Those Who Returned

Those Who Returned - Chapter Two

Dominic Russo was on his break, the only one spanning more than fifteen minutes within the entire twelve hour shift. He spent half his work day looking forward to it, not because he was hungry, but because he'd get a glimpse of Sam.

He stood in front of the small, antique coffee shop, watching as Sam interacted with her customers. He couldn't help but smile, the way her ebony hair fell around her heart shaped face, it made his heart beat fast inside his chest.

He turned, giving himself a once over in the passenger side window of his cruiser. Normally he wasn't too interested in how he looked but for Sam, he couldn't look like a dork.

He took a deep breath and walked to the door, the scent of buttery rolls and coffee hitting his senses as he stepped in.

"It's about time, I thought you were gonna spend all night in the window drooling." Jess teased from behind the counter. "The usual?" she raised a brow knowing damn well he'd be having the same thing.

With a nod Dom answered. "You know it." He smirked trying not to be obvious but he was rethinking his words. Sam was the only person who had such a pull on him. She made him feel self-conscious to the point that he questioned himself.

As Dom mentally scolded himself, Sam appeared on the other side of the counter. She smiled and his insides began to liquefy.

"Hey Sam." He tried to smile but it was a big, cheesy one. More enthusiasm than he wanted. Come on Dom, she's just a woman. You see them every day, what's your deal?

"I know our buttered rolls are good, but this is becoming excessive." He was relieved by her joking tone, it calmed his nerves.

He shrugged "Even better than Mama Russo's." He looked around, pretending to look for his mother. "She'd kill me if she heard that." He smirked, feeling more comfortable.

Sam laughed and pushed her waist long hair behind her shoulders making his stomach churn. Dom had unsuccessfully been trying to ask Samantha Lucas on a date for seven years now, since their senior year. He'd finally gotten the courage to talk to her, but nothing ever seemed to come out right.

"So uhhh... Sam... I've been wanting to ask you." He began before being cut off by the cook.

"Sam! Order 25s up." She looked over her shoulder toward the kitchen then back at Dom. "Hold that thought." She said hastily before running off.

Jessica came over and dropped a plate in front of him as Sam disappeared into the kitchen. Jessica Harper was Samantha's best friend and fortunately for him, he didn't completely lose his mind around her. Dominic was sure Sam knew how he felt, girls gossiped about everything right? If she did, she never led him to believe otherwise and she was patient with him. Sam never made him feel uncomfortable about his feelings and how he fumbled over himself around her.

"I better get this to go." He felt like he'd dropped the ball again and he needed to get out of there.

"Is it because of?" She asked as she pointed toward the kitchen at Sam. "She thinks you're really cute, just ask her already." She said as she passed the buttered roll back to him in a brown paper bag, followed by his large, double shot espresso in a styrofoam cup.

Dom shook his head "Maybe another day." Maybe never He thought to himself. Roman would be howling later at how badly he fell over himself in this woman's presence. In high school Dominic had no problem, he was popular, had a fan club and even won homecoming King. But none of those girls were Sam.

Jess snapped her fingers in front of Dom's face. "Earth to Police Officer Russo."

The gesture combined with the loud booming voice over his radio shook him from his thoughts. Dominic looked around, embarrassed as he nodded to Jessica, stood and grabbed the receiver on his radio.

"Officer Russo, what's going on? Over." He replied as he pushed the door to the coffee shop open and ascended the stairs to his police car.

"We have a complaint over at the playground, some teens drinking and skateboarding. Over."

Dominic smirked, he knew this was another complaint from the old kook Mrs. Withers. This was going to be a long night.

"On my way. Over." Dom placed the receiver back on the hook on his belt and started his car, he pulled out of the spot and began driving in the direction of Mrs. Withers' small home beside the playground.

When Sam returned to the coffee bar, Dom was gone. A frown appeared over her lips.

"Aww missing Officer Russo?" Jess teased.

Sam slit her eyes in Jess's direction. "I wish he'd just ask. I'm trying to be as un-scary as I can. Am I looking him in the eye too much or something?" Sam was beginning to wonder if something was wrong with her, why was Dom so scared of her?

