Ceo bad

and that was what caught the attention of customers, who recommended them to others. The buffet grew quickly, and I was very happy for them. But Gabi told me that there were some complaints and that the people in the kitchen had been changed. The small explanation was enough for me. The flavor was different and did not look like what the online reviews described. But it shouldn't be so bad, that's what I thought when I accepted the invitation to one of the parties. Gabi might not be an experienced cook, but she knew good food.

Arriving at the place, I soon realized that the poor thing didn't even have time to smell the spices. Gabi quickly greeted me and after that, she walked back and forth, making sure everything was in order. Gabi's wife was at home, as she had been in an accident and fractured her leg. She was alone. I felt sorry for her and thought about going to help in the kitchen, but Gabi was firm when she invited me. "Just try it and give your honest opinion," was what she said, because she didn't want to get used to me in the kitchen and then not have me around. I found her logic funny, but I had to agree. My restaurant already kept me busy, and a new project, if successful, would make me even busier soon. As she asked, I walked between the tables. It was an outdoor party, in a very spacious place, with a green lawn and some trees, which were far away. The long tables had some buffet staff, but they were only there to help. The guests served themselves freely, so I didn't stand on ceremony. I went straight for the heart of palm pie, which used to be my favorite from Gabi's buffet, but when I put it in my mouth, I understood the new reviews. It was so salty that I couldn't taste anything. I tried hard not to grimace, but it was impossible not to worry when I tried the rest, which, to balance the brine in the heart of palm, had no flavor whatsoever. The chicken had no color and the ham and cheese looked like paper. What the hell happened in that kitchen? I asked myself as I walked away from the savory table and headed towards the sweet table. It was a children's party, so that table must have been the most important. As I walked, I carefully observed people trying on some things. There were those who made faces without any shame, and others who really didn't seem to care. Maybe they were used to poor quality or were very good at pretending. This left me embarrassed, as I didn't expect it to be so bad. What would I say to Gabi? 'Her food is rubbish. Fire everyone and bring the old employees back'? I didn't have the courage, even though I had the freedom to do so. Paying attention to the sweets area and rehearsing the words I would say to Gabi, my gaze ended up falling on a little boy who stopped in front of the table, who was eye-catching, beautiful. The look, as always, was impeccable and made you want to try anything that was on the table. Gabi was very good at that, I always told her, but I soon suspected that it wasn't her who had directly taken care of that table. I raised my eyebrows at the same moment I saw the little boy, who was barely as tall as the table legs, pick up a lollipop that was stuck in a cone that went from the floor to the height of an adult man. He seemed to be alone, so I hurried to catch up with him. But it was too late. When I knelt down in front of him, the boy had already removed the packaging and innocently placed the lollipop in his mouth. The poor guy's grimace as he bit into what wasn't actually sweet, made me feel sorry, and without much thought, I removed the piece of plaster from his mouth, which was white and twisted with disgust. "It's okay, it's okay," I said hastily, as I wiped his mouth with my coat sleeve. - Little one, this isn't a real lollipop - I warned him belatedly. I appeared calm as I showed that the entire cone was a decoration, while inside I was quite angry. Gabi didn't allow any decorative food at her buffet, it was never like that, but it seemed that the rush of having a business that grew overnight had overcome her in some aspects. This was a children's party, for God's sake! I wouldn't stop criticizing that when we had a conversation. Fake food at a party? Well, once again the bad reviews were explained, but I put my anger aside at that moment, because the little boy looked very sad about having made a mistake, and worse, there was no real lollipop on the table. "I bet it was just a joke," I told him, as I tapped the thin