Chapter 8 The Unexpected Encounter

Ivory

Wiping the beads of sweats off my face with the back of my hand, feeling the dampness and the relief that came with it. I sluggishly slumped myself into one of the chairs and dumped the little piece of cloth I was using to clean the chairs and tables on it.

Today, we are expecting the CEO. Mr Sebastian informed us yesterday that the CEO will be here for a meeting and we should make sure everything was in order. The restaurant has been closed off for today and am still wondering why because the VIP section has been reserved solely for them.

"Miss Addams, why are you sitting when you're supposed to be preparing for the arrival of the CEO?". I turned around to see Tory, the secretary standing behind me with her usual pointed look.

"I'm sorry, I just wanted to take a little rest. This is actually the last one I'm cleaning", I said standing up to face her.

"We do not tolerate lackadaisical behaviour here Miss Addams, so you better put your shits together and get back to work." I almost rolled my eyes at her but before I could do that, she turned around and left.

"Hey ivory". I turned to see Anne holding a small bucket and a little piece of cloth. She was assigned to clean too just like I was.

"Hey Anne", I smiled at her .

"Aren't you done cleaning the tables and chairs?", she asked me.

"Of course, I'm done with that. I was just sitting down taking a little rest before Tory came with her 'Miss meany' face telling me that lackadaisical behaviour isn't tolerated here", Anne immediately bursts out laughing.

"Tory has always been like that, she was like this too when I started working here newly. Just ignore her okay. Oh gosh, I'm so excited." She squealed excitedly and I furrowed my eyebrows confusedly.

"And what exactly are you excited about?", I inquired, raising my eyebrows.

"I'm finally going to meet our boss's son, you know I've seen the boss countless of times but this time he is coming with his son." I stared at her in amusement.

"So what's there to be excited about?", she looked at me like I've grown two heads.

"You mean you don't know about the richest, the most influential, the popular 'Marcos family'?", I shook my head at her. "Are you living in a cave or something Ivory? They're very influential and popular, they own many hotels, restaurants, bars you name them. This restaurant is theirs too and they're very, very wealthy. The boss isn't someone new to us but his son is. He hasn't been seen in public for a while now, but trust me you'll grow weak on your knees when you see him. He's as handsome as a Greek...."

"Okay, okay...I've heard enough of your tale Anne, let's go drop this cleaning equipments so we could prepare for their arrival", I said cutting her off and she glared at me but I smiled at her.

Dressed impeccably in my waitress uniform, I couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and unease. Anne also told me tales of the CEO's stern demeanor and high expectations. The thoughts of being scrutinized by such an influential figure immediately made my palms clammy.

As the clock neared the anticipated time of the CEO's arrival, I found myself anxiously adjusting my apron and straightening my name tag. Thoughts raced through my mind - where the tables perfectly set? Was the menu up to par? Would I be able to meet the CEO's standards?

With every passing minute, the anticipation grew thicker, and the energy in the room became electric. The din of the restaurant seemed to hush, as all eyes turned towards the entrance.

Finally, the door swung open, and in walked two men who commanded attention. One looked younger and the other looked older. The older one was dressed in a sharp suit and exuding an air of confidence, he carried himself with an undeniable presence. I guess he'd be none other than the CEO himself, judging by the smile on his face when Mr Sebastian approached him to give him a warm handshake. I glanced at the younger man who was dressed in a dark suit, with a long fur coat gaped around his shoulders and black gloves covering his hands. He looked like a perfect Greek god, from his jet black hair that had some strands hanging over his face to his enchanting eyes, from his sharply pointed nose to his chiseled jaw. He also exuded an air of confidence and power, now I understand why Anne was totally swooned to meet him. He looked so devilishly handsome.

My heart skipped a bit when my eyes met the intense gaze of his grey orbs. I quickly lowered my gaze to floor. I looked up again to see them being guided towards the VIP section by Mr Sebastian and Tory, two bodyguards followed suit behind them while the rest stood outside the restaurant.

"Oh my gosh, he looked so much more handsome than before", Anne said fanning her face. " I know you were captivated too, right?", she giggled, while side-butting me. I shook my head at her.

"Not even a bit.", I muttered lowly.

"Oh, of course you we....", she was suddenly cut off by Mr Sebastian.

"Miss Anne, go make three cups of cappuccino coffee and hand it to Miss Addams." He turned to look at me. "You're serving the CEO's table today." He uttered and I looked at him in shock.

"Wha..." I wanted to object him but he cut me off.

"Now do not waste much time and get to work both of you", he smiled at us and walked to his office.

Balancing the tray of the three steamy cappuccino coffees on my hand, I slowly approached the VIP section with a racing heart. I straightened my posture, a mixture of nerves and excitement coursing through my veins. What if my clumsy nature kicks in and I make a mistake that can get me fired?

With bated breath, I approached there table but there was three of them now, two which I recognized as the CEO and his son, then the French looking man, he was dressed in a blue suit. I guess he's the man they're having a meeting with. But, when did he get here?

"Hello, good day." I greeted with a little bow. "Here are your coffees", I smiled at the CEO as I carefully placed his coffee in front of him trying so hard not screw up and spill the coffee on him. He returned my smile while taking a sip from his coffee. I proceeded to place the French looking man's coffee in front of him and I heard him mutter a little thank you.

With a calculated precision and a nervously beating heart, I placed the CEO's son cup of coffee before him, our eyes meeting for a brief moment. But as I began to withdraw my hand, a sudden tremor shook me, causing the tray to tilt precariously. In mere seconds, the hot liquid spilled, splashing onto the CEO son's impeccably tailored suit. Shit. I'm screwed.

With trembling hands and a face flushed crimson with embarrassment, I brought out a handkerchief that was in my pocket to clean him up, apologetic words stuck in my throat. I desperately wished for the ground to open up and swallow me whole. I dabbed the cloth on his expensive suit with fidgeting hands, my fingers accidentally grazed his bare neck and I heard his breathe hitch. The CEO immediately sprang up from his sit like he was stung by a crab, he grabbed my hand gently pulling me away from his son who had a surprised look on his face.

Before I could know what was happening, I was being dragged away by one of their bodyguards. So, this is how I'm going to loose my new job? Unshed tears stung my eyes as the bodyguard continued dragging me out.