CHAPTER 8 – Platinum Anniversary Part 1

ARIADNE

It’s Saturday morning, and Theo took the kids to the sea, whereas I had to work. I needed to prepare the last details for today’s event. The platinum anniversary of Mrs. Aphrodite Pappa’s parents.

Before I went to the office, I had gone to a photo studio. I had assigned a professional to make a video out of a series of photographs. I intended to show it right after the couple’s entrance to the venue. The video was fantastic, and the song I picked with Mrs. Pappa made it even better. Many pairs of eyes would cry tonight watching these sweethearts growing up together.

I went to the office, communicated with all the suppliers and people who would be of service tonight, and after I had everything under control, I went to the hairdresser for my appointment.

In special events like the one today that I had to be in attendance, I wanted to be presentable and fine-looking. I had my hair styled in an elegant chignon and then headed to my beautician for a natural makeup. I asked her to emphasize my eyes and go nude with my lips. I was really satisfied with the result.

I was home a little bit after three and cooked something fast. Meanwhile, Theo had returned with the gang, and after bathing the kids, we ate lunch all together. Theo insisted on cleaning up the dishes while the kids watched a movie, and I needed to dress, freshen up, and leave.

I was hugging the kids goodbye when Theo came into the living room from the kitchen.

“I love you all. Mamá is going to be late working tonight, but tomorrow I promise you I’m all yours.” I was hugging the kids goodbye when Theo exclaimed, amazed. “Wow...”

“Mamá you are really beautiful today.” Anna-Elisabeth chirped, and the boys nodded. “We have the most beautiful mamá in the world.” They said it in unison, and I couldn’t help but smile at them. Just an innocent word from my kids, and I couldn’t control the happy tears falling from my eyes.

I was so blessed to have them in my life. I loved them all so much.

“Thank you. I love you. Be good and listen to babá, ok?” They all nodded, and Theo came with me towards the exit.

“You’re gorgeous tonight, darling. I can’t wait to undress you when you’re back.” He whispered in my ear.

“I’m anxiously waiting then.” I pecked his lips.

“Are you sure you’ll be all right tonight?” I asked him, concerned. I didn’t like leaving him alone with the monsters.

“Don’t worry, I’ll take them for a walk. We’ll eat some pizza and then head back home to sleep. We’ll be all right. Focus on your job. I’m sure tonight would be a success.”

“I hope so, without any challenges. I just want a calm night and everything to run as planned. Nothing more or less.”

“Good luck. And no matter what, have fun.”

“Easy said that done. I love you. If anything happens…”

“I will call the hotel because you can’t have your phone. I know. Relax. It’s not the first time I’ve stayed alone with them. And you know they are obedient when only one of us is present. It’s when we are together that the chaos is unleashed.” He chuckled, and I laughed back.

“I should go. Love you.” I kissed him and turned to leave.

