wander

53|first day on the job

As I changed into the white polo shirt and red skirt, I took a look at myself in the mirror. I held my hair away from my face, deciding whether to have my hair down or up. In the end Romeo recommended I tie my hair up as it was part of the regulations. I sighed and tied my hair into a ponytail, leaving bits to frame my face. I rubbed some lip balm over my lips and took a final glance at myself.

Romeo stood in front of me so I couldn't see myself any longer. I look up to him. He's wearing a red polo shirt and black trousers. He hates it yet I think it's adorable the way he squirms and complains that it doesn't compliment his muscles or whatever. I laugh as he flexes in the mirror and shake my head at his ridiculous attitude.

Romeo lays his hands on my shoulders. His face is mere centimetres from my own and his lips taunt me. Whilst I stare at his lips, he watches into my eyes. I quickly peck him and run downstairs, grabbing a small bag on the way. Romeo follows shortly after, wrapping my body in his arms. He slowly slides his phone into my bag and I giggle at his bad attempt of trying to be stealthy.

-----

We arrive at Carmella's cafe and Romeo grips my hand tighter. I smile at his gesture.
"Ready?" He asks and I nod in response. We step through the door, hand in hand and Carmella greets us loudly.
"Ahh Romeo e Chiara piacere di vederti! Nice to see you!" She beams.
"You too!" I reply and she pulls me in for a hug. I hesitate at first but I soon exchange the hug. We pull away and Carmella rubs Romeo's shoulder in adoration.
"Ready to start? Romeo you direct her, yes?" She turns to Romeo.
"Ovviamente." He nods and takes my hand. (of course)

He leads me to a door behind the counter and closes the door. There's one or two others in the kitchen area. They both look up to us. The blonde haired man nods and smiles.
"That's Thomas. He's the only English speaking worker, well, until you showed up." Romeo taps the top of my nose. Thomas walks around the counter and holds his hand out.

"You must be Chiara. Nice to finally meet you, Romeo talks about you all the time." His thick british accent erupts into the room.
"Oh really? What does he say about me?" I keep my eyes on Thomas but see Romeo through my peripheral vision.
"Ask him." Thomas laughs and goes back to his worktop.

The other man walks over. He pulls me into a hug, he smells like sandalwood. When he pulls away I smile as he says something in Italian.
"Chiara, felice di lavorare con te." I look to Romeo to understand.
"Antonio, lei non parla italiano, te l'avevo detto." Romeo says. (Antonio, she doesn't speak Italian, I told you this)
"Oh okay, I'm Antonio." The man introduces himself and I smile. Antonio also goes back to work.

"Antonio speaks little English so he may be a little distant." Romeo chuckles, I grin. "So, work at counter?" He continues.
"I guess so." I reply.

Romeo opens a drawer underneath the counter top and rummages through it. He grips a pin badge and hooks it onto my shirt. It's a badge to explain I am here for the English customers who don't speak Italian. I'm guessing Thomas has one too. I tap my nails waiting for my first customer. As we wait, Romeo and I talk about our plans for the night.

"Want to stay at mine tonight?" He asks.
"Of course."
"If I drop you off at yours you'll meet me after you've got ready?"
"Yeah, what time?"
"Whenever, I'll just be sat waiting for you."
"Okay."

I look towards the door and I see a group of teens walk in the door. Romeo smiles at me, giving me hope. A brunette girl looks around until her eyes land on my badge and her face lights up with a smile. I give a genuine smile back. She stands at the other side of the counter with her friends behind her.

"Table for 4?" She asks sweetly.
"Take the booth to your right." I point her in the direction. Picking up 4 menus, I lead the to the booth and place the menus on the table.
"Anything to drink?" I hold out my notepad and pen.

They all ask for a Coke and I nod, writing down '4 cokes' in my notes. I leave them and go back to the bar area. I grab four glasses and fill them with ice and the drink. I struggle to hold all the glasses at once and I frown at Romeo. He shakes his head, smiling and grabs two of the glasses.
"I'm only helping because your cute when you struggle." He whispers.
"Shut up." I whisper back, in playful annoyance.

Romeo and I place their drinks down and thank you's are said between the table. I take out my notepad again and ask for their orders.
"Chicken salad." I didn't even know we sold a chicken salad.
"Sandwich number 4."
"I'll have the same, sandwich."
"Just ask for Sarah's usual order. They'll know." The girl who asked for a table speaks.

Going back to the kitchen I hand Thomas the piece of paper that I wrote the quick notes on.
"Oh and Sarah's usual order?" I add to the list verbally.
"Yeah, Sarah's weird sandwich combo." He smiles as he talks about her.
"I'm not even going to ask about it." I chuckle and go back to behind the tills and wait beside Romeo. He's talking to an older couple in Italian so I just stare at the door.

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The rest of my day was pretty calm. The cafe wasn't heavily busy today and only 4 or 5 people came after Sarah and her friends. I guess most people didn't speak English around here or they just didn't want me as their server. I suppose I'll get used to it all soon.