Love is Patience

Chapter three

Rose POV

"It'll be $45.30. Thank You, have a nice day ahead." Putting on a genuine smile I say to the lady and wave at her   kid excitedly.
It's just afternoon and I am tired as hell, last night Mr. Calvert had a blasting party and I bet every neighbour might be awake. I just couldn't sleep a wink. I have been received two more warnings  for my rent and previous bills yet it's only thrusday. He's getting more and more aggressive in his reminders.

Jordan, the coffee counter guy is on half day leave for today, so Mr. Romano selected me of all people to stay on his counter today and now that he is back I can go back to serving people. Mrs. Romano is much better now. As she has joined back in the office from today even Mr. Romano was against it. He wanted her to rest more but she didn't listen to him as usual. They are in there late fifties, being in so many years of marriage they are still in so much love. The love I yearn the most, but maybe I not one made for love.

Diner's door jingle breaks my thought and alerts me about the incoming of New customer. And I was awestuck. What a sight!! He was the most handsome man I have led my eyes on, black silk hair styled perfectly with gel, high cheekbones, pink beautiful lips unfortunately his eyes were hidden behind black sunglasses but I know for sure they might as gorgeous as he is. Even in his pristine suit he looks muscular, bulging biceps, strong shoulders and his shirt hugging his torso showing the outlines of his abs. Walking with such confidence and  elegance in his expensive dark blue suit with white button down, he takes a table for three beside the window. Behind him is another man an inch taller than him bulky and bald, tattoos littering around his neck peeking through his shirt collar. He's seems very alert, like scanning every nook and corner of diner.

Suddenly Jacy, another waitress nudges me my elbow to take orders as to it was my table. But before I walk to their table Mr.Romano came from his office and head directly toward them.

Are these his guests??
Taking two menus with me I walk to them, but as I refocus my attention to the man who entered first only to see he's directly looking at me!!
Now that he has taken off his shades I could see the beautiful ocean blue colour of his eyes. Or is it electric blue? My God those eyes hold so much depth, I could drown in them. Immediately I look down at my hands to hide my blush. I'm not the one who like to be a spotlight of the room, I can't take attention and it's the only thing he's giving me right now. I know my cheeks are tainted pink in shade.

As I reach their table, Mr.Romano fluently speaking in his native language, so it might be possible that these are Italian too. I clear my throat to gain there attention, which I only need of other two men cuz a pair of blue eyes is already having an intense stare at me.
"Good afternoon gentlemen. I'll be your waitress today. Here are your menus. Can I get anything to drink?"
I don't know why I am nervous all of a sudden or more like intimidated. Mr.Romano chuckles slightly, putting his hand gently on my shoulder he says, "They're not customers, sweetheart, they're my family. This is my nephew Adrian de Luca and this baldly man is his freind Marco Moretti. And this my favourite child Rose."
"Oh!! Hello sir." I say feeling more flustered. Adrian, what a beautiful name and definitely Italian.
It was not necessary but he still extended his hand out to shake. Hesitantly I put my small hand against his giant one, making an eye contact with him a jolt of electricity passed through me. A firm rough hand yet holding mine with such gentleness. His eyes, its like piercing into my soul want to know every secret of me and it scares me.

Mr.Romano clears his throat making me retreat my hand. I blush darker shade of pink in embarrassment.
"One black coffee" hearing his gruff voice for the first time.
"One chocolate frappe and some chocolate chip cookies for me" Mr.Moretti says standing beside him in a rigid stance.
"Something for you too Mr Romano?"
"Coffee double shot, my child. Thank you"
Writing there orders I went back into the kitchen without making any eye contact  with anyone. God! Why I am so flustered. He has not even talked to me or anthing like that.
"Your order's ready Rose" chef says as he passes me the tray.
Taking few deep breaths I walk to their table only to see them having some deep conversation yet Mr.De Luca staring at me.
Why does have to look at me?  Making me more nervous.
Placing their order, I ask "Are you ready with your orders gentlmen?"
"They'll not be ordering lunch dear," looking at Mr.De  Luca, says Mr.Romano. hmm weird!!
"And they're leaving soon."
"Oh! Okay. Have a nice day." I then politely excuse myself.

After few minutes, I realize Mr De Luca is walking towards the coffee counter. My hands becoming clammy and nervousness reaching its peak, what does he want now?
"What can I help you with sir?"
"It's Adrian for you." Says in his gruff yet husky voice.
"Uh-um,"  I am confused, he is Mr Romano's family and we don't even know each other.
He arches an eyebrow in question.
"I am sorry sir you're Mr.Romano's family and a customer to diner plus we are not even acquainted, aren't  we?"

He furows his eyebrows at my dumb explanation. Give me his stone cold eyes and clenching his jaw hard he says,"five chocolate pastries, pack up"
Giving him a nod, I pack his order all the time feeling his intense glare on me. Passing him his package I try and avoid eyes with him but he brushes his fingers with mine making goosebumps rise.
"Rose" my name rolled off with such smoothness it never felt that good. Slowly rising my head looking into his beautiful ocean blue eyes. Holding his stare, no matter how much I feel intimidated by this man I don't want to break it.
Suddenly his phone goes off, making him for the first time to break his staring. Glaring his phone screen his just takes the package and heads out to the diner. Strange

Rest of the shift remains hectic and walk to my apartment remains with just one thought in mind, Adrian De Luca. His personality exudes power. Confident in every move and carries such dark aura with him. For the time being he was there, I haven't seen him smile or even a relaxed face. Always stoic face, cold eyes, hard lines on forehead and always on alert, I don't know for what. I could still feel his voice echo in my mind.

Bumping into wall my thought come to halt, realizing it's not a wall but my very angry looking landlord. His clenched fists and diluted and red rimmed eyes confirms me he is completely drunk. Shit!!
"Sorry, I am so sorry Mr Calvert. I didn't see you there." I stumbled through my words.
"Always roaming around in these little  skirts," he slurred taking a threatening step towards me.
"I didn't mean to hurt you, I am sorry" I apologize again taking a step back,  only to realize it's my building's door.
"Such a tease you are, hmm" pinning to the wall caging me. He is smelling of some strong alcohol and smoke, making me want to puke.
"P-please Mr Calvert let me go. It w-won't happen again." I just want to leave, so I plead.
Tilting his head down, he sniffs my neck, my hair and whispering "You make me so hard"
With all the force I could gather, I pushed him hard making him fall in the pavement with a thud. I made a run to my apartment, opening and closing the bolt and shifting book  shelf against it just to be sure.

Sitting on couch, finally letting out a cry, sobbing like a little child. Holding a cushion to chest I let out a scream of desperation, of loneliness and helplessness. Sick and tired of being lonely, just wanted someone to lean on to, to cry my heart out. Lying on couch, exhausted of everything I just close my eyes, wanting to sleep away all these depressing thoughts.