Testimony POV

It was the second day of business training with Easton. It was a new day, and I was ready to start my business training. The class began at 8 a.m. I heard he owned the leading businesses, and it made me eager to learn from him. Being a vampire or not. Is that even real? As I entered the classroom, I settled in my seat, excited to begin.

I noticed a beautiful young woman sitting next to me, and I couldn’t help but admire her. Though she looked mature, it was my first time meeting her. She styled her blonde hair in a bun, and her light makeup fitted her well. She had striking features and a confident air about her. It seemed some people just joined the training. I felt the need to concentrate harder, as they could make us compete against one another.

“Building a successful restaurant in California requires market research, a comprehensive business plan, an ideal location, kitchen design, menu planning, marketing strategies, customer service, operations, and financial management.” Mr. Echo started gesturing with his hands while explaining. “Taking the time to consider these factors will set our restaurant up for success.”

Once the class started, I couldn’t resist being captivated by her, and I couldn’t stop stealing glances at her during the lesson.

His eyes caught me staring at her, and he paused. “Hey, Miss Dawson.” My attention drifted as my gaze stoned at him. Invisible doodling played in my vision. And Easton forced me to rise to my feet.

“Yes. Yes, sir.” I stuttered.

“What was the last thing I said?”

“Uh?” I swallowed nervously. I almost choked at it but let down my nerves with a brief cough.

“Do I have to repeat myself every damn time?” He remarked. His tone dipped with disdain. “You heard me right! What was the last thing I said?” Easton’s voice cut through the silence. My heart raced, scrambling for a suitable reply.

I turned to others looking at me, but I avoided his gaze as he tapped his feet against the marbled marble

“You said that... business...”

Before I could respond, Easton cut me short. “I see someone distracted you during my class. Go downstairs and tell Bella to give you a cup of coffee. A hot cup of coffee.” He commanded, returning his gaze to the class without waiting for my reply.

I nodded and stepped out.

“Can I stop where I left off?” He asked, scrolling through his laptop.

“Yes, sir.” Others rumbled in reply.

“Good. Marketing research. I know many of us here know the importance of marketing research.” His class continued as the door shut behind me.

“huh!” A sigh whooshed out of my breath as I climbed the elevator. I wondered what floor it was. He only said to meet Bella downstairs. I remembered perceiving an aroma on the first floor. The cafeteria must be there.

What a jerk! I wish I had a befitting answer to give him, but I don’t want to risk my one shot at getting this job. I need it. Despite studying business management at the university, I knew I lacked the experience and qualifications to work as his assistant. Could it be the importance of this training?’

When I arrived on the first floor, I rushed to the cafeteria. The cafe Terrance had the aspect of dawn because of the lighting. The pavement outside, in the shade of the plane trees, danced in unison. It shared the same building with Echo Group, and some staff ate there. I walked up to the counter, where I met the server. She appeared in a navy blue suit and welcomed me with a warm smile.

“What would you have, ma?”

“Coffee please.”

“Hot or cold?”

“Hot!” I replied. He can let it settle if he needs it cold, or add ice. He is, after all, a vampire. “Should I add milk?”

“No,” I replied sharply, remembering he specified black coffee.

“What about sugar?”

“No sugar.”

The server prepared the coffee and packaged it for me. My hands trembled as I ordered the coffee, praying that it would meet his expectations. There were a couple of guests eating. I snatched myself up before hurrying back to the office. Just as I reached the lift, I joined the queue and waited about five minutes before it opened. It was just a cup of hot coffee. Though I squeezed to fit into the elevator with other workers, I got up to the 20th floor just in time. I had to watch others drop on other floors before I did.

With shaky hands, I entered the training hall, my heart pounding in my chest with each step.

“Phew! Finally!” Another tired sigh escaped me as I entered the room. 

Easton’s stern expression sent shivers down my spine. He sat by his desk; the projector reflected on the bare wall as he explained. Just then, I realised how far they'd gone.

‘What have I missed?’ A sense of relief washed over me as I placed the coffee on his desk and returned to my seat.

Taking my seat in the back row, I desperately hoped it would satisfy him. But as soon as he took a sip, his face contorted in disgust.

“Ew!” he spat it out. “What the heck is this, Tes?”

It was the first time he almost called my name. I tossed out of my sitting position and ran to him at once. “You... you ordered for hot coffee, sir.”

“Without sugar? This tastes horrible. Did you get it from Betty downstairs?”

“Yes, sir. On the first floor.”

