The Faded Rose

Chapter 2

The ballroom is buzzing with noise. Everyone is running around to make sure that everything was in place. No one would want to cross paths with the devil if anything went wrong during The Gala. I let out a sigh and started arranging the dishes, making sure that everything was upto the mark.

I gathered my team. "We need to do our best. This is a great opportunity for La Fiorenza. I want all of you to help and support me like you always have. You are my family, lets make the best out of the chance that we have got." Everyone chorused a yes patting each others' back. Everyone dispersed, going back to their work. I believe that treating employees fairly, consistently across their workforce is necessary for individual and overall company success.

I saw Ms Black walking towards me, "Ms Preston, I hope everything has been arranged."

"Yes, I am just waiting for Linguine all'Aragosta o all'Astice. My colleague was supposed to get it, he should be here any minute," I replied checking the time.

I saw Lucy running towards me from the corner of my eyes. She was a waitress at La Fiorenza. A very sweet girl working to save money for college.

"Hayley, we have a problem," Lucy said, her breathing heavy.

"What happened?" Ms Black asked urgently before I could even utter a word.

Lucy looked towards me, then towards Ms Black and then back at me wondering if she should say anything. I gave her a slight nod which was enough for her to make the decision.

"We won't be able to serve Linguine all'Aragosta o all'Astice. Some i***t was driving rashly and almost ended up hitting Mr Mathews."

"How is Mr. Mathews, is he okay?" I asked worriedly. Mr Mathews was like a father to me, he believed in me when I didn't believe in myself. He was a very warm and a caring man in his 40s. He used to be a chef at my father's house and was the one who got me interested in cooking.

"Mr. Mathews is okay as David pulled him out of the way but the dish... it's gone."

"This is bad, really bad. Mr. Lorde had specifically instructed that this dish be there in the menu. He is going to be angry," Ms. Black panicked.

"I am sure that Mr. Lorde will understand. It was not anyone's fault but that of the driver. It was an accident, he surely would be reasonable about it," I looked at her for reassurement.

"I don't know. I really don't know, I hope he does for your sake and mine."

I decided to meet Mr. Lorde to let him now about the entire situation. No matter the circumstance, it was my responsibility and I could not let Ms. Black take the burn for it.

"Where can I find Mr. Lorde? I think its better that I speak to him directly."

"Are you sure dear?" Ms. Black looked at me with pity.

"Positive."

"Go to the 7th floor, the last door at the end of the corridor. His meeting with Mr. Cooper would be over any minute now."

Throwing a last glance at Ms. Black, I walked out of the ballroom towards the upcoming calamity. The ball room was on the fourth floor of the hotel. It didn't take me much time to reach his office as opposed to what I wanted. I nervously knocked on the door not wanting to face the man.

"Come in" a voice called from inside.

I pushed the door open, walking inside. The walls were painted cream, it had a floor-to-ceiling window which faced towards the lush green gardens. It was a scenic view, a true beauty. The office was spotless, a large rosewood desk sat in the middle. A lush black couch near the wall with a coffee table on the side. It seemed more like a temporary office of sorts.

I was shocked at seeing the man in front of me. It was the same man whose date had created a scene at the restaurant a few days back. Nicholas sat behind the desk engrossed in his work. He looked up at the sound of the door closing.

"You?" I asked furrowing my eyebrows.

He looked at me as recognition dawned his eyes. "What are you doing here Ms. Preston?" He asked placing his palms under his chin resting his elbow on the desk.

"I am responsible for the catering of The Gala."

"I am aware. Did you think that I wouldn't know who is doing what at an event hosted by me? I meant what are you doing here in my office?"

"Ohh of course!" I suddenly felt stupid for saying that.

"There was an accident, no one was injured but Linguine all'Aragosta o all'Astice got spilt over and now we are unable to serve it. That was a stand alone dish so it would not affect the other dishes," I said everything in a single breath. I crossed my fingers waiting for his response.

He stood up and closed the distance between us until he was a foot apart. He looked at me with his piercing grey eyes. Not wanting to be so close to him, I took a step back but he wasn't having it. He took a step forward, I took one back. This continued until I felt the wall against my back. He placed his arms on either side of my head trapping me in between.

"Do you know how much I dislike incompetent people Miss Preston? I don't like giving second chances." He stated.

Before I could respond, his phone rang. He showed me his index finger indicating me to wait. I stood there awkwardly. He walked away talking on the phone in a hushed voice. He ran his hand through his hair in frustration. After a few minutes, he hung up. He walked towards me taking long strides, closing the gap between us.

"Do you want me to forget about this and not make it into a bigger deal than it already is?" He asked me in his deep husky voice.

"Yes" I whispered, I looked down to avoid his gaze. He cupped my chin making me look up straight into his eyes. I gasped at the intensity in his eyes unable to look away from him. He tucked a curl behind my ear and bent down, I could now feel his breath against my skin.

"On one condition" He mumbled.

"What?"

"Be my date."