Jessica rolled her eyes. "It's cause he's crazy about you, but you already knew that. At this point, you should just ask him."

Samantha shook her head. "I'd be terrified, I couldn't." The idea gave Sam goosebumps, a mixture of excitement and fear travelled up her spine.

"Well? How do you think he feels? One of you is gonna need to make a move before I do it for you." Jessica was pretty straight forward and definitely the more confident one of the pair.

Sam sighed, she knew Jess would do it too but at this point, would that be so bad? It was obvious he was struggling and she didn't think she could do it either. Sam wasn't exactly savvy with men. She'd had one semi-serious boyfriend in high school, but like most young lovers it fizzled and both parties weren't left feeling good about it. Casual dating was the extent of it, there wasn't exactly a large selection in Truckee California.

"Wanna come to my place after work?" Jess asked, pulling Sam from her woes.

"I can't I have to finish editing my paper for anatomy and physiology." Sam wrinkled her nose at the words coming out of her mouth. A&P was a tough class, just when she thought she was going to do great on a test, she got a C. A C in Sam's mind was basically failing and she was determined to get at least a B, though she knew it was pushing it a little.

"God that class is ruining our lives." Jess said in a semi serious tone.

"Uhuh, is John gonna be around tonight?" Sam wasn't a fan and felt Jess could do better.

She shook her head. "No, he left two nights ago and I haven't heard from him since. I'd say I was destroyed but this is the fifth time he's done this. I'm over it." Jess shrugged and grabbed a rag to clean the bar, who knew so many people needed coffee so close to bedtime. She eyed the clock, a quarter to seven.

"I'll grab my laptop, be there by 10:00." Sam wasn't gonna give up a chance to hang with Jess alone, just the two of them. John had been a lingering stain on their friendship for months now.

"Cool I'll make us something." Jess began gathering her things as she cleaned, she was always concocting some new coffee or tea blend, it was absolutely impressive. Her eyes kept averting to the sphere on the wall as the hands of the clock were ebbing closer to 7:00, she couldn't wait.

"Hey did you see the new storefront on Main? I heard it's gonna be an art studio." Sam said, trying to break up the last few minutes before it was time to go.

"Of course I did but I heard it was gonna be a Native American museum." Jess heard a lot of things but in such a small town everyone had an opinion.

"I heard it's some new woman in town, Silvia Deveaux?" Sam raised a brow as she thought twice on the name, it sounded extravagant and fitting of an art dealer.

Jess rolled her eyes. "Either way it'll be a big deal. Bet you our entire city fits in the studio." She giggled, the idea wasn't too far off, Truckee was a little, no nothing blip on the map. Not to say it wasn't a great place to live, just lacked in the better amenities surrounding cities offered; Such as a social life.

"Well we'll be there, so that counts for something. Let's hope it's before my exam. When this is over I wanna spend all my time with Dom and if there's something like that going on, guess who's gonna be in charge of security?" She said sarcastically, Truckee only had 3 officers so they'd all be utilized.

Jess knew she was right but it was 7:00 on the dot and to be honest, she didn't have much interest in art. "Oh look at that, it's time to go."

Just as Jess was maneuvering around the counter to lock the door a woman appeared at the window. She was dressed in a scarlet dress, a large peacock green sunhat with a long illustrious feather along the side. Her chocolate hair cascaded down the side of her face and piercing crystalline eyes contrasted against the warm tones of her locks and the rich colors she adorned herself in.

Jess internally slumped, she was ready for this day to be over but she smiled as warmly as she could. "Welcome to The Bean." She exclaimed through lightly gritted teeth.

Sam was a lot more welcoming and friendlier than her companion, she'd already started the coffee pots up to begin the woman's order.

"What would you like Ma'am?" She asked from behind the counter.

"Ms. Deveaux please." The woman's voice seemed tired. She looked up at the menu behind Sam not saying a word more.

Speak of the devil.

Sam looked between the woman and Jess, she was standing behind Ms. Deveaux pretending to have a heart attack to which she proceeded to mock her mannerisms. Sam worked not to laugh. So this was the woman that had everyone talking.

