"Giorgio, it's true that the restaurant was closed yesterday for the weekly day off, but how did you get so tan? Where have you been?" Enrico asks me as soon as we meet in front of the restaurant.
In fact, I was not supposed to work yesterday, but this whole diary story has completely made me lose track of what day it is in reality. Those five days of sailing across the ocean from the island of Edinburgh of the Seven Seas to Rio de Janeiro have turned me into a very tanned and relaxed man.
"I didn't go anywhere," I reply with a smile. "I just decided to get some tanning."
"A major tanning session, I'd say. You fell asleep under the sun."
"Maybe. But let's not think about it now and get to work because there's a lot to do."
I step into the kitchen and take my briefcase with my set of knives inside. Immediately, I am reminded of the one I saw yesterday on the yacht. I begin chopping vegetables and glance at the knife. It is the same size as the one used to kill Mr. Victor. I wonder what the next adventure will be.
Towards the end of the lunch shift, Federico, one of the waiters, comes into the kitchen.
"Giorgio, the customer at table three asked to speak with you. He wants to compliment you on the lunch he enjoyed."
With immense pride, I adjust my uniform and step into the dining room. I approach table number three, and to my surprise, I find Lucrezia.
"I wanted to compliment whoever prepared such delicious dishes."
"Thank you, miss. It's always an honour to cook for someone who appreciates fine cuisine."
"But I don't just appreciate fine cuisine; I also appreciate those who put passion into it," she smiles. "I'm here to ask if you'd like to have dinner with me tonight. You will not have to organize the menu."
"Of course. I would be more than happy to savour some traditional Italian cuisine," I say, smiling and already anticipating a relaxing evening.
"Great, then I'll expect you at my house at 8:00 PM."
Lucrezia asks the waiter for the bill.
"No, Federico. The lady is my guest. Put everything on my tab."
She smiles at me, says goodbye, and leaves the restaurant.
"Giorgio, who is that woman?" Federico asks.
"She's a friend," I reply, still watching her as she walks away.
"Keep her close. If she came all the way here just to taste your dishes, just to see you, it means she really cares."
"What is that? A joke?"
"No, no. I was just kidding."
I go back into the kitchen, glowing with happiness. I finish cleaning the equipment and rush home to get ready for the evening.
At 7:50 PM, I am standing outside Lucrezia's house. The diary has not shown any signs of calling yet. I am hesitant.
"Should I write or wait? What if it happens while I am with Lucrezia? That would be the third time."
I decide to act while I am still in the car. I take the diary and start writing.
Joel, answer me because I have important things to do today.
What could be more important than an adventure in my company?
Does not Lucrezia say anything to you?
I understand everything. Then we must hurry. Today's word is MEMORY.
I quickly write the word.
MEMORY
Immersed in white light, I am transported into a soccer field, surely from many years ago.
"Joel, where are we?"
"We are in your Turin. This is the Umberto I velodrome. They are playing the third derby in history between Torino and Juventus."
YOU ARE READING
ACCIDENTAL DETECTIVE
AdventureGiorgio 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...
