I | Beauty
Elena's Pov
'That body's a blessin', girl.'
Closing my eyes I lean my head back, letting the water hit my hair as it absorbed into my shampooed hair. Messaging out the shampoo I smile to myself as I swung my hip to the side. I love the feeling of being beautiful in the shower. It's weird, once i'm out of the shower I become self conscious about my body as well as my face.
Adding the conditioner onto my hair I quickly grabbed the bar of soap and ran it all over my body.
'I ain't tryna pressure her- no,no,no,no - she messed with the temperature,'
Turning off the water I squeeze out the remaining water out of my hair as I swung my hip to the other side as I lifted my chin up- looking up slightly and bringing it back down. Pushing the shower curan away from me I step out. Taking both towels I wrapped one around my body while I wrapped the other around my hair.
'Heart wrote the song, but I am the messenger.'
Unlocking the bathroom door to let my little sister come in to take her shower I go over to the sink to brush my teeth, turning off the music before she came in. Busting open the door my little sister, Angelina, rushed towards the shower, ripping her clothes off. Shaking my head at her I spit out the toothpaste, rinsing my mouth out I placed the toothbrush back. There's only one bathroom in our apartment along with two bedrooms, which I share with her.
Exiting the bathroom and entering our room I take off my towel, opening a drawer I take out a bra and panties and put them on. Pulling the small door open, exposing our closet I take out my waitress uniform which consisted in a short sleeved bumblebee colored midi dress and a small black apron. Buttoning up the dress I walk over to the dresser, Putting my hair in a low bun as the short strands of hair in the front fell freely. Putting on moisturizer I rubbed concealer around my eyes, adding mascara and nude gloss on my lips.
Stumbling inside the room my sister pushing me to the side making me look away from her as she changed.
"Why do you always wake up late?" Letting out a small chuckle I walk towards my bed, picking up the apron I double tie it around my waist so it wouldn't come loose. Hearing her let out a frustrating sigh she continued to hop as she was trying to fit in her jeans. She's always like this, sleeping late at night and waking up late for school. What's worse for her is that I don't have a car so I have to walk her to school, make sure she arrived safely. Slipping on the black court pumps along with the black crossbody bag I turn around and smile at a distressed Angelina.
"Ready?" I asked as I left the room and walked towards the front door. Stepping out of the door I could hear more commotion coming from the room, within seconds she ran out with her backpack on her back. I laugh at her frustrated expression as she slammed the door closed, locking it in the process. Rushing out of the complex we speed walked towards her school which was about ten minutes away. Luckily my job was seven minutes away from her school so I wouldn't have to rush.
As we got closer to her middle school we walked, talking to each other since there wasn't a need to rush. "Do you know when mom and dad are coming back." Looking at her I smile at her, reassuring that they are ok. My parents sometimes don't come back for a week due to them working together in the truck companies, transporting goods and resources to companies around the place.
"Hopefully tomorrow, mom might make you your favorite dish, Shrimp-"
"- and scallop risotto, yum!" I giggle at her cuteness as she skipped lightly as she mentioned her favorite dish mom makes for her. I can't wait to see father. Arriving at her school I moved closer to her, hugging her. "I'll be back at four, take care!" Letting go of her she rushed through the school doors, soon hearing the bell ring I continue to walk to work. This part I hated since I would get catcalled, making me feel like a piece of meat- dinner to hungry eyes of men on the streets.
Ignoring the comments of the men I rushed to my workplace, luckily arriving I went in, immediately being greeted my some of my coworkers. 'Goodmorning.'
Going to the back I put my bag in my locker and locked it, clocking in I went to work. I don't like working here due to the manager being a perv along with his rudeness but some of my coworkers make me enjoy this place. Going to our station I greet everyone properly. With a single hand sign I stop smiling, knowing that the manager was here today. He doesn't like his staff communicating alot since he believes it's slacking on the job. Hopefully I could get a new job soon but it's hard to find them in New York, especially in a walking distance from the house.
As time passed, one by one customers began to pile up into the diner, ordering their breakfast soon lunches. From elders to young adults, teenagers to children, coming in to eat affordable and delicious foods. Smiling at the customer I carefully put their dishes in front of them, waiting to see if they needed anything else. Being dismissed I turn my back on them and walked towards the kitchen, wondering when the next order would be done.
