CHAPTER 9 – Platinum Anniversary Part 2

ARIADNE

I returned to the bar and the bartender, Adam, was waiting for me with a fruit punch on the counter. David has returned to his seat and was watching me intently.

“Hey, Ariadne, the drink is from the gentleman over there!” He said, pointing at David while the latter raised his glass, grinning at me. I looked at Adam, shaking my head. “Please, Ariadne, it’s alcohol-free. Take it, please. This dude is giving everyone in this hotel huge tips. He must be made of money.”

“He told you that?” I asked.

“What?” Adam asked back.

“That he’s gonna leave you a large tip if you bring me around to accept the drink?”

“No. of course not. He just ordered a drink for you, and when I told him you don’t drink during the events you organize, he said to prepare something without alcohol. So here I am with the fruit punch. So, take it.” He demanded.

“Well, Adam, actually bring me an apple martini. I need it after that stunt the old man pulled on poor Milena.”

“Right away.” He vanished, smirking.

Moments later, he brought me my drink, and I decided to thank David. I moved next to him and clinked his glass.

“Cheers.” I smiled at him, and he flashed me a smile.

“I thought you weren’t drinking.” He uttered.

“Except if I’m pissed that I am!” I blurted out. I saw his posture darken, and he swallowed hard.

“I didn’t do anything. I might as well leave if I disturb you. I don’t want to cause any problems with your job.” He stood up to leave, but I caught his wrist. That wave of static electricity… I felt it again. He felt it too, because he turned his gaze to my hand on his wrist. His expression changed from serious to relieved, and I think I caught a glimpse of his eyes changing color. What the…?

“You did nothing wrong. An old, grumpy man threw his steak to the chef. I hate people disrespecting others. I tried to solve the situation. I think I did good.” I said gently.

“I’m sure you did.” He nodded, smiling. “Was that his woman dragging him towards the kitchen?” he asked, amused.

“Yes. She forced him to say sorry for his actions.” I answered.

“Behind every successful man, there is a strong woman, they say. I don’t know if this sir is successful, but he got himself a powerful female!” He chuckled.

“Well, she is the boss for sure!” I laughed aloud, and he mimicked me.

“So, Ariadne, how many children do you have?” he inquired.

“Three. Twin sons and a daughter.” I told him bubbly.

I thought to myself that asking for my children was a good sign. Right? It probably meant that he would stop courting me. It was nice having a friendly conversation with him. He also seemed to be at ease and didn’t push me at all, like the previous times he met me. Not that I had forgiven or forgotten what he told me in the elevator, but I didn’t want to darken the mood tonight.

“Ages?” he plainly asked.

“Six the boys and two the girl. So… Do you have a family?” I took my turn to ask.

“Nah.” He just uttered.

“Where are you from?”

“The States.”

“Yeah…I understood that from your accent. And what’s your occupation?” I asked, sipping my martini, which I had totally forgotten.

“I own some businesses… I think that lady waves at you. Over there.” He pointed.

“Sorry, I need to go.” Mrs. Pappa wanted me, and I rushed to her.

“Honey, it’s time for the cake.” She required.

“Of course. Do you need the podium to speak or not?”

“No, no. Just the microphone.”  

“Just a moment.” I went to the DJ, took the mic, and signaled two servants to place the table and the cake discreetly while Mrs. Pappa was speaking.

“Here you are.” I handed the mic to her and stepped a little farther away from the stage while Mrs. Aphrodite walked into the center and started talking.

“Good evening, my dear friends, and thank you for honoring us in this special moment. Today I brought my parents here, telling them that we would just have a family dinner to celebrate their platinum anniversary while I secretly planned a whole reception. And thanks to my dear friend Ariadne Riga…” She stopped talking, showing me to the crowd. “It turned out to be like a second wedding. Thank you, honey, you do know how to create unforgettable memories.” The guests started clapping, and I bowed to their applause. Never again have I been indicated in the events I planned, and it was an honor to be thanked in public by such a successful woman in the district. I’m excited to announce that my parents, after seventy years of marriage, are expecting a great-great-grandchild. I’m so happy for you, mamá, babá. Both of you have accomplished so much. Raised me with so much love. Help me raise my children and grandchildren, and look at me… I’m going to be a great-grandmother as well. At 65. Wow… I can’t believe it… I think I should retire soon…” She laughed, earning similar laughter from her guests. “I love you both, and I really wish in ten years to celebrate the next milestone, your 80th anniversary, all together as today. So, it’s time for you to cut the cake. Come here. We have more surprises for you…” She finished chirpily.

