Crisis averted

A few weeks ago I received an email requesting a special morning tea for this Thursday. The occasion being a farewell to a colleague who will be taking up a three year overseas placement.
The only specification given was to have a cake. For past "special" morning teas we had scones and a fruit platter or sausage rolls added the normal fare.
My super market order came in today, including two unfilled sponge cakes as well as the makings of a filling. (lemon curd, cream cheese and blueberries)
My colleague Madge saw the sponges and enquired about what they were for so I explained and the lemon filling was given the tick of approval.
Later in the day though, she started asking why the budget wouldn't stretch to a catered morning tea.
In my innocence, I thought that "catered" was Madge speak for fancier and made a mental note to add some more items to the menu.
I was summoned quietly by the closest colleagues of our departing friend, they told me they wanted to be nice to their boss and went on to offer to order and pick up a large variety of sandwiches, quiches and fritters. One offered to make a fruit platter.
I was starting to realise that I had vastly underestimated this event and commented that I had no idea it was such a big deal.
"It kinda is" was the loaded reply.

I am still going to prepare my sponge but it won't be the centrepiece I expected.
Thank heavens they pulled me into line. The normal cheese, fruit, cake and cracker selection might have seen everyone fade away before lunch!