Date: Sat, 12 Mar 2016 20:02:08 +0000 From: Clive Westwood Subject: Life's Illusions - 10 years on - Chapter 27 Relationships Please remember to donate to Nifty, it gives so much to all of us. Any amount, large or small, is welcome in order to keep this free site available. Thank you, donations to the address below. Http://Donate.nifty.org/donate.html Life's Illusions - 10 years on - Chapter 27 At The Inn, both Pierre and Piers were banned from working for a minimum two weeks. The boys complained that it was unfair, but Aly and Bo pointed out, both had given them a serious scare health wise, they were taking no chances. As the two weeks ban drew to a close Aly called a family meeting on Sunday afternoon at four. When they met, Pierre and Piers were informed they would not be allowed to work more than fifteen hours each week, this would only be allowed over five days, they must have at least two days each week where they didn't work at all, one of those two days must be Saturday or Sunday. The boys protested strongly but neither Aly nor Bo were being moved, Aly pulled both boys onto his lap. "Poppa Bo agrees with me, we were stupid, we allowed you to do what you wanted and therein lies the problem, you're both too good, you want to work, but you go too far, you're boys, you should be enjoying your childhood, well from now on we will insist you do just that. Bo outlined how they would police the boys work. "I have already spoken with every department head, if they want to employ your services, they have to log into the system both your start and finish times, failure to adhere to my instructions could result in suspension or dismissal, so be aware, flaunting the rules could get someone who needs their job sacked, we aren't penalising you, we want to keep you safe, you have to understand how devastating it was to see you both collapsed, injured, in front of us". Aly changed the subject, he took six hundred euros from his pocket and laid it on the coffee table, trying not to laugh as he spoke. "Now, I believe I was supposed to insert this somewhere very personal, well I'd rather not, but I do believe I can forget that instruction if I listen to your request Piers, so would you care to explain for us". The others were laughing openly whilst Piers was blushing. "Sorry Poppa". Aly hugged him. "We already agreed there's no need to apologise, now explain for us". Piers sat thinking for a minute before he spoke. "That Saturday I cleaned twelve bedrooms, the tips left by guests came to a total of four hundred euro's, and I get to keep them, I don't see how that is fair". Aly looked puzzled as he answered. "The guest leaves a tip as a token of their appreciation of how the room has been cleaned and presented to them, so it's right the room cleaner gets to keep the tip, that was the guests intention" Piers thought for a moment. "That's just it, I didn't clean those rooms before the guest checked in, I didn't clean and tidy those rooms every day the guest was here, I just cleaned them on the day they left, those tips weren't meant for me, they were meant for the entire collective system which provided the guest with a good experience". Piers stopped to think. "A guests experience is usually based on their room, but think about all the other things that go into making their experience special, someone greets them, someone checks them in, someone takes them and their luggage to their room, someone washes the linen that's been placed on their bed, someone delivers room service, someone turns down their bed, refreshes their towels, tidies the room, I could go on, how is it fair that the one person who is in the right place at the right time, gets the loot and everyone else gets nothing?". The others were silent, thinking, so Piers went on. I'll give you another example, in the kitchen, little Claude, the dishwasher, I've worked lots of times with him". Piers paused again to think about what he wanted to say. " On a Friday, Saturday and Sunday he works like a madman to keep up, by close each night he's exhausted, and yet he gets no tips, they go sometimes to the table waiter or more often to Henry the Maitre de, as the guest leaves, imagine if Claude didn't work as hard as he does, no dishes, no meals served, no tips". He stopped again to think. "As I said, I've worked with Claude, he works hard because he wants to show you how much he appreciates you giving him a job after his accident meant he couldn't work in the fields, he thinks you two walk on water". This time they could see Piers was searching for the right thing to make his point but Bo interrupted him. "I get it Piers, you're trying to say this whole business is like a timepiece, a series of cogs and springs, it doesn't matter how good the biggest cog is, if you take away even the tiniest cog or spring, the whole thing stops, it doesn't work unless every cog and spring is working properly". Piers was beaming. "Yes, that's it exactly, it doesn't matter how good your food is, if Claude doesn't provide perfect China to showcase it, then it fails, it doesn't matter how good the standard of room cleaning is, if the receptionist upsets them on the way in, or the bellboy damages their luggage, their