"Good morning everyone!" I greeted as I entered the main kitchen.
"Morning," I heard some dispassionate greetings.
"Hey, good morning," came a lively voice, unlike the other unenthusiastic tones, behind me.
I turned to see a woman in her mid-twenties with a pretty oval face, a dazzling smile, a little chubby and brown hair, which was tied in a bun. It was Tanya.
"Hello there, Tanya" I greeted her back with a smile.
She was the first friend I made three years ago after joining the hotel. After 3 years of working together, I could say we have grown quite close. She was one bright ray of sunshine.
"Have you decided to starve yourself?" she asked, looking at my unhealthy colour, "I am sure you missed your breakfast to make it in time," she said like a stern teacher. "Here, I prepared this for you," she said, handing me a plate of buttered toast, sunny side up and some sausages.
"You really are a busybody," I said, unable to stop myself from smiling. She was a very caring lady. I wish I could get a nanny as caring as her, then I wouldn't have to worry about Twen.
I worked in 'The Grandé', a multi-cuisine restaurant of the hotel that was extremely busy during breakfast and dinner time when the guests usually preferred to eat.
I quickly put on the apron and shoes and covered my long hair in a plastic head-cover. As the Sous chef, one of my responsibilities were briefing the chefs under me. Even before the shift started, I could tell that it would be a busy day.
It was almost after midnight when my shift ended. Seriously, what do people do in the restaurant so late! As I was packing my stuff, my executive chef approached me. He was a heavy man with a round face, nicely cut beard, kind black eyes and neatly cut hair.
"Good evening, Chef Samuel," I greeted him with a big smile.
He rubbed his nose with an awkward look, "Good evening Tony. How's everything going?"
"Brilliant!" I flashed another broad smile.
"Good," he smiled, "Uhm…Tony, I have some news for you."
"What is it?"
"Do you know about the recent launch of Exquisite Hotel Chain's new Resort, Elegance?" he asked, speaking in a slightly awkward tone.
"Yes," I said cautiously.
"The General Manager wanted to transfer some of the experienced Chefs there to train the freshly recruited chefs. So, I recommended your name. It has been approved, you will be transferred there," he said as fast as he could as if he were hoping it would sound less unpleasant.
"What? But Chef, I only have three years of experience," I said, my eyes wide with surprise.
"Yes, in Grandé, but you have other experiences as well, and you are very dedicated and hardworking. How many chefs make it to Sous Chef in just 3 years? You have what it takes to train new chefs in a newly launched restaurant".
"Chef, that's not the problem. The distance is the factor. You know that the resort is pretty much outside the city for tourists to enjoy a good time at the beach. I have a son," I said, sounding a little frantic.
"I know, I know. But the accommodation that is arranged for you, is near your son's school. If you wish, I can pick up and drop him," said Chef Samuel in a serious tone, trying his best to convince me.
I pinched my forehead, frowning deeply. Just when I was starting to settle down here, I thought.
"Do I have a choice?" I asked hoping for a different answer.
"Uhh, Uhm NO!" Chef Samuel said, looking apologetic.
What a trouble! I shouldn't have been excited in the morning. I jinxed my happiness. I looked at Chef Samuel and gave a slightly bitter smile, "When is the transfer?"
"It's next month, pack all your things. If you want, Twen can stay with me during this period," Chef said looking genuinely concerned.
Well, it's fine. Just a change of location. What's the big deal? Since I changed cities; shifting houses shouldn't be a problem.
"No, Twen will stay with me, but regarding his pick up and drop, to and from school, I'll take up your offer," I said with a slight smile, before sighing, "I don't understand these rich people! Why open a resort when there are already 12 hotels all around this city?"
"Oh! This was not the Chairman's decision. I heard that his son, the current CEO, suggested the Elegance Resort project seeing the prospect of profit from the main attraction of our city, the beaches. Rumor has it that the Chairman wanted to test his son's capability. So, he handed him the entire project and gave him the deadline of 2 years to make it successful," said Samuel.
"I will never understand such people. Why test your son? I mean, it is a family business and has been carried on for generations. All that the Chairman needs to do is show his son the ropes of running the business. That is if his son is interested in the business at all. Anyway, I'll take my leave now," I said.
"Yes, take care, Tony! And give my love to Twen," Samuel smiled and waved me goodbye.
He was a nice man. He has taken care of me since my restaurant days. He was not judgmental and never frowned upon my status of being an Omega or having a son. I am incredibly grateful for everything he had done for me. So, it was a little hard for me to say no to him. But then again, whatever offer he had made to date has always proven to be the best for me.
"Transfer! Hah...No problem. I can handle it," I thought to myself confidently after sitting behind the wheels.