We held hands and kissed repeatedly on the walk to Emilia’s work.
We reached the café at a quarter to ten – early enough to have breakfast together.
As we approached, I glanced warily over at the dress shop.
A black Mercedes was out front… which meant there was a good chance Adriano was inside.
It’s not that I was afraid of seeing my boss. But if I could avoid having him bust my balls about my wrinkled clothes, I would prefer it that way.
Emilia and I each got an espresso and a cornetto – an Italian sweet croissant filled with chocolate.
As we ordered, Emilia’s co-worker gave us a smirk likeWhat did YOU get up to last night?
Emilia just ignored her, and we took our breakfast over to a table in the corner and chatted until time was up.
At 10:59, she said, “Well, I hate for this to end, but – ”
“When do I get to see you again?”
“I have to close tonight… but you could come get me at nine,” she said coquettishly.
“Iwantto, but I might have to work late to make up for coming in at noon.”
“Oh,” she said, trying to hide her disappointment.
“I said Imighthave to. I’ll text you when I know.”
“Maybe it’s best if we just get a good night’s sleep,” she suggested.
“NO,” I said, then kissed her forcefully.
She giggled and batted me away. “I don’t want to get you in trouble with your boss.”
“You won’t.”
We stood up, and I gave her a long, lingering kiss…
Until she pushed me away.
“Go!” she whispered. “I’ve got to work!”
“See you later,” I said with a wink.
She was grinning like the Cheshire cat as I walked out of the café.
As I exited the café, I glanced over at the shop.
The black Mercedes was there, but the coast was otherwise clear.
I was about to walk off when I heard a familiar voice behind me.
“What the fuck?!”
I turned to see Adriano standing outside the shop, frowning, his hands out to the side likeWhat the fuck are you DOING?!
“I – ”
“Bianca gives you till noon, you come in early, but now you’releaving again?What the fuck!”