stay is a failure, diners who book a table on the rose terrace, would they pay the table premium if the roses were all dead, if the gardener didn't keep it looking beautiful, if there were weeds all over the place?, no one person provides the guest experience, it's a collection of what we all, every member of staff and family does, therefore I believe every cent of tips should be pooled and distributed equally amongst every member of staff, and I mean staff, not us, we get the rewards from profits, we don't need tips, it's not fair if we take a share". Piers sat back, clearly satisfied, he'd made his case. Aly had listened intently, and he was impressed. "I'm sorry son, I understand now why you blew a gasket that night, I dismissed your suggestion, and if I remember rightly, I wasn't very nice about it, you have a damn good argument for pooling tips, but you have to understand, there will be a lot of people unhappy with your suggestion, a lot of people stand to make more, but a lot will make less, those are the ones who won't be happy with you, are you prepared for that?". Piers thought for a moment. "We work together, we're rewarded together fairly, anybody who can't accept that is not a team player anyway". Aly spoke up. "Okay, we've listened, I propose we vote on Piers recommendation, if there is no clear agreement Pierre will add a further vote". Pierre was dumbstruck. "Why me?". Aly laughed. "Because you are so correct, you wouldn't lie just because it was your brothers proposal, it wouldn't sit well with you". Aly asked for a show of hands in favour of adopting Piers proposal, Pierre needn't have worried, it was a unanimous agreement. Aly summed up. "Okay, I have a task for you boys, write two scripts, one to every member of staff, explain why we are changing our practice in relation to the distribution of tips". Aly paused as Pierre scribbled. "The second script is to our guests, explain our policy on the distribution of tips, but make it clear, there is no requirement to offer tips, neither we nor our staff members solicit tips". Again he waited for Pierre to catch up. Once we have the text of the second one agreed we'll have it laminated and framed, it will be available in every room, on every table and displayed throughout The Inn". Pierre wanted to discuss another matter, themed parties, but Bo asked if they could possibly reschedule it for another time, he felt they'd used up enough of the boys afternoon and evening, it was six o'clock, they had two hours before bedtime to be boys. As Aly predicted the new policy received mixed responses, there were many who openly thanked them for their decision, but a good few made threats of leaving if the new policy went ahead. To put a stop to the debates amongst staff, Aly and Bo wrote an open letter to all staff, each letter was printed, but carried the staff members name written by hand, and each was signed personally by Aly and Bo. Dear........... We write to you because we see the effect our recent decision, to equally divide gratuities amongst the entire workforce, has had on our staff. We want you to know first hand how we personally value your contribution to The Inn. As our youngest son showed us, The Inn is like a finely tuned timepiece, expertly providing an excellent service. But any timepiece, whoever it's maker, is only a series of expertly arranged cogs and springs, some large, some small, each making their important contribution to the overall smooth operation. It has long been the practice for the bigger cogs, the bigger springs, to take all of the gratuities for themselves. We were tasked with justifying the practice of allowing a few to benefit, when a lot did not. We are ashamed to admit, we were called into question by both our sons, who gave a compelling argument for equality. We were reminded, the smallest cog or spring contributes as much to the overall operations of The Inn, as the largest cog or spring, neither can operate without the other, The Inn's very existence depends entirely upon every cog or spring, however big or small, working efficiently together. Take away any, even the smallest, and the whole is nothing, it wouldn't work, it could be pretty, picturesque even, but it wouldn't function, wouldn't offer the intended service. What we are really saying is, our sons were right, everyone of you contribute, everyone of you should gain, from this point on you will. If you cannot accept this decision, then we will part company, it will be our loss, of that we are completely sure, you all, without exception, are that valuable, but equality will reign at The Inn. God bless you. Ally & Bo ........................... There was a loss of staff, the first being Henry, the Maitre de, he was venomous in his verbal attack on Piers, and loud in defence of his privileged position, but it still came as a shock to everyone when Bo took him aside and sacked him on the spot. "It pains me to do this, but I'm a realist, you will never see reason, we cannot work together in harmony, so I have no option, you will receive your salary to date, plus another months salary, but from today we part company". Several staff from housekeeping tendered their notice, a few realised how