The Vacation

Chapter Six

“Where to, Jess?” He asked me as we got into his Corsa. It really was weird getting into the car on the left side and not sitting behind a steering wheel. But hey, if this boy was offering to take me anywhere in the city for dinner, I was down!

“I don't know,” I gushed, “I'm not really that hungry right now. Since it's kind of drizzly outside, do you know any good soup places? Kind of close to here because I'm tired.” And I don't want to be in a car with you for too long, I added in my head, but sure as hell didn't say out loud.

Alessio took me to a small bistro a few minutes away from the apartment building. If I was on my own, I never would have spotted it, because it was simply a doorway wedged between two large department stores and a little wooden sign hanging from the knob read Courtyard Bistro. A small bell tinkled somewhere when we walked in,and Alessio led me down a short, sconce-lit, brick tunnel (which I'm guessing was originally an alleyway between the two department stores) before we reached a small desk and a cheery looking, though petite, redhead.

“Hi! Welcome to the Courtyard! I'm Eva and I'm the hostess as well as tonight's live entertainment! I'm just kidding I'm only the hostess. But I trip over myself enough times that I could be the entertainment.” She giggled to herself and suddenly seemed to remember she had a job to do, becoming serious. “Just the two of you today? Romantic setting or family setting?” Wow, okay. This sure is one odd place. I kind of like Eva though.

“Family, today, honey. Thanks though,” Alessio answered before I could register what she asked. Eva led us through the end of the tunnel and an opening that led to a small grassy space full of tables, trees, picnic blankets, and shade umbrellas. She stopped at a table that was still on the cobblestone walkway, but was close to the grass and underneath a tree, and set down two cloth napkins and two menus.

I didn't think that being in a courtyard bistro while it was drizzling was such a good idea, but the rain never actually fell in the courtyard. When I looked confused, Alessio explained that the bistro had a glass roof covering the entire grassy space. And sure enough, when I looked up, I saw the dividers between panes snaking all along the ceiling.

When the time came to order our food, Alessio ordered the soup special of the day, which just so happened to be chicken and noodle soup and chips, so I ordered the same. The food came and I was pleasantly surprised that the noodles in my soup were actually shell macaronis and the chips turned out to be thick cut French fries! Fries always helped cheer me up, so I dug in.

“So tell me a little about yourself, Jess,” Alessio said after a few minutes.

“Like what?”

He thought for a while. “Your favorite things. You know, color, foods, type of people to hang out with, movie, celebrity. That type of thing.” He shrugged.

“Okay. Well, my favorite color is a dark gray, but I think a close second would be sunset orange. I mostly stick to yogurt and energy bars for breakfast, salads for lunch, and homemade meals by our chef Maurice for dinner. My favorite thing Maurice has ever cooked is hand mashed potatoes, thick sliced roasted turkey breast, all covered in his delicious gravy. I know, it's an odd meal for someone from money to love. Most people expect me to say sirloin steaks or something. At my high school back home, I was pretty popular. I wasn't the most popular person in the school, but I had a seat at the popular table when I wanted to sit there. Usually I hang out with my softball teammates, though. They know where the party's at. My favorite movie has gotta be the Bourne Supremacy. Another thing most people don't expect. But yeah, I'm into action movies. That said, my favorite celebrity is Matt Damon obviously.” I babbled about myself until I felt I had adequately answered his questions.

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Hannah