Mingling With the Kitchen Staff

By Bridgitte Lesley

If there was one thing Sandra did not do, it was mix pleasure with business. It never worked. And that was her motto. Sandra owned a restaurant and a catering business. When she was doing the catering she made sure always to dress elegantly. The guests would all get to see her when she did her once over inspection. Then she would leave and hand over to her trained staff. There would be no exception. Her place was in the kitchen. Not mingling with the guests. Robert disliked cocktail functions. Firstly, there were always little snacky things and you didn’t fill up on the food. But then there was always someone who wanted to introduce a woman. So Robert stayed away from anything that seemed like a cocktail function. But for once he would have to placate his partner David. Funnily enough he found himself in the kitchen. Away from it all. And that is where he found Sandra. And his little caveman instincts took over! Much to his shock and horror. And Sandra’s!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Bridgitte Lesley
• Release date: Aug 29, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301618507

Bridgitte Lesley

Hello from Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa!Having survived an attempt at being murdered, I have plunged myself in to my writing. After my gruesome ordeal, I live life from day to day. Appreciating every minute and moment. Yes, I have the scars from an axe being driven in to my head repeatedly. I suffer from PTSD and OCD. But, I am here to tell the tale. And I have a lot to tell!I am currently revamping my older titles and will be adding a few. In a nutshell, you will find a mix of romance, adventure, lots of witty banter and a happy ever after. All round, expect a feel-good read.Thank you for reading and for your support!Bridgitte

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Mingling With the Kitchen Staff

By

Bridgitte Lesley

Version 1

Published by

Bridgitte Lesley on Smashwords

Mingling With the Kitchen Staff

Copyright © 2011 Bridgitte Lesley

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only and may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you are reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please purchase your own copy. Your support and respect for the property of this author is appreciated.

This book is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, events or locations is purely coincidental. The characters are a production of the author’s imagination and are used fictitiously.

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Mingling With the Kitchen Staff

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CHAPTER 1

Robert, we are having a cocktail function on Friday evening. At my place. Now I am not inviting you. I am telling you. You will be there. And I am not accepting any excuses from you. You don’t have to bring anyone just come on your own. It’s a chance for you to mingle for a change. Who knows, you might meet someone. David, I’ll come okay. But why do you want me there so badly? You are the go between, the spokesperson, the voice. I sit in the office. No one will even know me. Because you are my partner you know. And I like people to know who you are. Robert shook his head and smiled. Okay. You win. I’ll be there. Right. Friday evening. Got it David. Got it.

David walked over to his office and sat down and picked up the phone. Claudia, sweetheart, he will be there. Now is there any way we can coax Sandra out of the kitchen. Maybe if he gets a glimpse of her he might catch a wake up. David love, I am doing my best. I have asked her a few thousand times. Maybe this time. I don’t know why she doesn’t like mingling. But I will keep on prodding. You do that. I’ll see you later. David cut his call to Claudia and smiled. He loved his wife to bits.

Claudia picked up the phone and dialled. Sandra chuckled as she walked into the kitchen. I am in your house. Claudia turned and cut the call. Well! Sandra grinned. I have come to give you a final run down of what I will be serving your guests on Friday evening. Claudia leaned over the kitchen counter as Sandra put a list on the counter. Claudia nodded as she looked and listened. Lovely. Now this time, can I ask you to show face. Just for five minutes. There is someone I would like you to meet. Just five minutes Sandra. That is all I am asking. Sandra shook her head. When I work Clauds, I do just that. I don’t mingle. I don’t mix business with pleasure. That’s my motto and it seems to work. If I wanted to meet someone I could have. I am sure. But I don’t do cocktail parties. They are not for me. Claudia nodded. Well, think about it. Maybe just five minutes? Sandra chuckled. Stop with the pressurising and the matchmaking. I’m old enough now. Claudia hugged Sandra. Looks very good. Sandra nodded and rolled her eyes. Of course it looks good. And going to taste even better. I’m off. See you Friday.

Sandra stood in her flat and dressed in her sheer black hose with her little black dress. She slipped into her black stilettos and applied her make up as skilfully as ever. Her hair was perfectly brushed and blow waved. She looked in the mirror and smiled. She looked good and she felt good. Well, she thought, even though the only time the guests would see her was when she was checking the arrangements. She would look good enough to eat. Even though it would not take five minutes Claudia would get her wish. Her guests would get to see a glimpse of her.

