CRYSTALLINE - 19. An Equal Opportunity Employer

ONE MONTH LATER

Lachlan and Jonathan joined the staff for breakfast in the kitchen as it was an important day in the process of getting the resort up and running.

“Next week Lachlan and I will be picking up three young people to commence their training here, so they will be fully operational by opening day in two months” Thomas announced. “If this trial proves successful then we will interview more to fill future positions. One will be assigned to each f you, Cook, Carol and Dante”

“I’m excited” said Carol “Having my own assistant to train, makes me feel very important”

“Oh don’t let it go to your head girlie” chided Cook.

“No, she’s right” said Thomas “It is an important step in Carol’s professional development and recognition of her service to this household. You should feel proud of the confidence we have in your ability to pass on your experience”

“Thank you Thomas. See Mrs Bossy”

“Ok, ok” replied Cook “I have confidence in you as well, just don’t want you becoming swelled headed about it”

“I’m sure Carol will keep it all in perspective, won’t you Carol?” Thomas said with a slightly stern look.

“Yes, the professional as always”

“Good... now, you haven’t said anything Dante”

“It’s hard to get a word in between you three, but I’ve got a program in mind for training my assistant. How old is the boy assigned to me?”

“What makes you think it’s a boy?” asked Carol

“Um..it’s just that gardening is tough work and often needs some muscle put into it”

“So you think only men can do heavy work?” asked Cook.

“Well yes, that’s how it is”

“You mean that’s how it’s been, because men think women are less equal”

“In some occupations, yes”

“Ok, you two” interrupted Lachlan “Thomas and I have discussed this very subject in detail and have decided for the first batch we will stick to the traditional roles. That is Dante will be assigned a male and Cook and Carol, females. But for the next batch we will reverse those gender roles. That should give everyone an equal opportunity. Is that ok with everyone?”

Dante and Cook agreed, while Carol remained silent.

“Carol?” Thomas asked

“Are you sure a man will be capable of making beds and doing laundry and cleaning?”

“Why not?”

“What I really mean is, will a man be prepared to do it and take orders from me?”

“That’s up to you. Equal opportunity is a two way street. If women are allowed to take on traditionally male jobs, then equally, men should be prepared to take on traditionally female occupations”

“I like the idea” stated Cook “Can’t wait to get a young man in here, kneading dough, stirring the pot and washing dishes”

“Good then, we’re all agreed we are an equal opportunity employer”

“Um...can I add something?” asked Carol

“Yes of course, speak freely” replied Lachlan.

“This equal opportunity thing should be more than just gender”

“You mean age?”

“No, I know this program Thomas has proposed is to give young homeless people an opportunity. What I mean is...well...you know?”

“No we don’t” said Cook “Spit it out girl”

Carol paused to consider her reply, then said “Will they all be gay?”

Everyone, except Carol, laughed then Thomas said “I didn’t actually quiz the applicants about their sexual orientation, so the odds are in your favour Carol”

“Just checking”

Thomas then said “Patrick do you want to tell us what you will be doing this month”

“Happy and excited to. Next week I start a pool maintenance and water quality course and then I’ll enrol in a pool safety, life saving and resuscitation courses”

“Oh my god!” exclaimed Carol “Are we expecting the guests to drown?”

“Not at all, but we do have a duty of care to ensure they don’t. Better to be prepared for all possibilities”

Jonathan then entered the conversation by saying “I am really proud of you all, the way you have embraced this project, your changing roles and taken on added responsibility. So by way of thanks and before our numbers grow here, I will take everyone out to dinner tonight at Castle Hill’s finest restaurant”

“The finest for now, until ours opens” added Lachlan

“Indeed” replied Jonathan “Please dress up and be ready to board a stretch limo, in the driveway at six pm. It’s going to be a big night of celebration so no one will be driving tonight”

“Wow, I’ve never been in a limo before” exclaimed Carol “But, I’ve got nothing to wear”

“That should make the night even more exciting” commented Jonathan.

“What?...oh no, I didn’t mean that. You’re very naughty Mr P”

Jonathan laughed and everyone else joined in.

“Now, back to reality” said Thomas “Carol you’ve got a busy day ahead to prepare three of the rooms in the staff accommodation block at Arcobaleno” then turning to Patrick “I want you to help Carol. You may have to move furniture and such”

“No problem” replied Patrick

“And two can make a bed twice as fast as one” added Carol

“Me make beds?”

