Chapter Fifteen
The Mini Project 3
Jeff and Leon got off school as usual. Jeff checked his phone and saw missed calls and a message.
"Jeff, remember your appointment with us tomorrow. Thank you. Sica Ray."
Jeff was surprised. He could not explain such care from the business icon whom she just met few days ago. All he could do was to return the call.
"Hello Jeff, how are you?"
"Good evening, Madam Ray. I'm good. I'm sorry for not reaching out to you before now. Furthermore, I have been busy with my school work."
"I got it, Jeff. I hope you're coming tomorrow?"
"Yes Madam Ray. Thank you so much for your concern."
"It is all right, Jeff. See you tomorrow."
(Cut)
(Cut)
Jeff chuckled.
"Thank God the name is inexhaustible."
The lady boss who had been overwhelmed by motherly love had stripped herself of the officious title.
He thought as he joined Leon in the car. Leon drove them home. Mr. Morris was in the kitchen with the Chef attempting to prepare something for them. They impressed him at the office today, and he is giving them a special treat.
Thursday Morning
Jeff had been busy of late. He was hoping to be down, but he was still up and doing. He could not wait for the weekend to come. That day, he asked his grandfather for a bottle of wine while they were at the dinner table.
"Dad, I need a bottle of wine, please."
Mr. Morris sipped his tea before he dropped the cup and gave Jeff a searching look, then asked.
"What for?"
"I'm going to the Endless Love Arcadia for my research, and I feel I should return the gesture they gave to me the last time I was there."
"That reminds me. Where is the tea? I noticed some changes in the tea that Robert served lately. Could it be the one?"
Robert, the chef who always stood by whenever they were eating, concurred.
"Yes Mr. Morris. I will discontinue if you ask me to."
"No. You don't have to discontinue. I only wanted to be certain."
"It is all right, boss."
Mr. Morris had fallen in love with the tea. He had observed that it was invigorating. He faced Jeff who was busy with his breakfast and gave approval to his request.
"Son, you will take two bottles of wine with you."
Leon, who had been silent all the time, cast a jubilant look at Jeff. He was thinking that Mr. Morris would turn him down.
"Thank you dad. You're the best."
Mr. Morris sniggered at the excitement on his face. The discovery he just got from Mr. Robert had given Jeff a clue on how to appreciate the lady boss. Jeff had been on his toes because he had been taking the Organic Tea.
"You're welcome son. That was very thoughtful of you. Let's go."
They all sipped their tea and got up. Jeff hurriedly went to the wine cellar and got two bottles of wine. The janitor handed a branded shopping bag to him.
"I would prefer a plain one if it is available."
"Let me check."
He left for the store and came back at once with a plain shopping bag.
"Thank you."
At the Eagles City University.
Prof. Wood had this feeling of self-condemnation after he discovered the quality of phone that Jeff handed over to him, probably on impulse. He felt he had deprived him of his cherished gift. He sent for him the moment he made up his mind to return the gift to him.
Jeff headed to Prof. Wood's office as soon as he got his message.
"Good morning, Prof. Wood. You sent for me."
He greeted the moment he got into his office. The professor ceased the opportunity to observe him carefully. His skin color is top-notch because it was healthy and glowing. He observed his handset and noticed that it was nothing compared to what he had given to him.
"Please take your seat."
"Thank you Prof."
He sat down like a royalty and looked into the Professor's eyes.
"Jeff, I feel like returning your gift to you."
He announced as he picked up the gift bag which was still on his table. Jeff' was bewildered and it was obvious.
"Why? But I gave it to you."
"Yes. I feel you acted on impulse. Don't you think you need it?"
He asked, looking at the phone in Jeff's hand. He noticed the look and smirked.
"Don't look at my phone. It is just a cover-up."
Jeff brought out his main phone from his jacket inner pocket and showed him.
"This is my phone. I live low profile because it is good for me. Can I return to my class now?"
The awestruck Professor could not believe his eyes. He recollected himself and said.
"Thank you, Jeff. I will hold you in high regard for your intelligence. You may return to your class."
"Thank you Prof."
He took his leave while the Professor began to run his mind around Jeff's activities, the lunch, the wine, and the fight with the notorious Ben-G and the erstwhile Vice Chancellor.
'He indeed knows his onion.'
The Professor concluded as he brought his phone out of the velvet drawstring gift bag and admired it once again.
At the Endless Love Arcadia
The drive through the city of Toronto is usually hitch free due to the light traffic. During the rush hours, the distance between Mississauga where The Eagles City University was located and Toronto, the location of the Endless Love Arcadia was about thirty-five minutes' drive. Jeff left his school forty minutes ahead of time to avoid any possible hitch that could cause delay. By ten minutes to eleven o'clock, he was at his destination. He parked in the car park alongside his aids, security, and driver.
"Mr. Kelvin, I will be staying longer than usual because of my project."
He announced as he took the wine bottles and folder containing his questionnaires from his back seat."
"All right, Young Master."
Mr. Kelvin Levi, his driver, concurred. He walked majestically to the Front Desk to meet the Operations Manager cheerfully waiting.
"Welcome to the Endless Love Arcadia Young Master."
"Good morning Manager. Thank you."
"Please come with me."
He walked with him to the elevator. They got off at the tenth floor as usual and were at the lady boss' beautiful office.
"Good morning, Madam Ray. Good to see you."
He greeted cheerfully as soon as he walked in. Madam Sica Ray looked up from the paper on her desk and welcomed him.
"Jeff, good morning. Nice to meet you. Please take your seat."
"Thank you Madam. Before I take my seat, I have this for you."
He handed over the two bottles of wine to her, which she collected vivaciously.
"Wow! Did you think of a gift for me? I appreciate."
"You're welcome. I hope you like it."
Jeff said as he majestically took his seat on the visitors' seat while the Operations Manager sat on the couch.
"A minute, please, Jeff."
"It is okay."
Jeff smiled and took the opportunity to glance at the television. There was an announcement going on that caught his attention. It was an advertisement for bidders to register and participate in the auction sales of an entire island. Jeff took down their website and contact immediately. Then, the lady boss called his attention, handing the papers to him.
"Sorry Jeff. I was going through the information you requested on HOW WE STARTED AND GREW OUR BUSINESS. I feel you should have the hard copy. You can skim through and take the germane information for your research."
Before she could conclude her speech, Jeff had eagerly accepted her offer like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber to meet his bride.
"Thank you Madam. This had made my work easier."
The Operations Manager attempted to take the gift away from the table to the office refrigerating chamber but was halted by the lady boss.
"Don't bother Manager. I will handle it."
"Okay Madam.'
"What about tea, Jeff?"
"I wouldn't mind."
"That is good."
She walked out of her swivel chair to the pantry and prepared tea for two. She served Jeff with some crackers.
"Thank you Madam."
"You are welcome. Do you like it hot, Jeff?"