Chapter 3: Daddy, Here We Come!

"Take it, Sam," Samantha heard her grandmother say on the other line. Naturally, she told her grandmother about the opportunity presented, calling Matilda Davis first thing in the morning. 

From the balcony of their humble flat, Samantha looked past buildings and other structures, feeling her heart drumming against her ribcage. She gulped as she questioned herself, "Am I ready for this, grandma?"

"Yes, you are, Sam! And I get to finally see you in person!" Samantha heard her grandmother cry before adding, "I'm getting old, Sam, and I miss my granddaughter so much! I've been yearning to see you for so many years."

"Take it, Sam. Take it!" Matilda suggested for the very last time. "Show your father that you have done well for yourself, even without his help! Sam... it's time to return."

"Okay, grandma... I will," said Samantha in her gentle tone. 

Despite the unpleasant parting she had with her father, somehow, deep inside of her, Samantha wished he would one day accept her back. After all, the great General Winfield was her only father, and she loved him so. 

She took a deep breath and declared, "Dad, I'm coming back... and I'll make you proud... Just wait and see."

***

The next day, a man came to see Samantha at The Emerald Hotel. He introduced himself as John Garcia, the executive assistant of the most powerful man in Braeton City, Ethan Wright. 

They were both settled in one corner of the restaurant, discussing the terms of the contract before her crew would get started with their evening dinner preparation. 

"Ethan Wright," she repeated the name before she figured out it was so familiar. Samantha just could not put a finger to it. "Where have I heard that name before?"

"Yes, that's right, miss Davis, that's the name of our CEO, Mr. Ethan Wright. He is the only son of Daniel and Amanda Wright, the sole heir of the Wright Diamond Corporation. You have probably heard his name from a business magazine or even just on social media," suggested the male secretary.

She was looking at the contract when she saw the name of the signatory on the last page. She looked up at the man before her and acknowledged, "Maybe."

"Miss Davis, my boss is a fine man. A sought-after bachelor and took the presidency seat only at the age thirty! Now, he is thirty-two, at the right age to marry," the man said before smirking. 

Samantha was unsure what he was suggesting and if it was right for him to brag about his boss in such a manner, but that wasn't really what was bothering her. Thus, she ignored how he was marketing Mr. Ethan Wright as an eligible bachelor.

Returning her attention to the salary package, Samantha asked, "I just want to be sure you are not mistaken. You are offering me a home and ten thousand dollars monthly salary to be the executive chef for The First Diamond Hotel?"

"I'm... not even the best out there," she added while puffing her cheeks and taking a deep breath. She reminded him of how new she was as a chef. 

"Not that I am complaining, it's just... a bit too much and I want to make sure there are no." She squinted before adding, "No mistakes and regrets in this contract."

"Miss Davis. You are referring to the Wright Diamond Corporation. We are one of the biggest companies in the country! The Wrights are the wealthiest in Braeton city," said John. "The reason why we are offering you this much is because my boss likes you - " 

He coughed and corrected himself, "He likes your dishes!" John cleared his throat and added, "Yes, that's right. He loved your dishes! And with your skills, you can take The First Diamond Hotel to new heights!"

"We have traveled from Europe - to the other countries in the Americas, but no one had lived up to his standards!" pointing both his hands to Samantha, he revealed, "Only you!"

"I was with the boss when he came here to dine, tried your set menu, and we were both in awe." The secretary showed a wide grin on his face before adding, "We just loved it!"

"Who would have thought? We were just passing by Monroe City, checking a potential investment and the client happen to recommend this restaurant!" John Garcia revealed. 

"When my boss saw your beautiful face - I mean the - the beautiful presentation of your plates! Yes, the plates and the arrangements! He was taken aback!" John leaned forward and said, "Between you and me... truth be told, I have never seen the man appreciate anything in his life!"

The way the secretary was giving his narration confused Samantha, but soon she heard him talk sense. 

"When we tasted your dishes, we felt like we were in dreamland. It was so exquisite - so unique, and the textures just disintegrated into our mouths so sweetly! We knew! We absolutely knew! We knew you were the chef we have been long searching for!" John Garcia explained. 

