It Began In Italy | ✔️

Chapter Three

"Newcomer?" he questions, his accent impossibly deep, as he crosses his arms. By the way he is dressed, I would presume he was a waiter, but his use of small talk makes me question the notion. My thoughts are confirmed when he takes a pad and a pen out of his pocket. A waiter.

"What gave it away? My terrible accent?" I joke and he laughs before shaking his head.

"I wouldn't forget a pretty face like yours," he counters, and I try to keep my breathing even and reduce the blush rising in my cheeks at the compliment. "Can I get you anything to drink?" he quickly changes the subject and I shake the thoughts from my head before looking back down at the menu.

"A glass of Pinot, please," I say, and he writes it down on the pad - his strong hand moving swiftly.

"Nice choice. Anything to eat? Or would you like me to come back?" he questions but I shake my head, ready to order.

"Can I have the gnocchi alla sorrentina, please?" I read in the best Italian accent I can muster to simply not embarrass myself. This elicits a broader smile from him, and I hope that it wasn't one out of amusement.

"Your pronunciation is great, do you have any relatives from here?" he asks, inquisitively, those blue eyes shining brightly. I'm concerned that other people are waiting, and I am holding them up by keeping him here, so I keep my answer short and sweet.

"My Aunt and Uncle own a townhouse here but that's as far as it goes... Am I holding you up?" I quickly ask and he looks around at the overly busy restaurant before nodding his head.

"I am definitely very far behind, but my father owns this place, it's family heirloom of sorts. I'm sure he'll only be slightly annoyed that I am several tables behind, but he'll understand..." he trails off. "I'll send this through, but we will continue this conversation."

Before I can utter another word, he is walking away, and I can't help but feel a small flutter run through me. I shut down any feelings of desire because it's always the same. A guy shows me the tiniest bit of attention and I think I'm in love... and that's simply crazy. But there's no denying his god-like looks and his deep voice that makes my insides turn to liquid.

My phone buzzes and it takes me a second to register that the incessant ringtone is playing. Looking down, I see that I am getting a phone call... from Ambrose? I'm reluctant to pick up but I accept the call before it rings out.

"Hello?" I ask down the line, completely baffled.

"Hey, Heidi..." Ambrose says, and I furrow my brows. "I just... I wanted to say how sorry I am. I took your love for granted and I know this apology is well overdue, but I can't function without you," he floods down the phone.

I can't help the emotion that constricts my chest as I clear my throat. "It's over, Ambrose, no number of apologies will make what happened right. It's probably best if you just move on... I have. Anyways, I can't talk right now, maybe another time," my voice wavers as I prepare to hang up.

Of course, with my luck, the waiter comes back with my wine and places it on the table in front of me. I mouth a thank you before I take a gulp of it. I'm going to need something to get me through this conversation.

"I know... I don't want you to forget because I know that it was beyond shitty of me but instead of showing you how sorry I am through apologies, you could give me a second chance. You could give me a second chance to show you the love that you deserve... please, Heidi." The waiter throws me a questionable look.

"Is everything okay?" he asks, and I cringe, nodding my head. Was it really that obvious?

"Who are you with? Whose voice did I just hear, Heidi?" Ambrose presses and I roll my eyes.