Rivalry or Rescue

Monica tried to hide her nerves as she sat in Mr. Pepper’s plush leather desk chair. The first day at a new job is daunting enough, but the real reason she came to St. Louis also loomed in her mind. She could handle being unsuccessful at this job, but she couldn’t handle being unsuccessful in her search. She attempted to shake away that thought as the jovial & ruggedly handsome CEO of Rob Hospitality group wrapped up his phone call and focused his attention on her.

“Monica, we’re so excited to have you here.” He enthusiastically stated. “Your resume and the demos of your dishes were very impressive, and we look forward to great things.” 

“Thank you, Mr. Peppers.” Monica gushed. “I’m honored to bring my expertise to your brand. You’ll soon see you made the best decision.” 

“I keep telling you, please call me Rob. Also, I love that confidence, young lady.” He relaxed back in his seat and continued. “So, tell me, what brings a young, popular, rockstar chef from San Francisco up here to the Midwest?” 

“Well Rob,” she replied with humor in her voice. “First, 36 isn’t that young but thanks for the kind words.” She paused to think of a convincing reason since telling him the unfiltered truth was absolutely out of the question. “I wanted a change of scenery. Plus, I don’t have any kids, or a spouse and I have some… some family here. “

Mr. Peppers eyebrows raised with curiosity. “Oh, is that so? Tell me what fami- “

They were interrupted by a knock on the door, which then quickly cracked open, and a woman asked, “Mr. Peppers, you wanted to see me? 

Mr. Peppers, glancing at his Williams-Sonoma wall clock commented aloud, “Oh, is it that time already? Yes, Sheila come in.” 

In walked a short and curvy woman with cocoa brown skin, appearing to also be in her 30s. She was wearing a pair of tan fitted slacks and a complimentary hunter green cowl neck blouse. She sat in the chair adjacent to Monica. If she was surprised to see Monica, she didn’t show it. She also didn’t acknowledge her.

Mr. Peppers, oblivious to the small slight, jumped right into introductions. “Sheila, meet Monica, the new Executive Chef. Monica, meet our IT Manager, Sheila.” 

Monica tried to keep calm. It was her. It had to be. She only had that one picture to go off of from almost 30 years ago, but it was clearly her. In what felt like slow mo, she turned and extended her hand. “Sheila, it’s so nice to see you.” She quickly tried to correct herself. “Ah, I mean meet you.”

Sheila, already annoyed and confused at the response responded with a subtly dry, “Nice... to meet you too.” Sheila saw Mr. Peppers watching closely and remembered to put her game face on. “Welcome to the team, I’ll be the one to get you set up with your credentials for your company email and the different software we use.” 

Mr. Peppers beaming chimed in. “That’s exactly right. But also, I called you here for another reason. You’ve been at the company for a very long time, born and raised right here in St. Louis and you’re a young woman in management. So, I think you’re the perfect choice to get Monica acquainted with Rob hospitality and even this city!”

With a fake smile painted on her face, Sheila exclaimed, “I’d be honored. You know I’m interested in being the company ambassador, so I have what it takes to show anyone the ropes.”

Monica wasn’t sure which way to proceed. On one hand, her instinct to show herself as someone formidable, based off of years of being one of few females in the kitchen, began to rise. On the other hand, she eventually needed to get close to Sheila and reveal the information she had so she didn’t want her guard down. She chose the former. “Well, I’m not sure I’ll need that much showing of the ropes, but anyone that Mr. Peppers thinks has some knowledge, I’m happy to learn from.” She paused for a second and decided to throw in, “Also, I was company ambassador at my previous hospitality group I worked for, so as a thank you, I can show you the ropes in that regard.”

Mr. Peppers clapped his hands in excitement and exclaimed, “Great! See I knew you’d two get on well.” Standing to dismiss them, he continued. “I have another meeting, so I’ll let you two be off.”

Sheila quickly jumped in and said “OK! And are we still having lunch today?”

Mr. Peppers, looking slightly guilty responded “Oh that’s right, I forgot to tell you; Monica has invited me to lunch. Through her great chef connections, she got me an exclusive lunch reservation at the Michelin star restaurant downtown, Damian’s. I can’t pass that up! I’ve been trying to get a reservation there for months. We’ll have to reschedule... you understand right?”

Monica attempted to show she was a team player: “Mr. Peppers, I didn’t mean to interrupt any plans, I’m sure we could get a table there again after another few months if you want to keep your plans.”

Dismissing her offer, Mr. Peppers replied, “Nonsense! Sheila understands. Right Sheila?” 

Sheila, secretly fuming answered “Oh of course I do! Don’t sweat it. I just wanted to talk about some, important IT issues, but I’m sure we can hold off on that so you can get acquainted with Monica.” Turning to Monica she asked, “Are you ready? Your desk is right this way.”

Monica muttered a “Sure thing.” Quickly turning to Mr. Peppers so as not to lose Sheila who had already begin briskly walked away, she sang “Thanks again Mr. Peppers, I’ll see you at lunch.”

