First Meeting!
To be late on the first day! ‘ Liz was contending with the notion whilst trying her utmost to quicken her footsteps. She was on her way to her new job as Assistant Chef and today being her first day officially the idea of being late had her greatly unsettled. Since completing tertiary education and graduating three years prior Liz had only been able to secure odd jobs that synchronized with her qualifications in hospitality and her passion for cooking, until now! This was the big break she’d been longing for! New city, new apartment and here she was about to start a new job as an Assistant Chef. It was nothing short of a dream coming true, Liz found herself thinking except, that in her dream she isn’t in danger of being late on her first day!
Liz was indeed stunning in her appearance! Make no mistake. Her mid-twenties youthful spirit alongside her dashing fashion sense made it almost impossible to ignore her presence. Liz was all too familiar with her potential of creating a stir as it had been her experience since graduating and entering the world of work. Admittedly, she accepted that some of her previous jobs were a direct result of her physical attributes and even though she enjoyed some benefits, a part of her felt betrayed! She wasn’t recognized or appreciated for her abilities beyond her physical appearance. This change was her opportunity to test herself, a chance of knowing what she was truly made of!
081.# was the employee pin Liz entered to gain entry via the service door for the restaurant. She made it with mere minutes to spare! Somewhere in between catching her breath and being relieved for not being late Liz was greeted “ This must be your first day!” A moment later she was looking at a tall stocky built man standing a short distance from her. So bemused by his stature and brutal confidence she did not readily acknowledge his outstretched hand until he uttered “ So what, you don't shake hands on your first meet,” in a tone of passive skepticism. There would be no chance to make amends as his hand was already withdrawn loosely at his side as he disappeared towards the kitchen area.
‘ He’s quite obtuse ‘ is what should have been the words flowing in Liz’s mind trying to rationalize the bit of indifference she’d been shown. Instead she had the words ‘He is an asshole’. His actions though abrupt served to snap Liz to the reality of her needing to change with not much time at her leisure. Still, Liz was finding it difficult not to dwell on the manner she was treated by the strangely rougid fellow whom she no doubt believed to be a co-worker of sorts! Hell it was her first time meeting a man who wasn’t instantly bewildered by her beauty. It was her first time she was left feeling rather second best and for reasons she couldn't quite understand, a part of her was curious! That awareness in accepting her curiosity brought on a chuckle as she remembered a saying that ‘ curiosity kills the cat.
Still being deeply distracted by her very interesting first encounter, Liz was just about to leave the changing room when a voice called out from the doorway, “ Good morning Ms Lotus, I see you've made it. "The voice belonged to Mrs Platt, the Human Resource Manager. The two had their first meeting with each a few days prior with Liz being successful for the assistant chef position. Upon the success of being hired Liz had respectfully asked or indicated that she’d prefer to be called Liz as supposed to Ms Lotus. At that time Mrs Platt said she would oblige but here it was on her first day with Ms Lotus much to Liz’s annoyance!
“ Follow me please, I'll introduce you to the General Manager following which I will take you to meet the Head Chef and the rest of the staff “ said Mrs Platt in a tone that gave a hint of impatience, at least so Liz had interpreted. Though not as distracted by the decor as she was on the day of her interview, Liz could not help but be thrilled by the ambience created by the marble walls as she entered the General Manager’s office.
“ Ms Lotus, this is Mr Platt the General Manager of the restaurant, Mr Platt please meet Ms Lotus our new Assistant Chef “ said Mrs Platt trying her diligent best to suppress her excitement. However, what she was trying to hide visually had already been revealed through her voice.
“ There’s absolutely no need to be bashful honey “ said Mr Platt, highly amused by the struggle Mrs Platt was putting herself through. “ And yes, to answer that question so evident by your facial expression Ms Lotus, this lovely lady here is my wife.”
After the initial pleasantry a quick discussion ensued with Mr Platt doing most of the asking and Ms Lotus delivering required responses. The impromptu q&a session was interrupted by a phone call which was answered by Mrs Platt who after the call ended asked pardon to inform Liz that she was needed in the kitchen. It seemed the restaurant had received a special order and the Head Chef required the presence of the new Assistant Chef. Mr Platt immediately bid farewell wishing her success in her new role. It was time to get her hands ‘dirty’ as the saying goes. Something about ‘ baptism by fire !’
The restaurant's geographical location offered a prime opportunity for catering for various ethnic and cultural people. Over the last few years there had been a steady increase in customers all of whom enjoyed the expansive menu the restaurant offered. And it was this growth that has now created the need for an Assistant Chef. As Liz made her way towards the kitchen closely behind the heel of Mrs Platt she reaffirmed her commitment to her new position in her mind. Her objective was using her past experiences to aid in proving herself capable, there would be no kinks in her armor! She would not be distracted! And her brief encounter with the mystery guy came to mind!
