When Universe Conspires

28 - Baby

(Lisa)

I talked to Chelsea for over 30 minutes. I asked basic questions about how the store is doing, her crew, any updates. I rarely go there to talk to my employees. So I grabbed the opportunity to do so, rather than receive an email report from her. She didn't fail to mention her surprise for my unannounced visit. I just shrugged her comment because I really don't have to explain myself.

I told her to see what she can do for Miranda. Since she can't write nor read in proper academic level, I'm not sure what job I can offer her yet. I told Chelsea to try to employ her as a cleaner for now, or if she can be trained to a higher post. She didn't question any of my decisions. She just said yes and didn't ask anything. Perks of being the owner. 

After my meeting with Chelsea, I went upstairs to check on the family. I saw them laughing at something Maria said. Then Miranda saw me approaching.

"Lisa, I wonder when you are going to be back here. We're done eating. We have some leftovers. We'll save them for later though. You ordered way too much for one meal time. We need to go now. We don't want to bother you any longer", Miranda said getting up.

"What? No, you're not bothering me I promise. Where are you going anyway?" I said trying to keep them from leaving.

"Back at Gerry's. We don't need to ask people for food or change for now. We already have food until the evening", Miranda answered.

"Can I talk to you alone for a few minutes Miranda? I need to ask a few things. Just wait a sec", I told her and waved at one of my employees.

"Yes Miss Manoban?", the newbie asked. I know she's a newbie because she called me by my last name.

"Can you give these two kiddos whatever drinks on the kids menu they want, or desserts? Put it on my tab", I told her gesturing to the two kids looking at us with big smiles on their faces.

"Lisa.." Miranda tried to intervene.

"Does any of them has diabetes or something, if yes then I won't give them desserts..", I told Miranda to lighten up the mood.

She chuckled shaking her head in defeat, " Alright, you two order what you like and what you can only consume ok? Just order enough", she told her daughters and they fist pumped in the air in joy.

"Enjoy kids! I just need to talk to your mom for a few minutes. Is that okay if we go over there? The talk is only for old people like us, you know..", I asked them.

"Sure Lisa unnie! We'll just wait here. Thank you for the desserts!" Monica said. Maria showed me two thumbs up smiling wide.

I guided Miranda to the other side of the second floor, there's a balcony table there.

"So.. Before you think of anything which will stress you out. I will just go straight to the point okay. I asked Chelsea, my store manager, to give you a job here. Wait..not yet!", I told her and stopped her when I saw she's about to interrupt me. She held her lips in a tight line right away. Then I continued, "First, if you're going to point it out that you can't read and write, that's not a problem. You can start working as a store cleaner or organizer, whatever you call it. The job is to clear the tables when the customers are done. Get the tables ready for reservations and also make sure everything is organized. Now do you have any question? Before I go to the second part.. ", I asked her.

"A-are you sure about t-this? "she asked stuttering a bit.

"Miranda, I am sure. I'll give you a chance okay? You seem to be a good person. You deserve a chance at least. If you prove to be as hardworking as I know you are, then you can try if you will get the hang of a higher post here. I asked Chelsea to evaluate you after sometime and if you showed excellence in work, you will be trained for a higher post. Is that ok with you?", I explained.