“Don't worry; they also need help with cleaning and serving or simply washing the dishes.I doubt anyone would let you near the baking area!”We both chuckled at the thought.
After soaking up some positive vibes, we said our goodbyes, and I decided to stop by the studio to check in on my mom.When I approached, I noticed a shiny new white Alfa Romeo Giulia parked outside—sharing the same name as my mom, of course.
I wished I had captured her reaction when Dad surprised her with the car.He had walked in and found her in the kitchen while I was there too, washing dishes.
“Guess what?There's a surprise for you outside!”he announced.She dashed to the door, her excitement palpable, and was thrilled to see the brand-new car.She had been planning on getting a used one, but thanks to some insurance money from a recent accident, they could afford the new one.I admired her courage as she took it for a test drive, not letting the past scare her.
Inside the studio, it was chaotic.A family of five was there, with three small kids running around and screaming.I spotted my mom at her desk, her head in her hands.
“Hey!Are you alright?”I asked as I entered.
“Oh!Hi!Please close the door.Andrea has been photographing that family for nearly two hours, and it's been a nightmare from the start.I think my head might explode,” she replied, rubbing her temples.
“I can only imagine.Why don't we grab a coffee?”I suggested, and her eyes lit up.
“Yes, please!”she exclaimed, quickly grabbing her bag.Within a minute, we were outside.“This way!There's a little coffee shop just around the corner,” she said, leading me.The shop was tiny and narrow but long, with only four tables at the back.Somehow I had never noticed it.My mom ordered a double espresso, while I opted for a fruit tea.We sat at one of the tables, but our drinks took a while to arrive.Finally, an older man brought them over.
“I'm so sorry for the wait,” he said, his hands trembling as he set our drinks down.
“Don't worry, Enzo.What's going on?How's your wife?”my mom asked, familiar with the man through the small-town connections.
“She's recovering, but she needs to stay in bed, and I can't be with her because I have to work.I had to fire a kid this morning for stealing,” he said, his voice shaking.
“Oh, really?Was it the boy with the long dreads?”my mom inquired, ready for some gossip.
“Yeah, that's him.He worked here for almost a year; who knows how much he stole?”the man replied, shaking his head.
“If you need help, my daughter Luna is looking for some part-time work; maybe you could consider her,” my mom exclaimed, pointing at me.I felt my stomach drop.The idea of a job was thrilling, but the idea of actually getting one was intimidating.
“Oh?That sounds interesting.How old are you, child?”he asked, leaning toward me.
“I'm eighteen but turning nineteen in a few months.”My heart raced at the thought of him agreeing.
“When can you do a trial day?It would be paid, of course.”
“She can start as soon as tomorrow!”my mom said before I could respond, looking at me with eager eyes, waiting for my confirmation.
“Sure,” I blurted out.
“Great!Come in tomorrow, around 3 PM or 3:30 PM,” the man asked excitedly.
“3 PM works for me; I can come right after school,” I replied, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves.Just like that, in under five minutes, I had landed my first real job.
Chapter 26
The things I once thought were the most terrifying in life—poisonous spiders, the darkness, or a serial killer on the loose—paled in comparison to my first day at work.I was completely unprepared.I had hardly eaten and barely slept, as my nerves got the best of me.
I opted for a long-sleeve white top layered over a t-shirt, just in case I got too warm.After school, I rushed to the coffee shop, where Enzo welcomed me and guided me to a locker to store my belongings.I trailed behind him, attempting to absorb all the information he shared, but I forgot half of it within the first hour.
He taught me the basics of making a decent cup of coffee, which wasn't too challenging, though crafting cappuccinos turned out to be the toughest part—thankfully, no one ordered cappuccinos in the afternoon.
I also struggled with mixing aperitifs and gathering snacks.Mostly, Enzo had me observing, delivering items to tables, and cleaning up.After five hours, I felt a wave of relief when he finally said I could go home.
My dad was waiting for me outside.The day hadn't been as terrible as I imagined, but the second day brought a harsh reality check.I broke three coffee cups and two glasses, gave incorrect change, and overlooked an order.
The shop was busier that day, especially with a group of guys who came in for aperitifs, and I completely lost track of everything.Enzo had to apologize on my behalf by offering them free items due to my poor service.
When the day wrapped up and Enzo handed me my pay for both days, I felt a rush of pride.Earning my own money was a great feeling, but it ended too quickly.I braced myself for what Enzo would say next, fully aware that I was falling short in this role.