plaster of one of the lollipops on my own head. - It saw? The boy laughed and so did I, but I soon thought it was quite irresponsible. What if he took that lollipop and went around hitting other people in the head? I felt like a huge idiot, but the boy seemed happy again, and his little smile brought a comfortable warmth to my chest. He was very cute. - Uncle, but I wanted a real lollipop - he ended up saying, but he didn't seem upset, as he was still laughing at the lollipop crushed by my head. He was very smart, he must have been at most three years old, but he spoke very well and was well groomed. The clothes had no dirt on them. I was surprised not to have someone surrounding him, but for a moment, the boy reminded me of my own childhood. My brother and I were also always impeccable. Our parents took care of us, but we didn't have as much undivided attention because we were always at church, surrounded by people who adored our family and wanted our attention. I felt very alone at that time, even with my brother by my side, and without noticing, I made up a ridiculous story for the boy in front of me without even knowing his name. I talked about everything changing in someone's life due to a small event in a single day, because that moment when I wanted to make the boy happy was what made my situation change completely. I smiled like a fool at him and bent down a little more, level with his bright brown eyes. - Uncle is going to find you a real lollipop, okay? - I promised, excitedly, and the wide smile, full of cute teeth, won my heart. I wanted to mess up his well-groomed brown hair, but I r

small face carefully. - Are you well? I was told to wait with grandma," he said. He seemed distressed to me, but his eyes became furious when he heard the boy. - I ate something strange, daddy - he said and made such a cute pout, but that "daddy" didn't pay attention to him and glared at me. - What did you give my son? - He asked as he drew together his dark eyebrows like David's. I was immediately outraged. The tone hinted at an accusation that gave me goosebumps. I approached to explain myself, but the man took a step back and shook his head in denial. - Stay away from him.

- He used a warning tone and turned his back. I was furious. I saw nothing in front of me for a moment. If he hadn't had a child on his lap, he would have thrown me at him and ripped the guy in half. Not that I was super athletic, but I knew how to defend myself, and he had offended me in a ridiculous way, without even understanding what had happened. Damn mediot! He left with his nose in the air, as if he were the father of the year. Dad my ass! He left the boy alone, and if it weren't for me, he would have a cast on his stomach and go to the hospital. My face burned with anger, but all it took was a brief glance in his direction to calm me down like an idiot. The boy laid his chin on his father's shoulder and waved goodbye to me, discouraged. He knew he had lost the real lollipop; very clever. This made me laugh quietly as he returned the farewell with discretion. I didn't want anyone else to think I was a crazy pervert who groomed little children. How horrible! But that's what that guy insinuated, and it stuck in my mind for a long time. My anger went in phases. After I left the party, I regretted not punching him in his pretty face. And then, I created another story, where the boy's father was a narcissist who only thought about himself, who used his beauty to get what he wanted, and screwed everyone in the process. A tremendous idiot. I went overboard with ideas about someone I didn't even know, but I was angry, and he hadn't been understanding. But after a few days, I thought again, what if he was with me and my imaginary son, I would have punched the guy who touched him. Yes, I was careless and compared the boy to me in the past. Who never? Yes, maybe not you, but I have this habit, and I think you can tell. When I reached the stage of regret and shame, I was ready to move on from what had happened. This, of course, after several days of complaining to Gabi, who couldn't give me the guest list as I asked with a straight face, but understood my need to explain myself. - You know your heart and your intentions, so it's okay - she said, just before leaving my restaurant. - You don't even know the guy and you'll probably never see him or the boy again, so you focus on what matters, which is making a good impression for La Torre