Romanticismo Per Caso ❤

One Welcome Back (Lorena's POV)

I was completely speechless once I found out that my parents arrived home early. They would have been shocked that I was on a date, had I told them. I kept my relationship away from my parents which had some guilt over me. The mistake I made was not fully figuring out why in the world my parents thought so negatively of Elias before I continued to be with him. Goodness, I was so stupid.

Once I got home from the date I had with Elias it took me a while to fall asleep. I tossed and turned throughout the night, being unable to control my thoughts. The only reason I truly went to sleep was because I promised myself I would tell my parents after I figured out how they were and also why they came home so early.

When I woke up the next morning, I awoke to a sweet text from Elias.

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Elias:

Good morning, beautiful Lorena.

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I felt guilty because I told him yes to being his girlfriend without my parents consent first. I know that I was an adult, but still my parents should know beforehand. I managed to reply to Elias, telling him "Good morning handsome" and getting ready for the day.

Knowing I had to work today, I asked my parents if we could meet up and talk at Offredi's. They, without hesitation, agreed, insisting that they missed the restaurant. I know my parents would be full of questions including how the restaurant was doing, how everyone dealt with them gone, and jokingly asking how I managed it all.

Today as I stepped into Offredi's, I wore a simple white dress, allowing my hair to cascade over my shoulders in a relaxed manner.

I spotted my parents in a tucked corner and rushed to them. "Hello my darling Piccina," My Papa said as he opened his arms wide open for an embrace. "Hello Papa," I said, stepping into his welcoming hug. "Lorena, mi tesoro." My Mamma wrapped her arms around me, turning the hug between my father and me into a hug of three.

After a moment, we decided to sit down at the table. I see my Mamma place her sunglasses off the top of her head, brushing her bangs backwards. I looked back into the kitchen to see if Elias was here. I remember how yesterday he told me he would come into work for the night shift.

"Lorena, are you distracted or something?" My Papa says attempting to get my attention. "Oh no, sorry Papa. I was just making sure of who is back in the kitchen right now." "Any reason there wouldn't be someone there?" My Mamma asks, raising suspicion. "No," I hesitate with an answer.

I see one of our co-workers, Duncan, walk up to us with a notepad. "Mr. and Mrs. Offredi, welcome back," he introduces in a polite manner. My parents exchange smiles with him and he proceeds to inquire about our beverage preferences. "I'll just get some water, please." I say with a grin. I unravel my napkin and get my utensils out neatly on the table.

My Papa clears his throat. "So, how have things been around the restaurant lately?" His tone is serious and he expects high standards in my response. "Things in the restaurant have been going superb. I think you will be proud."

Proud of me finding a boyfriend? Probably not.

"Well from the looks of it, you have done a wonderful job," My Mamma adds, placing her hand on my back. She gives me a smile and removes her hand from my back. "Thank you, but why did you all leave early?" I question, desperate to know their response, "You all had a few more days on the trip."

"Wow, you don't want us here." My Papa accuses me. "I never said that, I just know that this trip was for you guys and your anniversary," I clarify, noticing an eye contact form between my parents. I wonder what they are talking about through their eye contact. "What's going on?" I press, shifting my gaze between them.

"We found someone for you, Lorena," My Papa reveals, breaking eye contact with my Mamma. "His name is Francesco and we think it would be beneficial if you got to know him."

There is no way.