"Back when we were little kids in Wrightwood, my Parents thought I had only two friends. You and Fernando. I had one more. One more that no other person was aware of. His name was Damian. I can't remember his last name though. He was the son of the best carpenter in Wrightwood. My Father hired him to build a horizontal fence with top slats, around the house to stop me from going out to sell cookies. Damian always came with his Father whenever he worked on the fence. It was a big house, so it took quite a long time to build. Damian was a bit older than I was at that time, but all I remember is that I liked looking at him.
One day he caught me staring at him and walked up to me. He struck up a conversation at that instant and we became friends. I found him quite funny and entertaining. He watched over me like an elder brother would, over his younger sister. Being an only child, that comforted me. He even helped me sneak out to sell cookies one time. I gave him a full box later to thank him.
Then one day, in our compound, he asked me to wait at the spot I stood and that he had a surprise for me. Then he ran off to get it. Suddenly, my Father burst into the door and dragged me out in urgency. I asked him where he was taking me and he said we had to relocate to Los Angeles immediately. He said the business deal would keep us there for a long time.
He held my hand and opened the car for me to get in. I looked back and I saw Damian, standing there, staring at me, holding a little box in his hands. I wanted to run over but my Dad's yelling intensified and my mum pushed me in. I begged them to let me see Damian one last time but they declined and told me that he didn't matter".
"That's quite the story there Diana. What if you run into him again at Wrightwood?". Roberto questioned. "That's very unlikely. It's been ages. He's probably married by now". "Married?" Roberto Chuckled. "It would have been fine if you had just said 'He's probably in another country by now' but you said 'married'. Why did that pop into your head first?". He asked me with a funny look on his face. "I don't know. I mean. It's just a presumption. I just..."
"Does it bother you that he might be married?".
"And why should it?". I snapped as I stood. "I'm going to Wrightwood on a business trip. That's it. It's best to leave as soon as possible to get things done quicker". I declared. "Well, there's no use trying to stop you, so just make sure you call me when you get to Wrightwood". He said as he returned to flipping the files. "Sure I will. Bye". I said as I closed the door behind me.
As I went down the stairs, a thought popped into my head, and a mischievous smile crept up on my face. The thought of the look on Mr. and Mrs. Rodriguez's faces when they hear the news.
I giggled. I entered my car and met Treasure sound asleep. She had emptied the entire bowl of treats. I slouched on the car seat as the driver drove on. I stared at Treasure. I was envious of such a life. Her puppy life. A very comfortable puppy life.
"I'll be taking my private jet tomorrow on a business trip to Wrightwood". I informed John. "You can take those days off then". "But wouldn't you need someone to drive you around miss?". He inquired. " No, it's fine. I can find my way. I'll get two cars transported there and schedule a hotel room". I responded. "If you say so, Miss Diana". He replied with a look of dismay. I figured he was used to driving me around. "Don't look so disappointed, Mr. Ben. Think of it as the perfect opportunity to spend quality time with your family ". He smiled. "Okay, I concede" He replied as we both laughed.
I packed 12 suitcases for my clothes, 5 suitcases for my shoes and 3 suitcases for other essential requirements of mine. I hoped it would be enough. John helped me take the suitcases downstairs and I resumed packing Treasure's bags. I was about to head upstairs when someone entered.
It was Fernando. I ran to hug him. "How are you doing, Chef Diana?". He asked. "I'm very well thank you. Just packing as you can see. Roberto must have already informed you of my travel, given that you're here currently". I smiled. "Of course he did. He's Roberto. To be candid, I was awestruck when I heard of your plan to open another restaurant in Wrightwood. It seems a bit reckless don't you think?". Fernando remarked with a look of concern.
I could be a bit saucy with Roberto, but Fernando was different. He was strict when it came to important matters and it always got me humbled. I sat down and sighed. "I don't even know why I want to do it so much. I just know that I do".
"You've always put off any kind of visit to that place. Even when Roberto and I invited you on a vacation trip. I feel that this time, it's different for you. Your passion is fueling you to. Maybe your subconscious misses that place. So, what I have to say to you is...". I inched closer in anticipation as my eyes dilated. "Go for it!".
He exclaimed. I was so happy. "Thanks for your support, Fernando". "Sure. Just promise me you'll put off any restaurant opening ideas from now on and focus on the ones you already own". He instructed. "I will. You know, you should consider being a psychologist. You have excellent analytical skills". I noted. "Thanks". He said with a yawn.
"You're hungry, it seems. Well, you'll have plenty of time to eat after you've finished helping me pack Treasure's things". I said as I yanked him.
The flight from Los Angeles, CA to Wrightwood, CA, was scheduled for 48 minutes. As I sat inside the jet, I silently hoped it would take longer because the view was stunning. Treasure loved it too. I expected peace and tranquility from Wrightwood but what I didn't expect was the crowd of paparazzi and journalists, I met as soon as my jet landed. I was confounded at how they were informed of my arrival.
Luckily, I had bodyguards in waiting and they escorted Treasure and me through. I couldn't help but hear questions like:
"Chef Diana! What does your arrival at Wrightwood mean?"
"Are you here for an event Chef Diana!?"
"Chef Diana! Are you on the verge of making a new recipe discovery!?".
"What brings you to Wrightwood!?".
I heaved a sigh of relief as I got into my car. A designated driver drove the first car which contained our luggage and I drove the second. "What a wonderful panorama". I smiled as I admired the town. The sun cast its captivating rays on the trees, which reflected into the waters. It was a simple, yet enchanting place to be.
I wind down the windows so Treasure could catch a whiff of the fresh air. She barked in excitement. "Oh Treasure. It seems like we're gonna have a lot of fun here". The hotel was majestic. Precisely as I hoped. It incorporated only four rooms. It was a hotel that catered to the needs of the wealthy and we're especially skilled in providing the highest level of comfort there was to offer. Its name was GENESIS.
It was situated a little out of town. Far from where most of the folks lived. It was only going to be a one-hour drive to town. I loved the fact that I would have my solitude. The doormen ushered me to my room and packed our bags.
The room was well furnished as I had expected. It had a sitting area with a television and elegant furniture, a sleeping area with two large beds and a chandelier, a large bathroom, and a vast kitchen. The kitchen was my favorite part. The entire room looked like an artwork.
I changed into more comfy clothing and picked up the large bottle of wine the hotel presented as a gift. I paid no attention to the doormen carrying the last of my bags in. It was a bit hard to read the contents of the wine. They were in small prints but I squinted my eyes to read them. It was an old habit of mine.
"Please excuse us, Chef Diana. We have a realtor here who would like to take pictures of your room". The hotel manager informed me. "Huh". I said as I turned to look at them. The bottle of wine in my hand dropped instantly and smashed to the floor, with its pieces scattered all over the floor. I stared in fright. I knew those eyes too well. It could only be him. It was at that moment I realized that my worst nightmare had come to fruition. And it was Damian Hernandez.