thankful drink and corrected, "We did it."

Jake smiled. "All right, let's do the seemingly impossible."

Something about the coffee had nothing to do with the warmth that made Kate grin.

She remarked, "Here's to surviving."