It was time to go. It was Friday evening and time for the cocktail party at Claudia’s. She drove the van over to the house and pulled up as close to the kitchen as she could. She carried a few trays over to the kitchen. She had done it thousands of times and even in her attire and heels she could manage to do it gracefully. She walked into the kitchen and put the trays of food down. Claudia walked in and beamed. Cutting it fine? No, enough time. Actually, perfect timing. Sandra looked at her watch. Spot on. And no, I am not even listening to you. I am not changing a thing. Now get out of this kitchen. The only people I want to see are my staff. Okay? Claudia nodded and smiled. Okay. I won’t interfere but would you come through later. There is someone I would like you to meet. Sandra smiled. No Clauds, but thanks. I’m not really interested. Claudia nodded. Thanks for this. Sandra smiled. No problem. As long as you put that cash in my hand before I go home. Claudia grinned. Of course. Do you want it now? No, when I leave. Claudia nodded and walked out of the kitchen.

David walked over. Claudia put up her hand. Don’t even go in there. She’s not going to change. She is going to stay in the kitchen and not even come out. How on earth are we even going to introduce them? David smiled. We’ll see. Claudia shook her head. They would be perfect for each other David.

Sandra walked out of the kitchen door. She walked over to her van and pulled out a huge tray of hors-d’oeuvres. She put her hand either side of the tray and walked into the kitchen. She loaded it on to the counter. She walked out of the kitchen towards the van. She had a few more trips to do. She carried everything to the kitchen. She put the oven on and waited for a while. She stood against the counter with her arms crossed and stared into space.

After a while she put a few items into the oven and started heating them up. They had been taken from oven to oven. Sandra had made lots of tasty morsels of food for the evening. Claudia had wanted a buffet where the guests could nibble right through the night. There was a lot of food. Sandra knew there would be lots of left overs.

Sandra walked back to the van and took out the cakes. They had come out beautifully. She put them all on to the counters in the kitchen. The waiters and waitresses headed through to the kitchen and carried the food through to the lounge where the function was being held. Sandra smiled as she took the items out of the oven. She heard someone come in. Sandra was bending over the oven. Just one minute. She listened to the deep voice. So sorry. I was looking for a glass of water. Sandra nodded as she took the tray out of the oven. Robert stared. Sandra put the tray down and turned to the oven again. She felt as she was being watched. She felt a strange feeling run through her body. She pulled the next tray out. Sandra put it on the table. She looked up and smiled. Robert stared. He stammered. Sorry. I need a glass. Please. Sandra opened a cupboard and took a glass out and handed it to him. Robert took the glass and as he took it he touched her hand briefly. They both felt as if they had been electrocuted. It was as if a live jolt of electricity had touched the both of them. Robert stared at Sandra as he took the glass. His hand shook slightly. He was mesmerised. Sandra stared at Robert. Thank you. Sandra nodded and quickly looked away. She felt a strange sensation coursing through her body.

The waiters and waitresses walked through and took the trays of tasty morsels that Sandra had made. They carried the cakes through. Everything had been taken from the kitchen. Sandra stood quietly and held her hand against her forehead. She closed her eyes. Right. Robert stared at her. She was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen in his life. Her dress showed off all her curves. Robert almost groaned as he watched. Sandra looked down and straightened her dress and walked out of the kitchen and walked through to the lounge.

She checked that everything was in place. She smiled at all the guests. Making sure that everything was perfect. She nodded and smiled her beautiful smile at her staff. They all discreetly nodded. This was her cue to leave the function. Sandra walked through to the kitchen. She turned and ran a basin full of hot water and added the liquid. Robert stared at Sandra. Sandra felt him staring. He walked over to the water purifier and filled his glass. He turned and leaned against the opposite counter. He sipped at his water. Sandra barely whispered. Don’t stare at me. Sorry. Robert looked into his glass. He lifted his eyes and stared anyway. She had every curve in the perfect spot. Robert felt a strange emotion. He wanted to take her in his arms and devour her. Robert put the glass down and walked over to Sandra. He slowly slid his hands around her waist and turned her to face him. Sandra stared up into his eyes. He looked deep into Sandra’s eyes and he leaned down and took ownership of her mouth. He couldn’t help himself. He held her bottom and pulled her body closer to mould against his erection and kissed her savagely. Almost brutally. Taking possession of her mouth. He heard her let out a groan as she started responding. Robert suddenly let her go and stepped away. They stared at one another.

Sandra lowered her head and closed her eyes. She let out a tiny sigh. Sandra shook her head. She could feel the heat on her body as his eyes trailed all over her body. And she was enjoying it. She felt as though she was being caressed. She felt a little shudder going through her body. Sandra smiled a tiny little smile. She wanted to take her hands and wrap them around his neck and kiss him. Sandra turned and looked out of the window. Robert took the glass in his hand and downed the water. He whispered. Oh my God! What have I just done? Sandra shook her head. She closed her eyes. She whispered. What the hell just happened? Sandra shook her head. She closed her eyes and thought to herself. And I responded!

