She smiled, kissing both my cheeks. “Of course I do. It’s like an OCD now. Even when I know it’s locked, my subconscious compels me to check again.”
Joey’s car was hijacked a year ago by unidentified miscreants. She had assumed it was locked after parking at a restaurant for lunch, only to find it gone minutes later. She was now very particular about ensuring it was properly locked.
“I can only imagine. Anyway, I’m happy you made it in time.”
“There’s no way I’d stand you up.” She was beaming with unabashed happiness.
“Bills are on you, right?” I asked once we sat down.
Joey shrugged. “That wouldn’t be a problem. Just like you’d split your inheritance in two equal halves—one for you, one for me,” she said chirpily, like an exuberant school girl.
“You must be delusional,” I cackled.
Joey didn't try to rebuff or argue. She just pressed the table bell, waiting for someone to take our orders.
“Buona Giornata, ladies,” Enzo greeted charmingly. He had lived in the States for years, but his Italian accent remained pure. “How are you doing?”
“We're good, my darling Lorenzo,” Joey cutely tried pronouncing Enzo’s full name with an accent, making him smile. He loved that she was intentional about making an attempt.
I believed he liked Joey more than he let on, but Joey always said they only had a good customer relationship.
“What would you ladies like?” he inquired, his voice smooth and calming. He always wore a cheerful smile that made his gray eyes sparkle.
Lorenzo had an undeniable appeal, thanks to his Italian roots and gorgeous features. It explained his ever-booming female clientele. He was the ladies' man.
“I’d like a cup of cappuccino with some of those sumptuous cookies,” I responded with a smile, waiting for Joey to place her order.
“I'll go with the usual, Enzo.”
“Latte?” he replied.
Joey flashed him a cute smile. “Just the way I like it.”
Joey was only matching Lorenzo's energy, but he was completely taken by her. His eyes never left hers while he stood by our table, as if reading her order from her eyes.
“Aiit, al momento.” He excused himself to get our orders.
“Licia, I’ve been meaning to ask,” Joey said, pulling her seat closer to the table. “What’s your plan with all the inheritance money at your disposal?”
I smiled, shaking my head slowly. “Do you have investment plans for me?” I already had an idea where she was headed, so I made it easier by asking upfront.
Her eyes lit up animatedly. “Yeah, I do.”
“I thought as much,” I chuckled.
Enzo arrived with our beverages and cookies on a tray, nipping our conversation in the bud. He gently placed the cappuccino before me.
“Thanks, Enzo,” I said, eager to taste it.
He nodded in acknowledgment. Then, dropping Joey’s latte, he commented with a wink, “Per te, amore mio.”
“Aww, this is so sweet of you.” Joey blushed, admiring the design on her latte. Enzo had taken the extra effort to design a heart on it. It looked really pretty. How else could I explain to Joey that Enzo was subtly communicating his feelings?
Here I was, trying to play detective in Joey's love life, while I was trapped in a dilemma with no clue what to do.How ironic.
“You’re welcome. Just let me know if you need anything else. I’ll be at my station,” Enzo said before turning to leave.
“Most definitely.”
