His Dearest Gem

Chapter Three: I Am Happy?

Amelia read over the menu with curious eyes. Despite the menu being quite small, it had some very intricate dishes that sounded like Heaven. The brisk breeze of early spring made some fly hairs from Amelia's bun dance carelessly with its freeing flow. As she looked over the bistro's menu she felt the gaze of Ivan's deep eyes run through her soul. She glared playfully at him and smiled sweetly, not showing an ounce of fear or intimidation. Ivan gulped when he realized he'd been caught and pretended to look at the menu. She closed the menu and sat with her legs crossed, gazing towards the wonderful view the balcony gifted them with. Ivan was silent for a while as he looked at her, the afternoon sun made the contours of her face contrast and glow. It was as if the sun desperately was beckoning to be her spotlight. 

Despite the amazing view of the coast that the dangling marble perch on the cliffside gifted, he could not help but gaze solely at her. His heart paced an unnatural rhythm as he noticed how flawless she was. He wanted to clench his shirt badly but didn't wish to look strange in front of her. She looked to him and chuckled as he rapidly turned his face to the menu, trying to hide what he had been doing.

"Were you gazing at me, Mr. Braginsky?" Amelia rhetorically asked her new boss. Ivan shook his head as his cheeks began to burn with a crimson hue. Amelia quirked her well-trimmed brow at Ivan and smiled coyly.

"N-Nyet, I was not. There was a seagull doing a funny thing with its wing behind you," Ivan lied and coughed to clear his throat. Ivan glanced at the shore below as Amelia held her mouth to stifle her giggling.

She is not afraid of me like everybody else. I like that she's not afraid.

"So, what would you recommend to me, sir?" Amelia asked, making Ivan cock his head in confusion, "well, this restaurant is so expensive that I have never even been inside it. I don't have the slightest clue on what is best for me to eat or drink. But you said that this was your usual eatery, so you must come often. What do you suggest I order, Mr. Braginsky?"

"Ivan," he corrected, "when alone, address me as Ivan. Save all formalities for when we are around clients or other staff members," Ivan demanded as he straightened his tie, "to answer your question, I personally enjoy their Risotto Alla Milanese which has bits of freshly caught mussels and is very creamy. They often top it with saffron so it is actually very savory. I enjoy pairing it with Chardonnay since it cuts the richness of the risotto," he then looked her up and down and noticed she was shivering a tiny bit, "but being that you are quite chilly, I would recommend the Zuppa di Pesce. They often serve it with freshly caught mussels, shrimp, crab, lobster claw, and chilis. The broth is salty with a hint of spice, so pairing it with a Reisling should be very appropriate," Ivan smiled at her. 

"Are you sure we should be having alcohol this early in the afternoon?" Ivan smirked at her, resting his chin on his fist.

"Believe me, you will need it for when we go back to the office," Ivan replied snarkily. The two laughed at the comment as the bouncy owner came to the table with a small notebook.

"Have you decided on anything Mr. Braginsky?" Feliciano asked with a smile. Ivan looked to Amelia, who nodded curtly.

"Da, I would like to have my usual of Risotto Alla Milanese with a glass of Chardonnay. My associate would like your Zuppa di Pesce with a glass of your finest Kabinett Reisling," Ivan gently took the menu from Amelia and gave it to the Italian man.

"Great choices! I'll put the order in while Lovino gets your drinks!" Feliciano bounced away with a smile. Not a moment later two glasses were brought to the table and another Italian man poured their drinks tableside. He looked just like Feliciano but had darker hair and a grumpier face. Amelia studied him briefly before smiling.