CHAPTER 2

Sandra started washing the baking trays and stacked them on the drainer. She dried them off and walked out of the door towards her van. Robert took the few that were left. He followed Sandra. Sandra smiled as she took the trays. She ignored what had just happened. Thank you. But you are a guest. Robert nodded. This your vehicle? Sandra nodded. Yes. Sandra walked back inside. Robert was hot on her heels. Are you doing all the catering this evening? Sandra nodded. I am. Your cakes are beautiful. Sandra blushed. Thank you. Robert nodded. Sandra smiled at Robert. You can’t be in the kitchen. It’s out of bounds to the guests. And you look so smart in that suite. I don’t want you getting messed on. Robert smiled and nodded. You telling me to leave? Sandra blushed and nodded. Before Claudia gets any funny ideas. No, not telling, asking. Robert smiled and nodded. You going to be here for a while? Sandra nodded. Yeah. Robert looked at Sandra. He stared into her eyes. Sandra stared at Robert. They were drawn to each other. Robert moved even closer to Sandra as if he was in a trance.

Robert and Sandra suddenly looked towards the doorway. Robert honey. I’m missing you sweetie. What are you doing with the kitchen staff? Sandra looked at the woman with the peroxide blonde hair and the tight little dress. The memories suddenly flooded back. Sandra whispered to herself. Oh my God. I have to get out of here. Robert heard her comment. Robert smiled. He walked out of the kitchen. Sandra looked at her hands as they shook. She was so mad. She was so cross. Something had happened when Robert had looked at her. When he had kissed her. Had he actually kissed her like that? She had felt her heart shift. Sandra stood and took a deep breath and expelled the air out of her lungs. She let out a little grimace. She felt jealous. She had no claim to the man, but she felt this horrid little green monster knotting in her stomach.

The food was all inside. Everything would be perfect. She had all her trays loaded in the car. Two waitresses walked in and donned their aprons. Thank you Ma’am. Everything is ready inside. Sandra nodded. Claudia walked through with an envelope of money and handed it to Sandra. Thank you Sandra. Are you sure you won’t join us? Sandra shook her head. Gosh, no, I am only the kitchen staff, as your guest pointed out. Claudia put the envelope in Sandra’s hand. Night Clauds. The ladies will take over from here. Claudia nodded. She leaned over and hugged Sandra. Sandra, has someone upset you? Sandra smiled. Some snazzy bimbo. Claudia shrieked with laughter. Oh right. That thing. Sandra smiled and shook her head. Must be hell being such a sappy drip. Claudia smiled. Sandra hugged Claudia. See ya. Claudia smiled and nodded. Bye.

Sandra smiled as she walked out. Sandra got to the door of her van and climbed in. She leaned over the steering wheel and lay her head down. Why? Sandra felt the big tears well up in her eyes. Why not me? She felt the tears starting to stream down her cheeks. She grabbed a tissue and wiped away her tears. She started reversing up the driveway. Sandra stared at all the cars. There were Ferrari’s, Porsche’s, Mercedes and every expensive type of car you could think of. Sandra snorted. Because you are Sandra. Just plain old bloody Sandra. That’s why. Sandra stopped and held her arms over the steering wheel. She pulled up the handbrake and lay her head on her arms. I hate being so lonely.

Robert walked back into the kitchen. He looked at the two young ladies. The lady that was here. Where is she? They both looked at Robert. Claudia, she should be inside. No, no, the other lady. Sandra? Robert nodded and smiled. Do you know where she is? Just left. Robert felt an odd feeling of loss. Robert ran out of the kitchen door. He sprinted up to the van. He saw Sandra lying over the steering wheel. He ran up to her door and opened the door. He pulled her into his arms and kissed her as he had in the kitchen. He opened his mouth and did exactly what he wanted to do. He ravaged her mouth. He didn’t give it a second thought. Sandra’s arms crept around his neck and she kissed him back. Robert pulled away ever so slightly but he didn’t let go. Sandra stared at Robert with huge eyes. He looked down at her and started kissing her again. This time with the gentlest of kisses. He pulled away and wiped her tears. Don’t cry. She isn’t worth it. Sandra sniffed. Please don’t tell me that was an apology. Then I will burst into tears. Robert smiled. Nope. And I am not going to apologise either. I am Robert. I take it you are Sandra. Sandra nodded. Can I take you somewhere for coffee? Sandra giggled. The party is inside. Robert hopped up. Move over. Sandra moved over to the passenger side. Robert hopped in. Right. Coffee. I need a decent strong cup of coffee.

Sandra giggled as Robert reversed up the driveway in her van. Robert chuckled.