Alone in Rome

Chapter Two

As Kate stepped into her office on Monday morning, she immediately locked the door behind her, hoping she wouldn’t have to speak to anyone today. She was already reeling from the events of the weekend and still had a splitting headache from having her head hit the floor so hard. The last thing she needed was some nosy intern asking her why she was wearing sunglasses inside the office!

The screaming match that took place shortly after Elise ran out surely didn't help the way she felt. I'm sorry, did I forget to mention the screaming?

Most of which came from Kate, Ryan could barely get a word in even though he tried. It was a complete and total nightmare, like something out of a movie. Elise had vanished and Kate could not get hold of her all weekend, and not for lack of trying. She had left her at least 20 voicemails and sent her numerous messages. Kate honestly did not know by whom she felt more betrayed. And on the evening that Kate had been looking forward to so much. It was finally something wedding-related that she could do with her best friend, her maid of honour. Her sister for God's sake. The entire situation was unbearable; unbelievable. Just what the actual f*** even happened? Sarah’s thoughts wandered off completely, and this time it was definitely not about honeymooning in Rome. “How am I going to tell everyone that the wedding is off?” She sobbed to herself.

Feeling safe enough that no one had stuck their head in yet, Kate finally removed her sunglasses, picked up the phone and started dialling. It was time to start making cancellations. Work would have to come second today. Finally, she heard the dreaded knock she was hoping she wouldn’t have to deal with, at least not this early. “Hey Kate”, said a quiet voice from behind the door, “just seeing if you need anything?” Ok thankfully it’s just Nina from accounts, she usually pops in about mid-morning to check in and see if Kate needs anything from downstairs. And yes, Kate did absolutely need something, however, she didn't think a vodka martini was the appropriate drink to request at 11 am on a Monday, especially considering she was at work.

“Morning Nina, could I grab an extra tall latte and a blueberry muffin?” 

“Sure thing, I’ll be back in 5.”

Kate returned to dialling the bridal store, she explained the reason for her missed appointment and that she would not be needing to reschedule. In fact, she would also be asking if she could return her now useless dress. She threw a pretty please in there for good measure, after all, she did just have her entire life blown apart, the least they could do was give her a r****d, right? Wrong. Unfortunately, the call didn’t go exactly to plan, apparently custom designs cannot be returned, exchanged or refunded. Ugh!! Just as Kate was about to slam her phone against her oversized corner desk, Nina popped back in with her coffee and muffin order. 

“Thank you so much, Nina, you’re an absolute Godsend today.” 

“No worries”, she replied. “Everything ok?”

And at that moment Kate wanted to say yes, she desperately wanted everything to be okay. She didn’t want to have a complete breakdown at work, in front of her employee. Her nice and ever so sweet employee Nina who brings her muffins and coffees and does just about anything Kate requests. She just wanted to crawl beneath her desk and hide from the world, or better yet, pick herself up and run far away. Run from the question that was about to undo the almost hour, she spent concealing the bags under her eyes. Run from her nosy employees, her so-called sister, her now ex-fiancé. Just run and run and never.. 

"Are you doing ok?" Nina asked again, suddenly snapping Kate back to the here and now.

Kate could not take the question a second time, and she poured her broken little heart out. Kate proceeded to tell Nina all about the disaster that was last Friday night. How she almost walked in on her fiance and her sister breaking up and how she spent the entire weekend alone in a hotel eating cheerios straight out of the box and watching Netflix on her iPhone. Poor Nina, she had no idea what she was in for, she suggested Kate go home early and give herself a few days to adjust to this new normal. Kate agreed, Nina always had her back and would take care of any issues that come up. 

"Thanks so so much Nina, seriously you're a lifesaver. I'll head out in an hour. And hey, if you see my sister, tell her she's fired". 

As she was heading out of the office, Kate dug a hand into her rather large shoulder bag and pulled out her wedding planner. She threw it into the trash, then contemplated setting it on fire. Quickly deciding against it, what with smoke detectors and all, she locked up her office and walked out.