The Mate

Chapter Six

"Gino!" Alex and the smaller man walked and hugged each other. "How's it been?"

"Amazing." The man stated. "I back from Italy." his English was broken. "Family, mama isn't doing very well. But she's better now than when I out there. Better. She come next month. See you."

"Oh really? I get to see mama? You tell me when and I will try my hardest to see her."

"Oh," Gino looked toward Melody. "You bring girl? Name?"

"My name is Melody, it's nice to meet you." she held her hand out to him; instead Gino leaned forward and grabbed her into a hug.

"Bellissima." he muttered. "Siediti."

Alex grabbed Melody's hand and directed her to a table.

"Hi, I'm Beth and I'm going to be your server this evening." She looked up and saw Alex. "Oh, Alex. What you doing here? I've not seen you in a while. And I see you finally brought a girl here." She looked at Melody.

"This is Melody."

"Hi." she waved her hand.

"What can I get you guys today?" She asked.

"I would like water. Mel?"

"Water as well."

"Okay, and food?" Beth asked.

Alex looked at Mel. "I like anything, seriously." she told him.

"Tell Gino to make us an appetizer and the best pizza he can."

"Okay, he's been busy since he came back. So there isn't any telling what you're gonna get. Would you like some wine to go along with the pizza?"

"I'm not twenty one yet."

Beth shook her head. "You're not? Well, I won't tell." she winked and walked away.

"When will you be twenty one?"

"In two days."

"Two days?"

"Yes," she answered, confused.

"That's not too far away."

"No, it's just on Saturday."

"What are you going to do about it?"

"Nothing. Just go to work. Nothing special. I don't have anyone to celebrate with."

"Me." Alex smiled. "What time do you work? You can spend your birthday with me."

"Oh," she blushed. "I work until five thirtyish."

"But don't you open the store?"

"Yes, but she hasn't highered anyone. So," she huffed. "Just me, all day. Always." she rolled her eyes.

Alex wanted to see her roll her eyes again, he thought it was sexy. "Can you do that again?" he asked.

"Do what?"

"Roll your eyes."

"Why?" she asked with a giggle.

"I-" he looked down at his hands then brought his eyes to meet hers again. "Don't laugh. I thought it was cute."

She blushed. "I- I don't feel comfortable doing something like that." She leaned her elbows on the table and put her chin in her hands. "Give me a reason to roll my eyes." she teased him.

A challenge. A game. He growled. "Okay. I think you are the most beautiful woman I have ever met." she rolled her eyes again.

"See, cute." he laughed at her.