Chapter 157 A TASTE OF HIS
As Beauty sat, still lost in thought after her call with Nia, she heard a sudden burst of voices and laughter approaching the living room.
Lola Cruz walked into the room with her team, their arms laden with platters of Puerto Rican delicacies that filled the air with mouth-watering aromas.
"Alright, everyone! Come on, gather up! We've got a feast waiting for you!" she called out.
Her energy was infectious.
Ferdinand and his assistant, May, stood beside her.
"Can you help, May?" Ferdinand said.
Although a bit hesitant, May gave him a nod and walked toward the rooms' passageway, knocking on each door.
As soon as they opened, she forced the words out.
"Ms. Cruz has invited everyone for dinner in the banquet hall. She's waiting in the main room; please head down promptly."
"Finally, food," Jessie stretched and walked back into the room.
Kathy was brushing her hair, getting ready for the meal and trying not to appear less attractive. She followed the hairbrush with blush, lip gloss, and mascara.
Jessie rolled her eyes.
"All that for mealtime. She has some insecurities and probably doesn't have anyone to talk to, poor thing. Well, she better not talk to me," she said to herself and stepped out of the room, shutting the door after her.
Kathy stopped and cast a glance at the door. She blinked her wet eyes, then stood up, pouted her lips, and checked for any flaw.
"Perfect." She forced a smile at her reflection and walked to the door.
One by one, the staff gathered in the hallway, hungry and salivating for the meal.
Ferdinand's assistant, May, guided them toward the banquet hall.
When they arrived, Lola was standing at the head of the table with a broad smile. Her team had set the food in the grand banquet hall at the guest house.
A long, polished table at the center was covered with gleaming platters of Puerto Rican delicacies. It was also adorned with intricate silverware, delicate linens, and sparkling crystal glasses, giving it a royal, vintage charm.
"Come in, come in! Tonight, the banquet is all yours; please take a seat and enjoy!"
The staff exchanged glances as they settled into their seats, each sitting beside their roommates.
Bruno was not out of the room yet, Beauty noticed, so she hurried to share a space with her best friend, Jessie.
"Hey... that's my seat," Kathy snapped, folding her arms.
"Don't you want to sit near Bruno?" Jessie replied, trying to defend her friend.
"No... I want to sit near you," Kathy replied.
"Well, unfortunately, I don't want to sit near you. Beauty, stay," Jessie said.
"I should let her have it, Jessie, or she will create a scene," Beauty replied and stood up.
At the same time, Bruno came out of the room, wearing a black-on-black outfit. Seeing all eyes on him, he avoided eye contact.
Beauty paused, racing at the thought of eating beside him.
What if she gets anxious and messes up again?
How can he look like that!
They both walked to their seats, but Beauty hesitated to sit.
Bruno raised an eyebrow, smirking, "Are you seriously thinking of standing for the whole meal?"
She rolled her eyes and muttered, "Fine, but stay on your side of the seat," before sitting in the chair beside him.
Mrs. Lola Cruz's voice interrupted.
"We've got mofongo here, a little treat made with fried plantains, garlic, and pork! And here, some pasteles, a Puerto Rican holiday favorite," she said, pointing to the beautifully wrapped tamale-like delicacies.
"And, of course, you have to try the tostones with our special dipping sauces! And the wine is pure goodness... dig in and enjoy."
She raised her glass to toast, flashing a playful wink at the staff.
"To new friends, unforgettable adventures, and the wonderful culture of Puerto Rico! And, of course, success! Salud!"
"Salud!" echoed the room, voices raised in unison as glasses clinked together.
Beauty couldn't help but smile, finally feeling some of the tension of the day melt away.
Suddenly, Bruno stretched an arm over the back of his neck, his arm brushing against Beauty's shoulder.
She shivered at the touch, trying not to glance his way, but her mind betrayed her... she stole a glance at him, catching sight of the curve of his jaw and the way his shirt hugged his body.
"Comfortable?" he whispered.
She blinked, and her cheeks flushed.
He caught her staring; he must be feeling really proud now.
"Just eat your food," she snapped, focusing on her plate as she stabbed a piece of grilled fish with a bit too much intensity.
But Bruno wasn't finished. He leaned closer, his voice low enough that only she could hear.
"You seem tense. Relax a little."
