Chapter Four
Kennedy
It had been a few days since I’d stopped working for Mr. Wentworth. I’d taken the first day to do absolutely nothing. I spent an incredibly lazy day at home with Merlot on my lap. We watched old movies and overindulged in popcorn and coffee. I loved cooking, but it was nice to have a day without being in the kitchen. Also, I’d always enjoyed cooking for others more than I liked cooking for myself. I had an easy food day filled mostly with toast, popcorn, and chocolate. Not the healthiest day, but it made for a nice change from my regular meals. I tried not to think about the fact that I was unemployed. I’d been in this position before, and I always found something eventually. I was also still considering opening up my own restaurant, but the more I looked into it, the more unsure I was if now was the right time. It was just going to cost me too much money, and that was something I definitely did not have in abundance at the moment. I kept trying to see if there were ways that I could cut corners, but it didn’t seem possible.
After a few days of research, I decided to take a break and visit Camille. Camille and I had been friends for a long time. She was the yin to my yang. I had the fiery hair and the quiet disposition, while she had light brown hair and an explosive personality. We always joked around that she should’ve been the redhead and not me. Despite our differences, we were similar where it mattered most, and she was the one person that I always went to when I needed someone.
Camille worked at a very well-known wedding planning company not far from where I lived. I loved going to visit because the building was one of the most beautiful in the city. They often hired the venue out to couples themselves for their big day, and I could clearly see why. The building had a very Victorian and romantic feel to it that instantly made you feel happy. Also, they had the most incredible café inside for the staff members, and because they knew me so well, I was always allowed to eat for free with them. I tried not to go too often because I didn’t want to look like I was just after the free food, so I kept my visits to around two or three times a month.
Camille wasn’t expecting me, and when I got inside, I saw that she was in the middle of a meeting. I told the receptionist to let her know that I was there when she was finished and took a walk around the building while I waited for her. I was still impressed with how far Camille had come in the business. She’d started off as the receptionist, and slowly moved her way up the company. She practically ran the place now, and I knew they wouldn’t do well without her.
I was sitting outside when my phone rang.
“I heard you came to visit. I’m so sorry; I was in a meeting,” Camille said.
“I’m still here. I’m currently sitting outside just admiring the building.”
“You’re still here? Oh good. Come inside. I’m in my office.”
I went back inside, thanked the secretary, and walked into Camille’s office.
“Busy lady. Sorry I didn’t give you any notice. I had no idea I was coming, either. I just suddenly felt like seeing you.”
Camille laughed. “And by that you mean you felt like a good cup of coffee and a toasted sandwich.”
“That would be nice too. Speaking of, any chance you’re free for lunch?”
“I am. Give me just two minutes while I send out this email.”
“No problem,” I said and leaned back against the chair.
I watched in amazement as Camille’s fingers flew across the keyboard. I’d never seen anyone type as fast as she did.
“All done,” she said, closing the laptop.
“How do you type so fast? You’re like a machine.”
She laughed. “I’m notthat good.. You’re just terrible at typing. You’d think anyone was good.”
“I’m terrible at computers in general. I just don’t get them.”
“Are you sure you’re not really an old lady? I mean, you do realize the importance of technology, don’t you?”
“I’m not that bad!”
“You’re not that good, either. You should go take a typing course.”
“Have people forgotten about writing actual letters now? Snail mail is by far the best way to receive a letter.”
“Sure, it has its appeal. But can you imagine trying to organize a wedding by snail mail? It would take forever just to sort out one little thing. Anyway, it’s okay; you don’t need to be good at computers. I need to be. But I’m hopeless in the kitchen, which is where you excel. Come on, let’s get some coffee.”
We walked over to the café, where a few people came over to greet me. I loved Camille’s workplace. Everyone always just seemed so happy. I wondered if it was because they were planning people’s weddings all day. I asked Camille.
“No, it’s because they get free coffee all day. And on Friday afternoons, we trade the caffeine for a glass of wine. That’s why.”
I laughed. “Well, it’s nice. Nothing wrong with working in a happy place.”
“You should come and visit the day before a wedding. It’s madness around here. Especially when we get a fussy bride. It’s not always this calm and happy. Anyway, you’re not really one to talk about being in a happy work place. You get to cook meals for a rich man with a kind heart, and you even join him for dinner. I’d say that’s a happy job.”
