I was walking through the streets of Rome, listening to music in my earphones. It was finally Friday and I planned to go with Vic and some of her friends to a club that they frecventated often.
I entered the flower shop and the smell just mesmerized me, like it did every day. I checked the clock, it was 7:45am. I was so late bacause I made sure Thomas went to highschool, like he promised.
I quickly made Damiano's bouquet and he showed up at 8.
'Hi. I'm not late this time' he smiled.
'Good morning! Is your girlfriend feeling better?' I said writing the adress. It was a relfex at this point.
'Yes. She's heading out of town, going to her parents' he said rising his eyebrows.
'Well I'm happy to hear that. Here it is' I said showing him the three roses bouquet.
'Thank you.' he smiled and handed me the money.
'Wait, sorry if I am nosy, but if she is out of town how could she get the flowers?'
'Her housekeeper will get it. And don't worry, I totally get your curiosity' he laughed softly.
I nodded and smiled embarrassed. The fact that she had a housekeeper said a lot about her financial state.
'Well, I should go now. See you on Monday, Sorn!' he greeted me with a smile and exited the shop.
I stood there, just mesmerized by what happened. Not this man, but his life. I wish Thomas would end up in a lifestyle similar to Damiano's: he was a gentleman with his girlfriend, he had money I assume and he was always so happy and carefree.
Another man intrerrupted my thoughts: a blonde not so skinny guy, maybe younger than me, had just entered the flower shop.
'Buongiorno!' I greeted with a smile.
'Hi.. So I want a seven red roses bouquet... at this address' he said and looked for a note in his pocket, handing it to me.
Via Nazionale number 46
I looked at him again, confused, but he just smiled and went on his phone. That was Damiano's girlfriend's adress.
'Your girlfriend?' I asked writing the adress note with shaky hands.
'Not yet, I don't think so' he laughed.
'Look' I showed him the bouquet and gave him a fake smile, but of course he didn't noticed how ironic I was.
'Mhm, thanks. It's so beautiful. Wanda will love it.. Well, I should keep going. Have a nice day!' he said handing me the money and then left.
What just happened?
From the first impression, I could see that boy being naive and unsophisticated, unlike Damiano. He didn't have that clean look, his blonde hair looking rather dirty. Wanda... a beautiful name for a woman I didn't know could bring me such anger. I wonder what she looked like, what did she had that I haven't. No boy came with flowers to my house everyday, but she had two now!
I sighed and leaned against the wall behind me. I inspected the flower shop and everything seemed to be in their place, but not me. My work was my biggest achievement since I started this shop from the bottom, all by myself. But that day, I didn't feel like I belonged there. My job was to make people happy, right? But what should I have done in that situation when the man whose life seemed perfect was being lied to?
-
'What's with that sad face? Sorn, get your shit together. I'll pick you up at 8, ok?' asked Vic entering the shop.
I nodded and quickly left the shop. It was still too early to go home to get ready for the party, so I stopped at a coffee shop close to my apartament. I didn't want to go home yet.
I ordered myself a cappuccino and opened my diary. I didn't have a pen so I looked around hoping to see a waiter that could help me, but I spotted the blonde guy sitting at the table in front of me, accompanied by a woman. The seven roses bouquet was on the table and the both of them looked like they had a great time, since their laughter was filling up the room.
I assumed that the lady was Wanda. She was asian, with a beautiful oval face. Her blonde perfectly styled hair was long and shiny. Her blue eyes dissapeared when she grinned. Her whole face was lighted up; she looked angelic. No wonder why so many men courted her.
I found myself staring at her so I snapped back to reality, blinking a couple of times. She didn't notice me and neither did the boy. I payed my drink and quickly left the coffee shop and felt a gaze watching me, but didn't look back.
-
I got home, Thomas wasn't there yet. I started writing chaotic sentences in my diary about what I found out today. I came to the conclusion that Wanda was surely cheating on Damiano. Of course, it could've been a friend, but if that was the case, why did he say 'not yet' when I asked if she was his girlfriend. Maybe my mind was playing tricks or maybe I just discovered a really serious thing.
I crowled in my bed, starring at the ceiling. Why am I so frustrated about this? From my perspective, to cheat on a loved one is just unforgivable. The stories from my childhood taught me that when our father left us for a younger woman. I hated the fact that this man, Damiano, was probably clueless.
Thomas came home and told me that he got an A at history. He was so proud, my heart just melted.
'Dad called again.' he said hesitantly.
'Cool, I said and he gave me a confused look and sighed, looking at the floor. Don't be like that' I continued.
'Sorry. I'm sorry. By the way, I have a party tonight.' he changed the subject, smiling.
'Yeah? Where?'
'At a club, I don't know. Some friends invited me.'
'Text me sometimes so I know you're safe, I smiled and messed up his hair. I am also going to a party, so don't get too drunk because I won't be able to pick you up.'
'Yeah.. I won't be drinking.' he said and grinned.
'Liar' I laughed.
-
It was 8pm and I was waiting for Victoria in front of my apartament. I was wearing a white dress with white heels and a black leather jacket. I was already so tall, I don't know why I chose to wear high heels.
I saw a car pulling over in the parking lot and Vic's head popped out of the window.
'Come on!' she yelled, laughing.
Hey besties, I hope you like the story so far🤍 stay safe