Home from work, Sheila absentmindedly sliced cucumbers for the salad she was preparing for her and Jesse’s dinner. Jesse was her on again off again beau and fellow employee at the hospitality group. Jessie was the Banquet and Catering manager, saving them from violating any fraternization policies.

Jesse, hearing the knife work get louder, glanced up from his laptop. “Bad day?”

Sheila couldn’t help but laugh, sarcastically asked “What gave it away?”

“Well,” Jesse gesturing, “You’re attacking those cucumbers like they cheated on you.”

“Well, it’s just this new broad that started at work today. She’s a little too smug for me.” Sheila stated with disdain in her voice.

Perking up, Jesse inquired, “Oh? New broad?”

Oblivious to his interest, Sheila plunged forward. “The new chef. Her name is Monica. I had to get her credentials and software set up today, along with showing her around.”

Jesse excitedly exclaimed, “Oh they filled the position. I’ll have to go introduce myself tomorrow.” Switching back to Sheila, he asked, “So, why do you think she’s smug, dear?”

“She was just very arrogant and sure of herself. She acted like she didn’t even want my help! And Mr. Peppers, he’s so obsessed with her. He cancelled our lunch meeting to have lunch with her. That meeting was going to be my chance to play some office politics. You know, schmooze the boss! Babe, I really want this ambassador position. I need this win! You know how much I’ve been overlooked for things like this.” Sheila said all of this in one breath.

Jesse, making his way to the kitchen, attempted to console her. “I’m sure he was just being nice to the new girl. Sweetie, no one would be better for this position than you. I wouldn’t worry about it.” He gently kissed her hand.

“He wasn’t JUST being nice. He was drooling over her. What, with her pageant queen demeanor, perfect skin, bone structure and statuesque frame, she just screams ambassador.” Sheila emphasized with sarcasm in her voice.

Jesse perked up. “Really now?” Sheila gave him the side eye and he attempted to reel in his excitement. “No, I mean, uh, I am just surprised at the description. It doesn’t sound like a chef. But that doesn’t make a difference.” Wrapping his arms around her as she began to plate the salad. “Me, I prefer short curly haired, 5 foot nothing, curvy girls myself.”

“Oh, hush up Jesse. Such a charmer, you are. Well for once, I'm not going to be ‘Ms. Nice Girl.’ I'm going to go after what I want. So, she better watch her step. Tomorrow is a brand-new day.” She paused to pick up her plate. “But first, this salad. And ice cream. A diet and a new attitude start tomorrow!”

Monica sitting in her new office, had just placed the crumpled letter that she had read dozens of times at this point back in her desk. She was trying to figure out how to make her next move. But now it was time to meet the team. As she headed to the conference room, she heard someone behind her clearing their throat, so she turned around.

Walking to catch up to her was a smartly man dressed with mischief in his eyes. “Hello, Monica. My name is Jesse, the Banquets and Catering Manager.”

She remembered seeing the name on the organizational chart. “Oh! Hello and nice to officially meet you.” She grabbed his extended hand and gave him a firm shake.

Jesse, looking her up and down while still holding her hand, smoothly replied. “The pleasure is all mine. I’m glad I caught you before the meeting. I wanted to say to you personally that I’m so happy you’re my new boss and if you need anything at all, let me know. “

By this time, they had reached the conference room and entered together, Jesse choosing to sit by her. Mr. Peppers and a few other managers were already inside, including Sheila who after observing Jesse’s choice of seat looked hurt, then irritated. “Monica, Jessie. Perfect timing. We are about to get started. Welcome, everyone. First order of business is, I want to formally introduce you to someone that you all will be working with very closely. Our new Executive Chef, Monica!”

There was a small round of applause and then Mr. Peppers continued. “Monica comes with a great deal of experience which is why I’m happy to report that she is also a finalist to become the next company ambassador!”

Sheila, not being able to resist chimed in and said, “But, Mr. Peppers, I thought you had to be with the company for a certain amount of time to be considered for that position?”

Mr. Peppers answered dismissively. “That was initially what we stated, but I think, especially with her expertise and connections, that we can make an exception.”

The meeting went on for another half hour, which was enough time for Sheila to give mean stares at Monica and for Jesse to “accidentally” brush his leg against hers three times.

As soon as the meeting ended, Sheila made her way over to Jesse and Monica and jumped right in. “So, I don’t recall you mentioning an interest in the ambassador role when I brought up my interest in Mr. Peppers’ office yesterday.”

Monica replied, “Well, you know what, I didn’t until after Mr. Peppers and I had lunch. Mr. Peppers actually insisted I apply. And I didn’t want to disagree with the boss right? But I’m sure you have nothing to worry about.” Refocusing on her original mission for coming here, she softened her voice and began to petition Sheila. “Hey, I wanted to get on your calendar this week to-“

Sheila interrupted. “Sorry, I’m busy. And I’m sure you won’t have time either. I just added some extra modules to your to do list. Just another 15. Due within a week.” Now who’s the smug one? Sheila smirked to herself.

Jesse, coming and positioning himself in between them asked, “Ladies, how’s everything going?”

