THE GOLDEN LOCK

Chapter 5: Cold

The next morning, I awoke to the sound of sirens and instinctively, tried to grab my bag but didn't find it. Panic rushed over me and I fell to the side.

I looked at my surroundings trying to understand where I was.

You're in an Italian restaurant. The bag is hidden under the old stoven, No one knows you're the thief they're looking for. Well, technically, you're not the thief, but you get it. You're safe.

I got up and almost got blinded by the sun coming from the stained glass windows of the kitchen.

The clock was ticking behind me and I gasped when I looked at the time. I only had ten minutes before the restaurant opened for another busy day.

I quickly folded the towel I slept in and hid it behind another dozen of them.

I ran to the bathroom and splashed my face with water. Then, I tried to comb my hair with my fingers but gave up and put it on a messy bun. I put some strands of hair that had fallen behind my ear and sprint to open the doors to the restaurant.

To make it seem that I had been there for some time, I grab a broom and start cleaning the floor.

I wasn't surprised to see Peter arrive first.

"Hello, Mel. I see you've arrived on time," he smiles and for some reason, I feel my heart melt.

"Indeed I did," I smile back.

We didn't have time to utter another word as Zilini walked inside the restaurant, his black straight hair up on a low bun and a big blue scarf covering his neck.

"This cold is terrific!" Zilini grumbles as he shakes off the snow that stuck to his clothes.

Peter and I exchange an amused glance.

"Oh, I didn't see you there! Hello Peter, hello Mel! Congratulations, you made it on time!" He winked at me.

I laughed but then a cough followed and I had to cover my mouth as I saw their worried faces.

"Are you okay, Mel?" Peter asked as he got closer and put a hand on my back.

"Dios mío, are you sick, my dear?" Zilini followed Peter and did the same.

I smiled at their worriness but waved them off.

"It's nothing, something got stuck in my throat, that's all," I lied.

I felt something weird pressing on my chest but I hoped it would soon wear off.

"Peter, go grab her a cup of water," Zilini ordered.

"Oh no, I can do that-" but Peter was already gone.

I smiled at Zilini, but then I felt a sudden guilt. How would he react when he knew that he was hiding a runaway?

"Here," Peter arrived with the cup of water and as he was handing it to me, Cecilia arrived.

"What is happening here?" She asked, clearly annoyed. When was she not annoyed?

"Mel was choking earlier and I gave her a cup of water, that's all,"

I hated the fact that he had to explain everything just so he would avoid her jealousy.

"She can drink by herself, can't she?" She said while she took off her Barrett, scarf, gloves and glasses.

I noticed that they were all the finest brands.

Peter sighed but I took the cup in my hands.

"Yes, I can," I drank the water in one gulp.

After that, other cooks and employees arrived and we started the day.