"A triple shot of espresso, extra cream." Her accent wasn't one familiar to Truckee, nor was it one she had heard before.

"Coming right up." Sam said as she began readying the machine.

Jess slipped into the back to find something to do, she wanted to go home and this last minute guest was wearing on her nerves.

"So what brings you to Truckee?" Sam already knew the woman was opening an art studio, but why Truckee? Granted it was a pretty eclectic and artsy community but it definitely wasn't the sort of place you found fame.

Ms. Deveaux laughed, Sam was a bit confused what brought on the outburst so she smiled, this woman was weird.

Deveaux eyed Sam for a moment before she answered. "I lived here many years ago, it was a place I held near and dear, I decided what better place?" She smiled as she reached into her large, oversized purse and pulled out a small, thick flyer. She reached across the counter and handed it to her.

"If you know anyone interested please pass this on, everyone is welcome. I expect to see the young adults of Truckee participate, there are probably artists who don't even know it yet." She watched Sam as if she was looking for something. This woman was beginning to give her the creeps.

Sam began the foam on the machine trying to hurry the order along. She was relieved when it dispensed the hot, steaming espresso into the paper vessel. She carefully filled the cup with the foam and placed a top on it, she passed it to Ms. Deveaux over the counter.

Silvia exchanged the container for a crisp 20 dollar bill. "Keep the change dear." She smiled again and without anything additional she moved toward the exit. Sam stood staring for a moment, what a strange woman she thought to herself as she watched Silvia take her departure.

Ms. Deveaux stopped in the doorway and turned back toward the girls. "Can I put a flyer in your window?" She asked politely.

"Of course, go for it." Sam answered simply, just wanting the women to leave so they could close.

Silvia smiled and taped her flyer into the window and left.

"Jess! Time to go!." Sam yelled across the café, she immediately started cleaning the machine and was ready to close up and go home, that encounter was enough for her.

Roman Russo ran his fingers through his curly, ash hair, he thought he could feel an accumulation of kitchen grease clinging to his scalp. He lit a cigarette as he stepped into his Camaro and started the engine. He looked into the rear view mirror, his own grey eyes stared back at him.

He didn't have anywhere in particular to be so he drove through the town's main avenue to see what was going on.

Like his twin brother, Roman was gifted with good looks and charisma but it went to waste slaving away in the Russo's Family Restaurant.

Roman had big plans after high school, he was going to go to college and become an architect. However, fate had other plans when Roman and Dom's father had a heart attack. He couldn't run the restaurant, he could barely care for himself in the beginning. Being the good son he was, he forfeit his plans to take care of his family. He knew one day it'd be his, he didn't care for that time to be soon. On the bright side he didn't want to be too far from Dominic so staying in their home town wasn't all bad. Dom was never going to leave Truckee, he loved every aspect of it. The thought was enough to make Roman sick, small city living wasn't his cup of tea.

He slammed his foot against the break nearly smacking his face off the steering wheel as two girls shocked him from his thoughts and ran into the he3adlights of his car. He missed them by a hair.

"What the hell do you think you're doing? You wanna die?" Roman yelled out the driver's side window as he came to a screeching hault.

The blonde one smacked the hood of his car. "What the hell are you doing?" Blanca mocked in a similar tone. "Stop talking on your phone and pay attention to the road." She exclaimed with a twang of to her tone.

Roman looked around as if questioning this woman's sanity. "I wasn't on my phone, you ran into the road."

Selene tugged at the sleeve of Blanca's coat, "Let's get out of here, it's late and I have work in the morning."

A smirk crossed Blanca's lips, she didn't hide how her eyes lingered over the man's face and in turn he smiled too.

"So what're you ladies up to tonight?" His tone changed quick and in response Blanca couldn't help but roll her eyes.

"Nothing you'd be interested in, keep it moving." Blanca was tired from her long shift at the bakery and she just wanted to get home and crash.

Roman smiled, he'd obviously found humor in her demeanor but he himself was beginning to contemplate going home. "Well, have a good night."

