ℛ𝒾𝓂𝒶𝓇𝓇ℴ́ | Jorginho

I

Nervously, I slipped on the elegant, black dress, it's hem reaching my ankles, the slit on the left exposing my leg slightly. The straps fell on my collar bones, getting tighter on my skin, as I zipped up the side of it. I examined my appearance in the mirror, and blushed, glad that I looked so good, yet inside, I felt lonely and nervous.

Tonight was supposed to be a special dinner, with me and my 'boyfriend', until I caught him cheating around a month ago. We had been planning on going to this wonderful Italian restaurant for months, which was very well-known for its luxury food. Of course, after being in that situation, I cut things off, but my friends reminded me that I should enjoy myself, and still go, since it's something I've always wanted to do.

After considering it for a while, I realised I should just go for it, spending some time alone. It would probably help me move on, but also help me show myself some appreciation, especially after all of the rough times I had been through over the last month.

I headed to the front room, and fastened up the clasp on my silver heels, before picking up my black YSL clutch bag, and heading off to the restaurant, by taxi.

***

Thanking the driver as we reached the destination, I stepped out the car, and headed inside. The restaurant was lit dimly, with fairy lights draped overhead, and candles on the smart tables set up. The atmosphere was relaxed, with the hum of chatter and the occasional chink of cutlery or glass.

I was lead to a table, where I was handed a menu. Excited, I read through the items and made a decision about what I could have to eat.

Considering this was supposed to be a night spent with someone who I loved, I felt that I wasn't feeling too bad and was actually enjoying looking around at others, in my own world, contemplating life. Due to the fact that I was starting to accept my life by myself, I was already making plans in the first place, but being surrounded by others, enjoying themselves and having a good time, made me wonder what I could do to push the negativity of the recent events away from my present life.

A bottle of red wine had been served at my table, and after thanking the waiter I took a sip, my eyes looking around the room. As I looked at one of the few tables ahead of me, my eyes caught another pair, dark brown and attractive. I blushed, knowing that it was too soon for me to even think about these sorts of things, but I couldn't help myself.

The man who I had made eye contact with was tanned, with brown hair, to match his eyes. He had a little facial hair and wore a hoodie, which I thought was a bit too causal for an environment like this, causing me to smirk.

Still watching, I saw the corners of his mouth move, into a small smirk too.
'Perfect. I bet he's got the wrong idea now' I thought, mentally kicking myself. Yes, he was gorgeous, but I'm pretty sure I recognised him anyway. He was probably one of these cocky men that live in Chelsea, with more money then sense.

Looking away, I went back to sipping my wine, looking forward to being served my food. Within the next 20 minutes it was served and tasted divine. Content, I began to relax more and ease into the evening, forgetting about my worries and loosening up, enjoying the food and the wine, of course. However, a part of me still felt curious about the man in the hoodie.

Do I follow my head or my heart?

Normally I would follow my head, which is sticking to what I think would logically be right. I mean, who wears a hoodie, inside a restaurant like this? Not to mention that smirk.

Yet, something just felt weirdly right. As if it just so happened we ended up in the exact same building. Not only the eye contact, but the thoughts of him already consuming, just based upon his appearance.

Reading my mind almost, a sudden chinking of a glass caught everyone's attention. The restuarant was a small enclosed environment, therefore it was easy to grab everyone's eyes on you. As a result, everyone cast their attention to the waiter, who had directed us.

'As some of you may or may not know, we indeed have a very special visitor, this evening,' he began, 'This man has been a very loyal customer of ours, but is also a man that deserves a lot of recognition for the work he's done recently.' His words were followed by several members of the kitchen staff coming into the main dining area, carrying an enormous cup, filled with pasta.

'Congratulations to Jorginho, our fellow Italian, who has just won the Champions League, with Chelsea,' he continued, causing the whole room to erupt in applause.

For me, it suddenly clocked. The cup was delivered to the boy I had made eye contact with earlier and I knew I recognised him from somewhere. I was a huge fan of football, but had spent a lot of time focusing on my career, therefore I hadn't had the most time on my hands to keep up to date with it, but I had watched it occasionally.

I must admit, the whole hoodie thing made sense, since he had enough money to eat here regularly, so it clearly became an occurrence often. I was just curious, as to why someone as big as him, would even hold eye contact, let alone smirk at me.

Blushing, I joined in the applause, and then got back to eating, trying not to look at Jorginho, too much, since he already had been in the spotlight loads this evening, and he seemed quite introverted.

***

Time had passed and I was on my dessert, when the waiter passed by, with a tray. The tray contained a single glass of champagne with a rose next to it and a note.
'This is for you Signorina, all paid for by our champion over there. It seems he's not only trying to win on the pitch, but off too,' he chuckled, handing me the things, and leaving me to read the note, after I thanked him.

I sipped the champagne, and blushed, smelling the rose, and looking up in the direction of Jorginho. He smiled over at me, causing me to blush harder, since this was so romantic. I read the note, feeling him watching me and couldn't help but smile to myself.

I made sure this was delivered to the pretty girl sat alone. I just wanted to let you know that I think you're molta bella, and was wondering if you wanted my number? I've left it at bottom of the page. I'd love to take you out some time.
J xx

Smiling to myself, I saved him into my contacts, and quickly wrote to him.

C
Grazie Jorginho, thank you for my beautiful rose and the champagne, but also your lovely words 💞

J
You're welcome bella, let me know when you're free 💋

I blushed and smiled at him, as I looked up. He grinned back and I sipped my champagne, as the night continued. I slipped the note inside my purse, knowing it was something I'd probably keep for a long time, as well as the rose.

Perhaps everything happens for a reason and it just so happened that I ended up heartbroken, eating in a restaurant alone, where I was supposed to be with my ex, on the same night as a romantic Italian footballer.

I started to believe that this was a sign, after all. This was my sign to have hope, and for once, trust my heart.