“Gosh!” Easton grabbed his head in disappointment. “Go to the 19th floor. On your left, behind the accountant’s office, you’ll see the executive cafeteria. Meet Betty and ask her for hot coffee with one cube of sugar.” His voice thundered with anger as he demanded another cup.

I couldn’t help but wonder why his tone was suddenly harsh. Others scrutinized furrowed brows at how she ordered me around. The course rep watched me with a sceptical glare and a crinkled nose. He just nodded. Mr. Easton was the boss, after all. No one said anything or questioned him.

“What are you waiting for?” Easton’s glare tightened, shooting adrenaline through my system. “Take this dump out of my sight and get me a proper coffee!”

The silence in the room cut me deeper than his fierce voice, making my heart beat wildly. Feeling the weight of humiliation pressing down on me, I fought back tears as I fled from the room, desperate to make things right. Without turning back, my eyes misted over. I stopped at the doorstep as I choked back the sob.
‘Why do I feel this way? I face worse back home. Why am I moved?’ My mental tears turned to whimpers.

A sob rose in my throat, but my crimson-red face screwed up, and I let it go with a heavy exhale.

I dashed back to the cafeteria, using the staircase this time. My cheeks burned with shame as I followed the path he instructed.
‘How annoying? No wonder I had to pay for this! What a waste!’ As I stepped in, my nose flooded with the floral fragrance of wine and the aroma of spicy food.

Then I realised the arrangement of the place looked different. Cool, not crowded like the cafeteria on the first floor. My eyes met with those of a plump, red-haired lady. She had a tag with her name ‘Betty Charms’ hung on her dress. All the servers had pink dresses, like uniforms. My worries faded once I met up with her.

“Hi, miss.” She greeted. A friendly smile lightened up her face, and I returned it with the same gesture. “What would you like?”

“Hot coffee with a single cube of sugar.” I placed an order.

“That’s for President Easton, right?”

“I nodded.” She must be used to him by now.

“I’m Betty. She introduced. Are you one of the training staff here?” Her eyes were laced with curiosity.

“Yes, I replied to her. I’m Testimony.”

“I hope to see you soon, Tes.” She smiled and handed me the coffee.

The way she called my name made me remember the boss. It seemed everyone here respected him a great deal. A soft smile rippled on my lips as I collected it from her. “Thank you.”

The smile died once I stepped out of the cafeteria.

With trembling hands, I returned to the training hall, feeling like a failure with every step. Though it was almost noon, I wondered why he needed hot coffee. As I placed the fresh cup of coffee in front of him, I braced myself for his reaction. My heart sank as he barely acknowledged my presence before dismissing me with a wave of his hand.

Defeated and on the verge of tears, I walked to my table. As he taught, two tall men walked in and joined us. One moved around as if supervising us. The other focused on him.

“And for your financial management, Make sure you have a good handle on your finances, including budgeting, accounting, and cash flow management. This will help you keep your restaurant profitable and avoid any financial difficulties.” He enlightened me, taking a sip from the coffee cup and avoiding my gaze. His figure stood tall, making firm and precise movements. Some students were jotting down his words, while others made audio and video recordings of their mobile phones.

‘Was he having doubts about having me as his assistant now?’ I wondered. His thoughts haunted me. It was difficult to focus. With my bead bowed to my notebook, I stared at it with nothing to write. I just watched my pen rest on my sweaty palms.

“These are just a few of the important things to keep in mind when building a successful restaurant.” He left, sighed, and turned off his laptop. “Take your time to plan and prepare, and you will set your restaurant up for success. It’s 1:00 p.m. on the dot. We’ll meet at 4:00 p.m. But before then, I want you all to write in summary what you’ve learned from me since yesterday. Document it in a file and send it to the Echo Group account on Discord. Have a nice day.”

Finally, he had time to himself. The other students murmured while they grouped themselves out. I met the elderly lady whom I was admiring a while ago.

“Hello, ma’am., Are you also a training staff member here?”

“Yes, I am,” she replied coolly, stretching out her right hand. “I’m Mrs. Alma Ezreal, but call me Alma.”

“Nice to meet you, Alma.” I returned the handshake. “I’m Testimony.”

“Tes, it is.” She giggled lightly, her hand holding onto her lower face as she apologized. “Sorry for the laugh. You’re such a kind-hearted lady. I mean, Mr Easton has an attitude, but you handled him well.”

“Really?”

“Sure. I wonder what I’d do if I were in your shoes.” She said. “Should we go for lunch with the others? Then we’ll do the assignment together.”