Falling for You (Stefanielle)

Chapter 7

The first thing Danielle did after unpacking was take a nap. By the time she woke up it was slightly past noon, and her stomach wouldn't stop growling. She decided to open google on her phone and try to find some good restaurants nearby. However, the number of restaurants and cafes that came up were overwhelming. So, she decided to text Stefania and get a recommendation instead.

Stefania

Hey. I just arrived a few hours ago... Know of any good lunch places nearby?

Welcome to Italy! If I tell you one of my favorite places, can I join you?

Alright, that's fair

Great. Meet me at Café Andiamo, it's a few minutes south of your hotel

Does 1 pm work for you?

That works. See you soon :)

Danielle stood before the full-length mirror in her hotel room, carefully selecting her outfit for the day. After much deliberation, she settled on jean shorts and a black tank top, then slipped on a pair of sandals. The blonde was excited to see Stefania but felt some nerves as well. Her goal was to make a positive impression this time around, and she wanted to put their differences aside. Once she was done getting ready, she grabbed her purse then exited her hotel room and began making her way out of the building.

The blonde walked out of the hotel lobby and into the busy streets of Rome. The smells of high roast coffee and pastries were lingering in the air, which caused her to feel even hungrier. Danielle listened to Stefania's directions and walked a few minutes south of her hotel, and then found herself at the restaurant. It was a beautiful older building that had green vines above the main entrance, with a sign that read Café Andiamo. Both doors were already opened, so she took off her sunglasses and walked inside. The blonde glanced around at all the people in the restaurant before finding Stefania, who was sitting at a table with her back facing Danielle.

"Stefania?" Danielle said with light uncertainty as she approached the table.

"Danielle!" replied Stefania. "Ciao."

The brunette woman stood up out of her seat to give Danielle a hug, but the blonde sat down instead. Stefania awkwardly cleared her throat and sat back down in her seat.

"Oh, I'm sorry," Danielle said with wide eyes. "Were you going to-"

"No... It's fine," Stefania answered as she shook her head. "Ah, want to get some food or coffee?"

"Yes please, I'm so hungry," said Danielle as she got up from the table.

The two women walked over to the counter and Stefania ordered while Danielle looked at the menu.

"Stefania..." Danielle said with a little laugh. "I might need some help reading this."

The brunette woman chuckled a little bit before responding. "Sí, what do you like?"

"Surprise me, I'll drink anything."

Stefania decided to order Danielle a cappuccino, and they both got avocado toast with sunny side up eggs. Once they got their food and drinks, they went outside to sit at a table under an umbrella.

"I can't get over how beautiful the buildings are here," Danielle said as she observed the environment around her.

"I know, I've been here my whole life and it never gets old," Stefania replied. "Your flight was okay?"

"Well, I was asleep for most of it. But it was fine, uneventful," said as she took a sip of her coffee. "Wow... This is way better than anything I've had in America."