"Danny!" Seeing his head pop out for the kitchen he realized that it was me, stopping whatever he was doing and walked towards me with the most amazing smile. I find it funny he was working here since he's twenty five with good looks. Girls drool over him when he's on the streets. "What can I do for you Elly?" I shook my head disapprovingly of the nickname he gave me. "I just need the time for table fives food."
A glint of sadness washed over his eyes, quickly getting rid of it he tells me about four minutes and turns back to continue what he was doing. I wonder why he seemed sad?
Being called back by my customers I quickly went over to them. Seeing them done I thank them for coming, soon surprised to see them leaving a two twenties on the table before excussing themselfs. I usually don't get that many tips from people like that, especially when their meal was free. Cleaning up the mess I took the dirty dishes out back to the kitchen.
Luciano's pov.
New york city, so much potential and so much money to invest. Looking up at a construction sight I smirk to myself as I lit my cigar, placing it in my mouth as I puffed it. With a single snap of my fingers I could have income going into my pockets. No one can resist me, no one can say no to me. I'm the type of guy you would like to stay on his good side... Otherwise you'll end up dead in a ditch or ten feet underground. Taking out the cigar I look over at my underboss, Lorenzo Marino, as he took a good look at the sight. It was his job to get things done, make the cash flow in our pockets.
"Get the job done, non importa cosa.." Translation: no matter what. Responding with a 'Yes don' we turn our separate ways. As he went in the construction sight I went inside the Bentley, sitting in the backseat as I took another puff of the cigar. Pulling out my burner phone I dial a phone number down, placing it against my ear I look out of the window, seeing my underboss talking to the head man incharge.
Rolling down the window slightly to let the smoke out of the car they answer.
"Don."
"Nicolo." We both greet each other for a brief second, quickly getting back to business.
"Dopo aver esaminato i file per il nostro prossimo trade, suggerisco di parlarti di persona, discutere se questo è il migliore." Translation: After looking over at the files for our next trade I suggest talking to you in person, discuss whether or not this is the best. Puffing out the smoke I think for a second, thinking it would be best to do along with Lorenzo.
"Certo. Mandami un messaggio e ci incontreremo." Translation: Certain. Text me the address and we'll meet. Not wasting another second I hang up, Putting away the phone in my pocket. Seeing Lorenzo walking back I finish my cigar, throwing it out of the window and rolling the window back up. Getting inside he locks the door and starts the vehicle up. Seeing his eyes through the rear view mirror I automatically knew that we got a new contract coming our way. More money in our pockets.
Feeling the phone buzz I take it out of my pocket.
2532 Broadway, New York, NY 10025.
Informing Lorenzo the location he nods, putting the vehicle in 'Drive', we were on our way, having small conversations once in a while. In two days we're out of here, going back home; Italy. Every once in a while I'll come down here with my underboss and consigliere and create more contracts, earning more here then back home. Tomorrow Lorenzo will go back to the construction sight so the head man can sigh it, making it official we get a certain percentage of profit along with anything else, assuring that he will get something out of it.
Arriving at the destination I notice Nicolo standing outside the diner with the file in hand, waiting for us. After parallel parking Lorenzo shuts the car off, both of us getting out and greeting Nicolo before going in.
"Diner?"
"I assumed neither of you ate." He states as he holds the door open for us to go in. Nodding at his way I take note of our surroundings, checking if anything seemed out of place. Leading the way to the back corner we sat down in the booth as we waited for someone to come and assist. Placing the folder on top of the table he opens it up, taking out two sheets and handing them over to the both of us. Taking a closer look I read through it quickly, soon noticing the pros and cons to this deal.
"Let me hear what you have to say first." Returning him the paper he places it back inside the folder along with Lorenzo's. Hearing light footsteps approaching us I look up from my men only to mentaly drool over our waitress as she approached us. With each step she took her hips swayed to the side, her body moving in a tantalizing way. She was thick- Slim thick to be prossise. Her figure was beauty, having a hourglass body made her stand out.
Click. Click. WIth each step her beautiful breasts could be seen bouncing slightly... She was natural along with her skin.
Arriving in front of the table she looks up from, smiling sweetly before her eyes met mine. Those eyes. Such innocents. Purity. She displays her soul through those beautiful ocean blue eyes full of joy and wonder. I want her to be mine. Only mine.
