31 Let Me Hire Your Chef

"The playground is full of shredded leaves and the flowers are all gone. Somehow, for a seabed, those flowers were not necessary though." Clarence spoke trying to see the good side out from the situation.

Upon hearing his last statement, an idea sprung to Beauty's mind as if receiving a stimulus.

"Thanks, Clarence, you gave me a very good idea." With her excitement, she suddenly hugged Clarence who was beside her.

All eyes were on them. . . Clarence was stunned for a moment. . . he wanted to hug her in return but controlled himself, but really felt blissful inside. He now felt she was lowering her guard on him.

The married couple did not mind, for them it was normal.

Ronald the lone bystander felt sour and tried to look away. Yet contented to see her happy.

The lover boy wished the moment to last but the lonely spectator made a coughing sound making the girl realized what she did. She let go.

"Sorry, I was excited and just. . ." After realization hit her, embarrassment took over.

"It's okay. I don't mind." The mouth said but the heart revolted. 'Please don't let go yet. Stay longer. Oh, Ronald, your jealousy is my enemy. Cheating me of my pleasure.'

Beauty tried to cover her embarrassment by speaking. "Lorraine do we still have enough time to inform the guests for a dress code change?"

"Tell us your idea first," said Lorraine.

"Clarence's words gave me the idea to modify the dress code. 'Under the sea' can also mean getting wet. Trees and flowers were indeed unnecessary. Let's put up showers, sprinklers, or even computerized water fountains. If you have people who have the ability to install it quickly then combine it with music then it would be superb. Guests can wear swimming outfit but not vulgar.

The playground which already has sands, sprinklers will be installed for kids to play and jump around with water. We'll just make sure all of the food won't be reached by water splashes. Do you all get what I mean?"

"Good idea! No need for formality. I think this would really turn out to be very fun compared to the previous. My people can easily make the calls to explain and inform the guests." Lorraine's excitement came back. All thanks to the simple change.

"I know a team who can install the computerized water fountains in a jiffy, but only at the poolside. Sprinklers are already present at the playground so that's solved." Leonard simply informed them.

"Still, we need to make some rooms near the pool as changing area," added Clarence.

"Nice thinking there, Boss. Also, extra towels and other necessities for the girls have to be prepared." Ronald reminded Lorraine in case she did not realize to include them.

. . . . .

By 4:00 pm, the computerized water fountains were installed. Guests were slowly arriving. The rooms prepared for changing were transformed into small sections separated by curtains. Upon entering, maids were waiting to hand over towels.

Long tables full of food were placed a little bit further from the pool. Alongside it was rustic wooden tables and cushions which look like rocks were placed. There were actual big rocks as well of which some men prefer to sit on for it would not sink. Not far from the tables, a music band wearing beach attire were ready to play. The whole ground was covered with white sand instead of grass.

"Wow, I feel like I'm at the beach. Hello Grandma Julianne, Lorraine, Leonard. Your setting is very nice."

"Mom, look at that moving fountain as if following the rhythm of the music. Can I go there now?"

"Grandma Julianne, Lorraine," a woman greeted them cheek to cheek, "you're really making us envy. Not just the theme but look at the food."

"What is this? Haha, I thought real pebbles accidentally placed with the food. I was about to complain. These are actually dumplings. Nicely done and delicious. Hmm."

"You're only focusing on that dish alone. Move back a little and look at the whole food setting. Can't you see? It looks like a seabed with objects and creatures under the sea."

"Yeah, you're right. Is this a real sea coral?... it's not. Haha, it's actually a steamed bun with fillings. Man, this is really picturesque."

"This one is also beautifully made. It's not a steam bun but a mini cake with icing."

"Please move a little, I'm going to take a selfie with the whole table of food. . . Nice, uploading to Facebook."

"Me, too."

"See this one? It looks like a crab but it is really a crab," joked one of the guests.

"Haha, nice one, Sean. You got me."

"Check out this fish. It looks like swimming. How did your chef cook it to make it almost realistic?"

"That's not the point, slice the body. Totally boneless with meat stuffing. Wonderful."

"Guys, this is totally an eye-opener for me. These sea urchins look-alikes are actually desserts. Hmm, such new tastes but sensational to the tongue."

"Let me hire your chef, Grandma. I love all of these. Very beautiful. Like a painting. Delicious, too."

While people were slowly arriving, Leonard took a microphone and made an announcement.

"OK, everyone. Today, we all know, is my Grandpa George's 68th birthday celebration. He really requested this kind of party theme. While he is still dressing up of which I don't know why it took so much time, help yourselves first with the food. The program will start when he arrives."

"Reminder to the parents, look after your kids by the poolside. We don't want any accident of them slipping or falling to the water. Even though we have lifesavers nearby, see those men in white shirt and red shorts? It's better to be careful."

"Kids, I suggest you go to the playground turned seabed over there. You can play, run around, and get wet over there without a care. I also placed a trampoline for you to jump safely. There are also chocolate and cheese fondue fountains near there. You can directly dip your sea creature cookies and have a good bite."

After hearing the announcement, the kids rushed to the playground immediately. Some parents and teens were also eager to check out the place.

The star of the night, Grandpa George, was actually not so excited about going to the party area. He was very much entertained watching Clarence and Beauty arranging food in platters for serving. He was also enjoying the topic with Ronald who matched his style of conversation. Both of them did nothing much but eat and talk. Both of them were simply gourmets.