Chapter 27: Atmosphere

Adani's POV

*On Wednesday*

"She better stay out of my way," Flamboyant said as she stormed into the kitchen. Beth and I looked at her as she appeared to be on a rampage, choosing a plate and dishing out her own lunch.

The tension in the mansion was overbearing. Flamboyant and Mavielle were not on speaking terms and although the work-shift had change, it didn't make much of a difference because our paths crossed regardless.

"Who is she talking to?" Mavielle asked, walking into the kitchen just seconds after Flamboyant did.

"I'm talking to you," Flamboyant answered and locked her gaze on Mavielle.

"Hold up, what's going on here?" Beth asked, stepping between the two women. I remained seated and quiet but I felt like shit.

"Nothing is going on. They both need to stay away from me, that's all. And we wouldn't have a problem," Flamboyant responded.

"That's silly. You all work under the same roof and if Mr. Parriston is to learn there's a dispute between you, he wouldn't like it," Beth warned.

Mr. Parriston wasn't back from New York as yet.

I found myself thinking about him at the mention of his name. He looked so handsome as he was leaving, carrying his suitcase after him. His twinkling and curious eyes whenever he would look at me and ponder. His divine fragrance which made me think of tearing his clothes off.
The man was everything and more.

"Adani?"

"Huh?" I shook my daydreaming away and looked at Beth.

Mrs. Parriston was in the kitchen. When the heck did she get here?

"See, she's not even alert," came one of her rude remarks.

"She's on her lunch-break," Beth replied to her.

"Well after your lunch-break, Adani, my room needs cleaning."

"Yes, ma'am."

~

After an awkward lunch and the afternoon was about to be over, I went upstairs to start on Mrs. Parriston's bedroom which should be a breeze.

I was wrong. It was messy, untidy and it looked like it was out of spite. The furnitures were rearranged in a hazardous manner. I had to watch my footing and maneuver carefully to the middle of the room.

"What happened?" I asked, looking around in horror.

"Don't worry about what happened. Just fix it. That's your job, isn't it?" Mrs. Parriston ordered.

Without another word, I started on the room, working from the shower, bathtub and toilet firstly. I dusted, cleaned the mirrors, tidied the place up for heavens sake, vacuum the rugs and carpeting and made certain the room was looking like a room once again.

When I was finish with Mrs. Parriston, I went into the Grand Master.

"I love being in here," I said to myself as I looked around. Every detail was well kept and even his fragrance hung in the air.

I dusted, swept and waltz into his magnificent closet. His office attire were neatly hung on the hangers and were separated from his outfits like tees and jeans.

After I was done admiring, I checked the other rooms, did some light dusting and sweeping since they were now unoccupied, then retired to my bedroom for the evening.

~

My phone rang as I stepped out of the shower. An unidentified number flashed on the screen.

"Hello," I answered.

"Hi, Adani?"

"Yes, who's this?"

"This is John. The chef on the weekends."

Why was John calling me?

"I have just opened my restaurant and I was wondering if you'd like to be my special guest?" he asked.

"You want me to come to your restaurant?"

"I do. I can pick you up and have you back at the mansion at 10:00."

Say No! You don't even know John!

Say Yes! You need to socialize. Flamboyant and Mavielle can't be the only people in your circle. Flamboyant doesn't even like you!

"Adani, are you there?" John asked when I went into thinking mode.

"Y..yes, I'm here. Umm, sure. I'll like to see your restaurant."

"Excellent. I'll be there shortly."

We hung up and I got dress. I successfully managed to style my hair into a high puff and then stepped into a dress and wedges. Swiftly, I applied light makeup to my face.. then I paused.

No more bruises. No more marks and or cuts were present. I felt beautiful and I found myself smiling as I put on some lipgloss.

My phone buzzed.

"I'm here," John said as I picked up.

"I'll be right out."

~
Outside waited an expensive looking car. John got out, opened the door to me and I got into the front seat. He then got into the driver's seat and drove out the gate.

The evening sun had vanished from the sky but an orange cast was left behind for all to admire.

A slow R&B song played through the speakers as John drove onwards.

Soon enough, we arrived. We got out the vehicle and entered a dimly lit beach restaurant.

John showed me to a table, pulled a chair out and offered me the seat. He sat across from me with a smile.

"Well, this is it."

"It's beautiful," I said as I looked around.

"Thank you."

"What made you open your own restaurant?" I questioned.

"Food is my hobby, my joy, my passion. I love the looks on people's faces when they bite into something delicious. And the compliments I receive, are like prayers."

We laughed lightly. A waitress greeted us and took our orders.

My stomach twisted in a knot as John ordered a similar dish to what Wayan usually orders whenever we went to a beach restaurant.

"Are you okay?" John asked me.

"I'm fine."

We started a nice conversation afterwards. John informed me on his past, his culinary skills and how his parents wanted him to be a lawyer instead of a chef.

I opened up about my college experience and the jobs I had.

"Do you want to be a maid forever?" John asked me.

"No."

"What do you want to do, what is your passion, Adani?"

"I want to manage my own business."

"Entrepreneur."

"Correct."

We continued talking and it became more personal as we indulged ourselves. The food had arrived along with a bottle of red-wine.

"So, tell me, how a beautiful woman like yourself is single?"

"I've recently broken off an engagement. And I'm healing. What about you?"

"I'm single. Recently ended a relationship I had no business starting in the first place. She didn't take it well, but what had to be done, had to be done."

My mind flashed to Mrs. Parriston and the state I found her bedroom. Did she throw a tantrum over John?

"What are you thinking?" John asked.

"Was that woman Mrs. Parriston?" I questioned and he almost choked on his wine.

"Goodness. No. Why would you even think that?"

"Because when she saw you, she looked like she wanted to devour you and you looked like you didn't mind."

John broke into laughter before gathering himself. "Mrs. Parriston is like a mother to me. There is absolutely nothing going on there. I wouldn't dare."

"Hmm."

"I'm being serious. Right now, I have my eyes on someone so beautiful. She's a gem."

"Who is she?"

"Ariana Grande."

We laughed again.

After dinner, we took a walk on the beach. It was dark out now and the wind was cold.

John covered me with his jacket.

"Thank you for a great evening. Dinner was lovely and I hope your restaurant gets all the business it deserves," I complimented.

"Thank you. Your company was everything and more tonight."

We made our way back to John's car and he drove me back to the mansion. As we parked on the driveway, John got the door for me again and I got out.

"Thanks. Have a goodnight, John."

"You too, Adani. Hope we can do this again soon."

"We'll see."

As John turned to leave, another vehicle pulled up and parked. The headlights landed directly on John and me.

Out came Mr. Parriston...and Penelope.

Ray Charles couldn't miss the glistening ring on her finger.