He waited for the women to make their way across the street, using the opportunity to watch Blanca's ass as she walked away from him. He took a deep breath as he eased his foot off the break, he had work in the morning he might as well just go home and pass out.

Dominic spent the entire night wracked with guilt, Why couldn't he just ask her?

Despite how comical Mrs. Withers calls usually turned out, all he could think of was Sam. Even when he came home from his shift the next morning, his mind was filled with embarrassment. Twenty-five years old and he still struggled to ask this woman out.

Dominic didn't eat when he got in and instead went and laid down to sleep, what was once his second favorite time of the day had become filled with discontent. Dom tossed and turned in his bed, contemplating how the events would play out, how he'd ask her out. At some point he dozed off.

Dominic decided he was going to catch Sam before her shift started, he didn't want to feel like he did this morning ever again. He woke up an hour earlier than usual, took a quick shower and finished himself off with his favorite cologne. He dressed in front of the mirror and combed his hair back until the unruly locks had some uniformity. His dark brown hair is flecked with gold and it formed a stark contrast against his evergreen colored eyes, he stood tall and with confidence as he gazed at his reflection.

Dom parked his car three buildings away, he didn't want Sam to know what he was up to. He stopped at the floral vendor before making his way into the coffee shop.

He took a deep breath as he stepped into the buttery air, he scanned the room before spotting her. Dominic approached her, by herself away from the customers and most importantly, Jess.

"Hey Sam. You think we can talk?" He asked in a soft, hushed tone.

Samantha's eyes widened and she looked around. "I hope this is of a private nature and it has nothing to do with the law?" Her tone was semi-serious so he knew it was an honest question.

Dominic shook his head and laughed. "Definitely of a personal nature."

The smile touched Sam's eyes as she nodded getting up from the small arm chair to follow him out onto the street. The summer air smelled of fire and savory food, it was enough to make Sam's already nervous stomach roll. This is it she thought.

Dominic walked to the base of the stairs situated in front of the coffee shop, he reached behind the concrete molding and pulled out the bouquet. He placed the flowers between them as he looked back at Sam. Her mouth was slightly open and she seemed a little shocked but he needed to get out his feelings while he still had courage.

"Sam, you're the most beautiful girl I've ever met. I've been wanting to ask you out since our Senior Year when we met on that college orientation trip. I admire how you knew what you wanted from the start... I should've recognized what I wanted sooner." He eyed her for a moment and she thought she'd explode. Dom was paranoid and needed to make sure she was still with him. He cleared his throat, breaking the almost-awkward pause. "I guess what I'm trying to say is, would you wanna go out sometime?" He raised a brow, a look of relief flooded his features and Sam couldn't help but giggle childishly out of nerves.

"Of course, I've felt the same way. I honestly thought about letting Jess set us up, I was losing hope." Her cheeks flamed up at her own honesty but they had known each other for so long it didn't seem out of the ordinary.

Dominic leaned in and gently planted his lips against her cheek, he cupped the side of her face within his hand and softly smoothed the pad of his thumb over the spot his lips had just caressed.

Samantha closed her eyes and smiled, the explosion of emotions within was enough to make her jump from within her own skin.

"I'll pick you up at 7:00?" Dom raised a brow as he watched her carefully, he wasn't sure if he was going too fast but if he didn't see her again soon he'd have a stroke from all the emotions of being next to her.

Sam nodded as she leaned in and smelled the fresh flowers. "Mmmm, these are perfect." She lingered in the floral aroma for a moment longer before she looked back at him "I thought you had work?"

"I can miss a day, I've never taken a day for myself. I'll be hardly missed." Dom knew this was rash but she was worth it and it was true, he had never taken a day off in his six years on the force.

"Okay, I'll meet you right here at 7:00 when I get off." She watched him as her stomach turned and lashed, he was the first man to have such a pull on her.

"Alright, I'll be back in a little bit." Dom had a hard time pulling himself away from her but he knew he'd be seeing her soon, the few hours seemed like a lifetime in this moment.