“I love you, too. Bye.” Theo said, whistling seductively as I was getting in the car. He waited for me to drive away, and then he closed the door.

~~~

I reached the hotel at a quarter to six and started working immediately. The round tables and chairs were already placed, and the person responsible for the decoration had just started arranging them. The florist hasn’t arrived yet, but I remembered I had scheduled her for six o’clock. When she arrived, I inspected the flower arrangements and instructed her where I wanted them to be placed.

I headed to the kitchen to oversee the preparations, and everything there was in order, too. The cake was already in the fridge. The small flying lanterns were already placed on the tables, in front of every piece of dinnerware. The video wall was in place. The fireworks were set as well. I was just waiting for the DJ, and I needed to give the last instructions to the servants. I also scanned my checklist on my agenda so as not to forget anything.

It was seven thirty when the DJ appeared, and I told him to plug his devices and rehearse the video I handed him on a DVD.

I then gathered the servants. They were all in a line.

With some of them, we had cooperated before, but there were a couple of them new, so I wanted them to know how things run under my watch.

“Good evening, everyone. For those who don’t know me, my name is Ariadne. I would like to let you know some rules I want you to obey tonight. To begin with, be kind to everyone. Most of the guests tonight are over 70 years old, so some people might be grumpy. So, you need to be patient. I don’t want you to contradict anyone, no matter how he annoys you. Just say, ‘I’ll be right back’ and inform me to handle the situation. Be fast and attentive. Be focused on the person who talks to you, especially when he asks for something. You can also take a break after the main course is served for ten minutes each, but you need to take turns. No more than two people at the break. The appetizers will be served the moment the guests arrive at about 8 o’clock. I’ll inform you when to start. The main course will be served after the couple arrives, and the dessert after the couple cuts the cake. I usually stand by the bar where I have a view of the whole venue and could be easily spotted if something occurs. If you need me, whether you can solve the problem alone or not, come straight to me. I will also have a walkie-talkie with me if I’m not at the bar at that time. There are two other walkie-talkies. One in the kitchen and one at the DJ. My eyes will be on you the whole time because I depend on you to please all our guests, the celebrating couple, and, of course, their daughter, who is everyone’s boss tonight. Lastly, thank you in advance for your cooperation. Questions?”

There were no questions, and after I asked the names of the two new servants, they all dispersed, and I went to the DJ for the video rehearsal. It turned out to be magnificent.

At exactly 8 o’clock, the first invitees started to arrive. I had two people escort them to their assigned chairs and explain the whole flying lamp plan.

A little after eight-thirty, all the people invited were seated, and I informed Mrs. Aphrodite that we were ready for the couples’ entrance. Everyone lit their lantern candle when I signaled them. The moment the couple started walking on the candlelit path among the tables to their own, each person who was overpassed by them released a flying lantern with the number 70 written on it. And finally, when the couple reached their table, the dusky sky was dimly lit with the lanterns, creating a very romantic scenery.

Then the video started playing, and I could hear soft sobs from the visitors, but Mrs. Aphrodite and her parents were beaming with happiness while all three of them were trying to keep their happy tears from falling.

When the video ended, the DJ started playing lounge music, and I motioned to the servants to start serving the main course. I wasn’t needed for a little bit, so I moved from the DJ to the bar, where the servants knew they could find me. It was then that I noticed that David was sitting at the bar, and I went to the other side, hoping that he wouldn’t disturb me tonight. I needed my head to be clear so that I could concentrate on my task. He was making me anxious and agitated.

I wanted to keep my distance from him, but it seemed that he didn’t share the same opinion as me, so he approached me. What surprised me the most was that he congratulated me on my work here. He mentioned that he attended a lot of galas and various events, and well, I believed him because rich people always participate in such gatherings.

I was overwhelmed when he said that nothing could compare with my event. I never underestimated my job. I loved organizing events for people's most precious moments, and I was giving my all to make them happy, and to create unforgettable moments and wide smiles on their faces. So, my goal tonight was to make the best anniversary ever, and with the extravagant budget Mrs. Pappa had given me, I could make miracles. And I hope that at the end of the night, everyone from the employees to the guests and even more to the couple of honor, and of course my client Mrs. Pappa, to be more than satisfied.

That’s why David’s words just warmed my heart and boosted my self-esteem. We ended up having a small conversation, which made me feel really at ease with him. He wanted to buy me a drink, and I politely declined. I never drink during an event except if I was aggravated, which I wasn’t, so it was better to stay sober.

That exact moment was when a young servant named Elena came rushing to me, and my instinct was screaming “trouble”.

“Mrs. Ariadne, please come fast. We need you in the kitchen,” Elena said anxiously.

I gave an apologetic look to David and left for the kitchen. I really liked talking with him this time. For some reason, it saddened me that I had to bail out on him that way.

The sight I faced in the kitchen saddened me even more. The chef was sitting in front of the stove with her hands on her face, crying her heart out.

“Hey Milena, look at me and tell me what happened?” I crouched and took her hands in mine.

“That idiot… Mr. Harry Rizos came and threw his steak on me… He said that it was chewy… and if I didn’t know how to grill… then I should go home. Nobody had disrespected me like that… Never… I had dishes returned before, but not that kind of treatment.” She managed to say between her sobs.

“I know Mr. Rizos, my dear. He is a handful. What did he order? Beef or pork?” I asked her.

“Beef.” She uttered.

“Can you cook the beef fillets with the mushroom sauce?” I inquired gently.

“No, Ariadne, I want to leave…” She continued crying.

 “What? No way. Are you serious? And give that old, grumpy man the satisfaction of his life? Do you want to lose your job for a nasty remark? I can’t allow it. Let me tell you something. Mrs. Pappa wanted to hire a famous chef from France for this occasion, and I was adamant that she hired you. Because you never disappoint Milena. Your dishes are delicious, no matter what. And let me tell you something. Whatever he chose to eat, it would be chewy for him ‘cause he’s wearing dentures.” I whispered the last part, and she snorted. I had brightened her mood with Mr. Harry’s secret, and I was relieved.

“So how much time do you need to cook the dish I asked you?”

“About fifteen minutes.” She said, drying her tears with her outer palm.

“I’ll wait right here, then. You are good, right?” I asked her sincerely.

“Yes, thank you for making me stay. I don’t want to spoil my reputation. I’ve been trying really hard these last years to stand out in my profession.” She said, smiling gently.

“I just told you the truth. For me, you are the best chef around. Now, back to work.” I patted her shoulder and stood a few meters back to wait.

Fifteen minutes later, I was heading to Mr. Harry’s table. His wife greeted me with a wide smile when she saw me. I placed his plate in front of him, and he turned to me, saying angrily.

“I ordered a steak.”

“Good evening, Mr. Harry. Mrs. Maria. Sorry for the delay, but I personally asked the chef to prepare this special dish for you. We know each other from last year, and I know I didn’t disappoint you in planning your son’s wedding and that you trust me enough to just have a little taste of this plate.”

“I want to eat a steak.”

“Let’s leave the steaks for the people with real teeth in their mouths,” I whispered, only for him and his wife to hear. “So please try it out,” I asked politely.

He did taste it and smiled back at me, saying, “That is the yummiest food I’ve eaten. Well, second to my wife’s meals, of course.”

“Well, I’m glad you liked it and I expect you to apologize to my chef, please. The poor woman didn’t deserve that attitude.” I requested it cordially.

“Oh, no Harry, what did you do this time?” Mrs. Maria said, annoyed.

“I might have thrown a steak on her, honey.” He whispered back.

“Might? On your feet now. Let’s apologize now.” Mrs. Maria grabbed her husband’s arm and rushed to the kitchen while I returned to the bar.