Falling for You (Stefanielle)

Chapter 3

Danielle sat at Rob's bar and anxiously waited for Stefania's arrival. It was exactly 6, so she figured the Italian would be here soon.

"Can I get you anything?" Steven the bartender asked Danielle.

"Old fashioned, please," Danielle responded as she sat on the barstool and nervously bounced her leg. A few more moments went by, and Danielle continued watching the door, but still hadn't seen Stefania yet.

"Old fashioned," said Steven as he placed the drink in front of Danielle. "Are you waiting on somebody?"

"Yeah, but I don't know if she's still coming or not," Danielle replied as she swirled her drink around.

"You look like you could use a little cheering up. Your drink is on me," said Steven.

"Thanks Steven, you know me too well," Danielle replied after taking a sip of her drink.

It was 6:30, and Danielle was about to finish her drink and leave, until she felt somebody gently touch her shoulder.

"Danielle?" Stefania said as Danielle looked up from her seat.

"Hey. Nice of you to show up on time," Danielle said as she raised her eyebrows.

"Looks like you've already done some damage," Stefania said while taking a seat next to Danielle and looking at her near empty glass. She could tell Danielle was feeling the effects of the alcohol already.

"What's that supposed to mean?" the blonde replied with a rather annoyed tone. "It gets a little boring when you're sitting alone for 30 minutes."

"Well, at least I'm here now," Stefania said with a smile. "But, Danielle, if you're going to have an attitude, I don't know how this is going to work..."

"Attitude? I'm sorry, I don't think you get to lecture me on my attitude," Danielle said with wide eyes. "I saw enough of your attitude this morning."

"Hello ma'am, what can I get you?" Steven said as he walked up to Stefania and Danielle.

"White wine please," the brunette said with a smile.

"Danielle lifted her empty glass and displayed it to Steven. "Another old fashioned."

The bartender nodded and brought the women their drinks as soon as he finished making them.

"Ah, Danielle, are you sure you want another drink?" Stefania said with a concerned look.

"I'm fine... You're not my mother."

"Okay... Wow," Stefania managed to say as she stood up and dug through her purse for cash. "If you're going to be this way, I'm going back to my hotel room."

"Stefania- I-" Danielle suddenly sobered up to Stefania's words. "It was a joke."

"Danielle, you have said enough," the brunette said as she dropped a $20 bill on the counter.

"Stefania!" Danielle spoke firmly and grabbed the brunette by the wrist. "I'm sorry, I'll keep my mouth shut."

The Italian had a very stubborn look on her face and took a deep breath. "It's not what you said, it's how you said it. Have a good night, Danielle."

"Stefania... I'm sorry, okay?" Danielle released her grip on Stefania's wrist. "Can you just stay? I- I won't drink anymore." Danielle pushed her drink away from her hand and put her hands up, indicating she wasn't going to touch it again.

Stefania contemplated on what to do. She kept looking back and forth between Danielle and the door to leave. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "Fine."