tonight. I want to eat well in a fancy place for a change. - You're in a fancy place, Gabriela! - I shouted at her, who was already at the door, laughing in my face. Silly woman, who I adore, but an idiot when she wants to be. She knew how much I was looking forward to the meeting that night, and that an online review of my restaurant had made me sensitive. "It lacks elegance", that's what they said. But I had just opened, I barely had my mark on those walls! And yes, it affected me a lot, but it didn't bother me for long. In fact, the comment helped me improve the restaurant, which gained some fame, to the point that I received an invitation to sign the menu for the opening of a hotel that was already famous in Europe and was arriving in our country. It was only talked about in the region and there wasn't much left to do. Preparations for the party were underway and I was nominated by a good friend who was also a chef (but tremendously famous) who was invited first but couldn't attend. I was very proud, but I still wasn't sure if I would be accepted, because at events like that, a wonderful flavor and impeccable presentation weren't enough. I, entirely, should be what they expected, and it was consuming me. Gabi said it was a silly concern, because I was pretty and knew how to fool people with my talk. I couldn't tell if the last part was a compliment, but I took it as if it were, at least to gain more confidence. That night, I dressed in my best suit. It was navy blue, smooth and tight. I really liked him, but I made a video call with my brother and dismissed him so that my sister-in-law, Nanda, could see me and give her opinion. It was her choice for the suit, so I made her choose the tie too. - You look good in blue, it suits your skin. - She gave a thumbs up as she balanced my youngest nephew on her lap. Thales slept soundly, with his mouth open. He had just finished feeding and she should have been taking advantage of the moment to rest, so I apologized, but she laughed. - The most important thing is that you look presentable. Gabi told me he's nervous, and he's still in trouble with that guy at the party. Seriously, Be? That was nonsense. In the background, I heard my brother laughing and making a stupid comment. Typical of him, but I didn't get angry, because in the end, the situation, besides being disastrous, ended up funny and just like me. Nanda ended up choosing the burgundy tie that I hadn't worn yet. Again, she said it suited my skin, which was slightly dark. I looked in the mirror when I ended the call, and I felt really good about what I saw. I felt really beautiful and even blew an air kiss to my reflection. I soon laughed at myself, but my foolishness helped me feel lighter. I focused on Gabi and Nanda's words, embraced my brother's good luck wish, and left my apartment. "I'm incredible and everyone will see just that", was my mantra while driving, and I repeated it out loud when I finally parked the car in the hotel's garage, which was still being finished, but already seemed grand to me. The garage was underground, so I needed to take the elevator. I took advantage of the mirror to check that everything was ok. I was going to meet with the president of the hotel, some partners and the team of architects who designed the hotel. The president's requirement was that the food had the same concept as his hotel, so I would have to work with them to create a unique menu. It was the first time I would do something like this, but I wasn't nervous about it; in fact, I was excited about the idea, and I was just terrified of the possibility of people not liking me. But I was filled with confidence again. I repeated my mantra looking at myself in the reflection. I looked really beautiful. I wouldn't be humble. Snobbish people didn't do well with humility, and I knew that there would be a lot of that type in that hotel, like some of my new clients at the restaurant. But I also thought about not exaggerating, I shoul

I was amazed by the spacious room, full of books, with an entire glass wall, overlooking the city. Gabi was right, that place was very chic. I was happy with the new experience, and I greeted the hotel partners in a more measured way than I did with the president, but I couldn't assume the slightly arrogant posture at all. They would have to like me that way, that's what I decided at the last minute, because I had plans to go further, and I couldn't pretend like that for long.

