RHA wasn't going to let me off the hook, either. The very nature of my job is that someone always needs to be physically present in the office. It's especially important during a big event, in case something goes dramatically wrong. I get that. But we have such a small staff that if I my one co-worker can't or won't cover my shift, I have to work it or get written up/fired. On all-day events, we both have to work, one of us in the AM and the other in the PM. No way 'round it.
As of last week, the best arrangement I had made with my boss (the office manager) was that I would work in the morning and my co-worker would take over at noon. In theory, since Kero's ceremony wasn't until the evening it could all work out, but realistically it'd add a ton of stress to her day and hey, I didn't to miss out on any of the pre-wedding festivities!
Then, as I was sitting in the office trying to figure out how to tell Kero without upsetting her (couldn't be done!) I overheard the CEO say that he'd be helping cook at the event that day. I gathered up my courage (and just about all the good will I've accumulated at RHA over the years) and asked him if there was any possibility he could man the office that morning so that I could be at my friend's wedding. He thought about it and agreed that it was reasonable, since
A/ he'd be there anyway
B/ I'M A BRIDESMAID IN MY FRIEND'S WEDDING
And so I don't have to try to juggle a crazy schedule that day, and I don't have to face the wrath of Kero. WHAT A RELIEF.