hasty they'd been, doing a swift u-turn when they realised there was no compromise on offer, overall the new policy was accepted". Some time later Piers reported for work in the kitchen on a Saturday night, where he was teamed with Claude, they worked tirelessly all night keeping pace with the tidal wave of China and glassware which threatened at times to bury them. At the end of their shift Claude took a clumsily wrapped little parcel from his locker, awkwardly he offered it to Piers who was surprised. "What's this Claude?". Claude giggled. "I thought I was supposed to be the slow one, it's a present silly". Piers laughed, but he opened the gift. Inside he found an iPod, he just stared at it, until Claude spoke. "You like your music, I thought instead of listening to me ramble, you could listen to music while you work, is it okay?, the man in the shop said any boy would love it, if it's not I can change it for something else, I just wanted to show you how much you did for me, I can look after my Momma better now, we're both grateful, Momma asked me to invite you to tea tomorrow, that's if you don't have anything else to do". Piers was on the verge of tears. "Claude, you didn't have to do this, it wasn't me who agreed to the share out, I just put it forward, and let's get something clear, I choose to work with you because I know you pull your weight, and I enjoy your company, it makes the work enjoyable". There was a silence before Claude spoke again. "So, do you think you might be able to come to tea tomorrow?, you don't have to stay long, but Momma wanted to say thank you". Piers grinned. "Can I bring my family, I know they'd be honoured, and this is probably the most precious present I'll ever get in my life, the one I'll always cherish". Claude was ecstatic. In the lounge before bed that night Piers told his family what had happened, showed them the iPod, they agreed Sunday tea with Claude and his mother sounded a good idea. They were due at Chateau Montclair for Sunday lunch so Bo suggested they take a slow leisurely walk out to Montclair, then a lazy walk back ending at Claude's cottage, but he told them, he'd have his guys bake a few cakes and deliver them early to Claude's Momma. Sunday saw both boys relaxing, as both had only taken one day that week where they hadn't worked, this was one of their obligatory rest days. The family walked out to Montclair for lunch, as Bo had suggested, they walked back along the country lanes in the late afternoon, stopping on the way at Claude's cottage about a mile from the village. Claude and his mother, who insisted they call her Paulette, were overjoyed to welcome them into their home. The cottage was beautiful, but badly in need of maintenance. The lounge was tidy with old furniture which gleamed from polishing, but the kitchen, bathroom and one of the bedrooms had large areas of damp and mould growth which their landlord refused to do anything about. Claude told them it didn't really matter, the landlord wanted to sell the cottage, so they expected to be given notice soon, he worried about where they would find another property to rent that they could afford, but he didn't want his Momma to worry. Aly and Bo were concerned, it was true Claude was a little slow as people said, but not in his willingness to work. They'd first heard about Claude's plight from the Bakers wife, she told them it was a scandal, no one was willing to give Claude a chance at work, because his injuries, suffered in a farming accident had left him with slight brain damage. They'd met him and offered him the job of dishwasher at The Inn. When Claude starred working for them, he worked alongside an older employee who had been at The Inn since before Aly inherited it. Not long after Claude came to them the older guy decided it was time to retire and try as they might, it proved impossible to get anyone to replace him, not that Claude minded he just worked harder. Aly had long ago decided, never mind people, he installed machinery to take care of the dishwashing, Claude fed the machine and dealt with the constant stream of clean China and glassware coming out the other end, for someone who was supposedly slow in the head, he had an uncanny knack of knowing where, in which area, china and glassware would be needed. There were only limited times when Claude came close to not being able to cope alone, Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights, these were the times when Piers worked with him, marvelling at how Claude had the whole process under control, everything ran like clockwork. As they said their goodbyes, Aly and Bo each had something on their mind. Aly was determined to buy the cottage and renovate it to a standard that ought to have been achieved already if the current landlord weren't a penny pinching money grabber. Bo was determined to get Claude's Momma into the kitchen at The Inn. The cakes and pies Bo's chefs had delivered that morning were good, better than good, but they didn't compare, didn't even come close to the cakes and fruit pies baked by Claude's Momma, he'd decided, by hook or by crook she would supply The Inn, and he wanted her to show his chefs what she could do, it almost made him