58 Hosting

I was simply clueless as to what to do. Boris was worried as well so he called the hostess of the event management team and asked her to give me a crash course. She was at the moment busy with certain work so I decided to go about with my normal job. I took the book from Chef Anastasia. She was a French woman with an imposing aura, in her late 30's with long squarish face and small unassuming eyes. She had a very strict look about her. As far as I have seen, she is very particular about work and had high self discipline, but was very responsible and hardworking person.Today, she was suppose to leave after the morning shift but due to the event she had to stay back. But not a word of complain escaped her mouth. She quietly went about her work without making much fuss. Her dedication made the other younger chefs motivated and they started working tooth nail as well. When I asked her about rhe last day's books, she looked at me with an appraising eyes,

"Good boy! You have such a strong sense of duty. Even with the event, you want to be up to date with your work schedule. No wonder you are in such a high post at such a young age. Good Good!" she said as she handed the books over.

"Thank you Chef Anastasia!" I said gratefully as she patted my shoulder and walked away.

I couldn't tell her that am just trying to distract myself from the sudden pressure I am feeling from the work I have been handed over by the Chairman. When I reached the kitchen, I saw it was divided into two groups, one busy with the restaurant 'Garnish's' duty while another with event. Even while working this lads and ladies were imprudent enough to be chattering.

I was myself so nervous that I couldn't bring myself to scold them and instead made my way to my office to go through the last day's work. It was then that I heard excited whispers of three women,

"Is this really the Mr. Olsen? I can't believe Chairman is aquainted to him"

"What's there to not believe? Both are in the field of business. It is no surprise that they know each other!"

"Goodness are all businessmen this handsome? I used to think our CEO and Chairman were one of a kind. Afterall, they share the same genes. But look at Mr. Olsen! Who would believe he has a daughter of marriageable age?"

"Really?"

The three women leaned closer to take a look at the cellphone held by one of them.

"You gotta be kidding. He looks like thirty five or something"

"No I am telling the truth. My dad is an employee in his company! I have seen him before. In fact, his excellent reputation has helped him to take off with his political career"

"No wonder the Chairman is trying to impress him"

"Excuse me?"

I was so busy listening to these girl's gossip that I totally overlooked that there was a slim young woman with bronze skin, pretty oval face and a dazzling smile was calling me. It was only when she called me the third time did I noticed her,

"Huh? Oh am-am so sorry. I didn't notice you. Is there something I can help you with?" I asked her speaking in a slightly embarassed tone. I can't believe how lost I was in the talks of this women to not see her

She smiled at me courteously and said in a polite and very pleasing tone, "Absolutely not Mr. Hawker. I can understand the pull of gossip esp when it is concerned with today's event"

I rubbed my nose abashed as I asked her in a polite tone, "Miss, may I know to what business I owe you this pleasure?"

The woman's eyes glowed in an amused light and she smiled again dazzlingly, saying, "Mr. Hawker, I have been asked by Mr. Taylor to meet you"

"Boris?" I asked looking surprised, but then my mind went on a rewind and I remembered that Boris had asked the hostess of the Event Management team to give me a crash course. I quickly looked at the pretty lady standing in front of me with a luminous smile. I smiled at her in somewhat relief and said

"You must be Miss Brown. I am grateful to have you help me out" I said, forwarding my hand for a shake which she took

"Oh it's no big deal Mr. Hawker"

I guided her to my office with a courteous 'Please this way'.

After closing the door to my office, I quickly placed the books on the table and directed her to the seat opposite me. I said formally,

"I will be frank with you Miss Brown-"

"Diana" she smiled as she said, "Call me Miss Diana"

"Ah I see. Yes, Miss Diana, so, as I was saying, I have been suddenly been given a task which is not my field of expertise. Since, it is a personal request from the Chairman I cannot refuse! So, it would be very kind of you if you could just show me some general points regarding hosting"

Diana nodded in an understanding manner and spoke with confidence, "Don't you worry Mr. Ha-" she suddenly stopped and said in false uncertainty, "It's fine if I call you Tony right?"

"Please go ahead. There is no need for formalities" I smiled. This girl was definitely very conversational. She knows exactly how to keep the conversation moving and yet light

"So, Tony, you have nothing to worry. I will give some pointers on the hosting and if you find any difficulty you may unhesitatingly ask me. Plus, if by any chance, you find anything that you are not able to do during the event, I will be round the corner, just call me" she said, with another brilliant smile

I nodded. I was not sure how things will go this evening but I have to give my best! Hence, I steeled my nerves. Just one evening, I can definitely do it!