Lyza's Story: Book One of The Lane Trilogy. Vicki Inc. Andree

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СКАЧАТЬ right on it.” Then she tried to make a point. “The blue linen was just installed.”

      Lana ignored the remark. “The royal blue carpet will never do and must be replaced with the hunter green speckled with tiny orchids that I chose last week. Now take me to the kitchen. I want to speak to the staff.”

      “Please, follow me through this door.” They walked into a sparkling commercial stainless kitchen. The coordinator raised her voice so the workers in the room could hear. “Please gather around. This is Mrs. Lawrence Lane from Lane Unlimited. She would like to have a word with you about the upcoming Save the Orchids benefit.”

      Lana looked into the confused faces of the kitchen staff as they gathered around her little group. She fairly bristled as she spoke. “I chose this facility as the venue for the annual Save the Orchids banquet. I intend to make the evening a spectacular event, even by Hollywood standards. I know each one of you wants to make it a success, too.”

      The coordinator spoke up. “You know we have a reputation above all other venues.”

      Lana stepped in front of her and continued speaking to the kitchen staff. “I want everyone to know my desires for this benefit. These are my assistants. If you have any questions after my directions, please speak to them. First, every dish on the buffet tables must be decorated with an orchid, and there must be many varieties visible throughout the rooms.”

      Everyone nodded in agreement while the events coordinator furiously scribbled notes, trying to keep up with Lana’s instructions.

      Lana continued. “The main buffet table centerpiece consists of a giant ice sculpture of the rarest orchid to date, the centennial orchid. Scholars believe this orchid last bloomed in 1910. I’m excited at the prospect of seeing this beautiful plant portrayed in ice. The width of the bloom exceeds three feet; it is the brightest pink ever seen in a flowering plant. The ice sculpture will be done by the winner of the ice sculpture competition held in Aspen, Colorado, last year; I want all of you to be extremely cautious as you work around it.”

      “Yes, yes.” The event coordinator nodded. “Every precaution will be taken to protect the ice sculptures and other plants your people bring.”

      Lana looked down at the coordinator. “Work with both of my assistants.” She motioned to the women standing behind her. “I’m confident the Malibu Club staff can pull together and make this the best event of the year.”

      Both assistants stood behind Lana, nodding and smiling. So much planning and detail went into this charity event that Lana needed two assistants. Each assistant had an assistant of their own. The immense pressure on the primary assistants showed in their eyes. Lana never said it, but all of them knew if anything went wrong on the night of the benefit, it very well could mean death to their careers.

      Lana turned to her assistants. “Make sure the staff and servers all understand the level of perfection I expect.”

      Lana ignored one of the kitchen staff whispering to her colleague with a thick Hispanic accent, “Lana Lane has no problem blackballing an employee who doesn’t perform as expected. I feel sorry for her assistants. What she expects takes superhero power.”

      “I know,” the coworker answered. “The good side to working for Lana Lane is that the project promises a big, creative, and exciting experience with no limit to expense. L. L. Lane Unlimited pays exorbitant salaries, and with success comes the praises of the Lane family; then you’re set for life.”

      Lana left the kitchen and walked back into the oversized foyer to sit in a red overstuffed chair. “Over here.” She motioned to her assistants. “Let me give you a picture of my expectations.”

      The coordinator and assistants joined Lana in the small conversation grouping near the fireplace. Each of them pulled out their notepads.

      “The evening begins with the arrival of celebrities, stepping on a wide red carpet from their limousines. After entering, checking coats, bags, and whatever, the guests drift into the foyer bar. Champagne, wine, mixed drinks, and hors d’oeuvres, served by waiters in specially designed jungle print tuxedos, will give guests time to mingle before dinner.”

      “Excuse me, Mrs. Lane,” one of the assistants interrupted. “I wonder about the jungle print tuxes. Have those been ordered?”

      Lana snapped tersely, “Well, that’s what you’re supposed to know. There had better be jungle print tuxes. Understand?”

      “Yes, Mrs. Lane.”

      Lana’s voice changed to one of instruction. “Allow me to continue. At precisely nine o’clock, those huge carved wooden doors to the dining room should slowly open, revealing a spectacular array of buffet tables laden with hor d’oeuvres and a dinner buffet with a chef ready to handle any special requests because of food allergies. I’m allergic to white pepper, so I’m very aware of the needs of others in that area, and I want you to be especially accommodating to those who need extra attention. ”

      Lana turned to the coordinator. “Each round table must have a vase of orchids in the center, then I want them sprinkled over the tables, leaving space for guest’s plates and drinks.”

      Then Lana put her finger to her lips. “Now to share my secret only among us, in utmost confidence. If this leaks to the press, every one of you will be fired, and I’m not exaggerating. My secret concerns the entertainment for the night. The performing artist commands respect around the world. Every guest attending should find their expectations more than fulfilled. My favorite artist consented to make this benefit a priority.”

      The coordinator brightened at getting insider information. “Oh, Mrs. Lane, that’s very exciting.”

      “Well, other entertainers also agreed to perform. Therefore every moment offers interesting entertainment, with no boring breaks. This event is my baby. I gave birth to this benefit, and it better come off with no hitches!” Lana’s eyes narrowed slightly.

      The coordinator nodded. “Yes, Mrs. Lane. Everything done to your specifications can only result in success.”

      Lana spoke to her assistants. “I expect daily reports until the last week. Then hourly.” She stood, turned around, and walked through glass doors to the parking lot.

      Once in her car, with the air conditioning turned on, Lana Lane called her husband. In a mock-secretive voice, she whispered, “Lawrence, the chicken’s in the pot.”

      She started laughing, and Lawrence chuckled, “I love your sense of humor. I guess that means this benefit is beginning to cook.”

      Lana leaned back in the seat. “Oh, indeed. It’s getting positively steamy. I want to thank you for your support.”

      Lawrence reminded her of a promise made years before. “A long time ago, you told me all I had to do was pay for it and attend. Your gift to me means I simply enjoy. I look forward to both escorting you to the ball and paying for it.”

      “Yes, dear, and I know you love it. Maybe not as much as I do, but you enjoy all the fun of these nights whether you admit it or not.”

      “I’m glad the chicken’s in the pot, dear. I look forward to spending an evening with a thousand or so of our closest friends.”

      “You should, because this campaign has blossomed for me like the lovely flowers the charity represents. Of course, we must remember orchids attempt to resemble the creatures СКАЧАТЬ