Rosemary and Thyme | Mafia Romance

Chapter Seven

Italy.

Italy was the first on the list. The dusty list I found in one of my notebooks while packing. Judging by the handwriting and font, I'd say I was about fifteen years old when I made this list.     Time to make those dreams come true. 

I looked out the plane window when the man on the intercom announced we were now arriving to our destination and my breathe caught in my throat. My chest started to swell but with what, I couldn't tell you.

 Anxiety, excitement, gratefulness, I don't know. 

The man sitting next to me on the plane was also flying solo and he stared straight ahead. I looked around and everybody had someone to talk to. My chest kept swelling. What if he just recently lost someone, too? Is he lonely? Is he coming to Italy to reinvent himself? Is he also terrified of arriving in a foreign country by himself? I sighed and shook the thoughts from my head, no negative thoughts, Cia. This is your dream. It's okay. 

The plane landed, people gathered and departed, and doors opened. The sun hit me and just then I felt the overwhelming urge to cry. Mentally, I cursed myself. I looked around and the scene was almost as I expected, by I underestimated it. Even the air smelt cleaner. You could tell who a tourist was and who was authentically Italian. 

Italians, they dressed very classy and either have a phone to their ear or a friend on their arm. They walked in confidence. The tourist, dressed in was they assumed would fit in but actually didn't. Huddled into a group, pointing at random things and taking pictures in front of pretty sceneries. 

I've been prepping for this for over a decade, so I dressed to fit in. I've studied the history, I've learned the language, the style, everything down to the mannerisms. 

"Hey there, miss. You need a ride?" 

I fell out of my daze and noticed the cab driver a few meters from me, he was staring at me, waiting for a response. 

"Yes, please." 

We got into the cab and I'm thankful I didn't bring any luggage's. 

"Where you headed to?" He glanced at me through the rearview mirror. He spoke English but by the thick Italian accent, you could tell it was his second language. 

"Anantara Palazzo Naiadi." 

He nodded and we set off. He must've noticed it was my first time here because of my close proximity to the window so thankfully he didn't care for small talk, just rolled the window down for me while I enjoyed every second of it. 

"Siamo arrivati, Palazzo Naiadi." 

We have arrived, indeed. This place was absolutely breathtaking in person. If I am in awe over the sight of my hotel, I can only prepare for the actual destinations. 

"Grazie mille!" I smiled at him and offered him a stack of cash without asking how much he needed. 

I heard a little grumble come out of him, probably debating on correcting my offer but he eventually decided on just taking the win. 

                                                                          _                   _                  _

My room looked like it belonged to royalty. I fell onto the bed like I've seen in all the cheesy movies, and it seemed impossible to wipe the smile off my face. My head started swarming me with ideas of where to go and what to do but my sensual side knew I had to go shopping for clothes and then shower before I did anything. I slept on the plane ride and my sleep has always been irregular so I don't think jet lag can affect me. 

My phone buzzed in my pocket, and I took it out, knowing what to expect since I only have one number. 

Louise- "I can't believe you just did this, I can't accept it, Cia, It's too much." 

I chuckled, I guess she must've gotten my check of a few grand for her and her growing family. 

Me- "Yes, you can. It's a starter up. I won't take it back, don't let it go to waste Loui."

I know it may seem I'm blowing money but it's not like I'm out buying cars, mansions and ten-thousand-dollar bags. Besides, the majority of the money is in a savings account and I'm planning on getting a job at a restaurant around here before I move on to another country. I'll work as a chef in each country hopefully and maybe after that I'll pick my favorite location and start my own business. 

Only problem is I have no professional experience in a kitchen, my only hope is they give me a chance to prove myself.