"Can you really get married on January 6th?" – That is my first thought on this festive morning. It is cold outside. Finding a formal outfit in the middle of winter is the hardest thing in the world. But I cannot miss this event because the one getting married is a colleague of mine, the daughter of the owner of the restaurant where I work. Luckily, the newlyweds have wisely chosen to have the reception outside Turin. This way, we have all gotten a day off and an invitation to the wedding. I get ready, putting on a classic dark suit, even though I cannot stand wearing a jacket and tie. I leave the house, not forgetting to bring my journal, placed in a small bag I bought for the occasion. The meeting is at 11:00 a.m. in front of the church. As soon as I arrive, I notice many of my friends already gathered on the church steps, waiting for the couple to arrive. I think this must be one of the few weddings held in the middle of winter, and especially near the end of the Covid pandemic. I am chatting with a few of my friends when I feel a tap on my back.
"Still walking?" - a female voice asks me. I turn around. It is Lucrezia.
"Hi! Unfortunately, yes, still walking." - Lucrezia smiles at me.
he is stunning in her white cape. "Are you also invited to this crazy winter wedding?"
"Yes. I am a friend of Flavio's mom. And you?"
"I'm an employee of Ilaria's mom." - I laugh, amused. Lucrezia laughs heartily as well.
"At least today you are sure you will not have to work. Actually, you will be able to critique the competition's cooking. The taxi is at your service if you need a ride." - she smiles and returns to her friends.
I stop to watch her as she walks away, and I notice that my friends are doing the same.
"A personal taxi driver, Giorgio?" - Enrico asks with his usual mischievous face, his hand bandaged after the accident a few days ago.
"She gave me a ride the other day because there was a train strike."
"What a small world, huh, Giorgio?" - Enrico continues - "Maybe this time it'll be you inviting us to a wedding."
"Just because she gave me a ride, I already have to plan a wedding?" - I smile, but my heart skips a beat, just like it did when I was in the car with her.
The couple arrives in a vintage carriage. We enter the church for the ceremony and to enjoy a bit of warmth. Never get married in winter. After the ceremony, as per tradition, the photo session begins: the bride's relatives, the groom's relatives, the bride's friends, the groom's friends. I watch Lucrezia smile as she poses right next to Flavio. She is gorgeous. She notices me and winks, then, once the shot is over, she approaches me.
"Found a ride to the restaurant?"
"To be honest, I haven't asked yet." - I lie shamelessly - "No one has offered yet, so I might have to take the train." - I laugh, and she does too.
"I am by myself. If you want, I can give you a ride."
"That works for me. I will just let my friends know, and I will join you."
I think she must have noticed my silly grin as I walked away from her. I tell the group I found a ride.
"Of course, Giorgio, go ahead. Do not miss this chance!" - mimicking scenes better left untold, they get ready to head to the restaurant.
I, too, get into the car, and next to me is Lucrezia.
The drive to the venue takes about an hour. This time there is no awkwardness in starting a conversation. We begin with positive comments on the newlyweds' outfits and move on to discussing how many people were genuinely moved and how many could not wait to go outside for a cigarette. The jokes keep coming one after another. Then, the inevitable question arises.
YOU ARE READING
ACCIDENTAL DETECTIVE
MaceraGiorgio De Giorgi stands in front of the mirror, contemplating his first 40 years of life. A job as a chef in a restaurant in Turin and the desire to tell his life story. He decides to buy what will become his life diary. He finds a "vintage" diary...
