Desserts & Dramas

Chapter 3

Just then, a waiter approached them with a tray of glasses of chilled white wine. Each of them took a glass. With so many people in the room, the place was a bit stuffy and a cold wine would go down very well. Just touching the cold glass relieved the heat Sofia was feeling.

"I really don't know, but everything I tried was unsuccessful, so this is the new strategy. Locate the bachelors of the place and attack the most pleasing to the eye."

"You shouldn't just look for beauty, maybe that's the mistake. " advised Sofia.

"I start with beauty, but intelligence and kindness are part of the package. I'm not so superficial either, or I wouldn't have been friends with you for so long," Vivian replied with raised eyebrows.

"It's true, you are a very dear friend. " Sofia smiled back. " Maybe you could try something with the best man. That's what happens at weddings, isn't it?"

"Indeed, but Ali hasn't drawn up the list yet. Cecilia is helping with the wedding organization, but there are still many details to work out."

Cecilia was Tomas' sister and had the same age as Alice, which quickly brought them together and made them very close friends. In addition, both were short, had very light skin and vivid green eyes, but Alice was a brunette girl and Cecilia a blonde one. Physically, they looked more like sisters than Sofia herself, as the latter was taller and not exactly delicate, with dark green eyes, and was often mistaken for Alice's older sister rather than the other way around. However, Sofia did not mind. She was happy that her sister had found someone so close while she was living abroad. And now, with so much work at the events and in the bakery, she might not be able to give Alice all the help she deserved in planning the wedding. Cecilia was being a true sister to her.

"What about Alice and Tomás' college friends? I haven't met them yet, but there must be someone you like. " Sofia asked.

"From Tomas' friends, only Eric and Gabriel. It seems that all three are childhood friends. The first is dating some girl, but the second could be an interesting challenge. " Vivian answered with an insinuating look and a half smile. " And Alice's doctor friends do so many shifts in hospitals that it's not worth the effort to get to know them.

"It can't be very easy to date a doctor anyway. My parents' lives have always been pretty tumultuous."

"You know better than I do, you know it's a trap then. Anyway, I can introduce you to them. Maybe some of them will make those green eyes shine. " And she looked suggestively at Sofia.

"I'm fine, though I can be your chaperone. " Sofia smiled at the old reference. Vivian approved.

"Huum, very polite of you. Let's go."

"I'll just go the restroom first."

"All right, meet me at the other end of the room." Vivian nodded and left.

Before she reached the halfway point, she was approached by a young man in an impeccable navy blue suit with a fierce look in his eyes.

"A pleasure to meet you, Arthur Hurst at your service.

Sofia did not know how to react to this unexpected and direct approach. She didn't even have time to respond when he asked who the beautiful young woman was.

"Sofia MacLean."

"Oh, related to the bride? " Arthur continued.

"Sister."

"The famous chef finally returns home, am I right?"

"I don't think she's famous, I'm just starting my career." Sofia avoided looking into his eyes, which seemed too intense.

"Nonsense, your family speaks very highly of you. It's just a matter of meeting the right people to achieve the fame and fortune you desire. And with that, I can help you," Arthur offered.

Sofia didn't like Arthur's tone. Or any other of his features. She couldn't deny that he was quite presentable, but the way he carried himself and the way he emphasized his fame as a chef sounded suspicious. According to what Alice had told her, Arthur and Tomás were from the same family, but they had completely different personalities. While the latter was devoted to finding his own path, the former was clearly satisfied with his last name and the destiny chosen for him. There would be nothing wrong with this if he were not so self"centered and snobbish, combined with his false intention of helping someone out of pure altruism. Sofia knew that he would do nothing for the simple desire to help, a favor now would mean that she would pay the price later.

"I'm fine, don't bother," she was already looking for a way out as she answered.

"Sofia, you will soon realize that the Hurst family may be much more than just relatives of your sister. We can introduce you to the best connections for you to work in the restaurant of your choice."

"I prefer to have my own business."

"Then maybe you need an investor," Arthur winked at Sofia, who finally managed to think of a way to get away from him.

"Look, perhaps you should know my work before you so kindly offer your help and contacts. After all, you wouldn't want to associate your name with something of poor quality and return, would you? You can try the sweets on that table," Sofia indicated the direction and preferred not to give him a chance to respond again."Meanwhile, excuse me.

"Beautiful and intelligent. I'll wait for you at the dessert table, dear."

Sofia had no intention of continuing the conversation.