Beauty's eyes widened, and she shot him a frown.
"Stop doing that; you will create a scene," she whispered in annoyance.
"You started it first. Why do you keep sneaking glances at me?"
"I... am not!" she snapped this time.
A few heads turned toward them.
That made her pulse race and her thoughts clouded. She clenched her fork, trying to make her hand to stop trembling.
That was followed by an awkward silence that lasted a few minutes. Just when Beauty thought it was over, Bruno took some plantains from his plate and put them on hers.
"You have to try this; the plantain is... exceptional."
Beauty shot him a glare.
"Bruno, stop. I have my own food," she snapped, trying to keep her voice low.
He shrugged casually, pushing a piece of pork her way.
Then he slid his plate closer.
"The rice is spectacular too. Might as well enjoy it while you can."
"You're acting like I don't have my own food here," she whispered.
"True, but this is my plate. It's a different experience entirely. Taste and you'll see," Bruno said softly and met her gaze, giving her butterflies.
Beauty blinked and swallowed, glancing around to make sure nobody was watching.
"If you keep shoving food my way, people will think we're on a date or something. I'm just trying to enjoy a meal in peace without my boss acting like a waiter."
"Look," he replied with a low chuckle, nudging his plate even closer. "I'm not asking for thanks. Just eat the shrimp."
Beauty shot him a glare.
"Talking with him will only cause a scene; I should just ignore him," she advised herself before taking a bite of the shrimp.
"It does taste different," Beauty thought.
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Chapter 158 A GROWTH
Kathy's gaze narrowed as she watched Beauty and Bruno's interaction across the table. She had been watching and enduring their interaction, but not anymore.
She decided to do something to grab everyone's attention. With a smirk, she leaned forward.
"Wow, Beauty... slow down with the eating... it's embarrassing... you are a lady," she whispered just loud enough to grab everyone's attention.
Every head turned towards her.
Beauty's fork hung in the air as she chewed slowly.
"Excuse me?" Beauty replied with a frown.
"Oh, I didn't mean anything by it, it's just a joke," Kathy replied and smiled at her.
"Well, thank goodness she has an appetite," Bruno cut in. "Maybe you should eat more, Ms. Jones, add some weight so you won't have to come to my office crying about getting beaten up by your fellow lady."
Bruno shrugged.
The rest of them looked at him as if he'd just learned how to speak. He was never this blunt; he was usually soft-spoken and gentle.
Jessie made sure her laughter was loud. Even though she was the only one who burst into laughter, she didn't feel awkward or less dramatic.
"Haaaa! Now that's funny," she said.
Mrs. Lola Cruz noticed the body language, tension, and provocation.
She decided to ease the tension.
"Reminds me of myself when I was a young lady. Believe it or not, I could empty an entire table back in my day. If Beauty's got an appetite, she's in good company. There's no shame in loving good food!" she chuckled and winked at Beauty.
Beauty smiled back, even though she was still hurt by Kathy's comment. However, she couldn't stop her heart from pounding a little at how Bruno had stood up for her. She lifted her face and met Jessie's gaze.
Jessie gave her a proud grin. Beauty hadn't cried or pleaded for respect; that was growth.
Mrs. Lola Cruz continued.
"In fact, I once emptied a buffet in Italy. They had to send for more pasta! I may not look like it, but I am a foodie. Anyone who knows good food knows it's one of life's true joys. And, Kathy, maybe next time, you can join us, the food lovers," Mrs. Lola suggested with a smile.
"Nope, I love my body," Kathy replied with a forced chuckle.
"Yeah, but not enough to be secure about it... that's why you're so obsessed with other people's bodies," Jessie added.
"Why are you so obsessed with me? You're just jealous I'm more successful in the company than you," Kathy snapped back.
"Table manners... shall we have some, ladies?" Ferdinand, the manager, announced, trying to defuse the tension.
"Then talk to your ex-girlfriend. Everyone was eating peacefully before she opened her mouth," Jessie retorted, ignoring his instructions.
The rest of the staff looked dumbfounded.
"Please... can we just eat? Mrs. Lola spent a lot of time and effort to give us these treats... we shouldn't fight but enjoy it," Beauty said, noticing how their argument made Mrs. Lola uncomfortable.
Kathy stood up with a loud hiss and left the table.