The Pilot

Chapter Fifty Six

"Goodnight Gorgeous" Danielle got out before she fell fast asleep wrapped in the arms of the woman she loved.

As usual, Danielle was the first to wake up the next morning. She gazed at the woman lying next to her. Her brunette hair spread over the pillow, lips parted slightly allowing the softest of snores to slip out but also with the smallest hint of a smile too. She leant down and placed a quick, gentle kiss to her forehead which caused the smile to grow a little bit bigger. She got out of bed, threw on her running gear and grabbed her airpods. She decided just to go for a short run today so she crossed the road into the gardens and ran all the way to the train station and back again. She had only been gone 30 minutes and Stefania was still asleep. She crawled up the bed and lay on top of the sleeping Italian peppering her face with little kisses. "Hmmm Buongiorno Bella" she said opening her eyes kissing the blonde on the lips. "Mmm, you're all sweaty. Your lips are salty" she said licking her own lips. "Yeah, I've just been out for a run" Danielle replied. "I'm going to go for a shower." She said hopping off the bed "I'll join you" the brunette giggled following the blonde off the bed and in to the bathroom.

"So, what are we going to do today then?" Stefania asked as she dried her hair. "Well... I was thinking we could go out for breakfast somewhere and then maybe spend a day at the Zoo?" Danielle suggested as she pulled on a T-shirt. "Ah, yes that sounds lovely. They have Pandas I think. They're my favourite animal you know" Stefania replied as she captured the blonde's face pulling her chin up for a kiss. "Pandas? Really?"

They walked the relatively short distance to Loudons in Fountainbridge. "Good Morning Ladies. Is it breakfast today? Or just a coffee?" The young server asked. "Breakfast please though I know there's probably a wait" Danielle smiled. "There is a little bit of a wait but it's only about 15 minutes at present. If you're alright with that I'll just get you to sit here until we have a table ready for you. Can I get you a drink while you're waiting?" "Si, I'll have a cappuccino please" Stefania smiled. "And I'll have a tea please" Danielle said taking her seat and looking like she was typing on her phone.

Only about 10 minutes later they were shown to their table where the waitress took their order. Both women deciding on the Brioche French Toast but Stefania asking for the Pecans to be left off. They enjoyed their food in comfortable silence just stealing glances at each other and smiling every now and then. Just as they had asked for the bill, Danielle's phone began to ring. "Oh, I should take this, here's my card to pay for breakfast" she said as she stood up from the table. "No Bambina, I got this. You paid for everything yesterday. Let me get this today" the Italian smiled. Danielle moved to the exit to take her call as Stefania then paid.

DS: Hello?
Caller: Hello. Is this Ms Savre?
DS: Yes, speaking.
Caller: Hello Ms Savre. This is Gordon Banks. The events manager at Edinburgh Zoo. I believe you had emailed a short while ago to enquire about the zoo keeper experience with our pandas?
DS: Yes, that's right. Sorry, I appreciate that it's short notice but I'm willing to pay more money if you want me to. I'm hoping it can be an awesome surprise date for my girlfriend.
GB: No, no that won't be necessary. But if you wish, you can make a donation to our conservation fund. The reason I was calling was just to say that as it's nearly 10:30am, you've missed out on breakfast feeding times but we'd be happy to let you help with the evening feedings and making sure their beds/sleeping areas are clean.
DS: Yes, that would be amazing. We're wanting to spend the whole afternoon at the zoo anyway so that's fine.
GB: OK great, if you meet our panda keeper Malien just in front of their enclosure at 4pm, she'll show you the ropes. I'll have the front desk give you your wristbands but make sure they know it's a surprise.
DS: Amazing. Thank you Mr Banks, I look forward to it.