She was nervous. Her smile faded as her cheeks slowly became pink; she was flushed. Her hand went up to her face, trying to put a strand behind her ear but slowly failed as it slowly slipped out. Her hair was beautiful, the color was natural as well- Ash brown. She was to die for.
Placing down the menus in front she takes out her little notepad along with her pen, clicking it.
"G-Goodaftetoon. What would y-you be order to d-drink today?" She asks us, avoiding her eyes as she looked at her notepad as if it were the most fascinating thing ever. She was cute.
Elena's Pov.
"Three waters, thank you." Calm yourself down. Quickly writing it down I inform them I would be back. Turning my back on the handsome men I rushed out, feeling hot and stupid. I've never seen them come here thats for sure. Heading to the back I took three cups, filling them halfway with ice and added water. Feeling my cheeks getting warm I fan myself, trying to get rid of the feeling. It's best if I do since its likely I won't see him ever again.
Closing my eyes I breathed out. Images of his handsome face popping up made me open my eyes fast.
Taking ahold of the cups I slowly walked out of the kitchen, taking my time as I looked at the floor. I don't want to embarrass myself but it's rude if I don't make eye contact, the customers will be offended or take it the wrong way. Man up. Reaching to their table I gently placed the waters in front of them as they talked to each other. Waiting for them to finish I take out my notepad and pen, staring at it as I waited for them. Hearing one one them clearing their throats I immediately look up, feeling my cheeks heat up as the handsome man gave me his full attention.
"We're ready to order." Softly nodding at him I click the pen, ready to take their orders. God he was Italian... His heavy Italian accent made him even more attractive. Writing down their orders I go back to the kitchen, handing the note to Danny. Giving him a smile he returns the gesture before he went back to work. Letting out a sigh I lean against the metal counter as I messaged my forehead slightly, trying to relieve some stress that was developing. Just another couple of minutes and I'm out of here... Hopefully.
With each second passed my heart didn't stop racing, my cheeks getting warmer as I could still imagine his face in my head. Hearing the ding from the ringer my head shot up, surprised that the food was done fast. Seeing Danny slide the plates over he gave me a concerned look which I just smiled nervously at him.
"Are you okay-" Taking the plates I quickly got out of there, I'm ready to just go on to the next customer and leave. As I walked over to the table I could feel them staring at me making me stumble a bit, luckily not falling down and ruining their food. Placing down their food in front of them I don't dare say a word, knowing that I would stutter a lot. Before I left I got a wift of his aroma, It brought comfort in me- causing me to relax a bit. Warm and spicy accords mingle with a slightly floral heart that closes with cedar, ambergris, and tobacco. I mentally drool before I left.
"Elly." Stopping in my tracks I look at Danny with a confused look. He isn't supposed to leave the kitchen unless its urgent. Not wanting him to get fired I quickly rushed over to him, pushing him back into the kitchen. I shake my head at him as I prayed that the boss didn't see it. He sees everything.
"Are you dumb?!" I tell him in a concerned tone as I pushed us to the back. Reaching to the back he smiles at me, looking directly into my eyes, not liking the way he was looking at me.
"I guess I am." Removing my hands from him he wrapped an arm around my waist as he brought me closer making me release a small gasp from the sudden action. He was just a friend and nothing else!
"I-I Umm- W-What are you doing?" I stare at him in a astonished way, unprepared from this situation- surprised as a matter of fact.
"I am dumb for doing that," He pauses as he lowers his head down, his lips getting closer to mine. "But I'm not dumb for doing this." Closing his eyes he smashes his lips on mine. I was in complete shock. My eyes wide open as I stood still, not wanting this and not knowing what to do. Sure he was handsome but I didn't want him like this!
With all the force I had in me I pushed him away from me, raising my hand up I slapped him across his face. The sound echoed around the kitchen, mixing in with other noises. Feeling my eyes tear up I quickly ran out, not wanting to see Danny ever again but sadly I would have to see him every single day.
Taking a turn to exit the kitchen I stop in my tracks only to get scared. In front of me was my boss, his expression wasn't pretty... He witnessed it. He saw everything. Before I could say anything he gave me a look and turned his back to me, heading back to the office. I'm done. Feeling defeated I let a tear escape my eyes I carefully followed behind him. With each step my heart sank. I knew what was about to happen and I didn't like it one bit. Closing the door behind me gently I avoided eye contact with him as I stood in front of him, staring down at the ground.
