Beauty and the Beast

Chapter 14: The Invite...

*Edited 04/11/20016*

Lily's P.O.V.

I finished setting everything up for the Party...T-Minus 60 minutes 'til Showtime...

Chef Jessup has been running around like a chicken without it's head. He hasn't said much to me about what he said to me earlier...and I'm okay with it. I don't want to get upset about it again. No matter what he says...I will be marrying Jacob. He is my soul mate...no one can tell me different.

Going over a few trays of desserts I notice Ms. Audrey walking in. She looked nervous or upset. This is the first time since I've been here that she actually shows an emotion.

She glanced over at me for a second but walked up to Chef. They started talking and they both looked at me. Chef had a sad expression on his face when he looked at me...really don't know why though.

I saw him sigh and shake his head then they both started walking towards me.

"Lily? Can we talk for a minute?" Chef asked now standing in front of me.

"Um, sure Chef...what's going on?" I say looking at him and then at Ms. Audrey.

"Well Mr.-" he began speaking but was cut off by Ms. Audrey.

"Mr. Russo has personally invited you to be a guest at the party tonight. He was highly disappointed that he wasn't able to meet you yesterday..." she said in a monotone voice.

Surprised by what she had said, I couldn't believe that I was being invited formally to the party...I mean I was there to work it.

"Um, thank you! But I think I have to turn it down...I'm working the Party to help Chef..." I say looking at him.

She looked at me wide eyed and then glanced over at Chef "NO ONE SAYS NO TO AL-...I MEAN TO MR. RUSSO!" she says raising her voice at me.

"I'm sorry, but you can tell Mr. Russo that I appreciate the invitation but I have to help Chef tonight."

"He would like to meet you and will be very disappointed...you have to accept. There's no but's..." 

"Lily...Mr. Russo loved your desserts yesterday and that is why he wanted to meet you. It is an honor  for him to invite  you as a guest instead of a Staff Member...I will be fine if you join the Party. We have plenty of help...go have fun. Think of it as a beginning of a business venture once you open up your Bakery...you will have plenty of possible clients mingling at this Party!" Chef Jessup said as he cut her off.

I looked at him and then her. It would be nice to introduce myself to possible new clients...I mean there will be a lot of wealthy people here tonight.

"Are you sure Chef?"

Nodding his head he said "Yes Lily...I know Mr. Russo personally and I know he doesn't take no for an answer...he will persist if you don't agree. Isn't that true...Audrey?" he said glaring at her.

"Um...yes Mr. Russo is very persistent. It will literally break his heart is you reject his offer and do not join the party." she said.

I thought about it for a few seconds...I could be stubborn and say no...you know, to teach Mr. Russo that he can't have his way all the time. But, I do want to finally meet him...something inside of me really want too.

"Alright...I will accept the invitation...but there is one problem though."

They both looked at each other quizzically then looked at me.