Chapter 437

Olivia

The conference room buzzed with energy and purpose as I, alongside the PR team, gathered around the large, polished oak table. It was the fourth day of our auction preparations, and I had become more accustomed to the team.

Papers, laptops, and cups of coffee were scattered across the surface, a testament to the long hours we'd been putting into organizing the auction. Sunlight filtered through the blinds, casting a warm glow over the scene. The atmosphere was a blend of focus and creativity, an exciting departure from the everyday routine.

The word was vigorous, but it was one of the most fulfilling things I had ever done. I enjoyed getting along with the team, too. Everyone was nice, and it felt good to finally be a part of something outside the home for the first time in what seemed like forever.

For starters, there was Joshua, the youngest out of the group. He was interning during his freshman year in college, but it was clear that he was cut out to be a valuable member of the team with his quick wit and fresh ideas.

Then, there were Ashley and Laurie. They were in charge of graphic design, creating graphics and other promotional materials. They had been working on posters and flyers for the auction, and their background in the arts was crucial to creating compelling graphics.

Next, there was Benjamin. He was the outreach coordinator, and he, alongside myself, had been communicating with local businesses and vendors. We had almost fully compiled our list of businesses who would be involved with the auction, and Benjamin was particularly good at turning a “maybe” into a “yes” when it came to convincing people to participate.

But then there was Vanessa. She was the assistant to the old PR manager, who had left to pursue a job elsewhere. And she was vying for a promotion to take over that position, which I was fully supportive of.

And yet, she seemed to have the idea in her head that I was going to take her promotion away from her, no matter how many times I had tried to show her that that wasn’t on my agenda.

In short, she hated me. And in the span of four short days, it was already showing.

“So, I think we’ve got a solid list of items for the auction,” I began, poring over one of the lists I had compiled with Benjamin. “Let’s see.. We’ve got handmade crafts from Sarah’s Artisan Shop, a weekend getaway at the River Lodge, and several vouchers from local restaurants. What else can we add?”

Joshua, always the enthusiastic one, piped up first. “How about a private cooking class with Chef Marco from Giuseppe’s Bistro? His sessions are always in demand.”

“That’s a great idea,” Benjamin said, jotting it down on his notepad. “And maybe a photography session with Jenna? Her work is amazing.”

The ideas flowed freely, each suggestion adding to the growing excitement in the room. I felt a sense of pride in how the team was pulling together, their collective efforts shaping something truly special for our community.

Vanessa, however, remained quiet, her lips pressed into a thin line as she typed furiously on her laptop.

I could feel her gaze on me, skeptical and unwelcoming. But I pushed forward, just as I had been trying to do for the past four days, determined not to let her negativity dampen the spirit of the meeting.

“Thank you all for these fantastic ideas,” I said, smiling. “I really appreciate the creativity and effort everyone is putting into this.”

As the discussion continued, focusing on logistics and promotions next, I tried to contribute where I could, mindful not to overstep. I offered suggestions on advertising strategies and how we could leverage social media to create buzz around the event.

But when Vanessa finally spoke up, her voice cutting through the chatter, I felt my heart sink just a little.

“I think we need to be realistic about our expectations. This is a small town event, not some high-profile gala. We’re not going to make an absurd amount of money, you know.”

I met her gaze, trying not to let her words—or rather, her delivery of them—get to me.

“You’re right, Vanessa,” I said. “Our primary goal should be to bring the community together and drive tourism to the area. But with the quality of items and experiences we’re offering, I don’t think it hurts to be optimistic about the outcome, you know?”

The room nodded in agreement, but Vanessa just huffed, clearly unimpressed. The tension in the air was palpable, but I pressed on, focusing on the task at hand.

“So… as for the event layout,” I continued, “I was thinking we could set up the auction items along the perimeter of the banquet hall, using the stage at the front for the live auction.”

“Good idea,” said Ashley. “We can also use the Council building’s flagpoles to make our own banners.”

“Banners?” Vanessa chuckled. “Doesn’t that seem a bit lofty, Ashley?”

Ashley blanched, but said nothing. “I don’t see how it’s lofty,” Laurie said gently, glancing warily at me.

“Yeah, Vanessa,” I said, leaning forward, “is there something you’d prefer rather than banners, or…?”

Vanessa shrugged. “I just think that banners are costly and gaudy,” she said. “We should just stick with posters and flyers. It’s not like many people are going to show up, so why waste the money?”

The room went silent, all of us glancing around at one other. It was clear that Vanessa’s words were meant to bite deep, and they did. Ashley fidgeted in her seat, her cheeks flushed red. I felt bad for her, because it was clear that Vanessa was redirecting the anger she felt over me toward the others now.

“Let’s um… Let’s run the numbers, then, and see if we can fit it into the budget,” Benjamin said. “Joshua, can you handle that—”

“I’ll handle it,” Vanessa interrupted. “But I’m telling you, we don’t have the money.”

Not wanting to create any further waves, I redirected the meeting toward other matters. Vanessa fell silent, returning to her furious typing, although I could see her glancing up at me with a seething look in her eyes every so often.

However, as we were wrapping up, I couldn’t hold back any longer. I approached Vanessa as the others were packing up their things, and offered her a tense smile. “Hey,” I said softly, “could I talk to you, Vanessa?”

Vanessa paused, glancing over at me. “What is it?” she asked, her tone biting.

I swallowed. “I, um…” I began, but my voice trailed off. I had wanted to ask her why she was so hateful toward me, but I already knew the answer to that, and I knew it would lead nowhere. Vanessa blinked at me, clearly growing impatient.

“I just wanted to say, I really appreciate all of your hard work and input,” I said. “I think you’re right about the banners; we shouldn’t spend money on expensive promotional materials if—”

“And I just want to say,” she interrupted her voice dripping with condescension, “it’s nice that the Luna has a little project to keep herself busy. But let’s not forget who’s doing the real work here.”

The room fell into a stunned silence. I felt my cheeks burn with embarrassment and anger. I had put so much into this project, trying to balance my role as Luna with being a contributing member of the team.

“I’ve tried to be fair and contribute just as much as anyone else here,” I said, my voice steady despite the turmoil inside. “I believe in this project and what it can do for our town.”

Vanessa scoffed. “Sure, but in the end, it’ll be ‘Luna Olivia’s successful event,’ won’t it? Even though it’s the team who’s doing all the hard work, and you’re just riding on our coattails.”

Her words stung, and I struggled to find a response. But before I could say anything, the door to the conference room flung open. Nathan burst into the room a moment later, causing all of us to turn in surprise.

“I need everyone but Olivia to leave the room, please,” he said, his frantic eyes meeting mine.