giggle as he predicted they would start of haughty, until they tasted her fare, then they'd get serious, determined, they'd pursue her with a vengeance to know how she did it, he predicted she would be their guru, she would become a standard and quality they would aspire to reach. Two weeks later Aly left instructions for Claude to come to the office at six o'clock before starting work. Aly of course gave no thought to the way Claude would interpret the instruction, he didn't see the tears rolling down Claude's face as he sat in the staff changing room, but several of the staff did. When questioned, he told them he thought he was about to be sacked, why else would he be summoned to the office. Someone sent for Piers who found Claude sobbing. "Hey Claude what ever is the matter, who's upset you?". Claude could only answer with a stuttering voice. "I think Aly's going to sack me, I have to go to the office before work, I don't know what I've done wrong". Piers was incensed, as usual his fiery temperament had him bristling. "You stay here, I'll sort this, your job is safe I guarantee it". Piers entrance into the office suite was one that most of the staff would remember for quite some time. Despite the notice on Aly's office door indicating a meeting was in progress, Piers flung the door wide, his stern face zeroing in on his Poppa. Aly knew immediately he was in for an ear bashing, he could see the look of thunder on his son's face, he tried to diffuse whatever the situation was, though in truth he had no idea why Piers was upset. "What is it son, has something upset you?". Piers was incensed. "I want to know why you're sacking Claude, why my friend is sitting in the staff room sobbing". Aly was taken aback, for a moment Piers question didn't sink in, then he realised the department heads sitting around the table were all, every one, openly glaring at him. Piers was in no mood to wait. "I'm waiting, and this better be good, because if he leaves, so do I". Aly at last found his voice. "I don't know what you're talking about, I asked Claude to come to see me before he started work to pass on some good news not bad news, now if you'll go get Claude, by the time you get back we should have this meeting, which you rather rudely interrupted, concluded". To say he felt stupid wouldn't go anywhere near what Piers felt as he backed out of the office apologising". "Sorry Poppa, I'll go get Claude". In the staff room Cluade was still sitting huddled when piers walked in. "You numpty Claude, I just made a right fool of myself, I'll probably be grounded, Poppa isn't going to sack you, he wants to tell you something, he said it's good news not bad, but he didn't say what, come on, he wants you now". Claude wasn't fully convinced. "Will you come with me Piers, I'm nervous". As they approached Aly's office the department heads were leaving, several of them smiled, whether in recognition or because they were amused at his stupidity, Piers couldn't tell. Aly beckoned them both inside and closed the door behind them. Placing an arm around Claude's shoulder he guided him to a seat on the sofa, away from his desk. "I'm sorry Claude, I didn't mean to upset you, I wanted to give you some good news, I didn't think about how you would take my request, please don't be upset, your job is probably the safest of all at The Inn, you are quite possibly the hardest working member of the team, so don't ever let the thought of losing your job enter your head". Aly paused. "The news I wanted to give you was that your cottage has been sold". Far from being happy this only served to further depress Claude's mood, it showed in his reply. "Oh, well I suppose that means we're going to be homeless shortly, great". Aly was smiling. "I said it was good news Claude, if I thought you were being tossed out onto the street I wouldn't consider it good news, your cottage has been bought by the family Bowles-Cruz". It only took a couple of seconds before Piers blurted out. "That's us, we're the family Bowles-Cruz, you bought it Poppa". Before Aly could reply he was being smothered in kisses by his son. When a beaming Piers finally let go and sat back down Aly continued. "Piers is right Claude, we bought your cottage to add to the properties we already own in the village, you will be moving out, but only for a few weeks, the time it will take to completely renovate the cottage so that it's fit for you and your Momma to live in, I haven't mentioned this to Piers or Pierre but, Bo and I would like you both to live here with us whilst the work on the cottage is being done, we can store your furniture in the old barn, it's perfectly dry, so now you have all the facts, what do you think?". Claude was sat staring at Aly. "You did this for us, I can't believe it, you're the only family that's helped us since I had that stupid accident, you already made our life easier when you gave me a job, then you increased my wages by giving me a share of the tips, now the cottage, I don't know how to thank you, other than to just say it, and I promise, I'll always be grateful and work as hard as I can for you". Aly had one other piece of good news for Claude. "There is one other thing, once the renovations