Falling for The Mafia's Capo

Chapter 5

Around the afternoon I received a text from Meredith looking to meet up for lunch and I agreed to it. My courses for the day seemed to drone on and on slowly. My small lunch date with Meredith became something to look forward to while sitting through my lectures.

Although, the lunch date wasn't the only thing stuck on my mind that morning. I couldn't shake off the thought of Armando from the other night. Every fiber in my being screamed not to go back to that club after discovering that duffle bag. There was something about that man that piqued my curiosity. His conflicting emotions when we had first met. How his body exhibited a calm demeanor while his face shown anger and distaste for what I experience. Something was off about him, something that my curiosity yearned to discover. Before I knew it, my last lecture of the day had finished, and I made my way to the address sent by Meredith.

Rather than calling a cab, I took the liberty to walk instead. The town was not that big, and it gave me a chance to see more of the tiny island and enjoy it's cultural riches. Seeing it fully on my own caused a small pang to hit my heart. On my way, I came across a view that brought out a hurt that I've ignored for quite some time. Two young girls sitting outside on a bench counting the cobblestones laughing and speaking an Italian. I wish she could have seen this, wish that Serene was able to experience this all with me. One of the young girls had caught me staring at them she had smiled and waved. I light heartedly flashed a small subtle smile back. My eyes beginning to well up. I continue to walk to later discover the small café Meredith had asked me to visit her at.

The café was small and quaint. Quiet overlooking the edge of a cliff and the view was stunning. Birds calling out as they loomed over the roaring oceans. The ocean's saltiness taste lingering in the air. I sat down at the table Meredith was seated. A huge grin covered her face.

"I'm so happy you came! When you left early the other night and had told me you were sick, I feared you wouldn't want to hang out again any time soon. Thank you for coming." She said

"It's not problem" I replied. My eyes looking out over the cliff. The sound of the waves crashing onto the rocks and the water being pulled back was calming. I had realized at that point my hands were trembling. I quickly sat them onto my lap.

A waiter later collected our orders and brought us drinks.

"What is it that you Americans say a lot? A dollar for your thoughts?" she asked. I cracked out a small grin

"A penny for your thoughts, but I guess I'm still getting adjusted to the island you know. It's stunning but at the same time I feel lost and out of place. Not to mention, my rent wasn't what I had expected it to be and it's thrown my finances out of whack." I told her. Our waiter arrived with our lunch setting on the table, hungry I soon dove into the contents of my dish.

"OH! Why didn't you tell me?! Then again, I didn't figure to ask, but my friend's older brother is opening a new bar! It's not that far from your apartment! They need waitresses to help serve food. Have you ever worked serving food?" she asked.

I had in the past. It was how I had busted my ass working two jobs and getting less than 4 hours to sleep every day. Working at the diner and then later working at small mom and pop shop in Meadowvale. I remember stuffing all my tips into a big jar. The temptation to open and use it was huge, but it was that money that funded my life here and it was also running out. I sighed and asked Meredith to tell me more of the job.

Our little lunch date ended nicely. Meredith would talk to her friend and she would get back to me. By the time we finished it was dark. Afraid of letting me go on my own, she dropped me off at my place. I spent the rest of the night completing essays and reading eventually the thought of giving in and sleeping was nice, and I drifted off. For the first time in a long time, I slept peacefully without the reminder of the painful memories in Meadowvale.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

By the next week my body had gotten adjusted to the time zone. Waking up refreshed I was able to focus on my lectures more. I picked up on basic conversational Italian while I shopped for groceries and getting to know the locals. I made more friends at university as well.

During holiday weekend, I took the extra time to roam to beach walking along the sand as the water swept over my toes. This change of scenery was well needed, the small island of Sicily was a breath of fresh air. I treated it as a new start to forget a tragic past. I couldn't get past my guilt of not being there for the one person that I cared for so dearly. As the feelings of turmoil and sadness set it, my phone lit up. Meredith was informing me that I got the job and she would come by later tonight to drop off my uniform. Just like that my heart and mind battled once again on how to feel. One thing I was sure about was my need for a drink. My body began to shiver as I walked down to one of the beachfront bars, covering myself in a thin robe, I asked the bartender for daquiri.

I sat down on the barstool watching the beach as the sun began to set. I should be heading back soon. One drink led to two and the subtle intoxication began to set in.

"Hello, what a pleasure to see you again."

I turn around to see him again. The same man who's haunted my thoughts for the past few days.

"Hello Mr. Moretti. "I quietly said.

"Please. Armando" he said gently placing his lips on top of my right hand.

God was the scarlet of my cheeks right red right now?

He looked at me and smiled saying "Excuse my loose tongue Ms. Catalina, but you seem to always be drinking whenever we encounter." He cracked a tiny chuckle

His small laugh was delight to my ears. Smirking back, I say "I guess it seems that way huh? I guess I just got a lot going on right now."

His eyes slightly squinted flashing concern for a second then returned to a normal gaze. "Ah yes. I assume you must be very far from home, but I promise you Sicily has a lot to offer beautiful sights everywhere." His eyes narrowed on me and in response my cheeks grew warmer.

"I cannot disagree. This island has brought a bit of peace of mind for me that I thought I would not have in a long time. It's shone hope onto my life and for that I couldn't imagine leaving anytime soon." I said

He muttered something under is breath, returned his eyes to mine and said. "I'd like to hear more of the beautiful woman who traveled so far into Sicily. Perhaps you could tell me more over lunch or would you prefer dinner?"

My stomach dropped and my knees grew weak. It took a few seconds to come up with a response.

"If that's what you want." I said. What a dumbass response.

"It's what I desire. Here's my card. Let us set a date for this weekend?" he said.

"Uh, I'm actually starting a new job, but maybe I can contact you when I know I'm free?" I said.

"Of course, whatever works fine for you. Would you like a ride to your home?" he asked.

I looked around noticing that darkness set it, the beautiful sunset was gone. I replied to his offer by nodding. He helped me off my stool and I followed him to his silver Aston Martin, the body of the car gleamed in the moonlight. I cautiously sat onto his passenger's seat.

Once we arrived, he looked toward me, his gaze a bit softer and his lips. God, I couldn't stop staring at them. I felt like a giddy schoolgirl.

"Goodnight Catalina. Please stay safe" he said

"You as well. Goodnight Armando" I replied.

Closing his car door behind me. I walk up the steps and noticed he didn't leave until I was inside my little apartment. All I could think afterwards was Did this just actually happen?