Unedited *
I woke up with a start upon hearing the alarm blare through the room.
Four-thirty in the morning. I claw at my duvet tucking it under my chin turning my back to the alarm, ignoring it's high pitched protests.
It's your first day at the café, you have to be on time.
I mutter, moving off the bed and trudging to the window with the duvet wrapped around my quivering shoulders shielding me from the icy June weather. I pull the heavy Maroon curtains apart and my teeth rattle as the cold air rushes in. It's still dark out and the moon sends its silver light across the midnight blue sky into my tiny bedroom.
I throw the duvet back onto my bed and saunter to the bathroom at a sloth's pace. I hesitate to turn on the faucet as the silver metal glistens with cold dew drops. It too has fallen victim of this winter's cold touch.
My bare feet slap against the cold, grey and white granite tiles as I step into the shower,a man-made water fall. The liquid hydrogen - oxygen compound caresses my dark yellow -brown russet skin. The sweet scents of vanilla and cherry blossom body wash engluf me and form a crystal-like applique on my body as I lather ensuring that I don't miss any crevices.
I make my way to the taxi rank only to be greeted by the piercing odour of urine and the taxi drivers' unwashed bodies which contrasts my sweet fragrance.
I soon arrive at the café after sitting a crowded mini bus taxi, bombarded by the awful smell of breathe laced with cheap cigarettes and booze.
The café is bustling with workers rushing to and fro making preparations before the customers arrive.
I make my way to the supervisor's office pressing my uniform ridding it of any creases, tucking a stray braid into my scrunchie. I knock on the door and enter once hearing a warm baritone saying "come in".
I am met by a pair of drowzy deep blue eyes which stand out against his dusky skin. A five o'clock shadow already framing his fine jawline. He smiles at me. "good morning miss-" he looks to me expectantly.
"Novi" I begin flustered by his thick Mediterranean accent "Novi Wright." I say reaching for a handshake which he accepts. His hand is slightly calloused, but warm as he encompasses mine in a handshake.
As he stands up from his leather chesterfield armchair. His scent diffuses throughout the room. He smells like tabbacco leaf with hints of sandalwood and sweet, sweet coconut.
Swoon!
" I'm Thiago Ventura " he says as he skirts around the desk sending a ghost smile. I tuck my lips into the warmth of my mouth and nod.
"nice to meet you Mr Ventura" I rasp unintentionally, mentally chiding myself.
I like the way his name rolls off my tongue. It's so foreign.
Imagine if that was your last name! My mind teases and I smile to myself.
"let me show you around no?" he says cocking his head to the side
His voice draws me out of my reverie and I nod, slightly disoriented.
He takes my hand in his and my brows knit together in confusion . He tugs me out of the office and Into the cafe already warmed by the pastries in the oven and freshly brewed coffee.
As he shows me around introducing me to my new peers, I can't help to stare at his back as he walks. confidence in his stride. The lean muscles on his back flexing underneath the black fabric of his shirt. The world around me dims except for the melodious sound of his voice as he speaks.
"I'm sure that you will enjoy working here, " he assures as he halts.
"I guess so" I nod feigning nonchalance lacing my forearms across my small chest.he smirks mimicking me " I guess so" he says in an exaggerated high pitched voice putting a fist on his hip.
I gape at him openly before falling into a fit of laughter.
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