'How can I help my family now?'
'How can I get a new job?!'
"Sir please-" I wince as he slammed his fist down against the table, the sudden commotion hurting my ears. Nothing can be done now. I should have just ignore Danny but now his actions are costing me my job- my chance to help my family, specifically my sister...
"You are a distraction to my workers along with my customers. The actions I saw today show who you really are and I don't want that in my diner." Another tear slipped out, I was in pain.
"Effective by today you are terminated-"
"- Sir I was trying to help a fellow worker not get in trouble." Looking up from my glossy eyes I stare at him in pain.
"You really expect me to believe you? Get out. NOW!" He shouts at me causing me to flinch and rush out of his office, slamming the door closed as I quickly went to get my things out of the locker. Wiping away the tears I stared down at the floor as I walked out of the of the place.
Upon exiting the place a soft breeze greeted me outside along with something else, I couldn't pinpoint the smell. Letting out a sigh I wipe away another tear. What do I do now? All I can do is just be confident now but how? I've never been confident outside the shower. Looking up from the concrete floor I stood still as I was met with beautiful gray eyes staring right at mine. It was the same man I just helped a few minutes ago. Wait how did he finish so quick?
"I-I umm hi." I nervously greeted him. Realizing that he had a cigar in his mouth I felt myself get embarrassed, he's busy and I just interrupted him- I'm messing up today. Keeping my eyes glued on him he takes out the cigar out of his mouth, slowly blowing out the smoke as the wind took it away from him. I don't like guys that smoke but the way he looked while he did it made him look hot. My heart quickens again as he smiled at me, exposing his slight dimples along with his pearly white teeth... Oh my.
"Mind if I ask what happen?" He asks as his lips wrap around the cigar, taking another puff out of it. I couldn't find the words to say no, rather shook my head at him. Looking down at my watch I realized that in twenty minutes my sister would be getting out.
"I-I'm sorry sir but I have to get to somewhere."
"Do you need a ride?" He asks. I was amazed how caring and sweet he was but at the end of the day he was a stranger, for all I knew he was just a handsome kidnapper ready to kidnap me- but I'm too ugly to be kidnapped!
"I don't get into strangers vehicles sir, but thank you for your generous offer."
Throwing the cigar onto the concrete he turned around and walked toward a black car. Opening the door he stood next to it. With a hand gesture, telling me to go in he says, "Lets talk and I won't be a stranger." Without wasting a second I got in his car, thanking him as I put on my seatbelt.
"Where to?" Confused I looked forward to see a chofer looking at me from the rear view mirror. He was one of the guys I served with Mr. Handsome here. Quickly finding my voice I softly told him 'Manhattan Middle School'. The interior of this was was amazing, it smelled amazing here. Leather.
"What's your name bellissima?" Translation: Beautiful. Avoiding eye contact my cheeks started to get warm again. He really just called me beautiful? Sadly I wish.
"S-Sorry, i'm Elena." Fiddling with my thumbs I looked up from my lap. Meeting his eyes I tried to calm myself but how could I? I was sitting inside a car with the most handsome man I've ever laid my eyes on, what's worse is that he was Italian- his accent was music to my ears. "- And you're?"
"Luciano Vertoly, pleasure to meet such beauty." Grabbing my hand from my lap he lifted it up to his lips, kissing my knuckle as he kept eye contact with me. Is it getting hot in here?
"What happened earlier?" Oh I forgot to answer his questions from earlier! Letting out a sad sigh I began to explain to him what happened back there. How my coworker pulled something stupid and I got in trouble because of it. I'm going to have to call my family tonight to tell them about the sad truth of today.
Noticing him pulling out a card out of his suit I looked at it in confusion. What was this? Taking ahold of it I looked up at him giving his a curious look making him shake his head slightly with some amusement in his eyes.
"If you would like you could come back with me to Italy and work as a maid or a housekeeper." Looking down at the business card I noticed a phone number and his name plastered on it with a small quote, 'Cosa nostra.' Looking up and out of the window I realized that we were approaching the school. Coming to a halt I looked at him, giving him a smile as I unbuckled the seatbelt.
"Thank you for the nice offer but I would have to get back to you about this. It was nice meeting you!" Closing the door I turn back on him and walked towards the school. My hand over my chest as I felt my heartbeat quicken. What do I do now?