The maid finally returned but she was alone which made me confused but before I could throw any question, Ms Serrano descended from the staircase. She was dressed in a cozy outfit and her hair was in a lazy bun.
"Good morning Ms Serrano" I greeted and she returned it with a heartwarming smile. "Welcome Ms Sanchez, I hope it wasn't a trouble looking for our home" a short laugh left my lips and I shook my head.
"Thanks to google map, it wasn't a difficult task" she smiled at the lame joke then turned to the maid.
"Emma, please get us a glass of juice, would you like something else Ms Sanchez?"
"No, juice is fine" Emma bowed and left us.
"So Luna, welcome once again to ElSerrano"
"Thank you Ms Serrano"
"Okay, I'll start with this. Your certificates clearly indicated you aren't married yes?" Although it was a rhetorical question I still affirmed to it with a nod, my mind wondering where this was going to.
"This simply means you do not have a spouse nor kids. But do you have a boyfriend you stay with or anyone who depends physically or financially on you?" Her confident and focused gaze pierced into my eyes.
"No Ms Serrano. I live with my elder sister but she is physically and mentally perfect also she doesn't financially depend on me" I explained.
"That's good to know. I'm sorry if my question came off as prying but I needed this information" she waved an apologetic smile.
"It's fine Ms Serrano but permit me to ask, why do need this information?"
"That's because you will be moving into our mansion darling. Everything you need for your new job would be provided" my eyes widened in surprise and i opened my mouth to ask a question but I couldn't get anything out from my throat cause I was dumbfounded. She chuckled at my expression and shook her head.
"I know this is surprising for you and sudden. Our home head chef would be leaving to her hometown in Trinidad. She feels the need to spend time with her loved ones. Although we don't want her to leave because she's a good person and she took care of everyone in the mansion like her children, we have to let her go. Searching for one who would replace her would be quite difficult so I came up with the solution to have you here instead.
You don't have to worry, the pay you'll get from working here at home would be different from your actual pay because they're totally different jobs. Everything you need to carry out your jobs will be provided by us, all we need from you is your hard work and dedication. But if you're uncomfortable with this then you can let me know, you'll just be the mansion chef in the meantime until we get a new one then you can resume your actual job" she finished her explanation and waited for me to give a reply.
This is going to be a little bit stressful for me but I didn't mind as long as I get to do what I love and also get rewarded for it. To top it all, she assured me that everything needed for me to carry out my jobs would be provided.
"It's fine Ms Serrano, I will be able to handle everything" a look of happiness and relief settled in her amber orbs.
"I appreciate this Luna. One more thing, you can choose to stop working as the mansion chef whenever you feel like but I need to be informed a day or two before you stop. This is because you didn't apply for the job neither was a proper contract issued" I nodded in understanding and she thanked me again.
"C'mon, let me give you a tour" she stood up and I followed her lead.
She led me through the mansion, showcasing the magnificent rooms one by one. I admired the stunning dining hall, complete with a long, polished table fit for royalty. I envisioned hosting lavish dinner parties and serving delectable dishes to the Serrano esteemed guests.
As the tour continued, we explored the luxurious bedrooms but not every single room in the mansion, just the ones where my services would be needed. Each of the bedroom was uniquely decorated and provided an oasis of comfort and relaxation.
I couldn't help but imagine preparing incredible breakfasts in bed for the mansion's residents, embodying the epitome of culinary indulgence.
Next, we visited the state-of-the-art kitchen, equipped with top-of-the-line appliances and spacious workstations. It was a kitchen fit for every chef's wildest dreams. I stepped inside and my eyes widened as the grandeur of the space unfolded before me.
The kitchen is filled with state-of-the-art appliances, polished stainless steel surfaces, and gleaming countertops. Sparkling chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting a soft glow over the room. It's a culinary paradise that combined elegance, functionality, and impeccable design.
She pointed out the different areas of the kitchen. Then showed me the expansive cooking range, with multiple burners and ovens, each capable of handling a variety of cooking techniques.
Next, she leads me to the walk-in pantry, where rows upon rows of neatly arranged spices, oils, and ingredients await their culinary destiny. The shelves are filled with jars, labeled meticulously, revealing the chef's dedication to organization and efficiency.
Adjacent to the pantry, I discovered a wine cellar, stocked with an impressive collection of bottles from all around the world. She revealed that the carefully selected wines serve as the perfect accompaniment to the incredible meals they create.
As we continued our tour, i came across a separate pastry section, complete with a beautiful marble countertop for rolling out dough and a display of perfectly crafted desserts. My eyes lit up as i imagined the mouthwatering meals I could create in such a well-equipped space.
Throughout the tour, Ms Serrano shared intriguing information about the mansion and instructed me on the dos and donts of the Serranos.
By the end of the tour, I was filled with gladness. I was excited that i took up this job because I'm pretty sure my stay and services here will be a thrilling one.
"Your home is very lovely Ms Serrano" I complimented.
"Thank you" she replied with a smile.
"Here". She presented a beautifully designed menu, elegantly bound in luxurious leather. The menu showcased a tantalizing array of dishes.
As i briefly went over the menu, she provided a detailed timetable. It outlined the precise schedule for each course, ensuring that the dishes are flawlessly executed.
"You can study it at night and choose to change whatever you desire, as long as it is a healthy meal we won't mind. We do not eat anything pertaining to soybeans or peanuts, my brother is allergic to those" she brought to my awareness.
"Okay Ms Serrano, is that all?"
"I'll send a mini van to your place to ensure moving your stuff will be made easier. I'll be expecting you tomorrow at 3pm then you'll officially begin your work. I'm pretty sure you are starving, c'mon let's go have lunch" she turned her back to me and led the way.
