Ventura

Capítulo 7

Three months.

He leaves the office slowly. Shoulders hunched and with a huge sense of defeat. I called Sophie, told her everything. I felt horrible for canceling our plans. And for the first time since my mother's death, I cried. I felt defeated.

I wandered around the restaurant looking at the tables and decor. That place that had once caused me so much pride and joy was now the representation of my anguish. I realized at that moment, that it was no longer my place, and I was determined to change. But until I found a way out, I would have to do my job.

In the late afternoon, one of the waitresses who served the film crew sprained her ankle and was unable to work. I contacted the agency and asked for a replacement, but unfortunately they couldn't find anyone. Soon after, the boy in charge of the teller called to say that he had lost his driving and would not arrive in time. - Okay. - I thought - If my day started with thunderstorms, surely the storm would come.

I supervised the kitchen and left instructions for what would be served that night.

Henry would stay at the register and I would replace the waitress. I crossed my fingers and said a silent prayer wishing that everything would go well.

It was a big group that night. The main actors and the entire board were present. Everyone was excited and talking. Morgan's secretary was sitting next to him. She was a lady in her forties and she talked to him showing something on her cell phone. I started to collect the dishes.

- Thomas, you must understand that finding someone like that is not easy. - she said.

- How difficult is it to find someone who takes care of the house and cooks when I'm there?

- Yes, but you fired everyone we hired. - He spoke with an air of disapproval. - Miss Green for example ...

- I found that crazy drunk and in my bed. - He frowned.

- Right Thomas. It was a mistake and she apologized. What else did you want? - she asked in exasperation.

I started to pour the wine more slowly trying to hear the conversation. It wasn't very ethical. But something prompted me to listen more.

Thomas's secretary was called Tessa Adams. And from the way they talked I realized that they had known each other for a long time.

- She was a chatterbox. He spoke without stopping. he replied.

- What about Miss Harris? He had great references. He cooked well. ..- continued Tessa ..

- Yes. And he also took pictures of the whole house and posted it on his social networks. The tabloids loved it, didn't they? - was enumerating on the fingers.

- To this day, I can't understand why you fired Mrs. Thompson. Such a distinguished lady. - Tessa was pointing on her cell phone what appeared to be a list. Thomas looked at Tessa and started to laugh.

- When I got home find her sitting in the room knitting. For the love of God!! I spent a miserable weekend, worried about not disturbing her. She was old enough to be my grandmother. Before leaving for his day off, he told me he had dinner ready. A SOUP. A damn soup.

Tessa looked at him impassively. And every now and then I nodded in agreement. Morgan continued.

- I just need someone to take care of the house and cook when I'm there.

The conversation was interrupted when someone in the group said something about the day's scene. And everyone got into a discussion about the technical aspects of the shoot.