The old couple came slowly to the stage, and all three of them embraced each other. Mrs. Aphrodite’s mother gasped at the sight of the cake. It was a large, three-tier cake with an old couple standing on top and silver flowers all over as decorations. After the cake was cut, the couple swayed to the rhythm of an old waltz song.

The dance ended, and I gave the signal for our last surprise. Fireworks lit up the night sky and reflected in the pool, creating a mesmerizing atmosphere both up in the sky and down on the earth, too.

The old couple was watching above, snuggling each other, contentment written on their faces, and I knew at that moment that I had done an outstanding job. I was sure that this night would be etched in their memory until the day they would close their eyes.

I sighed, smiling. I loved my job, and I thought to myself. ‘Mission accomplished, Ariadne, way to go!’ I saw Mrs. Aphrodite smiling widely at me, and my assumptions were proven correct.  

After a while, the guests started leaving. I didn’t need to, but I always stayed last to oversee the staff’s last chores and say my thanks to them. But all the guests must leave for the servants to start cleaning, so I headed to the bar to wait. David hadn’t left, and he approached me. Again.

“Wow, what a night. I might not have been a guest, but I totally enjoyed it.”

“Thanks. I like creating wonderful memories. Keeps me motivated.”

“Well, if I were in their shoes, I would have had the best party of my life. Undeniably unforgettable. You did an excellent job, Ariadne. I am amazed.”

“Thank you.” I shyly said.

“And if you allow me to …” he trailed, but he was asking for my permission, and I nodded.

“More than anything else, you were ravishing tonight, Ariadne.” He said in a seductive voice, emphasizing the word “you”.

I was stunned by his blunt words. I didn’t see it coming. I was speechless. And he didn’t give me time to react because he moved towards Adam, a few steps away. He took money out of his wallet discretely and gave it to him, saying, “Keep the change.” He started to leave, but subconsciously and without even thinking, I stopped him.

“David!” I called him. He tilted his head at me, surprised.

“Thanks… Thank you for keeping me company tonight during the event.” I thanked him politely.

“It was my pleasure.” He said huskily, his face full of emotions that I couldn’t discern, and left.

I was watching him walk away while sitting there alone at the bar. Adam came to me, showing me a €500 banknote.

“Ariadne, look, it’s the first time I’m touching one of those. And he gave me another hundred for the drinks. Wow, it’s all mine. 500 euros… yeah…That guy’s loaded. Can you invite him again to your next event?” He pleaded.

“Oh, Adam. Shut up. He wasn’t invited.” I told him, irritated.

“I don’t care if he was invited or not. He had his eyes on you the whole time, so he invited himself to check you out. So next time, lure him in. Keep those 500s coming…”

“Adam enough! Don’t disrespect me or Theo like that. Ever again.” I barked at him and raised to my feet to leave the bar.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it like that. I was super excited to receive such a huge tip.” He sincerely apologized.

“And I’m happy for you. But that doesn’t give you any right to insinuate anything about me and that guy.”

I left Adam and headed towards the kitchen, but on my way, I was stopped by the honored couple. They hugged me, both thanking me for this great night.

“Oh, Ariadne, it was the best reception of my life. Even from my wedding or the kids’ and that video…So many memories in just a few minutes. It was perfect. Everything was perfect. Thank you, my dear child. God bless you.” Mrs. Aphrodite’s mother thanked me, and her father nodded in agreement next to his wife.

After an hour, everything was in order. I thanked the staff for their cooperation before saying goodnight to them. I gave a tight hug to Milena, who didn’t bail on me, and got to my car. I was driving home, totally satisfied with the outcome. Everything went smoothly.

I just needed a hot bath to destress, kiss my kids, who were probably in their fifth dream by now, and then snuggle with my man on the bed.

It was the perfect night.

I was happy… and utterly complete.