Sweet Surprise

Chapter 16

Fifteen minutes later, they found themselves in front of Rizzo, and the dinner party was on full swing. Dia was about to enter through the front entrance, when Adam dragged her to the back entrance and told her that people might question her professionalism if they saw her entering now, she hugged him tight. Adam's response surprised Dia, as his embrace was passionate, she felt he was afraid and hugged her as if she was his lifeline, without reading too much into his emotions, Dia pulled him inside the kitchen. They were met with amused guffaws, shrieks and most importantly relieved joyous whoops.

The rather fuss-free vegan dinner, turned out to be a night mare for the sous-chefs. They actually decide on five varieties of salads.

"I can't believe that none of you thought of thought of making those crunchy appetizers with tofu and bell peppers. Also we could have served paella, or even risotto. Since the Dixon's have no issue with mushrooms, you guys could have come up with that.", Dia announced alarmed.

The chefs looked ashamed, but then Adam announced, "Dia , your in now, let us salvage the situation."

"How? I have no veggies stocked."

"That's not going to be a problem, Farmer's is delivering your stock right here at the back entrance.", Adam answered .

Ding!

"Come on every body . Jhonny get the button mushrooms, truffles , parsley. Will get the fresh herbs, potatoes. Pixie get the fruits, and buy the butternut squash. Its show time."

Exactly half an hour later at 9:00 pm, Dia and her team managed to create History by compiling and creating the best vegan dishes.

Rosemary roasted mushrooms appetizers was in demand. Dia had to thank Martha's quick wit and experiments in the kitchen. Adam had suggested Falafel, and Will had responded with quick kiss, needless to say Adam spent rest of the time at the expediter's station. Dia was experimental in the kitchen, and she prepared two dishes with avocado. The avocado peach salsa, with country style grilled tofu served with fajitas was complimented within the kitchen, for the initial taste, and Jhonny vouched that the mood had considerably lifted with the delcioius falafel and this dish would ensure that the guests got over their salad debacle. The second dish was the avocado banana chocolate pudding, Dia was confident about this dish, because Adam had been eyeing at the dish with longing, she knew the guests would be in for a pleasant surprise. Pixie too had recovered from the initial nerves and prepared a rather "delightful" butternut squash bake.

"Table 15 pudding and candied apple", Adam announced.

"Yes chef", Pixie answered, as she plated the desserts. Dia observed the duo, at first Pixie was hesistant, but once Adam got the flow of things, he managed to coax Pixie to emerge from his shell. He almost took on the role of mentor and brother, although she did become tongue tied but nevertheless managed to get her act together and perform in the kitchen. Adam effortlessly slipped on to the role of the expediter, and she secretly knew, the man essentially got his dream of "ordering people around", but she saw that Adam managed to optimize the kitchen resources far better than her, for instances he kept a close eye on the dishes required and at times got the cutlery arranged in a slider for at least 5 orders, so that Pixie could plate up efficiently.

Jhonny walked in and announced, " They want to see the kitchen staff". All of them looked nervously at each other until Jhonny announced, "You'd be surprised even the salads have been licked off. So its good."

"Whew", Will mumbled, and Dia looked at him relieved. Then she realized in horror that even Adam would have to go out with them, so she said, "The entire staff ?"

"Even the expediter.", Jhonny concluded.

"Let's go then.", Adam said, "But.. How can you go ?", Pixie asked meekly.

"Dia, trust me on this,"Adam held out his hand and Dia just went along with him.

As soon as the staff entered the floor, there was a momentary silence and then thunderous applause for the staff.

Adam looked at Dia in admiration, and was startled when her posture stiffened, he followed her line of sight, it was understandable.

"Karen and Harry", she whispered to herself. When the aforementioned couple looked in their direction, Dia's face betrayed her inner turmoil which was often locked up, she found her eyes tearing up and left in a hurry.

Adam  was glued to his position and with a last contemptuous look at the couple, he followed Dia's direction.

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Two chapters today. I hope you like them. Sorry if i got overboard with the food description. :P