Chapter 15 - Mallory's P.O.V.
1459 Words
Mallory’s P.O.V.
I put on my apron and fill the coffee machine, ready to start another day in my new life.
After my parents passed away, nothing kept me in Canada anymore.
I had no friends and a shitty job. A lifetime of saving and what my parents had left me.
I figured starting a new life abroad would be the way to go.
I hear the front doorbell chime.
“Hi, welcome to Pasticceria Colotti, How can I…Oh!” I exclaim as I turn around to greet the newly entered customer.
“Buenos Dia Bellissima,” the tall, dark, and handsome man says with a sly smirk.
“Buenos Dias…Mr. Skittles,” I answer with my own smirk, making him laugh.
Oh, and what a laugh that is. A deep, throaty laugh full of promises.
“What can I get you?”
“Your name would be appreciated, Bellissima,”
“I meant, what can I get you from the menu,” I say, pointing at the board behind me, my cheek flaring up a deep shade of red.
“Your name isn’t up there. You might want to add it,”
“No thank you.”
“It’s just a name.”
“If it’s just a name, why do you want it so badly?” I ask, challenging him.
“Maybe I want to know the name of this beautiful angel before me.”
I laugh at his cheesy pick-up line.
“What’s so funny?” He asks with a deep frown.
“Oh! You were serious?!”
He nods, leaning forward on the counter, his face only a few inches from mine.
“I very rarely joke. About anything.”
I gulp at his seriousness, my eyes falling on his lips for a moment.
Get yourself together Mall! You are working, not supposed to be flirting with the hot as f**k Italian man in front of you!
“Mallory, when you’re done with your customer, don’t forget to refill the sugar and cream station.” My boss shouts from the back kitchen, making me want to roll my eyes.
“Mallory.” The hotter than hot man says, sounding it out as if tasting it. “Very beautiful name for a heavenly beautiful woman.”
“Mr. Romano!” My boss yelp, coming out from the back with a bag of sugar.
She looks at me with a worried expression, rushing by my side.
“What are you waiting for, Mallory?! Don’t make Mr. Romano wait and take his order!” She all but barks at me.
“I’m sorry Mr.Romano. She’s only been here for a few weeks and still has a lot to learn,”
“Did I hear you shouting at your employee?” He asks, his eyes darkening.
“W-What?!”
“I don’t like repeating myself.”
“I-I” My boss stutter, making me frown.
“It’s fine, Mr, Skittles. I do still have lots to learn here.” I say making my boss’s face pale.
“What did you just call him? Are you searching for an early death?!”
“What are you talking about?”
“She can call me whatever she damn well please,” Mr. Romano scolds.
My boss is at a loss for words, looking at him as if he grew two heads.
“Why don’t you go find something to do in your kitchen, while I finish my pleasant conversation with Seniora Mallory?”
“O-Of course Mr. Romano,”
I have never seen my boss run off so fast. I thought the swinging door was going to hit him on his way out!
Who is this Mr.Romano to scare him like this?
Turning back to face him, I notice a satisfied smirk on his lips.
“Are you always scaring people off like that?” I ask, not even bothered in the least bit.
“Most of the time. But I wouldn't want to scare you off.” He says, laughing again.
“Well, now that you know my name, maybe I should know yours? Or should I keep calling you Mr. Skittles?”
“You can call me whatever you want. Senior, Sir, Yours, anything coming out of your lips would be acceptable.’”
What a smooth talker.
“Are you always this forward towards the ladies?” I ask with a raised eyebrow.
“Never,”
“Sure, I believe that,” I say, rolling my eyes, “Now, what can I get you from the menu?”
“You’re upset.”
“No, I am not,” I huff.
“Your face says otherwise,” He chuckles, pissing me off.
“I’m sure being a smooth talker comes easily to you, and I’m sure you have women throwing themselves at you. But I am not that kind of girl. So please, what can I get you from the menu,” I ask, now irritated.
His eyes bore into mine, searching for something. I try and keep my face as impressive as I can. I just want to do my job and nothing else.
I didn’t come here to find some great love or have a fling. I just want to live my life as peacefully as I can. Maybe make a few friends and enjoy life to the fullest.
“Fine. One Espresso, to go.”
I raise an eyebrow, giving him a look my mother used to give me every time I was being rude. He looks confused for a moment, but then shakes his head, smiling.
“Please, if you may,” He adds.
Getting his order ready, I can sense him watching me. I try my best and keep my cool, but it isn’t easy.
“Here you go senior. Have a nice day.”
Please, just leave without making a fuss. I silently pray.
“Have I said or done anything to upset you?” He ask, taking a small sip from his cup.
I watch his adams apple go up and down as he drink, making me lick my lips nervously.
Why is this simple gesture so attractive?
“No, senior,” I sigh, my professional smile faltering.
“Then, why are you so upset? You seemed fine earlier, but your whole demeanor change quickly. Why is that?”
“I don’t have to explain myself to you, or anyone for that matter!” I answer angrily.
Why am I even getting mad? It’s not as if he did anything wrong to me.
“You are right. I apologize for taking up so much of your time. Buona giornata, Bellissima,” he says, giving me a curt nod before leaving the coffee shop.
What in the world just happened? As I’m about to get back to my daily task, the door opens again.
“One more thing, Bellissima,” Mr.Romano says, “ I’ll be seeing you again soon,” he says, winking on his way out again, making me blush.
The first day Leo came to the coffee shop I used to work at, was one of the best and weirdest day I’ve had since moving to Positano.
But having those memories back came with a price.
I trash in my hospital bed, the searing pain shooting through my body unbearable.
“Make it stop!” I scream, “Please… Make it stop,” I cry and scream my veins screaming as if molten lava were flowing through them.
Leo holding me, swiping a wet cloth on my forehead and temple, going down the back of my neck, trying his best to help me through the pain.
“Please, Leo, please make it stop, “ I whimper, my nails digging into his arm.
“Soon, my queen. They’ll do something soon. I promise.” He whispers, kissing my temple as another burst of pain hit me hard.
The door to my room opens, but I barely register who walks in, as my vision blurs.
“How long has it been happening?” Whoever walked in asks.
“Too f*****g long! What the f**k are you waiting for to help her?”
“Clam down, Mr.Romano. We are doing everything we can to help her.”
A brave thing to say, but the wrong time to say it.
“What did you just tell me?” He says menacingly.
As he’s about to leave me on the bed, I dig my fingernail even deeper.
“Please, don’t let me go,” I plea, my voice trembling.
He settles back down, holding me tighter against his cool chest.
“You have better find a solution to help her and find it soon. Or your entire hospital will pay for it,” He all but growls.
- Writer
