CHAPTER 6: Unexpected Interaction

Shantelle

I stroked the temples of my head to relieve the ache. I couldn't sleep since I'd been conducting a lot of study and testing for Mrs. Thompson. 

I knew I wasn't alone in this, but I wanted to do it first-hand.

I've always been like this when I've had new customers or when the client expected me to manage everything on my own. 

Star Food has recently received a large number of appointments and bids as a result of our regular customers' recommendation. 

That is why we sought out extra researchers to assist us in catering to all of our clientele.

"Remember to eat on schedule and take breaks if you want to continue working. If you didn't, you may become ill again." Aunt Trina's worry was directed at me.

"Thank you, and I'm looking after myself. You should not be concerned. My doctor said that the cancer cells were fully eradicated. Thank you so much for all you've done for us." I kissed Auntie's cheeks and said my goodbyes.

I went to my office and collected all of the documents I required for today's meetings with various customers. 

When Cara and I were gone all day, I designated Harry as their leader. 

We'd meet with the proprietors of an orphanage, a clubhouse, a hotel, a school staff member, and a few small restaurant owners.

I've been performing this job with Cara for two years, and we've never failed to serve our customers, but it was difficult for someone. 

I had no idea why I had thought of him again. I could compare him to whatever my imagination came up with from time to time. 

He had occupied my thoughts since the day we met at the pub. I was relieved since it didn't interfere with my job.

Time passed quickly. We had completed meeting with other clients and were on our way to Mr. Wilfredo Smith's place of business. 

He was the owner of the Smith Group of Businesses, and we met during a culinary competition in which he was a judge. 

Despite the fact that I did not win, he enjoyed my dish.

Apart from Adams Enterprise, his firm was one of the most well-known in Standford, handling various hotel chains and cruise ships. 

In Hawaii, he has established eleven magnificent vacation resorts and hotels with casinos.

I was pleased that he would finally be our customer. When I found that he enjoyed my food, we encouraged them, and he ultimately accepted our request. 

I didn't anticipate anything from Gavin anymore; I simply wanted to concentrate on this initiative that would provide the Star Food a huge possibility to be recognized.

Someone bumped into me as we were walking to the meeting room. I was fortunate not to injure my foot, but the portfolio I was holding was strewn over the floor.

"Are you all alright, Shantelle?" Cara inquired and assisted me with the documents.

"I'm sorry, I didn't look where I was going," the man apologized as he began to assist me as well.

"It's all right. I didn't notice you either."

He helped me rise up once we finished scooping everything up, and I noticed him reading the papers with such attention and wonder in his eyes.

I feigned a cough to gain his attention, and I'm glad he understood what I meant.

"Sorry for reading it without your consent. By the way, all of your meals are fantastic. And when I saw them, I couldn't help but be intrigued." He said quietly. 

His face was flushed from flushing, making him attractive, and he had a sparkling aura that would fascinate anybody.

"Thank you so much. We must go immediately. Please excuse us,” I answered respectfully and offered him a nod.

When we arrived, Mr. Smith and his board of directors welcomed us. 

It was logical for them to present today since it would be a critical choice for them. But I'm not going to back down; I'm going to gain their approval no matter what.

"Ms. Clarkson, you never cease to astonish me. Every time I see you, you're becoming better at your job." 

Mr. Smith congratulated me on all of my presentations and the questions I was able to answer.

"Thank you very much, Mr. Smith. I'm still giving it my all and attempting to push beyond its limits." I responded.

"I believe everyone was happy with the presentation, and there are no more questions. Then we shall vote to determine whether or not we will approve your firm."

"I want to be considerate, so I let them stay. I was curious what the board of directors thought about your proposition. But, if I had the last say, I would happily accept your proposition." He remarked, which gave me more confidence.

"Okay, everyone. People that advocate having Star Food work with us. Please raise your hands," he was the first to raise his hand, he said.

As everyone raised their hands, I was startled and couldn't help but smile.

"Ms. Clarkson, congratulations. I am excited to collaborate with you.” Everyone applauded and smiled as he stated this.

I approached Mr. Smith and extended my arms, which he welcomed and firmly shook.

We spoke for a few minutes before heading home. I'll come back here tomorrow to sign our contract and discuss our arrangement.

"Dani, how are you? Are you accessible right now? If that's the case, let's eat supper at my place. I've got some fantastic news for everyone." 

I informed Dani over the phone and had some lunch delivered to us.

"Cara, come on. We should share our good fortune with them." I had invited her.