The thought of not being distracted was given no time to settle as it was almost instantaneously tested! At that moment Liz was being introduced to that very mystery guy, Mr Alex Thims, the Head Chef himself! Had this been a normal day Liz would surely have gotten herself another chance to shake Alex’s hand. Today was anything but normal especially with the special order to prepare so no time for formal greetings! He barely gave much of an acknowledgement except to confirm if she was familiar with a certain dish asking that she begin its preparation right away. The kitchen was abuzzed with life! There was activity in almost all corners not in a chaotic sense as there wasn’t any outburst of people being in each other’s way! Even the utensils seem to be lifting their individual voices in unison with the sound of their usage adding harmonious melody to the orchestra of the kitchen! From the chopping of meats, the blending of various herbs and spices to adding the final touch of garnish to complete a dish, Liz was part of an atmosphere of organized productivity. What was not to love about this fabulous opportunity?
In the past, Liz had worked in kitchens where she not only had to cook but also was responsible to clean both utensils and appliances before leaving. Here, there was someone assigned to assist with such a task leaving her free to focus on preparing quality meals. Although being occupied with her immediate assignment Liz was still able to lend a hand to other things making full use of her ability to multi-task which did not go unnoticed. Alex had been strategically monitoring and even when she would turn or raise her head to see him watching with great intent, he’d simply look away without any change to his facial expression! Her inability to read him was driving her crazy, more in an amused way! It's not that she isn’t used to having men stare! Certainly not! What’s puzzling is usually when she catches them staring it results in them being consumed with embarrassment which makes it easier for her to get things work out in her favor! But that’s not the case with Alex. It's as if he wants her to know of his focus and shows no inclination of shame when their eyes meet in confirmation of his vision on her! ‘ He’s just ensuring that i do a good job’ Liz reasoned in her mind, still ever more captivated by the frustration Alex was causing her! She then wondered if he was able to read her!
Liz had found truth in the expression ‘ time flies when you’re having fun’ as in a blink five hours has passed. Probably it was the excitement of delivering the special order whilst still satisfying the customers within the restaurant during the peak lunch period that didn’t allow room for checking time. Or it was those moments Alex had approached her with the encouragement to relax, breathe, go have a drink of water that was keeping her mind in overdrive! Either way she just didn’t have time to be concerned about time.
Butterflies were swirling in Liz's stomach as once more Alex was making his way towards her. Each time he had approached she wanted the kitchen floor to open and swallow her. It didn’t before but she had hoped it would come to her rescue now! Too late!
“ Ms Lotus, things have settled a bit, you can have your lunch break now “ Alex said again looking directly in her eyes! She was about to suggest he was free to call her Liz however he’d already turned walking away and she saw no need to appear desperate for his attention. She then conceded that even if somehow he hadn't turned away quickly as he did, she’d most likely have humiliated herself standing with her mouth open, unable to speak! She was certain to choke on the butterflies in her stomach! During the lunch break Liz tried engaging in conversations with fellow co-workers who were also on their break in an attempt to get acquainted sooner rather than later with her work environment. There was also a hidden agenda! Very subtly she was trying to gather information on Alex, something that could give her an edge over his powers! Nothing! Before long she was back in the kitchen to allow Alex his break.
“ Hold down the fort “ he uttered with his usual visual gaze towards her eyes, then he turned and exited the kitchen. Liz was beyond furious with herself for she couldn’t understand why despite Alex’s obnoxiously disgusting behavior throughout the day thus far, a part of her found him appealing! The act of leaving her alone meant that trust had been established somewhat. And on this her first day made it even more noteworthy in Liz’s mind as the thought caused her to smile. She then proceeded to ensure there was sufficient food in the display to serve customers coming for a late lunch or in some cases an early dinner. Afterwards she began preparations for the following day while doing her part to also assist with cleaning. Liz was right where she wanted to be for so long and the wait she endured to get here was worth it!
Mrs Platt was quite traditional or some would say highly sentimental with any and everything that affects family life. So when Mr Platt opened the restaurant it was her suggestion to have the business closed daily at 4pm to the public. This would give the staff ample time to clean up and leave within the hour so that everyone could be home to enjoy dinner with family, especially those who had children. For Mr Platt nothing was more important to him than making his wife happy, for the saying goes’ A happy wife ensures a happy life’ or something along those lines.
Liz’s first day on her new job had come to its end! So much was on her mind as she made her way towards the change room. Too get home, take a bath and just…..! She was about to enter her employee pin before exiting when she heard the words " Shall we try this once more?" It was Alex with his hand outstretched yet again towards Liz. This time the connection was made!
Before long Liz was comfortably seated in her apartment very lightly clothed after having a bath. Her mind was reflecting on the day and she felt abundantly satisfied with all she had accomplished. Most importantly she was thrilled with how the day ended, as she gently found herself playing with her hand, yeah that one hand in particular! The one that Alex held in their handshake! She didn’t want it to end!
She went to bed thinking if she could meet him for the first time all again tomorrow!
