Naledi (The Moon)

Chapter 7

Nani's POV:

The Pearl was affluent, inimitably designed by the city's infamous architecture firm. The exterior was of marble material, a fine opalescent tint, taking the likeness of a rare Pearl encased within its shell, and in the interior, bone white with crystal accents. From the tall pillars that extended into the centre of the area and chandeliers which hung from high ceilings.

Entranced by my surroundings, I stood at the lobby whilst father was talking details with the general manager of the hotel about the kitchen setup, the pots and plates, staff and the who's who that would be in attendance. According to my knowledge, they'd be a sum total of two thousand guests. Luckily, the dinning area was vast. Stretching out into the great garden with ten floors, all with a cafeteria of its own. My father, had been given the reins of all eleven locations and once, I took in my surroundings, I finally understood his lack of sleep and constant obsession to make it a success. He had three more days to prepare and run through the menus to make sure, to cater to every need and distinct diets.

I wandered away from the lobby area to the middle of hotel. Oblivious to the amount of steps I've taken, I stopped by the great red oak tree that had been planted in the centre of room. It stretched out filling all the floors, that lead to the eleventh floor; the penthouse. The hotel was designed, in some sort of a stadium fashion and the centre being heavily decorated with flowers of all sorts iridescent colours, and a little crystal clear pond with the brightest fishes as they swam freely. The air was unsullied, free from noise as the place was still empty from the lack of patrons but only those of the construction team and hotel staff doing their final touch ups.

My eyes landed upon a group of dainty, sterling white, pale pink marble-like stones forming some sort of bridge leading towards the pond. They had the likeness of pearls. Although, I've never seen any close up in real life other than in the television, I caught the relation. Some even laid under the water, with gushes of clean water streaming through as if it were a mini waterfall.

"Splendid, isn't it?" A voice appeared behind, startling me. "Oh, I'm sorry child." She spoke with a clear Australian accent. She stood at average female height, fit, probably in her early or mid forties. I relaxed when I came face to face with her. She was stunning. Her bouncy brunette curly hair was untied as it kissed her shoulders. When she smiled at me, her glacial blue eyes crinkled at their edges. Her aura was warm and inviting as I instantly felt comfortable around her. "Yes, yes it is." I managed to find my voice after drooling at her obvious pulchritude. "It is one of my favourite places in this vast hotel. Do you think the guest will like it?" Her question raised my suspicion. Why would she want my opinion, I was only the cook's daughter who has wandered to places she shouldn't be.

"I don't see why not. Well, that's if they have a taste for it's simplistic Faye beauty and the serenity it evokes but then again, one can't give people too much credit towards such." I shrugged, heedless to the woman who was smiling at my every word. "I'm sorry. I spoke out of turn." I apologised, suddenly feeling embarrassed because of my unhinged mouth. "On the contrary, I appreciate your honesty. Lord knows, how much I need it in a world surrounded by yes, men and women." She stated in her knee length mustard coat, an opulent designer black Aline dress, stockings and a pair of black boots to pull the look together.

"I'm Diane Randall, but people call me, Pearl." She extended her hand towards mine. I quickly searched for a ring and found no traces of it on said finger. Her name, knocked the wind out of my lungs once realisation soon hit me. "I— uh. Nani Langa." We exchanged a firm greeting. "I take that you're one of the owners or investors?" I anxiously asked, unready to hear the response.
"A investor," she corrected. "However, I do happen to know one of the partners closely though." She smiled inwardly, lost in reverie then reluctantly pulled back.

"Are you also an investor, Ms Nani?" She smiled at me, I could tell she was teasing but not in a ridiculing or condescending manner but in a lovingly way that a parent would. "That depends, do you take R10 as an investment?" I mirrored her playful nature and she burst into a pretty laugh, startling me by her easygoing nature. "My, aren't you a witty, sharp young woman. Where are your parents, dear?" She smiled at me once again. Her presence made me relax, even though her name stood on the building she was kind, humble, and very pleasant to be around. I found myself, liking her very much. "He is over there." I pointed towards the lobby. "He has been hired as the caterer for the opening week." I spoke proudly.

"Is that so?" She was interested. "Well, I would love to meet the man who had a hand in raising in such a fine, young woman." She placed her hands in her coat pockets. I couldn't contain nor hide my elatedness as my smile reached my eyes. "I'll be right back." I dashed away, in pursuit of my father. I grabbed his wrist before he could protest, confused, and frustrated he followed suit. "Daddy, this is Ms Diane 'Pearl' Randall. As in The Pearl. My new friend." I rested my tongue around the word, friend and witnessed her face beam back at me. "Oh, Dear God. Ms Randall, I hope Naledi wasn't a bother. She has a mind of her own and no filter when it comes to her words or unsolicited opinions." He appeared nervous as he apologised upon my behalf.

What?! Me? I'm such a sweetheart! I defended myself, inwardly not wanting to cause a commotion in front of my father's new employer.

"Nonsense. She is such a delight and very beautiful, might I add." She winked at me. I instantly blushed. There's nothing as flattering and fulfilling as when an equally gorgeous woman finds you beautiful as well. It certainly was more pleasing to hear from than that of repulsive men, who said it out of il-intent.

"She tells me, you're the man behind the food this coming Friday?" They extended hands, greeting one another in a professional fashion. "Yes, that much is true." He smiled at me.

"Well, I'm on my way to the main cafeteria now for breakfast. Would it be okay if, my friend and I got the first taste of what's to come?" She grabbed my hand. I instantly stilled, completely frozen. Her rich, luxurious scent wafted in my nose as she pulled me close.

Dear God, who is this woman?!

"I would gladly serve you, Ms. I'm not too sure about blabber mouth here." He nudged his head towards my direction. "Hey! 'Blabber mouth' is the one who got you this gig. I'm basically your manager and boss, so come on Mr Langa. Let's get cooking." I nudged him back and Pearl, laughed cheerfully at our exchange. My dad paled, his eyes landed on Pearl then back to me but soon relaxed when he saw her adorning smile.
"You heard, the young lady." She chuckled sweetly as we made our way to the first floor cafeteria.
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