𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐞𝐞 || A Mafia Love Story

xxii

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Marlee rose the next morning, her muscles protesting with every movement, a reminder of the hard work she had done the day prior. As she stretched, the first rays of sunlight filtered through her window, casting a warm glow across the room. Outside, birds chirped merrily, their songs mingling with the gentle rustling of leaves. She crossed the room to the window, flinging it open to let in a balmy breeze that carried the scent of fresh grass and blooming flowers.

She dressed for the day, her fingers deftly braiding her hair into two neat pigtails that framed her face. The door creaked softly as she stepped out, heading to the bathroom to brush her teeth and wash her face. The cool water was refreshing, chasing away the last remnants of sleep.

Marlee made her way downstairs, the wooden steps creaking under her weight. She headed straight to her grandmother's bedroom, where the old woman lay in bed, her eyes crinkling with a warm smile as Marlee approached. She helped her grandmother sit up and choose her clothes for the day, laying them out carefully before leaving her to dress at her own pace.

In the kitchen, Marlee found her mother at the table, a steaming mug of coffee cradled between her hands. The excitement in her mother's eyes was impossible to miss as she looked up and saw Marlee. "Good morning, baby," she exclaimed, standing to engulf Marlee in a bear hug that lifted her off her feet and swung her side to side.

"Guess what?" Her mother's voice was bubbling with happiness. "Soren asked me to be his girlfriend officially."

"Really?" Marlee's face lit up with genuine delight. "What did you say?"

Her mother's smile widened, and she squeezed Marlee's hands. "I told him I'd have to get permission from my baby first."

"Really, Mama?" Marlee's amusement was clear in her tone.

"Yes, really. I want you to meet him first before we get too serious."

Marlee sighed, a playful glint in her eye. "When?"

"Would today work for you?" Her mother laughed, reaching out to tickle Marlee's sides, causing a fit of giggles.

Marlee nodded happily, her smile broadening. "Yeah, what time?"

"We'll go around noon, probably." Her mother's smile was warm as she leaned in to place a tender kiss on Marlee's cheek before settling back down to resume sipping her coffee. "There's some fruit cut up in the fridge if you want some for breakfast," she added with a kind smile.

Marlee hummed in acknowledgment and made her way to the fridge, the cool air brushing her face as she opened the door. The vibrant colors of the fresh fruit greeted her, and she picked out a selection to enjoy.

The morning drifted by peacefully. Marlee and her mother curled up on the sofa, the soft cushions enveloping them as they watched the morning news. The gentle murmur of the television and the occasional rustle of the turning pages of Marlee's current book created a serene atmosphere.

As noon approached, Marlee's mother was up and bustling around, trying to make herself look just right for their meeting. The scent of her favorite perfume filled the air as she brushed her hair and adjusted her outfit in front of the mirror.

Soon, Marlee found herself seated in the car, the engine purring softly as her mother drove them through the hilly countryside. The rolling green hills stretched out on either side, dotted with wildflowers swaying in the breeze. The sun cast a golden glow over the landscape, making everything look like a painting.

"Where are we meeting him?" Marlee asked, her excitement bubbling over.

"Probably that café we've been going to," her mother laughed, the sound filled with fond memories. She and Soren had already visited the cozy spot twice.

Soon enough, they pulled up to the café. Marlee's heart quickened with a mix of anticipation and nerves as she followed her mother inside. A quaint bell above the door jingled cheerfully as they entered, announcing their arrival. The rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee and sweet pastries enveloped her, filling her nostrils with a comforting warmth. The room was intimate, with only three small tables nestled against the dark brick walls, creating a cozy, inviting atmosphere.

Marlee's eyes scanned the room, quickly landing on the man from the photo her mother had shown her the day before. He sat tall in one of the small cushioned armchairs, a third chair already pulled up, presumably for her. The bell's chime drew his attention, and he looked up, greeting them with a warm, aged smile. Marlee's initial apprehension eased slightly; he seemed nice.

"Eleanore!" Soren greeted her mother, rising to envelop her in a hug. His voice was rich and resonant, filled with genuine affection. Then he turned to Marlee, extending a hand. "Hi, Marlee, it's nice to meet you. I'm Soren."

"Hi," Marlee replied, gently shaking his hand. His smile deepened the lines on his face, giving him a kindly, approachable appearance. She stepped back slightly behind her mother, her natural shyness making her wary of new people.

Soren pulled out Marlee's chair for her before returning to his own, sharing a tender smile with her mother. "Your mother has talked about you a lot," he said, his voice warm and kind.

Marlee managed a nervous smile, feeling both flattered and bashful. "Really? What did she say about me?"

"She said you were a very nice girl and told me about you and your friend helping your neighbor." Soren's eyes twinkled with admiration and sincerity.

As they settled into their seats, the café's atmosphere seemed to embrace them, the soft hum of quiet conversation and the clinking of cups adding to the sense of coziness. Marlee's initial nerves began to melt away, replaced by a growing curiosity and cautious optimism about her mother's new beau.

Marlee's curiosity piqued as she leaned forward, her eyes scanning Soren's face with interest. "So, what made you move out here?" she asked, genuinely curious. The quaintness of their little town seemed a world away from the bustling cities he mentioned. "San Francisco? That's quite a leap," she remarked, trying to picture him in the urban chaos. His smile softened, a hint of nostalgia in his eyes. "Never quite fit in there," he admitted. "A friend of mine, he's from around here. That's how I found out about this place." His voice carried a wistful tone, as if recalling fond memories. "I always thought once I got everything sorted out, I'd find a quiet spot like this to settle down."

Marlee hummed contentedly as she took a sip from the vanilla latte she had ordered earlier, the warm, sweet liquid providing a comforting contrast to the crisp morning air. The three of them continued their conversation, laughter and stories weaving together seamlessly, making the hour slip by in a joyful blur. Eventually, Marlee's mother glanced at her watch and realized she needed to head to work. With a slight sigh, they exchanged heartfelt goodbyes. Marlee's mother gave Soren a quick hug before driving Marlee home, the car ride filled with the soft hum of the radio and the occasional exchange of words. Once they arrived, Marlee stepped out, waving as her mother drove off to start her day.

Thank you for reading! <3