Sheila, putting her arm in Jesse’s said “Oh nothing honey, just chatting about her compliance items. I actually have to run. Walk me out honey?”

Jesse, smoothly sliding his arm out of her grasp stammered. “Oh, actually I was just going to finish up discussing a couple of items with Monica. Is… that ok?”

“Really?” Sheila said dejectedly. “Work comes first, I guess.

Monica observed all of this as shock and recognition surely shown on her face. “Oh, are you guys an item?”

Jesse hesitantly confirmed “Well, yeah something like that.”

“Interesting. Please excuse me.” Monica said as she left them standing there. She had to get back to her desk. Her plan began to form of how she could get an audience with Sheila, gain her trust and reveal her secret.

“Get off of Jesse now!” Sheila exclaimed as she burst into the hotel room. She had gotten a text from Jesse’s phone asking her to meet him here but now she found him with Monica, sitting in his lap.

Monica calmly stood up as Jesse looked between them shocked. I should have known it was too good to be true for Monica to invite me here he thought to himself.

“Sheila, I can explain!” Monica exclaimed. “I hope doing this for you shows that I can be trusted.”

“Doing this for me!?” Sheila fumed. “I knew you were arrogant; I didn’t know you were off your rocker as well. Actually, you did do me a favor because now, I feel even less guilty for what I’m about to do.” Sheila began to tap on her phone.

Monica shouted. “Look, I have information for you. I didn’t want to say anything until I have proof and now, I do.” 

“The only proof I have is that you are obsessed with me. First you try to take my promotion and now you’re trying to take my man!” Sheila was shouting at this point.  

“Sheila, who do you think sent you the message to come here? Surely not Jesse.”

Sheila stared in silence … “Wait, you sent that?”

“Yes, it was me. I grabbed his phone while he was in the restroom.”  

“I wish I would have known…” Sheila’s voice trailed off.

Monica asked, “Wish you would have known what?”

At the same time Sheila said “Jesse, get out!”

Jesse, seemingly happy to not be the focus of her wrath, didn’t have to be told twice but he couldn’t help but throw in a, “I’ll call you later baby” as he ran out the door.

Monica repeated “Wish you would have known what?”  

“Well, I had already been thinking of ways to, ah...” Sheila paused. “Ways to make sure I get the ambassador position. I had already composed an email from your account to the CEO basically bribing him with more celebrity chef restaurant hook ups and propositioning him in exchange for the ambassador position.” Sheila begrudgingly showed Monica her phone screen. “And just now when I saw you all, I pressed send.”

“ARE YOU SERIOUS!?!?” Monica bellowed. “Unsend it, or something! Now!” 

“Well Monica, you’re not completely innocent here!” Trying to change the subject. “Other than knowing you set my man up and got me here, why should I unsend it?”  

“Sheila, I tried to meet with you the other day and you brushed me off. I figured if I could get proof that Jesse was cheating, you’d be open to hearing me out on another matter.”

“This isn’t adding up, Monica. Why would you care? And what matter is this?”   

Monica pulled a letter and picture out of her purse and nervously handed it to Sheila. “I’d care because we are sisters. And I’d do anything for family.” 

Sheila, stunned, snatched the picture and looked up at Monica in shock. She grabbed the letter, fell back on the bed, and began to read.

Dear Monica, if you’re reading this, that means I am no longer. I’m so sorry for everything that you endured growing up and I understand why you didn’t stay in touch once you got older. I want you to know, I really did love you even if I didn’t always do a good job of showing it. I am writing this from the hospital. I needed to confess something to you. You and your brothers weren’t my only children. You have a half-sister as well. I didn’t keep in touch with her because when your mother found out, she made me cut off all communication. I don’t know much aboug her except that; she works in hospitality in St. Louis and she went to school for IT Management. I have this one picture of her as a toddler. If I have one dying wish, it’s for my two girls to connect. I know you always wanted a closer relationship with family. Maybe that time is now. I love you baby girl and again, I’m sorry for everything. Love, Dad. 

Tears in her eyes, Sheila looked up at Monica and said, “What in the Telenovela?” 

At that very moment, Monica’s phone beeped. She grabbed it and read the work e-mail alert. “So, I just got an e-mail from HR, wanting to meet with me. Are you going to explain to them what happened? Or am I?”

The next morning, they went down the elevator in silence as they both were escorted out of Rob’s Hospitality together with their belongings. Monica had been terminated for meeting her direct report at a hotel and Sheila for hacking into Monica’s email.

Jesse had been fired too, but neither of them had any sympathy for him. Sisters before misters.

Monica looked at Sheila and sighed. “Well, at least we have each other now.”

“True sis, but we still need jobs.” Sheila pointed out.

Monica blurted out, “Hey! Maybe we can start our own thing! Shall we put our father’s insurance money to use?”

Sheila, laughing to keep from crying suggested, “S & M Restaurant and IT management?”

“Make it M & S, and you’ve got a deal!”

As they exited the building, they chattered excitedly about their plans, just like sisters.