Raison D'être

Initiative

Anastasia

I wake up in bed to know that Lorenzo is the one that brought me here because I have no recollection of going inside. I quickly get ready and decide on making Lorenzo's favorite as a thank you before going off to work.

As the bacon sizzles the aroma making my mouth water, I look over at the sound of Lorenzo skipping down the steps with a smile on his face, his dimples on display. Throwing a wink, he grins "buongiorno bella." [Morning beautiful]

His bright mood makes me forget about last night's worries, as I flip the bacon letting the edges crispen a little more. "Morning Lorenzo."

"It's a great morning Anastasia." I turn around to question his jolly mood this early, but I see him already close. So close, as he leans on the countertop with his usual smirk and dimple. I have the sudden urge to poke it, to make sure it's real, but decide not to. His proximity and eye contact make me flustered, and saying it would be the heat of the pan that is making my cheeks red would be a blatant lie. Looking away, I tease "why so Mr. Amoretto?" Putting the bacon on the plate, he takes one and starts to eat it, as I still feel his eyes on me.

"Well, I was thinking..." he starts. His unusual behavior this morning is quite entertaining. He is usually so quiet in the mornings due to the early hours or busy with work. As I butter the toast, there is still silence and I glance up at him to see if something is wrong. He looks as if he is mustering up the courage to ask whatever seems to be on his mind. He never looks like this. He's never looked so...unsure. Before I can ask what's wrong, he continues "I was thinking we would spend the day together."

It was either the bits of toast in my throat or his request, that I started coughing. It was latter, I'm sure of it. He is quick to pat my back as I reach over for the water. "So I take that as a no?" he asks as I gulp avoiding his eyes, too embarrassed.

"I would love to, but I have work," although it sounds rather lame saying it aloud. I really would like to spend the day with him, but I wonder if this is to press more questions about my past or the kiss.

"I called Carla, she said it was alright for you to take the day off."

"Oh." So he really wants me to go. Looking back up at him, his eyes filled with anticipation towards my answer, I satisfy him "so what do you have planned?"

The sides of his mouth lift, showcasing his dimples that I again want to poke to satisfy my curiosity as to whether they're real.

"Well, I figured I would take you around the city, Carla said you have lived there all your life but have yet to see what it has to offer."

"That sounds wonderful. When do we leave?"

"Well I was thinking after breakfast, but whenever you want to leave is fine I took the day off work."

"After breakfast sounds perfect."

"Sei perfecto," and at that, he smirks cheekily while eating another piece of bacon. I laugh at his behavior, before eating a strip of bacon myself. [you're perfect]

After breakfast, I went off to go call Carla about what I should wear, after the first ring she picked up.

"Sup sexy?"

"Carla, I need your help."

"Yea what is it girly?"

"Well, Lorenzo said he wants to show me the city and I'm unsure of what to wear. I usually wear sweats, but I'm going with Lorenzo-"

"HE ASKED YOU ON A DATE" I wince as the phone hums along with her yelling.

"No. It's not a date, he never said. It's a-" I think for a while before finally settling on "-a hangout."