I sighed. “Not anymore.”
“What do you mean?”
“Sadly, Mr. Wentworth is moving to Alabama. I had my last day with him on Monday. It was all really sudden. He gave me enough money to keep me going for a month or so, but I’m going to have to start looking for something else soon.”
“Ah, Ken, that’s horrible news. I’m sorry. I know you enjoyed it there.”
I shrugged. “Yeah, I did. But I always knew that it wouldn’t be forever. It wasn’t even supposed to be as long as it was. But it’s a shame; it was good easy money.”
“So what are you going to do? Have any plans?”
“I’m not sure. I was thinking of starting up my own restaurant like I’ve always wanted to. But it turns out that it’s not as easy as I thought it was going to be. Or, should I say, it’s not as cheap as I thought it would be. I think I need a lot more capital. I’ve saved up a bit, but it’s not enough. So I’m not really sure right now.”
“Hmm, why don’t you come and work here?”
“Here? At the café?” I said looking around. As far as I was aware they weren’t in need of anyone. Also, they made toasted sandwiches and muffins; it wasn’t exactly the kind of thing I was into.
“No, not at the café. But we often need caterers for weddings. We have a list of people that we use, but we could definitely put you on the list and use you as a high priority. What do you think? I’m sure it would be something I could do.”
It was something that I had considered before, but I’d never really wanted to be a caterer. I’d done it once before and hadn’t enjoyed it. Also, I wasn’t too interested in doing work with Camille. I liked the fact that we worked in different places and could come to each other when we needed a break. I felt that this was going to blur the lines. I shook my head.
“Thanks, Cam, that’s nice of you. I’m not sure, though. Remember how much I hated catering at that last place? It’s definitely an option. But right now I think I should concentrate on trying to start my own business. It’s what I’ve always wanted so I figure I should use this time to do something. I’ve been researching all week. And yeah, I haven’t gotten anywhere, but I still have a bit of time.”
“Well, let me know if you change your mind. Trust me: money doesn’t last forever. The sooner you get back into the world of working, the better. You’re like me. You don’t like to be without work for too long.”
“That’s true.”
“If you don’t want to go into catering, then maybe you should look for something like what you had before. You enjoyed that, and you were good at it. You’re great with people, so this is a nice combination of food and good company. Also, usually only people with a lot of money hire a personal chef, so that’s a good way of earning more money. Maybe find someone that you can work with for a year’s contract or something. And put money aside each month. Then next year you can start something on your own.”
“That’s not a bad idea,” I said. “Although, where the hell am I going to find someone that wants my services again? And what if I don’t get someone as nice as Mr. Wentworth? I hit the jackpot with him. But I’m sure they’re not all going to be as nice as him.”
“You’ll find someone. Put some ads out there and see what comes out of it. You found Mr. Wentworth, which means you can find someone else. You’ve just got to put yourself out there. You’ll find something, I’m sure of it. And if not, the catering offer still stands.”
“Thanks, Cam,” I said, although I really hoped that I wouldn’t have to take her job offer simply because I hadn’t found anything else. It was nice to have the option, but it wasn’t what I wanted.
“So,” Camilla said as she took a bite of her sandwich and grinned at me. I knew that grin, and I knew that she was going to ask me about my love life. She always got a certain gleam in her eyes when she was about to talk about it, which, in my opinion, as far too often. “When am I going to start planning your wedding?”
I groaned. “I asked Merlot when he was going to propose, but he says he’s just not into me like that.”
She laughed. “Are you going to become one of those lonely old ladies with a million cats?”
“First, I’m not old. Second, I only have one cat. And third, I’m not lonely.” That last statement might not be true, but she didn’t need to know that. “Also, just because you’re a wedding planner doesn’t mean you have to constantly try and set me up you know.”
She laughed. “It’s not because I’m a wedding planner. It’s because I’m your best friend, and I want you to be happy.”
“Oh, the last thing I need to start thinking about is a man now. It’s hard enough that I have to think about this job of mine. I don’t have time, and I don’t feel like the effort. Also, I am happy. I’m sorry, but I won’t be a client of yours anytime soon.”
Camille sighed. “Darn, and I found the perfect dress for you the other day. Want to at least see it?”
“Definitely not!” I said. “Now, let’s move on to more important subjects. Let’s get another cup of coffee.”
“You’re impossible!” Camille said.