At the Sign of Trouble

Chapter Three

CHAPTER THREE: FIRST DAY

The following morning started with a bang—quite literally. Someone in the kitchen dropped the baking trays they were assigned to move and it clattered loudly against the marble floor that echoed throughout the house. It was only 6am but the house was already buzzing with life. The scent of freshly baked breads and brewed coffee wafted through the small employees lounge and awoke Kyla’s senses. It was her first day of training, and she was psyched. She could get used to these surroundings.

When she got down after a quick shower and changing into her jeans and white cotton blouse, she was surprised to see that at least eight people were already on the dining area having breakfast. Belinda whom insisted that Kyla called her Belle, waived energetically, motioning to the chair beside her. She took the seat beside her new roommate and looked at the people around her. Most of them were dressed casually as she was, munching appreciatively on their breakfast. After everyone quieted down, introductions were made. Assignments for the week were given and by the time breakfast was over, everyone was occupied with their duties for the day.

“Belle, Kyla, come with me to the coffee house.” Frank said as he pushed his chair back and got up.

Kyla and her new roommate nodded and followed him. When they got to the coffee house, the men were already starting with the construction. They were halfway through the renovations and one could see semblance of how the place was meant to look like. Frank led them to the kitchen and through a narrow hall towards the office at the back.

Frank opened the door for them and was surprised to find that Henry was inside having a discussion with the interior designer and the new architect.

“Ah! You’re here early.” Frank greeted his grandson with a slap on his left shoulder. Henry looked up and saw his grandfather, Belinda and then he saw her.

For a moment, he just stared at her. Something about her caught his interest but he didn’t understand why. She barely looked at him when they got inside.  She gave him a small smile though, when she caught him staring then turned her gaze somewhere else. She had long brown hair, she wasn’t petite but she was average in built and height. However, there was something about her that got his attention, like he wanted to know why there was sadness in her eyes. Odd, he never noticed that on anyone before, just this once. And for some reason, he didn’t want to see her with that look.

“This is our new pastry chef, Kyla. Kyla, meet the owner of Galiana’s and your boss, Henry Jacob.” Frank introduced. “And these are his associates. This is Miguel, the architect and Alexi, our interior designer.” He motioned to the two people beside his grandson.

Alexi looked stunning even in her simple style, Kyla noticed. She was wearing only light make-up, wore black slacks, royal blue blouse with her hair tied up in a pony tail. She looked business-like and formal. Miguel, on the contrary, looked a little less uptight. His hair was unkempt, a mass of brown curly hair that reached his nape. He was wearing a long-sleeved maroon shirt with the sleeves folded just below his elbow. He was dark, tall and was lean. Henry and Miguel were almost the same height at almost 5’10 and built but Henry was more serious looking while Miguel looked laid-back, Kyla observed.

“So, you’re the new pastry chef?” Miguel said to Kyla then turned to Frank. “Finally found one you liked huh, Frank?” he was the first who spoke after the introductions. He looked at Kyla, gave her a bright smile then reached out his hand for a hand shake. “Hi. I’m Miguel but I prefer Miggy. Is this your first time in the city? I heard Frank found you somewhere abroad.”

Kyla smiled. She didn’t know if it was because he looked so relaxed but she felt comfortable with Miggy. She raised her hand and shook his. The moment their hands met, Miggy gave her a wink then released her hand.