Destined Since Birth (Caleb & Cassie)

Chapter 20: THE MANAGER

It's been a week since you haven't seen Caleb who's been busy with Eclipse. Ever since the reopening, they've been fully booked that he hasn't had time to even go home so he's been staying at his suite. One evening, you decided to surprise him. You went with Cindy to Eclipse to try as a walk-in customer.

You can see the waiting line all the way to the entrance of the top floor. You suddenly pulled Cindy in a corner.

"Why don't we just go back?"

"We're already here and besides I'm starving."

"But there's a lot of people waiting. We can't possible wait for hours."

"Your husband owns this place for God's sake, Cassie. You can come by here anytime. I'm sure he won't mind."

"But.."

"No buts, come on." you hurriedly walked past the people in line.

"Good evening, ladies. Reservation under what name?" the usher greeted you.

"Good evening. We don't have a reservation but the owner knows us."

"He didn't mention any guest. Let me just check with him," he was about to go when you Troy saw you.

"Ms. Mercado, good evening."

"Hi, Troy."

"Let them in."

The usher opened the door and let you in. Troy escorted you in one of the VIP rooms. He excused himself as you gave him your orders.

"See how easy that is?" Cindy giggles as she looks in the menu.

"Let's not do that again. It's embarrassing."

"I don't understand why it would be embarrassing to visit your husband and eat in his restaurant. Also, you practically co-own this place since you two are married, gosh!" she rolled her eyes at you.

*********************

"Ms. Hale, a VIP arrived. They're in room 8."

"Okay, I'll go and greet them."

Just as she was walking towards the room, she can see who's inside. She still flashed her smile and she greet them.

"Good evening. I don't remember having your names on our tonight's guest list." she said as she scans her tablet.

"Oh, we just walked in." Cindy replied.

"This is high-end restaurant that NORMAL people can't just walk-in. We go by schedule, we don't really accept walk-ins. We have important guests tonight that will occupy this room and I need you to leave." her tone was very sarcastic. She keeps her eyes on you.

"Who are you calling normal people? Do you even know who she is?" Cindy replied as she glares on the woman.

"Do I have to know who she is?"

Cindy was about to respond again when you stopped her.

"Look, we're just here to eat. The owner knows us."

"I don't care. You need to leave or I'll call security."

"Is this how you treat your guests?"

"As far as I am concerned, you are nothing but gate crashers."

"Ugh! I can't believe this person!"

"Come on, Cinds, let's go. I don't want to create a scene here. Caleb..."

"Who are you to call the owner by his first name?"

"She is none other than..." you stopped Cindy again before she says anything.

"What?"

"We'll just leave." you were about to stand up when Troy came in with plates on his hand.

"Who told you to serve these people?" Ashley shouted.

"They are VIPs, Ms. Hale."

"They're not even on our guest list! And who are you to decide on that, huh? You're just a mere waiter."

"Okay, wait. Don't talk to him like that!" you can't help but felt bad for Troy.

"You don't tell me what to do. I am the manager here and I can say whatever I want with my people!"

"You don't even know who you're talking to. Might as well call the owner here!" gladly people outside can't hear you. Cindy spoke too loudly.

Troy's eyes are back and forth between you and the manager. He put the plates down and quickly went outside.

"Didn't you hear me earlier? I said leave!"

You can't keep this up so you pulled Cindy and hurriedly left. Just then Caleb went out of the office with Troy and saw you.

"Where are you going?"

"They're just leaving," it was the manager who responded. People are now looking at you.

"And why is that?"

"Ms. Hale asked them to leave because they're not in our guest list tonight," it was Troy who responded.

Caleb held your hand and pulled you back to the VIP room. Cindy followed.

"What happened?" Caleb asked as he sat beside you. He looks tired and his clothes are all wrinkled.

"Your manager called us gate crashers and shouted at us!" It was Cindy who respond. Caleb was just listening.

"We only came here so Cassie can see you."

"Cindy!"

"Why?"

"Is that true?" Caleb looked at you intently.

"Y-yeah..."

His face lit up. He held your hands and kissed them gently. Cindy went to the other side of the room to give you a little privacy.

"Why didn't you ask for me when you came in?"

"I..."

"I'm sorry I didn't tell my people about you."

"It's okay."

"But I can't let anyone disrespect a guest specially my wife."

"She has a point, Caleb and just doing her job. I probably should've called."

"Did she say anything else?"

"No.." that was almost as whisper coz you know if Cindy hears you, she'll saying a lot more.

"Stay here. I'll be right back."

He kissed your forehead before going out. Troy came in with a new set of meals. You started eating but can't help but feel anxious.

*********************

Ashley is waiting for Caleb in his office. As he entered, he sat down on his chair while she remains standing.

"Caleb, we can't just let those people do what they want."

"It's Mr. Silverio, Ms. Hale. I am your boss and it's working hours."

She was startled by his response.

"Mr. Silverio, we cannot let this pass."

"We should be treating all guests equally - VIP or not."

"But they clearly gate crashed! They're not in the list nor called in advance."

"I want you to make an exception for them next time. They can come here anytime, with or without reservation. Specially Ms. Mercado."

"May I ask why?"

"Just follow my orders and make sure what happened tonight won't happen again. Also, you need to apologize. I won't tolerate any type misbehavior," he stood up and walked out of the door leaving Ashley behind. She's fuming with anger and puzzled at the same time as to why Caleb is giving that woman special treatment. She went out right after she composed herself and headed to VIP room 8.