are complete and you move back into your cottage, the new rent will be substantially lower than your current landlord is charging, that man needs stopping, I've spoken to The Comte and The Mayor about the state of his properties and the extortionate rents he's charging, I think he'll be finding out very soon he has a big problem looming in the form of compulsory repairs to his properties". When they finished and it was time for Claude to start his shift, Piers stood up with him and made to leave, until Aly spoke. "Would you stay please son, I think we have something which needs to be discussed". Piers knew exactly what his Poppa wanted to discuss, he tried desperately to get out of it. "I'm due on shift with Claude, could we leave it until later Poppa?". Aly was smiling inwardly. "I'm sure Claude can manage without you for a few minutes, sit back down please". Once Claude had left and the door was shut Aly placed himself next to Piers who started in without giving His Poppa a chance to speak. "I'm sorry Poppa, I was rude, I barged into your meeting and the way I spoke to you was disrespectful, I really am sorry, if I'm grounded then I deserve it". Aly put his arm around Piers pulling him close. "You were rude, not just to me, you were rude to the people in that meeting, they'd each given up their own time to attend that meeting, purely because we couldn't settle on a time during their working hours that everyone could accept, so for you to barge in and use up more of their personal time could have been really irritating for them, fortunately most of them think you walk on water so they didn't complain, but I am complaining". Aly paused for a moment. "I'm not grounding you, that is, if you agree to write an apology, and deliver it personally, to each person in that meeting you interrupted, do that and you are clear". Piers looked at his Poppa. "Thank you Poppa, I would have grounded me, why didn't you?". Aly thought for a moment. "This is the second time you've gone off on a rant without thinking of the consequences, I'm trying to show you there are better ways of achieving your objectives, attack is not always the best option, study should always be the first priority, planning is the second, execution is the final stage, which should only be the result of the knowledge gained from the first two stages, if that makes sense". Piers nodded. "You mean I'm a hothead, Pierre tells me that all the time, I'll do what you asked Poppa and I'll try to calm down in future". It took Piers nearly a week to get an appointment with each manager, in every case he followed exactly the same pattern, apologising in person, in public, and handing over his letter of apology, written freehand, not printed, in each case his apology was accepted. The last letter he saved for Saturday, he knew it was the busiest day, he would be delivering it in full view of both staff and guests. Approaching reception, he asked politely if his Poppa Aly could possibly spare a few moments for him. The receptionist was baffled but went into Aly's office to see if he could spare a few moments for his son. Within moments Aly was out into the reception area, concerned his son might have a problem. "What can I do for you Piers, is everything okay?". Piers handed the envelope to his Poppa. "I wanted to apologise Poppa, I very rudely and very publicly interrupted your meeting last week, for what turned out to be no good reason, I'm sorry, I hope you can forgive me". Aly took the letter, on opening it he saw it was handwritten. "Yes Piers, I forgive you, I also admire you for having the courage to deliver your apology in public, that takes guts, now I believe as your Poppa I can also demand a hug". Piers almost leapt into his Poppas arms. Later, relaxing in their private lounge Aly asked Piers why he delivered his apology in public and why the handwritten letter. Aly and Bo were surprised by Piers reply, Pierre wasn't, it was his advice that led to how Piers delivered each apology. "I listened to you that day, then I asked Pierre for help, you told me to study and plan before I executed my move, Pierre told me how to apologise, he didn't tell me what to say he just said, my apology had to contain real effort, anyone can say the word sorry, I had to show I'd put effort into it to give it meaning". He stopped to think for a moment. "I could have written the letter on my laptop and printed it out in a few minutes but there's no real effort in that, I was rude to everyone in that room, so they each deserved my individual apology, that's why I decided I would write to each person individually and by hand". Again he stopped. "I also decided that, as my outburst was public, my apologies should be too". It was Bo who responded this time. "Well I for one am pleased with you, it seems you did listen to your Poppa, and you took his suggestions on board". Bo then turned to Pierre. "I'm really pleased with you too son, it's good that you can take time to help your brother, and with such good advice, well done". Claude and his momma, Paulette moved in and stayed three weeks whilst the work to renovate their cottage was carried out. By the third day Paulette was bored, Aly and Bo had a household