2. The Cooking Test

I jumped out of the subway and ambled forward, following the address that was given to me by the manager of the Hobsons Mansion. Just a thought of working in the large, sumptuous mansion was enough to give me the creeps. My mind was giving me alerts that I had made a wrong decision and made myself prone to contempt.

The neighborhood was quiet and calm and had only few residential houses. As I walked forward, I saw an array of beautiful maple trees at one side of the street and some fresh flower decorations on the ground beside them. At the end of the tree-line, a row of lantern lights began on both the sides of the lane. I kept sauntering forward while admiring the bewitching sights around me.

Yellowish, stone wall started as soon as that lane ended and finally I started seeing the giant house, probably the mansion. I moved my gaze all through the area and observed there was no house or building other than that mansion. Hobsons would've bought the entire place. All I saw few, expensive cars that were gleaming under the sunlight. They were parked in front of the gate. Just opposite of the house, fully grown, long palm trees were standing. Their branches were moving in back and forth in slow motion due to light breeze.

I crossed that stone wall and reached in front of the double gate, took few deep breaths and finally rang the doorbell that was fixed beside the gate. From the outside, this mansion looked like a modern-day royal castle with the magnificent architectural work, palladian windows and warm brown bricks. About two minutes later, the gate opened and a young man, but older than me appeared before me in a uniform.

"Yes?" He asked, observing me from top to bottom.

I cleared my throat, "I'm Sanaya Frances. I came here for the interview for the house cook job. I've already talked with Mr. Brooke."

He paused for a moment, then said, "Please come inside."

I nodded and started taking miniature steps, following him. The patio of the mansion was full of greenery. A beautiful garden that had trimmed, moistened grass and seasonal, full-grown flowers that were scenting the whole place. Fire place was also there, where a set of chairs were arranged in front of it.

The fresh floral scent reached to my nostrils, reducing some of my stress as I walked inside the mansion. We passed the foyer and went to the elevators. Observing all those lavishness and posh environment lessened my confidence on myself. This house resemble to some royal palace and it surely would have experienced and intelligent employees.

Tiny droplets of sweat appeared on my forehead as anxiety began to escalate in me. That man took me to the living room and asked me to wait for Mr. Brooke here. I hesitantly sat on the L-shaped, leather sofa and studied the interiors of the room. The walls here were painted with soft black and had light green strips on it. It had a matching sofa set, center glass table and a wooden, mahogany floor. The fancy lights with the beautiful, crystal chandelier in the center of the ceiling were illuminating the whole room. The velvet, warm blue curtains were covering the large glass windows.

Fifteen minutes later, a strange man in blazer suit stepped into the room. I immediately rose on my feet. He was maybe around thirty or more, had amber eyes, dark hair and fair skin tone.

"Please keep sitting. I'm Andrew Brooke, the head of the household staff here." He came forward and gestured me to sit down on the seat behind me.

Motioning my head in agreement, I settled down on the same spot, "Hello, sir."

He sat in front of me, smiling, "Nice to meet you, Miss Frances. I've already seen your resume and you know you've a big flaw according to the requirement of this job. But still I called you here because I was curious to know why you still dared to apply here."

I didn't expect him to be that straightforward. All of my remaining confidence disappeared into the thin air after this question, "I trust my cooking skills. I've learned cooking at the orphanage where I grew up. Home cooking is not difficult. If you're looking for a house cook that means you want a cook who can cook simple meals. Besides, I know beyond simple cooking."

I paused, expecting a response, but all I got a frown from him. He didn't say anything so I continued my speech, "I can cook many things from other foreign cuisines. Italian, Japanese, Chinese, Thai. I even know baking."

"But, the household staff here is quite experienced. You don't even have single diploma in the respective field. Why should I give you this job?" He quizzed, arching a brow at me.

Say goodbye to your college admission this year. The voice in my head scared me.

I tightened my jaws, scratching my temple in uneasiness, "Try me. Give me a chance. Try my food and then decide. I need this job, Mr. Brooke."

"Call me Andrew." He said, "And besides, my job is to select the best domestic staff for the family. Hobsons are very sensitive about their food. I can't take a risk."

I fought the urge to go on my knees in front of him and begged for the job because my pride stopped me and forced me to act civil, "How can you be so certain without trying me? I know very well about this family's reputation and power. Still I dared to apply here why? Because I'm so sure about my cooking. Try me, Andrew. I assure you, you won't regret."

He started laughing. I raised my brows at him. "I like your confidence. Prepare something Italian."

"What? Did I get this job?"

"No." He shook his head in negative, "But, I gave you a chance. You're lucky that you got one only because I'm urgently in need of a cook. Prepare dinner for the family. They will taste it and then I'll tell you their feedback."

A smile slowly made its way across my face. I couldn't believe he was finally convinced. All I needed a chance to prove myself to them and finally I got one. Now I had to do my best and make myself a permanent cook here.

