The British Consul tea party was nothing too extravagant, but it was still one of the nicest events I'd ever catered for while working here. All the china sets were imported from London, and all the flower arrangements were freshly cut, which meant I had to check for bees and other bugs. It wasn't part of my job description, but I didn't mind, especially since the Head of Housekeeping was a generous soul. One time he gave me a whole seven dollars extra just for working four minutes overtime.
I loved working for the Consul, I couldn't imagine having any other job. I'd been here four years now, which I managed to do by telling the Head (The entire housekeeping staff called him that, even to his face, since we loved him so much) that I was fourteen. But in truth, I turned fourteen a year later. The only staff member who knew my secret was the head chef, but that was only because he lived in the same building I did. Every year my birthday present was taste-testing the desserts the Ambassador would be served in the evening.
I was just finishing up with the flowers when someone grabbed me from behind and spun me in the air. I squealed in delight and laughed my protests until finally, Daley put me down. Daley Coleman was an Officer Cadet in His Majesty's Royal Navy and, still on the younger side of eighteen, was a year older than me. The two of us became the best of friends the minute we met. In all honesty, he was the closest thing I had to a sibling. And when I told him so he said he felt the same. He was the only one besides the chef that knew my real age.
When I was released from his arms I turned and faced him, and I couldn't help but notice a certain glow in his face. His eyes held a spark that I'd never seen before, and his trademark smirk was full of sincere mirth rather than sarcastic amusement.
"What's got you all excited, Londoner?" I asked him. His smirk grew into a proper grin.
"Kat, do you remember me telling you about this girl I fancy?" I snorted at his question.
"You manage to weasel her into every discussion we have."
"She's joining me for the tea party." I gasped in delight and hugged him to share in his joy. See? Nothing romantic between the two of us.
"That's so great Daley," I replied, "How'd you get the guts to ask her?"
"Spur of the moment, though her brother wasn't too pleased."
"Her brother? You didn't mention a brother."
"Because I didn't know about him until that moment. Thankfully I managed to appease him by inviting him as well."
"And how did you manage to allow two extra mouths to be included on the invite list?" I laughed good-naturedly.
"Come now, you're full-time staff. Surely you know that the only people I have to worry about are the cooks. And speaking of your job, is there any type of flower that isn't in the arrangements that girls fancy."
"Roses, but I wouldn't recommend them if you have the brother breathing down your back."
"Josslynn Kat Ingram, don't be rude. Peter Pevensie is merely doing his duty as an older brother in making sure that my intentions towards his most beautiful sister are pure."
"Oh? And are they?" I asked mockingly. But instead of a playful glare, which I was expecting, the light in his eyes shone a bit brighter. My mouth gaped in amazement when I realized that my Daley had a deep-rooted crush on this Pevensie girl. "Well, in that case, I recommend that you give this Miss Pevensie some gardenias. They're growing in the gardens, but you'll have to ask Mrs. Esser nicely."
"Thanks, Kat," then with a peck on my cheek he turned to leave, but just before he walked out the door he pivoted and said, "And in case you were wondering, her name is Susan. The two of you might get along since she's the same age as you." Then he winked and actually left.
Miss Susan Pevensie, I thought to myself as I played with the crucifix hung around my neck, hidden underneath my apron, I don't know who you are or what you've done, but it's enough to make my sarcastic Daley a romantic.