Sam squinted her eyes as she looked from the door to The Bean then back to Dom, she shrugged. "You know what, I think I'm done for the day too." She began undoing the apron tied behind her waist. "Let me just run in and let them know I'm not feeling well and I'm going home."

She started toward the building, Dom reached out and softly clasped her elbow. "Are you sure you wanna do that?" He questioned.

Sam nodded. "Of course, we'll play hookie together. Besides, when you don't take a day off you're sure to be hardly missed." She smirked, his hand fell from her person and a smile loomed over his lips.

"Okay let's do this." He started around the car, pulling the door open he felt like he couldn't get the key into the ignition quick enough. He watched as she disappeared into the mouth of The Bean, he pulled out his cell and went to contacts, quickly finding "The Department" he brought the phone to his ear as the line began to ring.

"Truckee Precinct." Norman breathed into the phone.

Dom mustered up his sickest sounding, gravely voice. "Hey Norm, it's Dominic Russo. I'm not gonna make it in tonight."

A rumbling laugh rang out from the other end. "Dominic Russo eh? Is this some sort of joke? Dom never calls out. Who is this really?"

"No seriously, it's Dom, I'm not coming in." This guy really thought this was a joke, was he that boring?

"Yeah alright, we'll see. Feel better." Norm said quickly and hung up.

Dom placed his phone in the cup holder and waited for Sam to reappear, he couldn't believe this was finally happening.

Roman stood behind the counter watching people coming and going. Russo's was packed and he was distracted. He stood behind the bar quietly overseeing as the employees danced around the dining room floor between tables. The little blonde he'd almost made road kill last night seemed to be heavy on his mind.

Why hadn't he met her before? Surely he would never forget a face like that, especially not that ass. Truckee wasn't exactly huge.

A smirk crossed over his lips as he thought of how her silhouette looked as she slipped into the shadows of the night. Memories always trumped details up until you were left with an exaggeration of an event but he was sure she was someone he'd like to run into again.

"Hi Roman." An almost shrill voice interrupted his thoughts.

Roman knew who it was before his eyes even laid sight on the individual.

"Hello Mia." He looked her over briefly. Mia was a girl he dated during dark times, when his father was hospitalized and he had the entirety of the restaurant responsibility fall on him. Roman was an over indulger and exceptionally immature, he partied too hard and took way too many risks.

A smile quickly overtook her features. "It's so good to see you, where've you been?" The exuberance of the encounter was apparent in her voice, it must have been a perceived invitation because she was already leaning across the bar, her arm outstretched to him.

Roman indulged her and leaned into her embrace, he made up the difference between them and squeezed her tightly, genuinely.

The smile touched her eyes now and he made note of it when he pulled away from her.

"I've been busy... Working." It wasn't a lie, it was really that simple.

"Hmm far too long." Her eyes seemed to open wide for a moment as if what she had to say next was enticing and exciting. "You should make yourself more available, I'm lonely and the hours have been hell."

Roman laughed. "If you had it your way Mi you wouldn't have to work another day in your life." Mia wasn't one for any type of work, she just wanted to be a beautiful sculpture that was pampered and doted upon each day. He had only given her a job at Russo's because he was taking care of her when they dated and when he left she cried about having no direction or profession. It wasn't a period during which Roman could truly say he had his wits about him.

Mia pouted. "Can you blame me? I went from my own 2 bedroom house, working around my schedule to living in a studio apartment and working overtime to pay it." She sighed as if taking care of herself was some sort of chore.

Roman rolled his eyes, he didn't want to project his frustration but sometimes his body language wasn't as easily hidden. "You're gonna be fine, you're doing great." In truth he hadn't been watching her or really keeping up with management but so far no one had approached him about her so that was good right?

Mia stood and was making her way around the edge of the bar in his direction, he was too tired to move away or make a fuss out of it.

"So..." She stared up into his eyes as she boldly grabbed the loop in his jeans and squared him to her.

Roman was losing patience but he didn't have the energy to protest or care.

"Do you wanna come over after work?" She'd surely misinterpreted this entire encounter.