staff who cooked, cleaned, washed, ironed and generally took care of the families needs, she had nothing to do, Bo saw his opportunity. "Paulette, if you're bored would you consider doing me a favour?". She was surprised, unsure of what she could do for him but immediately agreed. "I want to trial some new cakes, pies and pastries for afternoon teas, this afternoon we have a late booking from the Village Ladies Club, my problem is, my chefs don't have enough spare time to devote to experimenting, and I seriously doubt they will be able to produce enough fresh caked and pastries for this afternoon, would you be able to do that, I need about two dozen assorted fruit pies and layer cakes?". Bo explained, he wanted both ends of the scale, standard rustic kitchen fare and out of this world fanciful creations. As expected his chefs were less than enthusiastic when Bo introduced Paulette, all but ignoring her whilst he was there, but he'd underestimated big time how rude they would be after he left. Within minutes of leaving Paulette in the kitchen, he spotted her making her way back to their house, and she was crying. Bo found Paulette in the lounge being comforted by a clearly angry Claude. "Okay, tell me what they said, exactly what they said". Paulette looked at him. "They don't need inferior fare spoiling there reputation". Bo was out of the house in seconds, marching determinedly toward the kitchens, anyone who saw him approaching got out of his way, it was clear to see he was in no mood for small talk, in fact he looked capable of inflicting serious harm. As Bo entered the kitchen, laughter could be heard from all four of his young chefs, that stopped abruptly when he picked up the first pan he encountered and threw it against the wall behind them. The noise was deafening as the pan hit the wall, bounced on a surface and clattered across the floor. Almost as one they turned with looks of shock to face a clearly furious Bo. "Who is Head Chef in this kitchen?". Again almost as one, they answered. "You are Chef". Bo's expression had them worried. "And yet you choose to usurp my orders by intimidating and belittling someone I installed in this kitchen to perform a very necessary task, perhaps you would like to explain your actions to me, because right now I'm of a mind to serve notice on all four of you". Bo stood facing them, his arms crossed, no one answered. "I see, well I will be watching with interest when you finally read the daily requirement list, something you seem to have overlooked, because in approximately four hours you are tasked with providing afternoon tea for The Village Ladies Club, fifty two settings to be precise, I will be truly amazed if you pull that off, two dozen assorted fruit pies and layer cakes on top of three other fully booked restaurants, good luck gentlemen". Bo turned to leave, stopped at the door and threw in a further comment. "Of course, you could drag your sorry asses across the courtyard, beg for the help of someone who is capable of producing fare which is far superior to anything any of you have ever produced, the clock is ticking gentlemen, in more than one respect". At that Bo walked out. Aly beckoned Bo to come into the office. "Are you okay love?". Bo was pacing. "No love I'm not, I just learned that the group I spent so much time teaching, encouraging, have turned into a bunch of pompous, self important pricks who believe they are much better than they really are, I've just threatened them all with the sack and it worries me that I very nearly carried my threat out". Looking out of the office window Aly commented. "It would appear your bunch of self important pricks have chosen to yield to your better judgment, they look to be on a mission, let's hope Paulette is in a forgiving mood, and Claude doesn't lay them all out flat, do you think you should intervene?". Bo watched them. "No Aly, I don't, they created this problem, let them solve it, or they can find other jobs, I'm that angry". Paulette took little convincing, Claude was a completely different kettle of fish, threatening to rip them each limb from limb if they upset his Momma further. As the day progressed each of the four chefs became increasingly impressed with the steady stream of cakes, pies and assorted pastries mounting up in the small annex where Paulette was busy. Much more interesting was their reaction to the endless stream of compliments coming from the dining rooms, before she left the kitchen that afternoon she had become a teacher. It was the youngest of the chefs who approached her on behalf of them all. "Paulette, we're sorry, what we did this morning was unforgivable, it was bullying, we didn't deserve your help, but you gave it anyway, we want to thank you, but more than that, would you teach us?, show us how to produce the kind of magnificent fare you produced today, if we can come even close we would be lucky, God alone knows, any five star establishment would kill to have you onboard". Predictably, being the kind gentle person she was, she agreed to show them how she baked, and so she became the fifth chef at The Inn. TBC ARB Allan Comments are welcome to cfgw2000@aol.com. Thank you for giving me your time, enjoy.