"Sure, Clarence, it will be my pleasure," the elderly lady was amused with this boy for her doted granddaughter. She was giggling inside seeing his effort to get Beauty's attention.

Both Clarence and Beauty went into the kitchen wearing ap.r.o.ns and seriously went to work. This time, the boy wanted to show off to the lady. With a knife in hand, a big fish was carefully and skillfully skinned and deboned and turned into well-proportioned fillets. He arranged them on a plate.

"Beauty cut up this cuc.u.mber evenly like this. . . then prepare me five white onions and slice them into thin rings like this. . . mince this whole clove of garlic into a paste. . . that's for now, just tell me if you're done." Clarence guided her carefully. Entertained with his skillful hands, Beauty just followed obediently without saying a word.

They worked together for almost three hours. They made a green salad with thousand island dressing, meatless pasta with spicy salsa, chicken cordon bleu with pesto, and mouthwatering steamed fish fillets. Of course, the girl was in charge with the final presentation for every dish.

Clarence was tenderly watching her as she worked. He noticed her every mood; her serious face when working, and delightful face after finis.h.i.+ng her every masterpiece. Most of all, he was also astounded with her talent in food presentation. This was uniquely hers.

The rest was excited to see the outcome of the pair. Just smelling the delicious aroma wafting into their nostrils was really salivating, but no one went to disturb as promised. GrandMommy just went in when Clarence announced the cooking was done. She helped set the table and prepared the fresh fruit juice.

As everyone sat in their respective seats, Grand Daddy made a short prayer.

"Hmm, these dishes are really delicious and pleasing to the eye. Please don't be shy, eat and enjoy our meal," said Ronald. All of them stared at him for acting as host.

"Hehe, hope all of you don't mind, I'm really hungry now. Just smelling them earlier was really frustrating so I'll dig in first," shamelessly spoken again by Ronald.

"You're really unashamed," glared Clarence.

"It's not my fault, I need to learn to be thick-skinned."

"Why is that? I mean why need to learn to be thick-skinned?" asked Beauty.

"Because....," as Ronald was about to answer Clarence spoke up immediately with a motive in mind.

"Well, it will be his job. Actually, he was newly hired by my Dad to be a hidden food investigator." He paused and saw the inquiring faces, he continued. "I know you're all wondering what kind of job is that but let me ask Beauty first. . . have you heard of the Open Culinary Compet.i.tion?" He asked though he knew, her email told him so. This was to cover up his mistake when he almost exposed himself as Your Romeo to Beauty.

"Yes, I already registered," replied Beauty.

"Good, then to explain his new job, we will be going to our restaurants in the country and we'll test the staff's att.i.tude and the chef's cooking. The main troublemaker is him while I'm just his partner. Then . . . I need someone to be our critic for the food presentation. If it is fine, I would like to hire Beauty as well before the regional trials. What can you say, Beauty?" His main motive was out now, bringing Beauty along while improving their relations.h.i.+p.

Ronald was now really surprised with the wit of his Boss. It did not cross his mind, but it would be a good idea if she'll be there with them. He agreed with him.

"That will be great. Beauty, don't say no. The pay is good, free food and lodging, and travels. All expense paid by Boss here."

Beauty looked at the two-man then to her grandparents.

"Oh my, please forgive me. Sorry, Grandpa and Grandma for not considering your presence before suggesting this to Beauty. Since you are her guardian then I would like to ask for your permission," Clarence politely asked.

The elder lady answered first, "well, as long as you can guarantee her safety, I'm fine with it."

"She is now considered an adult at her age. I agree with her taking this job only with your a.s.surance to keep her safe and sound. But it will be up to her to decide if she will take it or not. I hope you will respect whatever her choice may be," added Grand Daddy.

All eyes were on Beauty. "But how about the regional trials?" asked Beauty.

"As I've said earlier until that day comes, you can help us with our job. Or until when you want to leave. The pay won't change even you'll leave in the middle of the month. If you want I will pay you for every job done. How about that?"

"I'll prefer the last offer. So, I'll take it," Beauty excitedly decided.

"Then it's decided. We will leave right away when you're ready," Clarence declared.

"How about the next day? Is that fine, Clarence?"

"Sure, no problem."

The night before they left, Beauty was the cook. In reverse, Clarence became her a.s.sistant. Thinking that she would leave her grandparents not knowing when she would be back, she made sure her dishes would be one of the best she ever did. She served all-fish dinner dishes.

"Wow, look at this fish, it weighed 10 Kg when you bought it, right?" asked Ronald.

"Yeah, now it is now filled with minced fish meat and veggie fillings. Still, how I looked at it, it was well managed that at first, I thought it was simply a fish being grilled with nothing more . . . Hmm, I love the fillings as well, juicy" happily said Grand Daddy.

"I like this crusty fish fillet better. Clarence has good hands to cut all in the same width and length heart shaped fillets. . . and this is called tartar sauce?.. hmm, delicious combination." Grand Mommy was busy eating and praising at the same time.

"Oh, both of you are simply novices. This combination of fish salad on grilled steak is the most complicated to make out of all the dishes here. You see this? To form an actual meat steak to a small bowl for the salad is not easy. I saw it. I even helped finish grilling them. Only with that tin foil surrounding the steak that we were able to properly grill it. Its complex form made it very special. And with this fish salad? It is a perfect combination. Actually, this is the right way to eat it." With his hand, he held the whole bowl of steak and bit with a portion of the salad. "Hmm, delicious, totally superb taste."

While the others were praising and appraising the dishes, the two cooks just sat silently and enjoyed sipping the steaming fish head clear soup. Both were tired but satisfied with the outcome of their efforts.

The dinner party was at the beachfront. There were singing, dancing, and laughing as well. A contest was made for the best performer of the night. The winner was Ronald who sang Jason Mraz's 'I'm Yours' off-tuned with some unusual dance moves, like a wriggling worm, that made everyone roll with laughter. It was a night to remember. It was also proclaimed a no mournful face night, but still, our girl cried and she fell asleep on her grandma's shoulder.