Afterwards, Andrew asked me to follow him. He was taking me to the kitchen. On the way, he told me tips and techniques to impress the billionaire family. He also told me that mostly there are only three people who eats here three meals a day; Matt Hobsons, his wife Katherine and their younger son Ashar Hobsons. Sometimes, their elder brother Austin also joins them with his wife for any meal of the day.

Moreover, I also found out that Ashar Hobsons was getting married within a month. That's why nowadays family enjoys all mealtimes together and discuss the wedding preps. I listened to him carefully in order to know how many people are going to be there for the dinner so I could prepare the food accordingly.

"This is the kitchen." As soon as Andrew stepped inside the room, he pronounced.

I turned my head and gazed the room. My jaw hit the floor and I started gawking at the kitchen. It was so spacious that it could form the five separate rooms for the school dormitory. All of the lights were on right now, brightening the place. The red and maroon cabinets with a black, shiny marbled counter and white, mirrored tiles were making it look like a kitchen of five star hotel.

It also had room-sized frozen area where they kept fruits, veggies and variety of meat, arranged in a way as you see it in a closed, air-conditioned meat shop. If I would just pass today's test, this beautiful kitchen would be my workplace. A feeling of excitement filled me.

"Start your work. I'm sending someone to assist you." He said and then walked out.

This mansion was like a dream house. I had only watched these kinds of gigantic houses in pictures and movies, so it was not easy to believe that all of it was real. I had never encountered with someone who was as rich as this family. It was all new for me.

💙

Cooking is not about following other's recipes, but it's about creating your own. Mrs. Smith a.k.a mother always used to say that to me. She was one of my teachers at the foster home who helped me in learning that skill.

Everyone at the foster home called her mother because she was one of the seniors there and had been looking after orphans since last ten years. She persuaded me to learn as many skills as I could, so that I wouldn't have to live jobless. That's usually how orphans are being raised there. All thanks to her that I was here, confident about my cooking talent.

It took me two hours to prepare the dinner. Following the instructions of mother, I added some of my own ingredients to give Hobsons a different taste than usual one. For starter, I prepared Italian Salad with the toppings of olive and lettuce. As Andrew said, try something Italian, that's why my theme for today's dinner was Italian.

I had cooked Pasta Alla Norma, famous, traditional, Italian pasta. Other than that, I had prepared Italian-styled sausage soup and Strawberry Gelato.

"I heard you've prepared the dinner." Andrew walked in when I was transferring pasta into bowls.

"It's ready." I put the empty pan on the counter and then turned around.

He inhaled, "The aroma is appealing."

"Thanks."

Today, everything was dependent on my luck. If I had luck, I would get this job and then I would not have to worry about my college tuition fee.

"What are your future plans, Miss Frances?" Andrew asked.

I answered, while putting some olives around the pasta "I'm planning to go to NYU to pursue degree in marketing."

"Hmm. Good luck with that." He said, "Anyways, you don't have to serve the food. Your task is finished here. Would you like to go home and wait for my call or would you like to stay here and wait for their answer?"

"Can I really stay here?"

He nodded his head, checking the time from his wrist watch, "Yes you can. It's already time for their dinner."

Great. I would get the final answer today. I whispered to myself. Restlessness inside me was not going to calm down until I get a confirmation about this job. I wanted to go from here with an answer. So without thinking much, I told Andrew that I would stay here till the end of the dinner.

He would've understood by now that how desperate I was for the job.

💙

I was greedy for money, but not that kind of greedy, indeed, who was going to do any kind of unethical or immoral task just to get some cash in return. Apart from unethical and immoral tasks, I was willing for laborious, exhausted and strenuous jobs if they would pay me a considerable amount.

I was sitting alone in the living room, waiting for Hobsons's feedback. When anxiety overflowed in me, I thought of stealing few glimpses of the family eating my food. I crossed the living room and went to the dining hall where Hobsons were having their dinner.

Hiding myself at one corner of the hallway, I peeked at the dinner table where three people were sitting. There were two grownups and one young man, probably the second son of Hobsons. I was seeing his back, not his face. So I just ignored him and focused on his parents' facial expression.

The woman who was easily recognizable was Katherine Hobsons, the fashion designer. She was called the 'Queen of Fashion' by American fashion magazines. At the age of fifty-three, her fashion sense was even admired by the young women as well. She had her own clothing line - Hobsons's Designs that only targeted the elite class of the country. I had read about her few times in fashion blogs and magazines.

Her husband Matt Hobsons was talking to his son and looking serious. He dug in his fork in the pasta and took a bite. While he was chewing the food, I paid more attention to his expressions and tried to study them.

"What are you doing here, Miss Frances?" I got disturbed by a sudden voice. Andrew out of nowhere appeared in front me, making my heart thump in my chest.

I jumped in fear and lurched back involuntarily, "I, I was just..." I trailed off.

His jaw clenched as he gave me a death glare, "Did you know that you just did something that gave me a right to kick you out of the place this instant?"

