I’LL SEE YOU AGAIN, CAPTAIN

He was almost done in the kitchen at La Gondola preparing lunch. He then relayed to his assistant, making sure his assistant understood exactly what the guests were asking for their food. Chef Bill stepped out of the kitchen and walked towards Annika in the lobby and told her, ”Annika, do you think you need any posters or handouts to advertise the pub? ” ”That would be very helpful, Chef! ” she fondly responded with a smile. Annika feels happy that her boss actually acknowledges her ideas. She thought even though she doesn have the hands out yet, shell start now to introduce the pub to their guests and make it popular just like La Gondola. She is just not helping out Chef Bills boosting the business, but she is also helping out her newfound friend Jessica.

That night, when she was doing her dinner shift, some nice guests arrived, and you could see how much the diners loved and enjoyed the food. There are many people seated at the round bar, largely Americans and Europeans, who are all enjoying their beverages. They appeared to be acquainted with one another. They were all enjoying themselves greatly. Some people enjoy drinking strong alcohol like Scotch, while others prefer beer. All of them wore good outfits with long sleeves that were tucked in, and they hung their jackets on the backs of their chairs. Some patrons bring their attractive spouses or companions, which adds to the bars visual appeal.

While Annika is enjoying watching the crowd, suddenly hands hold both of her shoulders, ”Hey Annika! ” As she turns around, she already knew whose voice it was. He was Bruce. He just walked in without any calls or reservations. He gave Annika a sweet kiss on her cheeks and casually hugged her. Bruce was wearing a white long sleeve folded up on his arms with a nice pair of trousers. It looks like he attended a special event. It seems like Bruce is so comfortable now greeting Annika like that. You can see the big smile on Annikas face. She became so happy and lively. Bruce brought like 20 guests with him, all of them from the Motorola Company. ”I bring the whole company with me, ” as he humorously told her. ”Good evening you all. Welcome everyone here at La Gondola. ” Annika greeted them in a friendly way. ”Hey, whats that kiss all about? We didn know that Bruces girlfriend works here. One of Bruces colleagues says Annika wasn sure how to respond, but Bruce was so proud to show the other guys that he had a girl that he surprised Annika.

Annika is feeling the night. She guides them to get a pre-dinner drink first at the bar while she gives instructions to the waiters on preparing a long table for all of them. Then she goes straight to the kitchen and speaks to Chef Bill that they have a big group from Motorola. Chef Bill was so happy to hear that they had a full house for that night. He called in Larry, the restaurant manager, and instructed him to have at least five waiters to assist the group and make sure they were all looked after. So, when all the Motorola group have taken their seats, the waiters then start to approach them one by one for their food orders. Annika went to Bruce and asked him how he was doing. Its very hard to have a long conversation with Bruce in the restaurant as she is working and, even though she is friends with Bruce, when Bruce is in the house, he is considered a guest. She then excuses herself to Bruce and tells her that she will check their food in the kitchen. Chef Bill noticed how extra special the treatment Annika is giving to this Motorola group is. He wondered why and continued with the preparations of food and made sure that it would all be served at the same time, so no one would be left behind to eat their dinner.

While everyone was served and they were all enjoying the food, Annika was just standing in the corner of the dining room just watching Bruce. Bruce was constantly looking at her, giving her a flirty smile. Larry noticed all the flirty looks between Annika and Bruce, so he came to whisper something to Annika, ”So, this guy must be your boyfriend, huh? I saw him kiss and embrace you twice now. ” Then he walked away, back to the kitchen, before Annika answered his question. She saw Larry talking to Chef Bill, and she was not so sure what he was telling Chef Bill.

Chef Bill removed his apron and emerged from the kitchen with his chefs costume, including his white toque blanche. Its a tall pleated cylindrical-shaped hat, his white double-breasted jacket with knotted cloth buttons, and black and white checked loose-fitting pants in houndstooth-pattern. He went straight to Annika and asked her, ”Who is the group host? ” Annika replied, describing the guy in a white long sleeve sitting at the head of the table. ”Can you kindly introduce me to them? ” Annika nodded yes and led Chef Bill to the groups table. Annika proudly introduces Bruce to Chef Bill. She tells him that they met a few months ago at her previous employment and she wants him to come to see her where she works when he can.

Chef Bill instructed Annika to get five bottles of complimentary wine for the group, which Annika was so happy to follow. She then instructed the waiters immediately to put wine glasses on each guest in the group. Chef Bill bids goodbye to everyone on the table and says, ”If you need anything, just tell Annika. She will look after you guys. ” Annika was very pleased to hear that coming from Chef Bills mouth. She took one bottle of wine and showed it to Bruce while the other waiters were holding the rest of the bottles. By the way, Bruce, these wines are Chef Bills complimentary for all of you. She gives an instruction look to the waiters that they can start to serve the wine. She makes sure she is the one who will serve Bruce his glass of wine. Annika loves serving wine, as she learned to serve wine at her previous job. The Bruce group was so delighted with the complimentary wine from the chef that they did not even look at the bottle or what the name of the wine was or where it came from. They were just happy to drink it, and it was free.

Annika took the opportunity to get close to Bruce after they had finished their main course and had their deserts and coffees. She then informed him about the Irish pub that Chef Bill also owned. She extended an invitation for them to sample various kinds of Irish beer as well as other, primarily foreign, beer brands. She notes that there will be football on TV and some Irish music will play all night long. ”You were Irish when I met you the first time, right? ” and they both chuckle. He recalled the evening when Annika asked him if he was Irish because ”Im Irish ” was printed on his shirt. ”Let me know when you are visiting the pub. I will make sure you are being looked after there too. ” Annika says. ”You should call me. ” Bruce says and hands Annika his business card. Annika was on cloud nine when she received a business card from Bruce. Now she can just call him and check on him how he is doing and maybe ask him if he is coming to have dinner at La Gondola or maybe some drinks at The Irish Pub.

The dinner went well. Bruce and his group were really pleased with the food and hospitality they received from the owner, the management, Annika, and the wait staff. Their faces convey how joyful and delightful the evening has been. At around midnight, they were the final guests to check out of La Gondola. That night, Annika worked till late. She spends a lengthy hour walking, standing, and helping guests, but she doesn feel at all worn out or exhausted. She simply enjoys being able to see Bruce.

When they are about to leave the restaurant, Bruce comes to Annika and says, ”Its been a wonderful night, Annika. My gang enjoyed their dinner so much. Thank you for taking care of us. Thanks for the wine too. Ill see you again next time. Call me! ” Bruce then bids Annika farewell and gives her a second kiss on the cheeks.

Another amazing evening for Annika. She examines Bruces business card, which has his full name, phone number, and position within the organization. She was shocked to learn how influential Bruce was within his organization. She grins and clutches it dear to her heart. She now anticipates seeing Bruce frequently and believes that each encounter will bring them closer to one another. All she can say is, ”I love you, Bruce. ”