Three
1402 Words
Clara Daniels
The restaurant felt different today, buzzing with excitement. I came up with a list of food we would be presenting for the showcase. I took it to Mr Wilson's office and showed him the menu. He added and made some adjustments.
“We need to be flawless,” I told the team as we huddled near the kitchen.
"This is Astor Group. If they like our food, it could put Le Petit Haven on the map."
“Flawless?"
"With that old oven?" Mason grumbled, folding his arms.
“Then make the oven flawless too,” I shot back.
“Guys, we need to discuss the menu we will be presenting,” I ordered.
I brought out the menu I had written, and we decided on:
Mushroom risotto with grilled chicken.
Stir-fry spaghetti and turkey.
Avocado spread doughnuts.
Fruit salad with strawberries, grapes, raspberries, and apples.
Ratatouille with poached egg salad as a side dish.
“Clara,” Mr. Wilson said later, pulling me aside. "Mr Mason, you and I will be the ones to present the dishes."
“Me?” I blinked.
“Yes, you. So prepare yourself.”
***
On Thursday, Mr Wilson, Emmanuel, and I arrived at Astor Tower. The moment I saw the Astor Group tower up close, I felt a lump in my throat.
“This place looks like a movie set,” Emmanuel whispered behind me.
It was more massive and beautiful up close than I imagined, its windows reflecting the sunlight. Different people in suits moving in and out of the revolving doors, they all looked like they had the world at their feet.
We each held a buffet tray. The mushroom risotto and the stir-fry spaghetti aroma covered the place.
I was wearing a sky-blue top which had the logo of Le Petit Haven on it, tucked into a black skirt. Tied my hair in a neat bun and wore black shoes.
***
We got to the lobby and stopped at the desk. We introduced ourselves.
"Hi, my name is Wilson from Le Petit Haven."
"We were sent an email asking us to bring our dishes for a showcase." Mr. Wilson said, “I am here with my team,” he added.
“Alright, I will take you to the conference room,” the receptionist said.
The receptionist directed us to the conference room. We took the lift and headed to the conference room through the hallway.
“Conference room A,” the receptionist said with a smile. “The team will join you shortly.”
The conference room was big with a long boardroom table in the center and black executive chairs. A projector was hanging from the ceiling with a whiteboard in front of it.
We set down our buffet tray with the plate and cutlery.
***
I heard the sound of the door, and turned. A man with a black suit and white shirt beneath it. He has dark hair, the most stunning brown eyes I have ever seen, and a sharp jawline.
My eyes widened. The man in front was very tall with broad shoulders and the suit fit like it was made for him.
Damian Astor!
It's Damian Astor. I didn’t need to be told. I had seen his pictures. He exuded confidence and power. He came in with a woman and two other men.
“Good morning everyone.” His voice was smooth and deep.
“Good morning,” a man said, stepping forward.
“Good morning,” we chorused.
"I am Nicholas, This is Mr. Damian Astor and members of the planning committee."
"You are all welcome to Astor Group," he added.
“Thank you.” Mr. Wilson said.
“It is an honor to be here,” Mr. Wilson signaled to me to take over.
“My name is Clara Daniels, manager of Le Petit Haven and here with me is Mr Wilson, the restaurateur, and Mr Mason, the head chef,” I said. “We are delighted to present our menu and dishes for your consideration.”
“Okay, what do you have for us?” Mr. Astor said.
His voice gave me goosebumps.
“We have drafted this, and we hope you like it.” I hope my voice didn't shake. I headed towards them and handed over the menu.
I saw Mr. Astor glanced at the menu for a bit and stared at me.
I began describing the dishes while Emmanuel served. I could feel Damian's eyes on me a few times. He would look away and then look back.
Damian Astor
I hated tasting. Usually, they were filled with overconfident chefs flaunting their “artistry” while trying to impress so they could get the contract.
Nicholas opened the door and announced, “Le Petit Haven is here,”
“Alright, I'm coming,” I said.
As I settled down, I heard her voice. It sounded calm, soft, and polished.
I looked up. I saw a young lady with two other grown men. The lady was standing at the other end of the table. She looks average height, not dripping in designer clothes. She had a tee-shirt with the restaurant’s logo on it.
But there was something about her. She has dark curly hair which was packed in a ponytail, with light makeup on.
She introduced herself and the others. I heard her name 'Clara Daniels.'
She handed over the menu with a smile on her face, looking very confident.
“Thank you,” I said. She went ahead and explained the menu.
The other man served the plate while she brought it over to us. It was mushroom risotto and chicken.
It tasted nice. But every time I took a bite, my eyes drifted back to her.
She didn’t fidget. She didn’t chatter nervously like most caterers. She was just observant, moving her hands in front of her.
There was no calculation in her gaze. No desperate attempt to impress us.
She doesn’t know it yet, but she stands out.
Nicholas cleared his throat. “What do you think of the risotto, sir?”
“It’s… good,” I said finally. “The balance is perfect.”
She then set up another plate of fruit salad with strawberries and grapes.
“Here is our salad, sir.” She said, while placing the plate in front of me.
I caught her eyes. Her blue eyes gave her a dazzling look. I felt something that I haven't felt in years.
I was curious. Who is this woman?
And why do I suddenly want to know everything about her?
“Do you like it, sir?” Mr Wilson asked us.
“It is savory,” I answered.
“What do you think?” I turned to Nicholas.
“It is okay,” he replied.
“Thank you, sir.” I heard Clara's voice again.
"You're welcome,"
“You will be getting feedback via email,” Nicholas said, standing up.
“Alright then,” Mr Wilson added.
The showcase was over. I extended a hand.
“Thank you for coming, Le petit Haven.”
"We’ll be in touch," I said.
***
The moment Le Petit Haven’s team left, I went back to my office and Nicholas followed me.
“So?” he asked.
“So what?”
“Your thoughts on the catering options. Maison Blanche was more formal, but Le Petit Haven felt…” He hesitated.
“Different,” I finished for him.
“Yes.”
Nicholas watched me closely. “You liked their food?”
“I liked the risotto. The fruit salad wasn’t bad either.”
“And their manager?”
I shot him a look. “Why are you asking about her?”
“I caught you looking at her the entire time.”
I took my phone out of my pocket. “She was… professional.”
“Professional?” Nicholas smirked. “That’s a first. Usually, you complain about managers being too pushy.”
“Yeah, but she was not,” I said sharply. “She was… calm, confident, and interesting.”
He smirked. “Damian Astor? Complement? That's new.
Nicholas left my office, and my mind was all over the place.
Clara Daniels.
A woman I just met.
Her presence stirred something in me. I am intrigued. I would like to see her again.
I signed some paperwork on my desk and approved funds for the upcoming conference.
- Writer
