(Orville POV)
"Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday Dear Sofi! Happy birthday to you!"
Our sing along was then followed by a loud round of applause for my little girl. She looked up at me with her precious eyes and giggled excitedly. She waved her skirt up and down before blowing the candles.
"Let's give a round of applause again for our birthday girl." The host said on the microphone. The audience cheered Sofia on as she gets the honor of having the first slice of cake. Eloise was slicing it for her but Sofia grew impatient so she decided to take the rose fondant and gobble it up while waiting for the cake which amused her guests.
Everyone then started lining up for the cake. Harry and Wayne rushed to me and complained due to their dislike of having to wait in line.
"Dad, we don't want to wait. It's boring and stupid." Wayne pouted.
"Why does Sofia get to eat the cake already while we have to wait? We're her brothers. We should have gotten a slice after she did." Harry argued.
"Boys, come on, it's her birthday. Surely, you don't mind if she has the first slice. It's only fair. When your birthdays come, you'll also get the first slice." I explained.
"Daddy, can you just get us a cake?" Harry asked and he's doing the puppy eyes again. I know that I should know better. These boys can't have everything they want. I don't want to spoil them too much.
"Harry, just go with Wayne and wait for both of your turns or else, the best bits will run out. You don't want that, do you?"
"No."
"You don't want your friends to take the fondants, do you?"
"No."
"What are you waiting for? Go now!" I said which successfully encouraged them as they quickly ran to fall in line.
I stood back and watched the guests feast on the enormous cake the hotel chefs baked for Sofia. It was the biggest sigh of relief for me, considering that there wasn't even any cake moments ago. We were all frantic, unaware of what to do. Thank God, Selina proposed something and she committed to what she said. I was downright very grateful.
"Cuz, did you like the cake?" Selina said after popping out of nowhere.
"I do and quite frankly, it looks somewhat better than the actual cake we have ordered. It just captures everything Sofia likes."
"And considering the chefs didn't have a lot of time, they actually nailed the look and the presentation and what we are really going for in terms of the theme."
"You said it. I would like to thank them personally for saving my daughter's night if you don't mind." I insisted.
"Go ahead."
--
(Zane POV)
We just finished service and I can tell everybody is relieved that it's finally over. However, I for one really enjoyed it because I managed to run the brigade successfully during the cake making process and it is a huge boost to my confidence.
Also, even though some are passing their tasks over to me or taking advantage of the fact that I am an intern whom you can order around sometimes, I am not complaining because it will show my future employers the level of willingness and perseverance that I can give for them.
"Zane, the party is over. Let's see if there's any cake left." Gardenia said as we both ran out of the kitchen to see what's left of what we made.
"Hurry!" She said as I was behind her. I went a little bit faster until I ran into some gentleman.
"Oh gosh! I'm sorry, sir! I didn't…" I stopped instantly because I couldn't even believe who it was.
"Zane! What are you doing here?" He asked in surprise.
"Hi Orville! I…well…actually, I am working here for the summer." I told him.
"Why? Do you still need to worry about your tuition?"
"No, no, it's fine, thank you! I just came here to have some sort of an experience. It's also good for my résumé to have a professional training."
"Oh, I see. I just came here to thank the chefs who managed to bake my daughter that amazing cake at the last minute."
"Wait! Your daughter is the birthday girl?! The girl we are baking for?" It took quite a while for me to register that it was Orville's daughter whose cake we made and panicked about.
"Yes, why?"
"Um, sir! Zane was actually the one who monitored everything in the making of the cake." Gardenia butted in.
"You did!" Orville exclaimed.
"That's not entirely true, they helped so it wasn't just me."
"Zane, thank you! I don't think my daughter would have had a perfect night if it wasn't for all of you so I just want to express my sincere gratitude." Orville said.
"You're welcome. I'm glad I can help and made your daughter happy."
"CIA would be very lucky to have you as their student."
"Gee, thanks." I said as I looked to the side so I can hide my blushing face from him. I knew he will notice it if he sees my face.
"Don't hide your face from me. I know you are blushing."
"Um…Zane, I think it would be better if I should go. I wouldn't want to ruin your moment here with sir." Gardenia teased before leaving me with Orville.
"Do you want to walk with me?" Orville asked.
"Service is over so why not?"