I was so careless. I completely forgot about him that he would be keeping an eye on me possibly. Pressing my lips together, I lowered my gaze on the floor, "I'm sorry. I just wanted to know what they are thinking about my food."

He snorted angrily, "Do you know there are hidden cameras everywhere in the mansion? Your sneak peek is already recorded in some camera."

"I'm sorry. I'll be careful next time." I said with remorse.

"Look Miss, your act is unacceptable. You are new here that's why I'm being easy with you. But if you get this job, keep this in mind that Hobsons despises invasion of privacy. If you would do something like this, you'll be out without even getting a chance for any explanation." He warned.

I nodded my head quickly to him. He frowned at me, and then walked away. I immediately went inside the living room again.

💙

After about half an hour, Andrew entered into the living room. This time, I didn't even move a foot and stayed still although anxiety kept stirring in me.

"They want you to work for them." He said in a serious tone.

I blinked, twice, waiting for him to say more. "I told them that you've no professional experience, but guess what? they didn't believe me. They liked your food and ordered me to make you prepare such a delicious food daily."

A faint smile appeared on his face and that's what left me surprised. He smiled it means I got this job. Oh my God, I got this job. I rose on my feet, "Thank you so much, Andrew."

He bobbed his head up and down, "Congratulations. You've passed the cooking test."

I knew it. I had faith in mother's cooking lessons. I knew if I would get a chance I could impress anyone with my cooking. The stress finally lessened in me. Now I could finally apply for college this year. Positive vibes encircled me.

"Now, listen carefully. You're going to prepare three meals a day; breakfast, lunch and dinner." He started giving me instructions. I put aside all of my overwhelming thoughts and paid attention to him, "Sometimes, family demands special food. You'll be told in advance about that. Otherwise, you're sometimes allowed to decide the menu by yourself. I'll give you few recipe books that would tell you family's preferences."

"Okay, understood." I responded.

"You can stay here and work as a full-time employee for us or you can just come here, cook and go back to your home. It's up to you."

I got flabbergasted at his offer. He was giving me a place to stay. Seems like good days of my life was about to start.

"I, I can't right now since I've still few classes left. After few weeks, I can accept your offer."

When the school dorm would ask me to move out, I could shift here until I would find a place on rent. At least now I wouldn't have to worry about living on streets. Okay, maybe I was exaggerating, but you never know. Life is full of adventures.

💙

Andrew also gave me the advance payment after that and I just went straight to the bank and deposited the money in my bank account. With my savings and this new amount altogether were now enough for the first semester college fee. So, it was confirmed that I was going college this year.

Besides, he also told me that Katherine and his husband would soon meet me. They wanted to see me at the day of interview, but he said nowadays, all the family was busy in wedding preparations of second heir of Hobsons Enterprise.

A week later, I decided to visit my foster home and thank my teachers for raising me, especially mother whose cooking lessons were now a source of earning for me. I was going to tell her about my new job.

I had never experienced what it felt like to have parents, siblings or cousins because I had no one to call my own, but my teachers at foster home were important to me. They were there when I was growing up, taught me all the basics.

Since I had left my first home, I had been visiting them after every fifteen days because I wanted to stay in touch with my friends and family and the children I had lived with, for eighteen years.

"I think you are doing well, now days." Emma came to me when she saw me.

She recently started working as a young volunteer at the foster home. After completing her education, she was helping orphan kids here.

I chortled, "You guessed right."

Emma and I were not good friends because as I mentioned before I could not socialize much because of my busy schedule, but she knew about me that I had no blood relatives. She had welcomed me every time I paid a visit here.

"What's the reason, kid?"

I was about to tell her my reason, but mother showed up and greeted me, "This time you came after three weeks. You have already forgotten about me?"

I felt warm when I saw her; she was like a mother figure to me. If I had a Mom, I would have wanted her to be like mother. She was there when I was lonely; she was there when I had mental break downs when I started understanding that I had no parents.

"I was busy with exams and school, but I have got news for you." I stepped forward and hugged her, sniffing her motherly scent.

"What is it?"

I pulled back, smiling, "I've got a new job as a home cook and the pay is huge."

Mother was in her early sixties, had grey hair, wrinkled skin and all of the features that made her look like a granny people see in movies; petite figure, short grey hair, small dark eyes. Most of the time, she wore long button-up shirt with a floor length skirt.

"So, that is a reason you look different today. It's a good different." Emma commented, patting my back.

Mother smiled at Emma, "It's good that her cooking skills are helping her. What kind of people are they?" She turned to me.

"They are very rich and nice. I like the environment there." I answered, thinking I was still not sure how my employers were because I hadn't seen them in person.

At Hobsons, everything was going fine. I went there three times a day and cooked meal for the family members in previous week. Andrew said that Hobsons were satisfied with my recipes, but I should increase my knowledge about foreign cuisines because they liked diversity in their food.

For that, I had been reading food blogs and following some good YouTube channels to improve my cooking. The good thing was that I was becoming comfortable more and more at the mansion with every passing day because to me now, it was just like any other work place.