My decision and the warm reception from those gentlemen and ladies gave me the strength I needed to show what I could do for them. But when the team of architects arrived, I went straight down to shit. I lost my voice and breath when I saw the chief architect approaching. He smiled at the president, showing dimples very similar to those of the little boy at the party, and spoke to him as if they were friends, and they really were. And everyone there seemed to adore him. How terrible, because his approval also depended on my hiring, and that tall, dark, handsome guy, who looked at me with an uncomfortable seriousness, was Davi's father. Chapter Two He recognized me right away. He didn't say anything, but I could see it in the way the guy looked at me when the president introduced me. He just wasn't as arrogant as he was at the party, because at least he had a little sense and acted politely when he reached out to me. I squeezed her as best I could, because my strength was gone. I thought better and if the building fell it would be a less tense moment than that. - Bernardo, this is Miguel - the president, without suspecting anything, said. - I'm sure you two will get along very well. The poor guy patted Miguel on the strong arm, who gave him a yellow smile as he agreed. He didn't look at me again and went with his team (who were much more pleasant when they greeted me) to the president, who sat in a simple-looking armchair, but which I knew was worth a lot of money. I even researched them, to put in my office at the restaurant, but I closed the website immediately; It cost more than my rent! The rest sat on the two long sofas that had the same fabric and appearance as the armchair. Everything matched, and I had the brilliant idea to compliment it as I sat down. The president and partners agreed with me, and the architects seemed happy, but Miguel... - You better have good eyes, Mr. Bernardo, because we hope you can keep up with us in creativity. - Miguel looked me up and down. - And for a moment, I almost lost hope. I was uncomfortable. Immediately all my confidence was destroyed and I forgot all the compliments that Gabi and Nanda gave me. But luckily for me, the president didn't like the comment either and pretended not to hear it, continuing the conversation as if Miguel hadn't even opened his mouth. I admit that I felt victorious when I saw him being ignored, but I soon felt bad, because even though Miguel was rude to me, he had his reasons. I wanted to explain myself to him, mainly because I couldn't miss this opportunity, but also because I didn't want anyone thinking I was a crazy pervert. But the meeting prevented me from having a moment alone with him. I presented my work as planned, despite having lost some of my shine. Miguel didn't make any more comments with ulterior motives, and he seemed quite professional as he asked me questions along with the rest. I also had my time getting to know them, especially the team of architects who were already full of crazy and some impossible ideas for cooking. I was a little nervous about having people who didn't understand anything about my area making meaningless guesses, but I didn't show it. I was used to that feeling, as I was constantly judged by customers, that everything they knew came from their own tastes. I understood them, and even enjoyed some opinions, when I felt at ease again. And that was good. The president spoke openly, as if he were in a circle of friends. Maybe he really was, and I was just the guest, but I restrained myself from getting too emotional. This had to work. At the opening party, many other chefs would be invited, as well as important families. It was my time to gather more contacts and attract more eyes to my restaurant. I wanted to show my brother that he didn't need to worry about me like he used to, and that was the best way I found. At the end of the meeting, I saw an opportunity to at least speak separately with Miguel. I approached him after we got out of the elevator and the rest continued walking, distracted by a conversation that I wasn't paying attention to. For me, there was only Miguel, who looked at me with fear when I called him. - We can talk? - I asked while he rehearsed the right words to explain it to me. I even thought about apologizing, ignoring my pride that wanted to punch me in the face just for having that idea, but Miguel disconcerted me again when he turned to me. His brown eyes were as serious as when we first met. He was a little taller, so he looked down on me. I felt uncomfortable. - Is it about the hotel? - He asked. His deep voice made me shiver like the first time I heard it, but this time the sensation had another reason. The anxiety of continuing that conversation made me want to listen to him much more, and the proximity forced me to notice that the damn thing was really beautiful. It wasn't a figment of my head, but when I shook it in denial, Miguel drew my attention only to his rudeness, which was demonstrated in his expression, voice and a dismissive gesture with his hand. - Then we can't. Goodnight. He turned his back without waiting for me to answer him and walked away. I had to use all my strength not to scream at him right there. The president was still in the parking lot, as was Miguel's team, so I had to swallow my anger again and left for my car. I only cursed him when I was already on the street, protected by the sealed windows and without any extra ears to tell others about my frustration. - Son of a bitch - I muttered, but ended up laughing without knowing why. - I do not believe that. I'm going to miss the opportunity of a lifetime because I felt sorry for a kid! I wanted to curse the boy too, but I couldn't when I remembered how sad he looked when Miguel took him away, and the little goodbye he said to me softened my heart again. However, it didn't lessen my anger towards his father. A rude guy, and it was definitely the version I had made up in my head, and maybe worse, because I was sure he was going to screw up my career. I got home and called Gabi, but she didn't answer. It was late, but I couldn't find peace to sleep. They didn't say anything in my presence, but I knew they would talk about me the next day, first thing in the morning. Paulo, the friend who nominated me, was very close to the president and ended up letting slip that there could be a vote, as they did when several architectural firms signed up to take on the hotel project. And that damn Miguel won that shit. I've always had balance in life, I was lucky in