Roman shook his head, his ash colored locks trembled with the movement. "Sorry doll but I have to do orders tonight. Also Dad isn't feeling too well, I promised I would help him out with some stuff." He didn't think his excuses were believable but he didn't really care, she needed to get the hint that he wasn't interested.

Roman took a step back til he was behind the register and pulling card slips from beneath the tray, making himself look busy and on top of things.

Mia's shoulders slumped but she didn't seem deterred, she again moved toward him.

A woman entering the glass doors caught Roman's attention, his eyes immediately moved to the white haired blur. He smiled and his stomach rolled, it was the woman from the other night.

The corners of Roman's lips curled up into a smile as she approached, a guilty expression plastered her face as she closed the distance between them.

"Hi." She said simply, almost meekly which caught him off guard from their previous encounter.

Mia could immediately feel whatever energy was passing between them, she moved closer and looped her arm through Roman's.

"Hi." He replied as his gaze became fixated on hers, there was a stretch of comfortable silence between them. Roman pulled away as he felt Mia's grasp, he broke from his moment with the woman, a little annoyed they'd been interrupted.

Roman looked down at Mia, the smile gone and now replaced with a look of severe distaste. "Another time Mia, I'm just too busy to do anything but work and help my Dad. Excuse me please." He gently rested his hand on her shoulder briefly as he walked around the bar to go back to his silent reverie with the mysterious woman.

"I'm Roman." He tried to keep his breath steady though he felt a little light headed, what was going on?

"Blanca." She raised her hand to shake his, his hand enveloped her small, soft grip. It was as if there were tiny explosions going off between them, when their skin made contact Roman felt as if his entire body had goosebumps.

There was another long pause before Roman broke it.

"Would you like to sit?" He motioned toward a booth off in the corner that mostly remained empty, everyone knew it was Roman's preferred place to sit. His back was against the wall and he had a clear view of the entire entrance and seating area, the nearest exit was to his left through the kitchen. He could never understand why he always had to have an escape plan, it was just a quirk of his personality it seemed.

Blanca nodded and without another word she followed him to the booth to sit. She noticed Roman grab a menu as they passed the hostess podium, was this a date?

Roman slid into his normal spot and watched as Blanca moved in across from him. He placed the menu In front of her and smiled, this uncharacteristic facial expression had him feeling uneasy.

Blanca pushed the menu back over. "You could just tell me what's good." She said as she placed her bag beside her on the bench and watched him, she balled her fists beneath the table trying to work away the sweaty palms that had her uncomfortable.

Roman gestured for the waitress and she was beside their table within a few strides.

"Hey Mr Russo, what can I get for you?" She asked as she pulled out a pad, her messy auburn hair threatened to bust out of the thin band keeping it up above her head.

Roman eyed Blanca for a moment before passing the menu to the waitress. "Peligrino please Missy, two Italian wedding ball soup and two penne alla vodka also."

Missy grabbed the menu and placed the pad back in her apron. "Sure thing Sir." She walked away from the table and went back into the kitchen.

Blanca watched quietly, when Missy was back in the kitchen her attention turned to Roman, a smirk appearing softly over her lush lips.

"If I didn't know any better Mr. Russo I might mistake this for a first date."

Roman laughed. "Who said it wasn't? We have the best food in town after all, it'd be fitting." He seemed almost smug but Blanca realized it was an aspect of his charm and seemed to be done in an almost playful manner.

Blanca felt drawn to him and she couldn't understand why, she was never great at dating especially since she was rarely interested in the man asking. Blanca had begun to think she'd wind up alone, especially with the very few prospects of eligible bachelors.

"I still find it weird we've never met... Especially since Truckee isn't exactly huge. I wasn't allowed out very much but still, your family owns Russo's."

Roman shrugged. "Lemme guess, you went to Our Holy Mother Catholic school for girls?"

Blanca internally cringed. "I did, how'd you know?"

"If you didn't go to Truckee high that's the only other alternative. As far as my family owning Russo's, I wasn't really around until my father had the heart attack. Before that I was off doing stuff I wasn't supposed to, got sent to reform school twice. I'm the lesser known Russo son." He laughed but Blanca couldn't tell if he was being serious or joking about reform school.

