The more I thought about Ms. Parker’s comment about Mr. Blu liking pretty things, the more I realized that she probably wanted me there because of the way I looked. I was sure that she would have the room filled with attractive servers. It still bothered me when someone focused on my looks rather than my ability, but if this was a way to get me in front of the owner I’d take it. It wasn’t every day that I had a chance to be in the same room as the owner of the hotel, so I wanted to make sure that I made a lasting impression. Since I was up for another promotion any exposure for me would be good exposure.
The day of the gala I took my time getting ready and I was really not looking forward to being a waitress all evening, but I had to admit that the uniform was simply beautiful. It was a black and silver sequined form-fitting mini dress with ¾ length sleeves and I had to wear 4 inch black stilettos. I checked my hair, which I managed to get to fall in near perfect waves, and applied my lipstick and headed out the door.
The gala was held at the Fisher Club and when I got there the room was absolutely beautiful. The chandeliers sparkled and the tables were set with silk napkins and sterling silver napkin rings. The theme was black, white and silver and every single chair had a black cover and was tied with a huge silver bow positioned around a white silk tablecloth. In the center of each table was a gorgeous silver vase with two dozen white roses. Ms. Parker was buzzing around the room and I walked over to her to get my table assignment.
“Hi, Ms. Parker, the room looks gorgeous. I’m not sure if sections are assigned and I didn’t see a list showing where the servers will be stationed. Can you tell me which area will I be serving?”
“Oh Elena, you look stunning dear! Wait, did you ask which tables you’ll be serving?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
A hearty laugh escaped her lips and I was thoroughly confused. What is so funny?
“I’m sorry dear, your comment surprised me. You won’t be serving tonight, I need you to manage Mr. Blu’s section this evening. Make sure that his every request is taken care of and all of the servers are at his beck and call. Mr. Blu is very particular and we want to be sure that he is happy with the gala.”
I felt nervous butterflies at the mention of my responsibilities for the evening. I had never met Sebastian Blu in person and I knew that he had a reputation for being a perfectionist. Everything had to be perfect for him and he had a zero tolerance policy for mistakes. Managing his section would mean incredible exposure for me so I wanted to make sure that there were no problems that night.
I gathered all of the servers, who were very pretty women (shocking), and had a quick meeting with them, stressing the importance of zero mistakes that evening and making sure Mr. Blu was happy. Whatever he wanted, I instructed them that they were to get it for him immediately.
“I don’t want Mr. Blu to have to wait for anything longer than one full minute tonight. Do we all understand?”
The girls all nodded in agreement and I sent them off to the kitchen to prepare their trays.
The guests started arriving and I checked to make sure that our section looked impeccable. My dress was different from the servers’ uniforms who were wearing black pants and sleeveless white ruffle tank tops tucked in neatly with a slim black belt and strappy high heels. They all looked gorgeous and I was ready for whatever the night was going to bring.
Most of the guests of Mr. Blu’s party were already seated, beautiful women occupied nearly every seat at his table. That’s a bit much isn’t it? My opinion of him was not very high given that having all of these women sitting and waiting for him at the table made him look like he had his own personal harem! There were two empty seats and I gathered those were for Mr. Blu and his date, who I was sure would be stunning.
The servers were all standing in a row near Mr. Blu’s table and I went in the back to place fresh glasses of wine on trays for the servers and when I re-entered the ballroom to let them know that they should go get them, I saw the most gorgeous man I had ever seen walk over to the table. He had to have been at least 6’2”, with thick dark brown hair, gorgeous dark eyes and he had a muscular build which was evident even through his beautiful tuxedo. Money seemed to literally drip from his pores. I saw the flash of his expensive watch and cufflinks as he ran his hand through his perfect hair and I was completely mesmerized by him. It wasn’t until one of the servers asked a question that I realized I had been staring at him. Thankfully he didn’t see me gawking and I was able to snap out of my trance and switch my focus back to work.
I periodically glanced in his direction as I made my way around my section, and then I realized as the manager of the section I should probably introduce myself to him and let him know that I was at his service if he needed anything. Well, I better get this over with. I was a ball of nerves as I walked over to him but I just kept telling myself that this was great exposure for my career and anything he wanted I would make sure he received.
He looked up as I approached his table and I could see the familiar appreciation in his eyes as he looked at me. I was used to that look, men looked at me like that all the time. But there was something more behind his eyes that I couldn’t quite put my finger on. His date gave me a withering glance when she noticed that he seemed to be entranced with me.
I gave her a veiled smile and then turned my attention to the gorgeous man sitting next to her. I smiled sweetly at him. “Mr. Blu, I hope that you are enjoying your evening.”
He gave me his complete attention and a small smile danced at the corner of his lips. “Why yes, I am. And you are?” His voice was incredibly deep and smooth.
“My name is Elena Sumner and I am the front desk manager at Sierra Blu Miami. I am helping out tonight so if you or your guests need anything please do not hesitate to ask.”
“I will do that, thank you Ms. Sumner.” His eyes sparkled as he said my name and time literally was reduced to a crawl as I watched him take me in from head to toe.
I felt my belly flip as I walked back to my station to check on the servers and I wanted to kick myself for feeling that way. No! I don’t have time for these feelings! I hadn’t felt something like that in a long time and I shouldn’t have been surprised because the man was breathtakingly beautiful. For the first time in a very long time it was hard for me to concentrate on work and work was my number one priority. I busied myself checking on the servers making sure that there was never an empty glass in my section.