L'Arte dell'Amore (Not Edited)

III

Three days had passed and Lavender was walking towards the bookstore. Victoria had told her, she sat up an interview.

Her fingers fumbled with the crumpled piece of paper with the address.

A small, rustic building stood in front of Lavender. The sheer black tights she had decided to wear weren't made for this vile weather.

She shyly opened the door. An older man smiled up at her from behind a desk. Lavenders heart was jumping out her chest. She was scared and her face said it all, especially since the man frown upon seeing her.

"Lavender?" The older man spoke. She instantly nodded. He shot her a small smile as she stood there being helpless.

"Well I am Mr. Ripley, this is my little bookstore. Victoria, my granddaughter, told me about you. Lookin' for a job?" He continued talking, and motioned for Lavender to sit.

Lavender took the opportunity her legs were tired from walking around. Sinking into the soft chair she decided to finally speak up. Curse her nerves for making her stutter.

"I-um I am actually. I need a job. I know I am
b-bit inexperienced, but I promise I am a hard worker." She was red with embarrassment. Her breathing increased when he didn't say anything else.

"Oh sweetie. Calm down, it's okay. You have the job, you had it before you even came in here, Victoria told me all about you." Mr. Ripley was cut off by the bells of the bookstore door jiggling.

"Rip?" A familiar deep voice had Lavenders' heart racing again.

"In here" Mr. Ripley called out. Loud footsteps made their way behind her. Instinctively, Lavender had turned around in her chair. Professor Vincent locked eyes with Lavender. A small smile crossed her face and it warmed his heart.

"What do you need Vincent?" Mr. Ripley asked as he organized some papers.

"A private word for a second." Professor Vincent said. Instantly, Lavender stood up and frantically grabbed her bag.

"I'm sorry I will get going- I-Um No. Never-mind. I'm sorry for taking so much of your time." She stuttered out.

Vincent watched as she scrambled to grab her book. Her tights were thin, she didn't need to be walking out in that weather.

"Lavender, it's fine. Calm down." Mr. Ripley said and she continued slightly freaking out. Mumbling something softly she bit her lip. Her eyes were getting a bit teary. Dang it! Why was she even crying?

Mr. Ripley gave Vincent a look that said 'do something.' Vincent blew out a breath as his warm hand touched Lavender's shoulder gently. He guided her to seat down.

Her red-rimmed eyes looked up into his sharp ones. "Take a breath, I only need a moment with him." Professor Vincent motioned towards Mr. Ripley.

Lavender nodded, incredibly embarrassed.

A small encouragement pat was delivered to her shoulder before he removed his hand. Lavenders body responded in a tingle of jolting awareness. Encouraging actions always made her feel warm.

————

After their small talk, Vincent left and Lavender began working. She really liked Mr. Ripley. He was incredibly kind and had such a nice smile.

Lavender pulled her phone out of her pocket frowning when she saw no messages from her Mama. She would call when she got home. She looked at Victoria's number and decided to text her.

Hey it's Lavender, I worked a little on some ideas for our project. I got the job too! Thank you so much :)
x Lavender

Lavender waited patiently for the response. "Hey sweetheart, it's time for your lunch break." Mr. Ripley made sure to remind her. She seemed to be on the thin side.