Again, pointing at Samantha, he added, "You are the key to his heart - I mean the heart of the hotel!"

Seeing the bemused expression of Samantha, John pointed out, "It always starts with excellent food! A famous hotel always starts with a restaurant that offers delectable meals. The luxury and comfort are next, as it is commonly found in other branded properties as well."

"Right... I agree," said Samantha. It was the same for The Emerald. They were always fully booked because many looked forward to dining at their restaurant while having an overnight stay. 

"So your boss decided on this?" She clarified once more, looking at the salary package. 

"Yes! Yes, he did. He did not want you to hesitate. He would have personally handed you the contract, except, he is a very - very busy man. He is now back in Braeton City." John Garcia took a pen and handed it to Samantha. He said, "Miss Davis, we want you! And that salary package is yours for the taking... Sign it!"

Setting her doubts aside, Samantha took the pen and signed the contract.

She only realized that she had questions about the accommodation after finishing all four sets of the documents. 

"Um, about the condo unit you will be providing me. Can it hold four people? Specifically, two adults and two kids," she asked before pursing her lips. 

"Oh, my God! I was told you were single! You are married?" John Garcia probed while putting a hand on his chest. He appeared to have the scare of his life!

He immediately scanned the documents Samantha gave, checking her marital status. He never bothered to go through them after receiving such high recommendations from The Emerald Hotel. Besides, he was very sure the General Manager of the same property addressed Samantha as Miss Davis.

"Um... No... I am... I am a single mother. I will be living with my aunt and my twins," Samantha shyly revealed, clearing out the misunderstanding. "I hope... it's not a problem."

Halting his panicking, it was as if John Garcia immediately recognized Samantha's reluctance. He imposed a smile and replied, "No! Of course not! It's not a problem."

He assured her, "Miss Davis, we hired you for your skills and not the circumstance you are in."

Returning to her earlier question, John answered, "The Condo unit has two rooms. Will that do?"

She nodded with a smile and said, "Yes, I can sleep with my babies."

"Then it's all settled." John extended his hand to Samantha and said, "Welcome to the Wright Diamond Corporation."

"Thank you, Mr. Garcia," Samantha said before shaking John Garcia's hand. 

***

After signing her contract, Samantha was left with one more important task. She needed to tell her children and her aunt about her decision to move to Braeton City. 

It was during lunch the next day that Samantha made the announcement. 

"Aunt, I accepted the job," said Samantha. 

Diana just smiled and answered, "I trust your decisions, Sam. I will always be here for you."

Seeing the bemused expression of her kiss, Samantha shared, "Kids, Mommy got a new job offer, and we have a free home in a hotel itself! plus, it pays really well. I can buy you new bags and maybe... even a car!"

"Wow! Mommy, that's exciting!" Kenzie happily exclaimed. 

"Is it a new hotel here, Mom?" Kyle probed. 

It was then that Samantha said, "Ummmm... actually... we are going to move to Braeton City."

The eyes of the children lit up. Both Kyle and Kenzie looked at each other, and they said in unison, "Daddy!"

"We are finally going to see Daddy!" Declared Kenzie. 

With a sigh, Kyle remarked, "It's about time."

"Mommy, Is Daddy excited to see us?" Kenzie asked with her usual twinkling eyes. 

Samantha's mouth fell open. She suddenly felt her throat dry up and she turned to her aunt for help. 

Seconds of just ogling, Kyle asked her, "Mom?"

"Ummm... I haven't told your daddy yet! He is... really... really busy... Haha! Oh, look at the time! It's almost time for Mommy to get ready for work!" Yet again, Samantha found an excuse. She left her kids that day with the aspiration of meeting their father. 

It was only after Samantha left that Kyle and Kenzie regrouped in the bedroom that they shared with their mother. 

From the bed, Kyle was leaning back on the headboard, writing something down in his notebook. 

Kenzie asked, "What are you doing, Kyle?"

"I am writing all that Mommy said about Daddy. Once we find the right match, we know for sure it's Daddy," said Kyle. "If Daddy is too busy to see us, we just have to find him ourselves... Are you with me, Kenzie?"

"Absolutely!" Said Kenzie before the two wound up giving a high five! "Daddy! Here we come!"