“Did you not get the memo about us being an equal opportunity employer?” Carol fired back.

Patrick screwed up his face in fiend disgust.

Jonathan then said “Thanks for a great breakfast Cook and everyone else, it’s time to get on the job”

“Yes boss” replied Lachlan mockingly.

***

“Mr P”

“Yes Carol”

“Can we order anything on the menu?”

“Yes, any of the food items, and I’ll order the wine, if that’s alright with you”

“Of course Mr P, you don’t have to...you’re pulling my leg aren’t you”

“Just a little, are you having fun? And by the way, nice dress for someone who has nothing to wear”

“Thank you Mr P. Despite being naughty sometimes, you are a gentleman really”

“Well I thank you as well. Now tell me, have you found the most expensive item on the menu”

“You’re pulling my leg again, you know there are no prices on the menu”

“Well spotted, so what takes your fancy, and don’t say the waiter”

“I wouldn’t dare with my Patrick sitting next to me. Do you mind if I order the lobster tails for entree, I’ve always wanted to try them”

“Like I said, anything you want”

Jonathan then looked at Cook and asked “It must be nice for you to be ordering from the menu, instead of cooking for everyone else”

“Yes, I’ve just had a message from my feet, asking why I’m not standing on them”

“Yes, rest them for now, because I’ve ordered a dance band for later and if you don’t mind I’d like to put my name on your dance card for the first dance”

“What’s a dance card?” asked Carol

“It used to be a thing, now it’s just an expression”

Cook explained to Carol who replied “Is that what they call a quaint idea in old books?”

“I didn’t know this restaurant had dancing” said Thomas

“They don’t normally, but tonight when they take last orders at ten, the doors will shut and the band will start at eleven pm. I’m providing the band but all patrons are welcome to join in”

“That doesn’t sound like you Jonathan, if you don’t mind me saying” suggested Thomas

“I knew I couldn’t get it past you. I’m surprised she didn’t tell you”

“Who?”

“Nia, I asked her for an idea that would surprise everyone here, and after consulting with her party girl friends, she came up with the band. I hope it works”

“What type of band is it?”

“I was hoping you could tell me. They say their music is crossover. Is that good?”

“That’s perfect. It means they play old and new type music, so everyone can join in. At least I hope that’s what it means”

“Now you’ve got me nervous”

“I’m hoping the crossover style is not from rock to heavy metal”

“Should I know what that means?” asked Jonathan

“Probably best you don’t. I’m sure all will be fine”

“Now that’s NOT sorted, let’s order”

<>

Jonathan did have the first dance with Cook. She successfully managed to push him around the floor in a sort of fast waltz to a slow rock number.

“Well twinkle toes, that was better than I expected” she said as they walked back to the table.

“Thank you, do you want to have a run at something a bit more modern after a breather. Look at all the fun those youngsters are having”

“As tempted as I may be, I think you should have the next dance with your partner”

“Oh bugger, you’re right. It just didn’t occur to me that two men dancing in public would be acceptable”

“Look at Dante and Thomas who have been joined by Lachlan. Fortunately modern dance styles accommodate that, but I think he would prefer you paid some attention to him”

“Ok, thanks for the advice”

Cook poured herself another drink and watched the dancing, thankful that she didn’t have to wrangle Jonathan around the floor anymore.

Later she went to the ladies room, and when she returned, pulled out her chair and was about to sit when she felt the chair being pushed under her. “What the...oh thank you” she said as she realised a middle aged man was assisting her. He was tall, tanned, of medium build, with a good growth of hair, although greying at the sides. Cook was immediately drawn to his thin moustache overarching full lips that finally uttered “A lady should not have to pull in her own chair”

“Oh you are a gentleman”

“Thank you madam, allow me to be so presumptuous as to introduce myself. I’m Axel”

“Oh, I always thought that....no never mind. Pleased to meet you Axel, I’m Cook”

“Is that short for something? I’ve not heard that name before”

“No, it’s my surname and what I’m always called at work, because I...”

“Cook...I get it, but a lovely lady such as yourself must have an equally lovely name”

“My parents called me ...”

