Ellery's POV
"Alright people! This is the last order before we move onto desserts. Two roasted venison, two smoked duck, two grilled shrimps, and two portobello mushrooms for our vegetarians."
"Yes, Chef!"
"Everyone else, please start cleaning and prepare for desserts."
"Yes, Chef!"
I smiled happily. Everything was going so smoothly. Everyone seemed happy with the food. So far so good.
I walked around the kitchen checking on everyone. I stopped at the venison station. "You don't have to keep on flipping it, let it cook on one side first. Flipping it constantly won't make it cook faster. Let's do it correctly, no need to rush."
"Sorry, Chef."
"It's okay, John." I said, looking at his name tag.
I walked over to the guy who was questioning my ability to cook earlier. "So, Will. Do you still think I can't cook?"
"I still haven't made up my mind yet. Chef."
"Well if you do make up your mind, do tell me." I chuckled.
"How long?" I yelled.
"About five minutes on the duck and venison, Chef!"
"How about shrimp and mushroom?"
"Three minutes, Chef!"
It was my first time working in a kitchen. I can't believe it's going so well. It was so exciting!
I made my way back to the serving counter and picked up the first dessert order.
"Desserts! Table one: three lava cake, two coffee cake, and three glazed fruits with cream mousse."
"Yes, Chef!"
~~~~~~
I raised my champagne flute,"Cheers!"
"Cheers!"
"Thank you everyone! You've worked really hard tonight! I couldn't have done it without you." I smiled, wiping off the sweat that formed around my neck and forehead.
"Thank you, Chef!"
"You've worked hard!"
"Thank you. Have a good night everyone." I did a bottoms up and drank all of the sweet drink. I waved to everyone and walked out of the kitchen.
I took off the apron and took of my flats. I put the apron on one of the hooks on the wall, sat down on a chair and put on my high heels.
I sat in the chair for a few minutes before I left for the ballroom. I walked into the room and everyone was eating and chatting happily. It looks like the food was a success. However it felt as if something was missing and I couldn't quite place my finger on it.
I saw in a Madison corner and she quickly walked over to me, "Ellery! Thank god you're here!"
"What's wrong?"
"Well, the cellist wasn't feeling well so she went to the bathroom. She hasn't come back in a long time."
Music. That's what was missing. No one was dancing even though it was a gala.
"Oh. Is there another person who could fill in for her?" I asked. There's just problems after problems tonight.
"No. I heard someone said that you play the cello."
"Me?" I looked at her, surprised. "No, I couldn't possibly do it."
"The guests will start to complain and there's still a lot of time before the auction. They're starting to get sick of just the piano guy playing."
"Even if I wanted to help, I don't have anything to wear anyways." I pointed at my short dress. It was the dress Holly and I bought at the boutique last weekend.
"I think there's an extra outfit around here somewhere." She said, dragging me behind her.
"Madison, no."
"Too late."
~~~~~~
I bowed along with everyone and walked off the stage. I made my way to the backstage and to one of the dressing room.
I walked into one. It had a black star stuck to the door. On the star was written the word Ellery. I chuckled. I felt like an actress, having my own dressing room.
I changed out of the black blouse and black dress pants. I put on my white satin dress again and fixed my hair.
I left the dressing room and went to the west wing. There was a pool and bright lights shone from it. The night was chilly with soft winds, reminding me that I forgot to bring a sweater with me.
"Ms. Aires! Where were you all night?" Said a familiar voice. "You disappeared and then showed up again, just to go on the stage."
"I'm sorry. The cellist felt sick and couldn't do it so I filled in for her. Did you enjoy the food?"
"Yes. The chef finally showed up?"
"Yes, sir." I lied. I don't know why, it felt right. "I told you I would fix it didn't I."
"If you did well in the first place you wouldn't have to fix anything."
"I'm sorry?"
"As you should be."
"Excuse me? Was it my fault that there was a traffic accident? Was it my fault the cellist got sick? At least I fixed it!" I yelled at him. I turn around and was about to walk away when one of my heels broke and I fell.