CHAPTER 8

Marie Sue

When I approached the breakfast table, I had taken a shower and changed into a simple dress Lara had sent to me through the maid. They were all seated already, including Kylie who didn't even bother giving me a glance.

“Did you sleep well?” Lara asked as I pulled the chair to sit down.

“I did,” I replied. “Thank you.”

Jordan said nothing. He looked at the meal in front of him, expecting to have another disappointing meal. He was in for a surprise.

The cook opened the meal and began to serve it. Lara looked pleasantly surprised.

“You are giving us a treat today, Maya,” she said. “This looks and smells nice.”

She gave a half smile but kept quiet. Kylie leaned forward and took a bite of her food. “This is a relief after yesterday’s meal,” she said.

Lara gave her a look of disapproval. “Let’s not bring yesterday up on the table, darling.”

“I’m sorry,” she said, smiling. She looked at me. “Have you ever had something like this before, Mary?”

“It’s Marie,” I said, correcting her.

She flung her hand dismissively. “Whatever. Have you or have you never tasted aside Asian cuisine?”

“I have taken Italian food a couple of times,” I answered, taking my first bite. It was perfect.

“Do restaurants give their waiters a taste of exclusive meals now, or did you get a taste from the leftovers?” she asked, helping herself to more serving of mushroom sauce.

Jordan spoke for the first time. “Marie is not a waiter,” he said briefly.

“I mentioned she works as a Chef at Emerald restaurant yesterday,” Lara added.

“A chef!” Kylie exclaimed, then chuckled. “This meal right here tastes like one made by a chef. Maya is doing a great job, Lara. Maybe you should consider her for that position at the company.”

Lara laughed. “Maya does seem improved, but she has a place here.” She closed her eyes as she took a spoonful. “This takes me down memory lane, that morning on my honeymoon in Los Angeles.” She looked at me. “That was the first time I met Henry Sue. He had made our breakfast and I'd fallen in love with his meals.”

I smiled. “Thank you, Lara.”

Kylie seeped her soup gently. “Speaking of that, I have decided that I will be leaving LA to finally settle here,” she said.

“You’re leaving LA?” Jordan repeated. “Your whole life is there.”

“Not anymore,” she said. “I want to start over again and this place feels like the right place, Jordan. Right here, I'd have you and Lara.” She dabbed a napkin on her lips and dropped it on the table gently. “I was thinking of getting a position at your company,” she added.

“Oh,”Lara said. “Since when?”

“Since yesterday,” she replied. “I mean when I came here, I had no plans. But it occurred to me that I could be working at your company while I figure things out with me.”

“You know you are always welcome here, Kylie,” she replied, then she faced Jordan. “Can you help with that?”

His face was grave. “I’ll speak with HR and see if there’s any slots open. That's all I can promise for now.”

She leaned against him and touched his arm. He withdrew it immediately. I watched them as I raised my cup to my face. It was obvious that Kylie was throwing herself at Jordan, and he didn’t seem interested.

“Thank you so much, Jordan,” she said. “You are always there for me.”

Breakfast ended and it was time to announce the truth only Jordan and I knew. I waited until the dishes were cleared, then I cleared my throat.

“Lara, I want to thank you for the opportunity you gave me yesterday,” I began. “I flopped and there was no excuse. But I knew I would never forgive myself if I didn't correct the wrong impression I made of myself yesterday. So, I made breakfast this morning.”

An uncomfortable silence followed my confession. Then Lara looked at me quizzically. “You made this meal we just ate?” she asked.

“Yes,” I replied.

“Liar,” Kylie said. “Maya made this. Why are you trying to take credit for what she did?”

Lara looked at me. “Did you really make this?”

I looked at Jordan, waiting for him to tell them I did. He was there when I told the cook that I wanted to handle breakfast.

“I did,” I said. “Jordan knows.”

He leaned back on his chair as three pairs of eyes looked at him. “Yes,” he said, heaving a sigh. “She made the meal we just enjoyed.”

Lara was smiling ear to ear. “I knew I was not wrong about you, Marie. You have to come and work at the company.” She looked at Jordan. “She’s what we need whether you agree or not. We can talk about the other matter later.”

Jordan placed his arms on the table. “She can begin work at Kensington's Foods, mother. But I won't be marrying her for it.”

“Marrying?” Kylie said, looking at Lara and then at me. “Marrying who? Mary?”

“It’s Marie,” I said, enjoying the look of confusion on her face.

“I don’t care,” she said, shutting me up. She faced Lara. “Jordan is getting married?”

“He’s right beside you,” she answered. “Jordan had refused to get married. He wants to remain a bachelor forever and leave no heir for our empire.”

He scoffed. “Don’t act like I’m dying tomorrow. I’m too busy for women right now, and if you want an heir, I can give you one.”

“I won’t accept that bastard child,” Lara said, her face turning red. It was the first time I saw her angry.

Jordan clenched his jaw and Kylie looked from mother to son. There was enough tension in the room to cut through frozen butter. I felt as though I had just heard what I wasn't meant to hear.

Jordan stood up. “I’m done here, mother. Breakfast was fantastic.” He looked at me. “Work starts today.”