Beauty and the beast

49

Nadia's POV

Today's the day I've been waiting for. It's finally opening day and my heart is in my bottom with nerves.

"You're going to be okay baby. Everything is set and going according to plan. You did this and I'm so proud of you, " Mateo reassured me and placed a kiss on my forehead.

"But-" I tried but he shut me off

"But nothing mi amor. Tonight will go great. You did amazing and everyone will love it,"

He was now holding my face and staring into my eyes to make sure I understood what he was saying.

This moment made me realise why I love this man so much. He always found a way to make me feel grounded when my head swims too far out.

"I love you so much," I reminded him and stood on my tippy toes to give him a peck.

"And I love you too now let's get this show on the road," he replied and smacked my behind through my dress.

"When this is over with, that is mine," with another smack he moved from behind me.

I walked by him and out of the room.

Everyone gathered in a large group outside the restaurant, all waiting to come in and support. 

The building had been converted to a two-floor operating system. The first floor was the kitchen and sitting areas. It could seat 250 people with tables varying from 2 seats to 4 to long conference-style tables.

The top floor was administration. My office along with the managers, inventory and a break room for the workers to rest.

I had chosen a more modern interior design approach. I envisioned this restaurant as a quality family food place and that is the vibe I hope to create. Taking inspiration from the diners I visited as a kid but incorporating the higher end restaurants I had the opportunity of visiting as a working adult.

"Thank you all for coming. This restaurant has been a dream of mine since I was a kid. If my parents were here they could attest to it. Sadly they along with my sister aren't around to see this dream reach fruition but I know that they're all proud of me. With that, I am more than pleased to announce the official opening of plas fanmi an. A restaurant for all,"

I pulled the cloth down and revealed the sign surrounded by neon lights. 

The crowd erupted in cheers and I opened the doors to let everyone in.

This is where the chaos really broke out. I made sure everyone was seated and served while making sure the kitchen was running smoothly.

"Oh dear, it's beautiful. I'm so proud of you," Julia gushed when I reached their table.

I had the entire Hernandez family seated at a conference table near the indoor neon sign.

"Thank you, Julia, it wouldn't be possible without your family," I replied and I was being honest.

The Hernandez family played a big part in the success of my business. If it wasn't for Luisa's baby shower, I don't think my business would have half the publicity it does today. I wouldn't have done that baby shower if Mr Hernandez had not hired me and if Mateo didn't give me the tender.

"What does the sign mean by the way?" Marcello asked and I looked up at it.

"It means family place in Haitian creole. My dad was Haitian and I wanted to honour him in some way. He's the reason I fell in love with cooking," I explained and Mateo rubbed my hand in comfort.

"That's beautiful and I'm sure he's proud," Marcello replied and I smiled somberly.

I was always a daddy's girl. Despite him being gone most of my life, he always made it worthwhile when he was around.

One of our favourite bonding activities was cooking. He insisted on making the meals when he was home so my mom let him.

Me being the tiny chef I am, I was right by his legs. That was until I was standing on stools that I was tall enough to reach the stove.

He taught me how to fall in love with cooking and making different dishes.

Food was also what bonded my parents. My dad cooked my mom a meal after their first movie date.

Being the food lover my mom was, she fell in love over a plate of fried rice and chicken. A cook and a food lover, a match made in heaven.

I plan on passing on the tradition of cooking to my kids the same way my dad did to me.

"Let me get back to socialising. I'll be back,"

I spent the rest of my night checking in with customers and running the kitchen. We had thirty minutes to closing time left so the floor was starting to clear out.

I said goodbye to customers at the door and took in the massive success that was tonight. Everyone showed up in numbers and that played a huge part in the success of the opening night.

"I would like to thank everyone for doing their part and making tonight run smoothly. Many of you aren't used to the chaos of working in the food industry but you surprised me. I look forward to working with all of you. Cheers to hard work," I raised my glass of wine and everyone clicked glasses.

After my speech, I made my way upstairs to my office. Mateo has been there waiting for me since his family left.

"There's my businesswoman," he greeted me as I walked through the door.

He was seated on my office couch with his suit jacket laid on the back of the couch.

I walked over to him and sat on his lap. My wineglass sat on the coffee table in front of us.

"How are you feeling?" he asked and put his arm around my waist.

"Overwhelmed, in a good way. This has been my dream for many years and I didn't think for a moment that I would achieve it without my family by my side. My dad always spoke about me having my own restaurant and now he can't even see that dream to fruition. Now Cass didn't have the opportunity to paint a mural for the restaurant. I miss them a little more right now,"

Mateo pulled me closer to him and I rested my head on his chest while I continued spilling my emotions. 

His body heat and scent wrapped around me in a comforting embrace. He truly is my safe space in one person.

~~~