Giovanni

Ciara's POV As I wake up to the sound of birds chirping outside my window, I stretch my arms and let out a big yawn. Another day, another hustle. Time to get ready for work at. I roll out of bed and glance at the clock. Oh boy, I'm running late again! I quickly shuffled to the bathroom, splashing water on my face to wake myself up. Can't be looking like a zombie at work, now, can I? After a speedy shower and a quick brush of my teeth, I rushed back to my room to pick out my outfit. Ah, the infamous waitress uniform. Nothing screams "glamour" quite like a black skirt and a white blouse, am I right? As I slip into my uniform, I grab my phone and dial up my sister Jemila. She's always good for a laugh, especially in the mornings. "Hey sis, you up yet?" I say, my Jamaican creole flowing effortlessly. "Morning to yuh too, Ciara! Of course, I'm up. Been up since c**k crow. What's the hurry, you got the whole island to serve breakfast to?" Jemila replies, her voice laced with sarcasm. I chuckle. "Yeah, yeah, laugh it up. But you know me, always running fashionably late. Anyway, just wanted to catch up before I head to work. How's everything over there?" Jemila launches into a hilarious story about her cat knocking over a vase last night, and I can't help but laugh along. She always knows how to brighten my day. After exchanging a few more jokes and promises to hang out soon, I hang up the phone and grab my bag. Time to catch a taxi and make my way to Riu Hotel. As I step outside, the warm Jamaican sun greets me with open arms. I wave down a passing taxi, flashing my brightest smile at the driver. "Morning, mi amigo! Can you take me to Riu Hotel, pretty please?" I say, my charm turned up to eleven. The driver nods with a grin, and I hop into the taxi, ready for whatever the day throws my way. As the taxi pulls away from my house, I lean back against the seat and take in the familiar sights of my neighborhood. The bustling streets are alive with the vibrant colors of Jamaica – from the lush greenery to the colorful buildings adorned with bougainvillea flowers. I can't help but hum along to the reggae music playing on the radio, tapping my feet to the infectious rhythm. The upbeat melodies fill me with a sense of energy and optimism, chasing away any lingering traces of sleepiness. "So, off to work at Riu, eh?" the taxi driver says, glancing at me through the rearview mirror. "Yep, you got it!" I reply with a grin. "Gotta hustle to make that bread, you know?" The driver chuckles, nodding in agreement. "I hear you, sister. Work hard, play harder, that's the Jamaican way!" We share a laugh, bonding over our shared love for our island home. It's moments like these that make me grateful for the tight-knit community we have here in Jamaica. Before I know it, we've arrived at Riu Hotel. I pay the driver and hop out of the taxi, taking a moment to appreciate the grandeur of the hotel's facade. With its pristine white walls and elegant architecture, Riu always makes me feel like I'm stepping into a world of luxury. I breeze through the hotel lobby, offering warm smiles and friendly greetings to the staff and guests alike. There's a buzz of excitement in the air as everyone prepares for another busy day ahead. I make my way to the staff locker room, stashing my bag and slipping into my work shoes. With a final glance in the mirror to ensure my uniform is perfectly in place, I'm ready to face whatever challenges the day may bring. As I make my way to the bustling restaurant floor of Riu Hotel, I spot my besties, Shanice and Jamal, already hard at work setting tables and preparing for the busy day ahead. With a grin, I saunter over to join them, excitement bubbling in my chest. "Hey, mi fren dem!" I call out, a wide smile spreading across my face. Shanice looks up, her eyes lighting up with joy. "Ciara, girl! You're finally here! We've been holding down the fort without you." Jamal chuckles, shaking his head. "Yeah, yeah, we've been doing all the heavy lifting while you were off gallivanting. But we saved some tables for you to set, don't worry." I laugh, rolling my eyes playfully. "Ah, you two are the best. Can't have a day at work without my partners in crime by my side." As Shanice, Jamal, and I share jokes and laughter, the atmosphere is electric with our infectious energy. But suddenly, our attention shifts as a group of Italian men enters the restaurant, dressed to the nines in sharp suits that scream sophistication. "Look at dem, all dressed up like they own the place," Shanice whispers in a hushed tone, nudging me with her elbow. Jamal lets out a low whistle. "Yeah, but check out the one with the tattoos. Mamma mia, he's smoking hot!" I glance over at the group and my eyes lock with the Italian man Jamal pointed out. He's like something out of a movie, with tattoos peeking out from beneath the cuffs of his sleeves and trailing down his neck. Despite his rugged appearance, there's an undeniable charm in the way he carries himself. Before I can catch myself, I feel a blush creeping up my cheeks as I quickly look away. "Oh, stop it, Jamal! You're making me blush," I say, trying to play it cool. But Shanice isn't fooled. "Girl, I see you checking him out. You better go over there and take their order before you melt into a puddle on the floor!" I shoot her a playful glare, but deep down, I know she's right. With a newfound confidence, I straighten my uniform and make my way over to the Italian men's table, my heart pounding in my chest. As I approach, the tattooed man's eyes meet mine, and a sly smile tugs at the corners of his lips. "Buongiorno, bella," he says in a smooth Italian accent, his voice sending shivers down my spine. (Good morning, beautiful) I return his smile, feeling a flutter of excitement in my stomach. "Buongiorno! Welcome to Riu Hotel. What can I get for you gentlemen today?"