The rest of the day for Lana was full of bustle. Mrs. Bright accepted the list, though it over and after lunch called Lana back to her office. Not a trace remains from the former dissatisfaction. Now the boss was polite and sharp. For two or three hours, they discussed possible options. Sweet buns, cakes with various fillings, pies, and cupcakes. With every minute Lana could feel some respect slowly appearing in the eyes of Miss Bright. Lana always liked to study this theme in details, and even if baking was just a hobby, she took it seriously and was passionate about it.
In Bennin, Lana collected all possible books on baker skill, articles, and even some family recipes from shifters families. Therefore, Miss Bright did not even hear about some of the sweets. Having made a trial plan for this week and compiled a list of necessary kitchen equipment, they said goodbye, being pleased with each other.
The rest of the staff still tried to avoid Lana, but the views had changed a bit. Anita continued from time to time to exchange with Lana silly banters and even offered to drink coffee together during the break. To Lana's surprise soon they were joined by Toby, who finally decided to satisfy his curiosity, and then Jenny.
"To be honest, it is very difficult for me to imagine our CEO in another role than a cold bossy director." - Jenny got to the main topic in a not so elegant way. She was always very straightforward and immediately spat out everything that was spinning on the tip of her tongue.
Lana grinned but decided to satisfy their curiosity after all.
" Perhaps the position requires," - she replied with a shrug. - "He used to be like that sometimes in the past too. The captain of the football team, an excellent student in school and also handsome. Of course, he had a whole herd of fans. But he always took his studies very seriously. The teachers just hated him. He argued with them, annoyed when he thought they were saying something wrong. Although Nicki says that as a professor he is excellent. He may not be aware of this, but it seems to me that he has a natural talent to be a leader, to guide, to teach, to direct."
"Wait, so he also teaches? And your son is his student?" - Toby could not resist.
"Well, yes, I think it was Greg who in childhood had infected Nicki with an idea about manufacturing, mechanical engineering, and all these technical gadgets. Therefore, when my son saw the name of Greg's sister in the list of professors on the course, his choice fell on this college. He did not even imagine that Marina would have to leave and Greg would replace her," - Lana promptly decided to tell everything, remembering Greg's words this morning. Her new comrades exchanged glances.
"You know, now, when I listen to all this, all these rumors seem such nonsense. As if we live in the Middle Ages and its such a shame to the maid to meet with the gentleman. And in fact, Mr. Wells, too, came from the common background, as I heard and you two know each other for so long. And what? You're really dating, aren't you?" - Jenny decided to express her opinion, looking at Lana. The others immediately looked at her waiting.
Lana mingled, not knowing how to respond. She certainly could deny everything, in the hope that everyone would leave her alone. But what's the point? Greg is not going anywhere anytime soon. And no matter how much she resisted, she understood perfectly well that she wouldn't go away from him no matter what too. So it made no sense to induce fog further. Therefore, taking a deep breath, she finally admitted.
"Yes. We are dating. In fact, we were dating in the past too, but the fate separated us, and now pushed together again. Something like this..."
Her colleagues looked at each other. They did not expect such a straightforward answer. Anita spoke first.
" And why didn't he find a better job for you? There are a bunch of possibilities. I bet you can even not work at all now. I suppose he can provide for a whole harem of women, so he surely can somehow feed you with your children." - She expressed everyone's opinion not really choosing her words to make a point.
Lana threw an angry look at her.
" First of all, I can feed myself and my children somehow on my own. I don't need a sponsor for this, and all the more I'm not interested in being someone's concubine. And secondly, I had already worked in a cafe, and I liked it. Besides, I love to bake and cook. And Frank offered me the job, not Greg. You, too, have known them for a long time, so why didn't you ask for a job yourself?" - retorted Lana, boiling.
"Touche, friend!" - Anita grinned, raising her arms in a sign of giving up. - "To each it's own. It's look like, you and I are similar in this. To some - the joy of great accomplishments, and to some is enough to see the happy faces of customers, stuffing their faces with your cooking."
Everyone laughed and the atmosphere immediately warmed up. Suddenly, this kitchen had ceased to be a battlefield for Lana and slowly began to turn into a place where she wanted to create and warm the hearts and stomachs of visitors with her pastries.
And tomorrow, along with suspicious gazes, she will surely be met by several sincere smiles and even a couple of warm greetings. Sometimes so little is needed to feel comfortable and warm.