The waitress returned with their Pelligrino and two glasses. The two seemed to be jolted from some private moment, as if they'd forgotten there were people around them.

The waitress silently walked away after placing the drinks and was back a moment later with their soup. She placed the bowls down on the table. "Can I get you guys anything else?" She asked.

Roman shook his head. "No we're good, thanks Missy."

The waitress nodded and walked off again to another table, the two looked back at each other quietly before beginning their conversation again.

"I'm sorry to hear about your father, that's rough." Blanca said as she opened the small lime colored bottle and poured the bubbly contents into the glass in front of her.

Roman scoffed. "What're you gonna do? Life likes to give you a swift kick in the nuts every now and then." He opened the green bottle and dumped the contents into the glass.

"What about you? As you see I run the restaurant, what do you do for work?" He eyed her as he grabbed the cracker pack and crushed it before pouring it over the soup.

"I own the bakery, Dough nuts?" She took a sip from the glass as she used the other hand to smooth out the napkin in her lap.

Roman was impressed, his eyebrows would've touched his hairline if they could. What a pleasant surprise

There was nothing more Roman loved than a woman who was motivated and determined to carve out her own name in life, the fact that she could cook made her ever more endearing.

Roman sat and watched her as she began on the soup. Her long, straight platinum hair had him in awe, he'd never seen such long hair. She had piercing crystalline eyes, against a soft, powdery complexion. He couldn't help but admire her small, slightly upturned nose and her luscious, full lips. She was a big personality in a small package because she couldn't be much over 5 feet tall, a smirk fell over his lips as he silently thought about her.

Blanca cleared her throat. "Anything you wanna share with the table Mr Russo?" She asked curiously.

Roman shook his head. "I was just thinking to myself how I should've known you owned a business in town, you act like a boss even when you're not working." He teased, hoping she'd remember their encounter the other night when he almost ran her over.

Blanca frowned and just like that her sweet demeanor was gone. "Well if you weren't so into your phone I wouldn't have had to talk to you like that."

Roman threw up his hands in surrender. "For the record I wasn't on my phone, just tired after a really long day here." He gestured to the restaurant they sat in.

Blanca wanted to make a smart comment but his humbling response made her nod instead. "I hear that, holidays are the worst with all the people requesting special order cakes and pastries. I don't get a break for legit two months." She said before sipping lightly at the broth on the spoon. "But I can't complain, I'm blessed to have my own place."

There was peace between them again.

The dinner they shared soon spanned hours, the restaurant was empty and the staff was beginning to clean up before the pair realized. Mia had lingered for a while, watching them. When she realized they weren't going to be done any time soon she skulked out of the restaurant.

Roman stretched and looked around as if he'd suddenly realized the silence. "Wow, what time is it?" He asked as he pulled his phone from his pocket. "Holy s**t, it's 9 already?"

Blanca blinked. "s**t! I was supposed to be working on the cake for the opening of the Gallery." She said frantically as she gathered up her bag and stood from the booth and began walking toward the door.

"Hey wait!" Roman called out as she began to walk off.

Blanca stopped and turned back toward the table. "Sorry! Where are my manners?" She reached into her bag and went to place some bills on the table.

Roman reached out and softly grabbed her arm, he shook his head. "Not necessary, I just wanted your number, a way to reach you?" His brows gathered together.

Blanca shook her head, "Atleast let me leave some extra tip." She smiled as she placed a 20 on the table.

Roman couldn't protest and he watched as she grabbed a sliver of paper from her bag and scribbled on it as Roman stood there confused with his phone in his hand.

"Here you go, that's my cell and if you ever need anything for the restaurant...." She trailed off as she rummaged in her bag and grabbed a card. "This is the bakery." She said as she passed it back to him.

"Thanks... Hey, wanna do this again?" Roman asked nervously.

Blanca smiled. "I would like that, text me!" She walked off toward the door, pausing in the frame. "Thanks Mr Russo." She said before disappearing into the night, a habit he was beginning to grow fond of.