Bun in the Oven - Sequel to Cooking with Bucky

Chapter 22 -- Italy

"What's it going to be... original Italy pizza or someplace like Domino's?" He asked me in the car.

"I think the real thing!" I laughed as he mentioned Domino's.

"He... He... we're off to an Italian restaurant with pizza." He laughed as he programmed the car's GPS for a pizza place in the area. One popped up. It said PIZZERIA ''AL SOLITO POSTO'' and another called Pizzeria Le Mura. I looked the up on my cell phone and decided on Pizzeria Le Mura because they're open for lunch. The other place is just for dinner and late night. We want something for now. He put the car in reverse and got us out of the parking area and headed for the restaurant. We arrived there in about ten minutes or less. I don't know if it's his driving or what but we got there in time to order a delicious lunch.

"So what do you think? I'm taking a stab and we should get their Margherita pizza. I'm sure you're not going to get heartburn from that whereas you may if we have a pepperoni pizza loaded with other things." James suggested.

"I'll go with your first choice. From what I remember the doctor said to eat in moderation so that Margherita pizza will do the trick." I said.

"OK, we're getting Margherita pizza and water for lunch. Anything else?" James asked me. I shook my head no indicating I didn't want anymore. He affectionately squeezed my shoulders and hugged me before ordering our lunch. I found us to place sit while he placed our order. Shortly after, he came to the table with a grin.

"Our pizza will be ready in half an hour. You OK? Need anything?" He asked being a little concerned.

"I'm doing better. What I need is water to drink." I said. Soon a waiter appeared and took our drink orders. Immediately we were served our water and sipped some before the pizza arrived.

"That was something else! Running into Thor and Banner today!" James said as he drank some water.

"I know. What are the odds that we would end up meeting Bruce Banner here? I mean he was at our house earlier this summer with Scott!" I marveled.

"I know! I vaguely remember meeting him before he sent Steve on his time travel mission." James said.

"What else do you remember about him?" I asked.

"Oh, he was taller, had green skin and with a broader face. I must say he was nice then too. I guess he managed to change complete back into his human form." James said.

"I must say it was nice to meet him. He was at our house with Scott." I said and drank some water.

"Yes it was. Do you think we should invite him to the baby shower or Thor too?" He asked me. I just smiled.

"I think it would be better not to. Remember what Loki told us that day when we were at SHIELD?" I gently reminded him of Loki's going to be at our baby shower.

"Oh yes! I guess then we'll see Loki and Thor there anyway. Do you think those two know something about our baby that they're not telling us?" James said with a wariness. Before I could answer, our waiter arrived with our pizza and placed it on the table. He even sliced it and served a slice to each of us.

"Thanks! Who knows? Maybe they just want to protect our baby for some reason. Remember they did show up at our anniversary party. Loki has been popping in unexpectedly for us. I wouldn't surprised if he shows up somewhere on our trip!" I said and took a bite of pizza. I thought it was good. I looked up at James and he looked at me in concentration.

"I guess it's something the Gods do. Or some mythological sense of safeguarding the young. I guess I need to look up some mythology myths or legends and see what's going on. Maybe we're just interesting humans to them. Or maybe our baby is going to be someone important in the future!" He said and just looked at me.