“Wait...before you tell me, I need to know if the gentleman you were dancing with is your husband. At first I assumed he was, but he seems to have abandoned you to act the fool with those young folk”

“Him oh god no, he’s not my husband. He’s actually my boss. I cook for his household”

“I see and is there a Mrs Boss here tonight?”

“No, he’s divorced...but where are my manners, please take a seat”

“Don’t mind if I do lovely lady”

“Please stop calling me that, it might go to my head and it’s already floating high enough tonight with all this champagne. Oh pour yourself a glass Axel”

As Axel filled his glass and topped up Cooks, he said “A very lovely lady you are in deed, but I can only call you that because you haven’t told me your real name”

“If I did, I’m not sure I would answer to it anyway. I’ve been know only as Cook for so many years”

“Why don’t you give it a try?”

“Ok it’s...” but before she could finish her sentence, Carol flopped into the chair next to her and exclaimed “I’m shit faced and can’t take another step”

“Yes, thank you for your candidness Carol”

“Oh my god, you’ve got company. Who’s this with the old movie star looks?”

“They call me Axel, young lady. Pleased to meet you”

“Wow and I’m sure Cook’s pleased to meet you. Where did you come from tall, dark and handsome?”

“Originally, or just tonight?”

“Tonight will do for starters”

“I came to the restaurant with some colleagues for dinner and a business meeting, but the meeting was overtaken by the unexpected band and dancing. Then I became entranced by this lov...beautiful woman, who has captured my heart already and hasn’t even told me her name yet”

“Oh that’s easy. No point being shy, tell him Cook”

“Yes, I know that much, but I want to know her real name”

“Now that you mention it, so do I” said Carol

Just then Patrick walked up behind Carol and put his arms around her. He looked at the stranger and said “Hi, I’m Patrick, Carol’s boyfriend, and you are?”

“He’s Axel, Cook’s admirer it seems”

“Good to meet you Axel. Are you dining here?”

“Yes with some business colleagues”

“And what business are you in?”

“Ah that will remain unsaid until the lovely lady, you all call Cook, tells me her real name”

“Isn’t that your real name Cook”

“Yes, of course it is. I’ve explained that before”

“So Axel, are you from Cook’s past and know her by another name”

“Patrick! Please” demanded Cook

“Just wondering what all the mystery is about. We have a handsome stranger, possibly from your past, who wants you to tell us your real name. I’d like to hear that also. What say you brother?” Patrick asked as Dante and Thomas approached.

“About what?” asked Dante

“Cooks mysterious past” replied Patrick “That Axel here wants her to reveal”

The continually confusing conversation was interrupted by Jonathan’s return “Hey guys, do you know how embarrassing it is to be in the toilet talking to yourself?”

“Why were you talking to yourself?” asked Carol

“I was in the cubicle talking to the boys through the door and when I came out, nobody was there except a young man of dubious character who said “Tonight’s special is a blow job for only fifty. Sorry ladies”

“No problem” replied Cook.

“Oh hello, have you joined our party” Jonathan said to the stranger.

“Yes, I was attracted by this lovely lady of mystery”

“Lovely she may be, but there’s nothing mysterious about Cook. What you see is what you get”

“Good Sir, a woman should never be spoken of like that, even an employee. I take it you are the employer”

“Yes Jonathan Price the host of this shindig, and you are?”

“Axel Warburton”

“And why do you think Cook is so mysterious”

“It seems she has a past she’s not told us about” said Dante

“Really Cook, do tell. Is this man, Axel is it,... from your past?” asked Jonathan

“Why do you think he’s from my past?”

“Dante just said so”

“Well Patrick told me he was” replied Dante.

“That’s because Carol told me”

“And Axel told me” replied Carol

Jonathan looked at Axel and said “Now it’s your turn in this game of Chinese whispers”

“You certainly are a strange bunch all blaming each other”

“We just want to know how you fit into Cook’s mystery past” stated Jonathan

“I don’t”

“But you know about her past”

“No, I only met her this evening, while all you lot were bopping away on the dance floor”

“Hang on” said Jonathan “You two just met, but when I joined this conversation everyone was talking about you and Cook’s past. So what is all this about?”

“I really don’t know” replied Axel

“STOP!”

“Yes Cook, have you something to say?” asked Jonathan

“Rosemary”

*****