"I agree that this is fantastic news for us. Congrats; I know you worked very hard to achieve this." Cara smiled brightly.

~~~

I landed in Hawaii in the evening and was escorted to one of Mr. Smith's hotels near the airport by his assistant.

I informed my family last week, immediately after the presentation, that we were linked with the Smith Group of Businesses. 

Everyone was pleased for me, and having a large customer that trusted us was a great accomplishment for us.

Cara was the one who informed my colleagues, and I was astonished when I returned to the firm after signing the contract with Mr. Smith.

Next, I traveled to Hawaii's Freelea Island, where I was astounded by the size of Mr. Smith's luxury hotel.

Everything was so sophisticated, and the view was so breathtakingly beautiful, that I nearly believed I wasn't cut out for this type of place. 

Even though I didn't have a financial issue, I still had to work hard to get one of these rooms.

My room was large enough to accommodate my whole family. I would make certain that my family will have such an event someday.

After I unloaded my belongings, I changed my clothing in order to meet the personnel I would be working with throughout my time here.

"Good day, everyone! My name is Shantelle Clarkson, and I work for Star Food Company. I'll be in charge of this kitchen for three months before the hotel opens."

I said this while looking at each of them.

"The two ladies here will give me a report, progress, and everything connected to the foods you'll serve," I added, indicating to Irene and Ria, who were standing on each side of me. They were the designated restaurant manager.

"Our team creates the foods you will serve, and you must learn the flavor, presentation, and every detail precisely as I made it so that we can get the same results. Don't be concerned; I'm here to help. Are we on the same page?" I inquired.

"Yes, miss! We all got it," They responded.

I took a few moments to admire how large this kitchen was. Before the hotel opened, I was in charge of five restaurants selling various cuisines.

I went to each eatery, gave them instructions, and introduced myself. 

I was astounded by the distinctive architecture and constructions of all the restaurants here, and I couldn't help but smile at the prospect of the Star Food meals being served here.

My feet were hurting, so I decided to take a break and went back to my room to rest. 

I don't have any job to complete in the meanwhile, so I could still have a look around before I accomplished what I came here for.

….

Wait, where was I? And what am I doing here?

"Gavin Adams! Stop! Don’t do this to me! Stop this wedding, now!" 

I saw myself at the end of the corridor, attempting to derail the wedding. Then I saw Gavin and his bride at the other end.

I raced to my other self and begged her not to spoil their wedding, but she couldn't hear me and proceeded to wreck it. 

I wanted her to stop, but she couldn't since it had already occurred.

I saw Gavin glaring at me with fury in his eyes as the bride and her family exited. I turned around to warn myself, but she was nowhere to be seen. 

As I turned around, Gavin was already one step away, reaching out for me.

I had no idea how this occurred, but Gavin was immediately clutching me and yanking me out of the hall. 

I then saw him reaching for the security guard's rifle. He aimed his revolver at me. He murdered me.

….

As I awoke, I realized the sound I had heard was not from the pistol, but from the door.

I took a deep breath and went through the door. My meal was being delivered by the hotel personnel. 

As I looked at the clock, it was already nine o'clock at night.

I didn't realize I'd had a deep sleep instead than just a snooze. I ate my meal and took a bath to clear my head.

It was the first time I had a dream about Gavin or anything scary. 

Even if he simply murdered me in my dreams, I became frightened and hoped that it wouldn't happen.

I knew it would be impossible for me to sleep again, so I went for a stroll down the beach. 

Tonight was very brilliant owing to its moonlight, and the sea wind was cool yet soothing, which put me at rest.

The ambience of the beach was too lovely to ignore. There were still a lot of people around. 

There was a bunch of people who were singing and having a great time. I could see the couples were in their own worlds as they hugged each other, and some didn't worry if passersby saw them making out on this beach.

I came to a halt when I saw a guy propose marriage to his lady, and she enthusiastically agreed.

I want I could be with someone else who would love me eventually, and I hope that day comes soon. 

Maybe that soon would be right now? Who can say? Maybe my soulmate is also here, wondering about and discovering his other half, which is me.

I giggled at my ideas, but meeting someone here would be fascinating.

I continued walking and glanced at something that piqued my curiosity, but when I looked back, I was too far away from the motel. I was about to return when someone blocked my path.

I attempted to excuse myself in front of a bunch of guys, but they wouldn't allow me.

"Hi, lovely, are you looking for some company? We have time for you.”

The guy in the center spoke out and attempted to touch my face, but I took a step back.

As you glanced at them, you could tell they were a bunch of perverts. I attempted to see above them, but they obscured my vision as well. 

The folks seemed to be a long way away. I didn't want to make a scene, but I would be in danger if I didn't.

"Come on, ladt! We're on our way to the bar as well. You are welcome to join us.” He gripped my arm and urged.

I attempted to fight back, but he was too powerful, and I couldn't get my arm back.

Even though someone was holding me, I sprinted away without thinking, and the other guy was ready to grasp my other arm when someone spoke.

"Are they your buddies, sweetheart? They seem to be near to you," said the guy from behind.

The guy let go of his hold and took a step back. He grabbed my waist and pulled me away from those males.

"We attempted to assist her since she seemed to be lost. We're going now that you've arrived," someone remarked, running away from the opposite.

"Such insipid thinking, they sought to harass a lady, then wag their tails when someone caught them," he stated and despised the perverts.

I moved away from him and bent my head in gratitude.

"Thank you so much for your assistance. I had no idea what to do." 

I lifted my head to see who it was, but when I saw his face, my panic returned.

It was Gavin, and he seemed shocked that we had seen each other. But he quickly regained his composure and smiled.

"Well, I believed someone was being harassed, but I suppose I interrupted something," he said, and I had no idea what he meant.

"What do you mean by that?" I inquired vehemently.

"Isn't it for a show, to capture someone's attention? Are those your subordinates? I assumed it was true, but when I found out who it was, I realized it was all a ruse."

I couldn't believe he felt that way, he added.

I couldn't say anything since he was criticizing me. I couldn't say anything without cursing him and crying.

"Thanks for interrupting us. After I was discovered dead, I assumed the show would be over." I walked away from Gavin, saying.

A tear streamed down my cheek, and my whole body trembled at the notion.

I'd never been wounded like this before. Or maybe I was, but not in a humiliating way.

I'd never felt this type of terror before, and I had no idea that Gavin would be the one to deliver it to me today.

"Oh, come on, Ms. Clarkson. What are your plans? I believe you should pay my talent fee. Is it true that I'm a good actor earlier?" He taunted me even more, which irritated me.

All I wanted to do was unwind, but what occurred tonight sapped my energy, and Gavin exacerbated the situation.