I was simply clueless as to what to do. Boris was worried as well, so he called the hostess of the event management team and asked her to give me a crash course. She was busy at the moment with certain work, so I decided to go about with my usual job. I took the shift handover logbook from Chef Anna. She was a French woman in her early 40s with a long squarish face and small unassuming eyes. She was supposed to leave after the morning shift, but due to the event, she had to stay back, yet not a word of complaint escaped her mouth. She quietly went about her work without making much fuss. Her dedication made the other younger chefs motivated, and they started working tooth and nail as well. When I asked her about the previous shift's books, she looked at me with an appraising eye,
"Good boy! You have such a strong sense of duty. Even with the event, you want to be up to date with your work schedule. No wonder you are in such a high post at such a young age. Good… Good!" she said as she handed over the books.
"Thank you, Chef Anna!" I said, feeling grateful as she patted my shoulder and walked away.
I could not tell her that I just wanted to distract myself from the sudden pressure from the work assigned by the Chairman. When I reached the kitchen, I saw it was divided into two groups, one busy with the restaurant 'Garnish's' duty while another with the event. Even while working, these lads and ladies were imprudent enough to be chattering.
I was so nervous that I couldn't bring myself to scold them and instead, made my way to my office to go through the last day's work. It was then that I heard excited whispers of three women,
I was so nervous that I couldn't bring myself to scold them and instead made my way to my office to go through the previous day's work. It was then that I heard excited whispers of three women,
"Is that really Mr. Olsen? I can't believe the Chairman is acquainted with him."
"What's there not to believe? Both are in the field of business and I heard they are also classmates. It is no surprise that they know each other!"
"Really?"
The three women leaned closer to take a look at the cell phone held by one of them.
"You gotta be kidding. He doesn't look a day older than thirty."
"No, I am telling the truth. My dad is an employee in his company! I have seen him before. In fact, his excellent reputation helped him take off his political career."
"No wonder the Chairman is trying to impress him."
"Tony,"
My eavesdropping ended with the appearance of a disheveled Tanya. She took my hand and asked in a tensed voice, "Is it true? Did the Chairman really ask you to be his personal host?"
Being reminded of the tragedy that has suddenly befallen me, I grimaced. I quickly tried to hide it with a smile but only managed to make my face look more distorted,
"Yeah," I sighed.
"Why?" Tanya asked, her eyes round with worry.
"If only I knew," I replied, feeling more and more miserable.
"Tell the CEO!" Tanya urged.
I did think to inform Robbie but couldn't bring myself to tell him. I just couldn't get the image of his anxiety-filled face off my mind. On top of that, we parted very awkwardly. I just felt like it would be strange to suddenly call and inform him of the situation. I had just made up my mind to give an excuse to Tanya when,
"Excuse me?"
A slim young woman with bronze skin, a pretty oval face, and a dazzling smile had called me. Tanya and I turned to her with blank looks. I asked politely,
"I am sorry I did not notice you. Is there something I can help you with?"
She smiled at me courteously and said in a very friendly and pleasing tone, "Worry not Mr. Hawker. I can understand that with today's event, things have been quite stressful."
Tanya remained quietly standing beside me as I proceeded with our conversation, "Miss, may I know to what business I owe you this pleasure?"
The woman's eyes glowed in an amused light, and she smiled again dazzlingly, saying, "Mr. Hawker, I have been asked by Mr. Taylor to meet you."
"Boris?" I asked, looking surprised, but then my mind went on rewind, and I remembered that Boris had asked the hostess of the event management team to give me a crash course. I quickly looked at the pretty lady standing in front of me with a luminous smile feeling somewhat relieved,
"You must be Miss Brown. I am grateful to have you help me out," I said, forwarding my hand for a shake, which she took.
"It's no big deal, Mr. Hawker."
I turned to look at Tanya, whose face still showed hints of concern.
I whispered to her urgently, "Don't worry. Boris asked a hostess to guide me with the job. Let's keep our fingers crossed for the best."
Tanya nodded. She looked slightly relieved. I quickly guided Miss Brown to my office with, 'Please this way' to which she obliged. I suddenly remembered something and held Tanya's arms. Tanya staggered back, looking at me curiously,
"Meet me in the parking after the event today."
"Huh?" she asked, looking thoroughly surprised.
"You will know when we meet. Just don't forget, okay?" I told her with a small smile before following after Miss Brown.
I saw Tanya leave, scratching her head in confusion. Softly chuckling, I closed the door to my office. I quickly placed the logbook I took from Chef Anna on the table and directed her to the seat opposite me. I said formally,
"I will be frank with you Miss Brown-"
"Diana. Call me Diana," she smiled.
"Ah, I see. Yes, Miss Diana, so, as I was saying, I have been suddenly given a task which is not my field of expertise. Since it is a personal request from the Chairman, I cannot refuse! So, it would be very kind of you if you could just show me some general points regarding hosting."
Diana nodded in an understanding manner and spoke with confidence, "Don't you worry Mr. Ha-" she suddenly stopped and asked in false uncertainty, "It's fine if I call you Tony, right?"
"Please go ahead. There is no need for formalities," I smiled. This girl was sure very conversational. She knows exactly how to keep the conversation light and moving,
"So, Tony, you have nothing to worry about. I will give you some pointers on the hosting, and if you find any difficulty, you may unhesitatingly ask me. Plus, if by any chance you find anything that you are not able to do during the event, I will be around the corner, so just call me," she assured me with another brilliant smile.
I nodded. I am not sure how things will go this evening, but I have to give my best! Hence, I steeled my nerves. Just one evening, I can definitely do it!