"Stepping into the Spotlight"
Part 7
As Lulu sat at her desk, staring blankly at her computer screen, she couldn't shake off the feeling of panic that had been building up inside her since she got the news about the gala. She was so caught up in her thoughts that she didn't even notice Jenny, her assistant, walking into the room. "Lulu, I heard about the gala," Jenny said, plopping down in the chair across from Lulu's desk. "Don't worry, I've got you covered." Lulu raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?" Jenny grinned. "I mean, I've been in this business long enough to know how to prepare someone for a high-profile event like this. I'll help you pick out a dress, we can practice your etiquette, and I'll even give you some tips on how to work the room." Lulu felt a wave of relief wash over her. She had been worried that she was going to have to figure all of this out on her own, but with Jenny's help, she felt like she might actually be able to pull this off. Just then, Grayson's voice came over the intercom. "Hey, Lulu, can I talk to you for a minute?" Lulu nodded, even though she knew Grayson couldn't see her. "Yeah, sure. What's up?" "I was just thinking, I know you're feeling a little anxious about the gala," Grayson said, his voice low and soothing. "But I want you to know that you're going to be amazing. Just be yourself, and people will love you. And don't worry if you make any mistakes - it's not a big deal." Lulu felt a tiny bit of her anxiety dissipate. It was nice to know that Grayson was on her side, and that he believed in her. "Thanks, Grayson," she said, smiling. "That means a lot coming from you." "No problem," Grayson replied. "I'll send you the details of the gala, and Jenny can help you get ready. I have faith in you, Lulu." As Grayson's voice faded away, Lulu turned to Jenny, who was watching her with a knowing look on her face. "Okay, let's get to work," Jenny said, standing up. "We have a lot to do before next Saturday." Together, Lulu and Jenny dove into the world of gala preparation. They spent the rest of the day browsing dress websites, practicing Lulu's etiquette, and going over the dos and don'ts of high-society events. By the end of the day, Lulu felt like a completely different person. She was no longer the nervous, uncertain girl who had been sitting at her desk just hours before. She was a confident, poised woman, ready to take on the world - or at least, the gala. As the day drew to a close, Lulu turned to Jenny with a grateful smile. "Thanks, Jenny. I don't know what I would have done without you." Jenny smiled back. "Anytime, Lulu. Now let's get some rest. We have a big night ahead of us."