Chapter 2 Valeria

He reached forward and took my hands in his, "Don't be afraid, my dear. I have a job offer for you. I have a pub in the center of the city and would love for you to become my chef there. Tell me what salary would you like?"

"But I am not a certified chef. I just cook foods like my grandmother used to make. What if no one likes my food. I...I...I do not want to disappoint you or embarrass my uncle." I am terrified of disappointing this man.

"Nonsense. You will work for me. Here is the address and I have a much better loft above the pub. Very quiet. Private and secured. Your uncle is already aware that I am stealing you from him. Pack your bags my dear girl. I will have my men move your bags and whatever you would like to take to your new home. I will be waiting. Do not forget to come up with a salary for yourself. With cooking like this, you deserve it. I do not like to wait." He said with a smirk and leaned down and kissed my cheek.

He held his fingertips to my chin, "Such a lovely girl. You learned well from tua nonna." Giancarlo whispered and smiled as he turned away.

I stood there with my mouth hanging open, like an idiot! Stars above I think I am going to throw up! But he liked my cooking that much?

My uncle walked back into the hallway, "Do not screw this up. It will make me look bad."

"Yes, uncle. Of course. When am I supposed to leave?"

"Now! The moving truck will be here in thirty minutes."

I quickly went to me room and put my laptop in my backpack and gathered my college books. I already had the bed stripped, so I just folded the clean sheets and blanket and left it on the end of the bed. I did not have many clothes. So, I got the little suitcase I had and packed my clothes and shoes in it. Ten minutes later, I was ready.

I felt like I was being dumped again. I walked quietly to the back of the warehouse and there were two very tall and big men standing by the door.

One smiled, "Ms. Rossi, ready?"

"Yes, sir." I kept my head down.

"My name is Mikey. I am not a 'sir' type of guy with lovely ladies as yourself. Where are your things?"

"This is it. I do not have much." I show him my little suitcase. I said quietly.

He smiles and takes it from me and motions toward the door with his hand. "That guy there is Jimmy. He is my brother. I hear you make some awesome food. I hope we get to sample some food when you are set up at the pub." He laughs

"Nice to meet you both. I hope my food is good."

We walk to a black SUV and Jimmy opens the door and says, "If Mister Barone hired you, your food is awesome."

We make small talk on the way downtown toward the center of the city as I gazed out the window and the scenery. All of the lights. The people. The music playing. We passed Rockefeller Center. I wonder what it looked like during Christmas. My heart is beating so loud, I can hear it thumping.

I have only been in the center of the city twice, both times to go to Rizzoli Bookstore. I wanted to see New York City. It was absolutely beautiful at night. I wonder what it looks like during the day.

We park behind a pub, under an awning. It looks like where limos would park, and the guests would use the private entrance. Not to be seen by the public eye off the streets.

I was guided into the upstairs office, where I was told to wait for Mister Barone. I was sitting outside of his office, and I heard yelling coming from inside. I was starting to panic. The door flew open, and this man walked out cussing in Italian. He did not notice me in the corner of the waiting area. I froze and Mister Barone walked out, "Ah, Miss Valeria, please come in."

I slowly got up and walked into his office as he held out his hand guiding me inside.

"Do not pay any attention to the young fool that walked out in a rush a moment ago." He whispered.

I nodded. He asked for my information to give to his accountant for payroll. About an hour after that, I was introduced to my new kitchen. Mister Barone said this was my domain and no one was to tell me anything on how to run my kitchen. I smiled when he told me to do whatever it was my heart wanted to do.

He reassured me that no one would bother me. I smiled and thanked him. My hands were itching to start cooking. There was something about the atmosphere in the kitchen that relaxed me. I looked around the kitchen and put my ear buds in and put my pandora music on. I moved some things around and set up the equipment the way I wanted it. I started to write out my menu for salads and appetizers. I sent in my order for supplies. One of my favorite sad songs came on:

If I die young, bury me in satin

Lay me down on a bed of roses

Sink me in the river at dawn

Send me away with the words of a love song

Oh-oh, oh-oh

Lord, make me a rainbow, I'll shine down on my mother

She'll know I'm safe with you when she stands under my colors

Oh, and life ain't always what you think it ought to be, no

Ain't even gray, but she buries her baby

The sharp knife of a short life

Well, I've had just enough time

I was humming and did not realize I was singing softly.

If I die young, bury me in satin

Lay me down on a bed of roses

Sink me in the river at dawn

Send me away with the words of a love song

The sharp knife of a short life

Well, I've had just enough time

And I'll be wearing white when I come into your kingdom

I'm as green as the ring on my little cold finger

I've never known the lovin' of a man

But it sure felt nice when he was holding my hand

There's a boy here in town, says he'll love me forever

Who would have thought forever could be severed by

I felt goose bumps on my arm and felt a light breeze on the back of my neck. I turned around slowly and nothing, no one. It must be in my mind.

I turned off my music as it reminded me of my boyfriend that almost killed me.

The sharp knife of a short life

Well, I've had just enough time

So put on your best, boys, and I'll wear my pearls

What I never did is done

A penny for my thoughts, oh no, I'll sell 'em for a dollar

They're worth so much more after I'm a goner

And maybe then you'll hear the words I've been singin'

Funny when you're dead, how people start listenin'

If I die young, bury me in satin

Lay me down on a bed of roses

Sink me in the river at dawn

Send me away with the words of a love song

Oh-oh, (oh-oh)

The ballad of a dove

Go with peace and love

Gather up your tears, keep 'em in your pocket

Save 'em for a time when you're really gonna need 'em, oh

The sharp knife of a short life

Well, I've had just enough time

So put on your best, boys, and I'll wear my pearls

I inhaled deeply and turned around slowly as I could swear that I smelt a man's cologne. Cool Water, one of my favorites. Then the air felt warm and my body and mind relaxed. What gives?

It must be all in my mind. Maybe just someone that passed by the kitchen. Oh well.

I was so excited. I did not realize it was so late. It was almost eleven o'clock and if I did not hurry, I would miss the city bus home. I locked up and rushed out the door.

I ran into a hard mass at the back door. I fell back on my ass. I dropped everything my bag, my bus pass and my clipboard for the kitchen. I looked up and the greenest piercing eyes were looking into my brown eyes. Oh my god!