Romanticismo Per Caso ❤

Storms (Lorena's POV)

Saturday business at Offredi's was always hectic. It had been one morning and afternoon, and I couldn't wait until the end of my shift. Everyone was kept busy on their feet. Luckily, no complaints from anyone. We were short staffed, and Elias was a little bit late today.

He needs to be here on time and I might have to confront him next time he's late. Just because we want to date each other doesn't mean he's going to get a special treatment that the other employees don't have.

Now, Elias told me that the second date we were going on would be at his house. I didn't know what this was going to entail but he told me that we were going to be making some type of meal. I deeply thought about what meal we were going to make....maybe ravioli, spaghetti, or maybe some Swedish dish?

I blink and realize that there was a customer waiting for me to lead them to a table. "Oh I'm sorry, welcome, how many are there for your table?" I say politely. It was close to 8:30, which means we would be closing in an hour.

"A table for one old lady," Says an older woman with a cheerful smile and big ruby glasses. "Okay," I say with a small laugh, "If you could follow me." I wave my arms out and lead her to a table by a window.

When the lady sits down she tries to generate a conversation with me. "What's your name, young lady?" She raises her eyebrows. "I am Lorena." She tilts her head with another cheerful smile. "Such a beautiful name for a beautiful lady."

"Thank you." Customers like that always brighten my day. I walk away and run to Tracy.

"Hey girl," She says with an IPad in her hand. She clicks some buttons then gives me her full focus. "Hi." I reach in front of her and grab a pad of paper.

"So, how was that date with Elias? Also how are your parents?" She asks and brings back her attention to her IPad. "I hate these things," she mumbles under her breath. I laugh and walk away.

"We're going on a second date, so I could say the date was amazing." She drops her jaw and covers her mouth. "I'm so happy for you, Lorena." She gives me a hug and I embrace it. "Also, my parents are good. I think I'm going to call them tonight to check on them again." She nods her head. I love how caring she always was for me.

"How many days until they get back?" I ponder for a moment. I can't believe how fast time has gone since they left. "7 days I believe." She looks back at me after staring at the IPad. "I know you miss them, plus they helped out a LOT." I laugh as she types in numbers into the IPad. "No kidding Trace."

I walk away and head towards the kitchen. I see Elias immediately inside. He is standing over a counter dicing some onions. He isn't crying and I can't help but notice his strong arms. He has his black sleeves rolled back, an apron on, a hair net and a fierce look on his face. He was so muscular he almost looked like a statue. Strong, Charismatic and Charming. All the  personalities of a man that I would fall for.

Oh my goodness... What's wrong with me?

I quickly realized that he caught me staring at him. We exchange glances and he smiles at me. When he smiles at me, I notice something about his smile. Elias is strong and determined, but when he smiles, he smiles with gentleness and grace. He was so gorgeous. It doesn't look forced or fake, it's transparent. Something about it is so beautiful I can just gaze at him forever.

"Lorena," I feel a slight tap on my shoulder. I look over and see that Tracy called for me. "What's up?" "You can go home now if you want, I can cover for you when you're gone." I look out to see how many employees are still here.

"Are you sure Tracy?" I say with concern. "It's okay Lorena," She puts her hand on my shoulder, "we've got it here. Plus, who gets Italian food at 9?" I laugh. "It's Italian food, I'll take it any time. I love cannoli whenever and you know that." She rolls her eyes in a playful way. "Okay, but call me if anything happens." She nods at me in approval.

Once I am home, I go on to my old laptop to call my parents. I set my water on a table by the side of the couch I am sitting on. The call button on FaceTime dials out as I wait for a response.

"Hey Piccina," My Mamma starts. "Hey Mamma and Papa." I grin and see that they are in their hotel room. From the side of their portrait, I see a window which shows a breathtaking view of Italy at night. "How are you doing?" They ask me in unison. "I am doing alright. Offredi's is running smoothly and is in good hands." My Papa takes the camera over and my Mamma gives him a slight death dare.

I only see my Papa's face in view for a moment. "You know you guys could put the phone down in the middle of you all..." I tell them, trying not to be sarcastic. "Your Papa doesn't know how to share things." He rolls his eyes then looks back at me. "How's that new employee Elias?" My Mamma asks curiosly and discerningly.

"He's great actually, I want to get to know him more." She raises her eyebrows in suspicion which seems odd. I look outside and see that it has started to downpour. I hear a long bang and realize that it is thunderstorming. I never expected this... "Elias is he's---," The call ends. What was she going to say? I try to call her back but the call fails. There is no internet in my apartment now.

I lie down in my bed and think to myself. What was she going to tell me? What's wrong with Elias? I shrug the thought off and try to go to sleep.