When I say King, you say Dom

Chapter 4

                It's been a long day in my mind. Twelve to four passed by like a slug and I could feel the exhaustion threating to make my legs give out from under me. I'd spent the whole day avoiding Andy and his hideous stares, trying to juggle the cranky costumers who didn't have a clue to what patience meant. I finally sat down on a stool behind the register, when my cell vibrated from my front pocket. Pulling it out, I noticed it was a text from my mum, so I quickly opened and it read, " Dinner at 6! Come home as soon as you can." She added some smiley faced emojis which made me giggle.

            "Such a beautiful smile you've got there Cammi", I shot a glare towards Andy who was now leaning against the register. "I think I'll be leaving now", I quickly got up and rushed towards the kitchen. I found Chef Doug and let him know I'd be leaving early. With his nod of approval, no one was faster than me getting out of the café and straight home. 

           I parked my car in my driveway and saw my mum through our kitchen window. She was busy cooking up a storm and I was excited just a little to meet this blind date of mine. I glanced to the ocean that was opposite to our house and the waves were dark and choppy. The sky was darkening into a mean grey and the clouds rolled in fiercely. A thunder storm was brewing and tonight would be a long one of showers and lightening for sure. For now I went into my home, dropped my keys on the nearest table and called out to mum just to let her know I was home. "Hey mum, I'm home, gonna get dressed should be down in 30!", "Alright hon, Andy should be here soon!", she replied. I froze in the middle of the stairway before I could make it upstairs. Did she just say Andy? No...that couldn't be Andy from work. Mum had seen Andy many times before, she must have known I have never been fond of him. I shook the thoughts of my mind and continued towards my room.

       Sighing I closed my door and walked towards the mess of a wardrobe I owned and decided I needed something that said 'Hey, I could be interested but I'm not that serious'. I rolled my eyes, I was being so dumb over this. Why am I so damn nervous? Men were never in the picture for me. It was always the good ones either taken, gay, or just straight up asssholes. Like exhibit A for Andy, he was disgustingly pervy, smelted like venom, whatever cologne he wore, it was horrible. His green eyes matched his personality and he reeked of desperation. Turning my attention back to my clothes, I plucked a strappy red velvet A- lined dress that would flow down just above my knees. There were some black cute pointed toe ballet flats with some gold studs at the toe area that would go well with my dress. If there wasn't any other occasion I could use them, now would be that time, so why not? Quickly showering and adding an extra puff of body spray, I let the tangy topical mix seep into my skin. I hoped maybe, whoever this Andy might be, would like that scent. After all I did live right next to my first love, the beach! I slipped on my dress and adjusted the straps, the x framed my chest  and continued to the back. Looking at myself in the mirror I adjusted the sweetheart neckline and stepped into my shoes. I applied some eyeliner and black mascara, then a burgundy lipstick to compliment my look. To complete my outfit I untied my braid and it created beach waves that were bouncy and ready for this date. Before heading out I quickly slip on my mom's bracelet she have given to me when I was ten. I never liked a lot of jewellery, but this was my exception. The bracelet wrapped around my wrist perfectly, the rose gold was used to create small vines that came to the centre to hold a golden shell. In the centre of the shell was a rainbow opal gem that sat perfectly in place to mimic a pearl. My mum told me it was her mother's, passed down to the women of our generation. I guess there was a beautiful legacy somewhere to be discussed, but mum would always brush the topic away. As long as I could remember there was always pain that flashed across her eyes when I brought it up. She probably thought I would never recognize it, behind her beautiful wide smile, but I always knew and overtime I stopped asking not wanting to cause her more pain.

         Making my way down the stairs I heard voices, one belonging to my mother and the other unknown. I assumed that would be Andy, it wasn't clear enough to recognize if it was dreaded Ocean's Café Andy from this far. Nevertheless I continued towards the dinning room and meet my mother gaze. There was a man conversing with her, his back facing me, he stopped speaking when she saw me and announced, "Carmella! Oh this is Andy, Andy this is Carmella." Andy 's hair was a dark brown, shaggy and wavy which stopped at his shoulders. It was very similar to mine. He was much taller than I was, possibly 6ft. He turned around and I was greeted with a smile I'd seen before. A smile that belonged to my mother. His eyes mirrored my own and his sharp jawline framed his face and there was something strange about him. I smiled back and mentally slapped myself for staring so long and not speaking. "It's nice to meet you, I think my mum must explain this secret of hers!", I laughed, at my horrible joke. My mother however tensed up comfortably and then laughed softly. Had I said something wrong? "I mean, this is wonderful! Its great to meet you Andy", I smiled genuinely, it was truly a relief not to see Andy from work.

        The dining table had already been set and an array of dishes had been made. My mother sure knew how to make a guy right are home. We made our way to the table, Andy, like a gentleman pulled my chair out and I sat while he pushed it in back. He took his seat directly opposite to me and mum was seated at the head of the table. My eyes glanced to the empty chair at the other end and a slight pain seared through my chest. This would be the first birthday without my best friend, Penny.