'Is this how a boss is with her employees?' I wondered. I didn't have the energy to ask any question or reject the offer solely because I was hungry and the aroma of the food that was being prepared was messing with my stomach so I followed her to the luxurious dining room.
Salvadoran-Style Pescado Frito was served along with freshly made apple juice. I was pleased by the taste of the food the moment it hit my tongue.
Just as we were enjoying our meal, a delightful voice screamed which turned our attention. I saw the little girl I met back in the motor-venue two nights ago but it was unfortunate she wasn't with the handsome man she was with then instead a look alike of Ms Serrano trailed behind her with a smile.
"Janie" the girl squealed as she drew closer to our direction and when she was close enough Ms Serrano scooped her into her arms and pecked her cheeks.
"From the look on your face I'm very sure you had so much fun at Gisela's" she nodded with a wide grin and opened her mouth to begin a tale of her day but her eyes drifted to mine and a look of recognition flashed in her innocent orbs which surprised me. I wasn't expecting her to remember me.
I gave her a warm smile which she returned with a heart melting one. "It's the pretty lady again..... Ms Serrano looked between us with pure confusion in her eyes.
"Have you two met before?" She questioned and I confirmed with a nod. Before she could ask any further question, the mysterious lady interrupted.
"Janelle, La zia Kate se n'è già andata?(Janelle, has aunt Kate left already?)
"No, partirà domani alle nove di sera(No, she'll be leaving tomorrow at nine in the evening)
"Perfetto. Voglio che ospitiamo una piccola festa di addio per lei(Perfect. I want us to host a little send off party for her)
"Abbiamo pensato a questa tarda Serena, ma ci penserò(We thought about this late Serena but I'll see to it)
Lo so, lo so. Non è colpa nostra, non ci ha detto che si sarebbe dimessa così presto, tra l'altro hai creato un annuncio per...(I know, I know. It's not our fault, she didn't tell us she was going to resign so soon by the way have you created an ad for...)
"Non c'è bisogno di questo, ho già trovato qualcuno(No need for that, I found someone already)
While they both conversed in a foreign language which I presume was Italian I awkwardly sat amidst them with my eyes stuck on the plate of food in front of me. It was already weird I was dining with my boss now her sisters and that too they were having a discussion. I was about to leave but the friendly voice of the mysterious sister broke the awkward moment.
"Luna" I looked up at her to find a warm smile painted on her face. "Yes ma'am, that's me" i whispered and quickly tore my gaze from hers.
"I've heard so much about you, good thing, if I may add. I'm honestly looking forward to working with you and also be a witness to your culinary skills. I was really impressed by your meal" she rained praises on me which made butterflies to have a feast in my belly.
"Thank you for your kind words" she nodded with a smile on her face.
After having lunch they both escorted me out of the mansion. Ms Serena asked one of the drivers to take me home and just as promised by Ms Janelle a mini van trailed closely behind us.
A notification from my phone tore my gaze away from the city building that went by as we drove. I looked at the screen to see it was a text from Ms Janelle.
'We will be having a little send off party tomorrow and I'll love it if you would handle the food services but if you can't let me know. It will be no problem'
A subtle smile cracked on my lips and I felt satisfaction rumble in my chest. I felt really good knowing that she trusts and finds delight in my culinary skills.
"It'll be no problem Ms janelle, I would handle it" I replied
I wearily walked through the front door of my cozy home. I felt the weight of the day slowly lifting off my shoulders as i entered the familiar space. The soft glow of warm lights welcomed me, creating a comforting ambiance.
I took off my shoes and dumped my bag on the sofa. I heard light noises coming from the kitchen so I tiredly dragged my feet to see what she was up to.
I got to the kitchen to be welcomed by her warm smile and a bone crushing hug.
"You have a lot to tell me but firstly, you need to eat" i groaned in exasperation and shook my head. "Save it for dinner sis, i ate at their mansion already" confusion swam in her eyes. "Mansion?" She asked as she found a spot on the kitchen island.
"Yes, mansion" i confirmed and began narrating the event of today.
"T..this.. I really don't know what to say". Her voice was barely above a whisper and she had tears in her eyes. "I'm so so elated for everything that's been going on in your life" i wiped her tears away and hugged her because I was out of words too.
Our moment was interrupted by a light sound honk. "Oh no! I totally forgot about them. Carina please come help me pack" I didn't wait for a reply I dragged her wrist and pulled her with me. I took a box from the top of my wardrobe and started packing my stuff.
In less than an hour we were done. I had only three boxes; one which had my clothes, another my footwear and bags and the other had my beauty essentials along with some novels and culinary books. I made sure I didn't pack my entire wardrobe because i wasn't going to live there forever.
We took the boxes outside and the driver came down from the van to assist us. He arranged the boxes in trunk and when he was done he looked back to ask if that was all and I nodded in confirmation.
"Okay I'll get going" he announced and got into the van. We bid him farewell and when he was out of sight we got into the house. I used the remaining half of the day to study the menu and also think of a dish that'll be suitable for a mini send off party.
As the sun began to set and the day gently faded away, I prepared for a restful night. I moved through my evening routine, getting ready to slip into the comfort of my cozy bed. I wrapped myself in a soft, warm robe, exchanging the business attire for comfort. In my bedroom, the gentle glow of the bedside lamp cast a soft light, creating a serene ambiance.
I set my phone aside, disconnecting from the busyness of the digital world. With a contented sigh, i slipped beneath the covers, feeling the embrace of its warmth.