Pt. IV
Olivia bit her lip. Maybe this was all just a dream. Was she really sitting next to Joshua in an Italian cafe? She felt like she was about to faint.
Joshua leaned closer and said, ’I’ll be right back. Let me see if I can find a pen nearby.’ With that Joshua stood to his feet & marched to find a pen.
Now she was left to ponder whether this was some prank. Or silly trick. Brianna would pop out from one of the tables and reach for her phone to record the whole thing.
This was odd. Maybe it was time to leave, and tell Joshua that she did not like any of the items served in the Italian cafe.
She looked around and soon spotted Joshua waving his hand in triumph, because he had managed to find a pen. Olivia shook her head. This guy was something else. She chuckled and thought that maybe she would stay just a little longer. And try some of the items served at the Italian cafe.
Joshua sat down and laughed. ‘I found a pen. Now where were we.’
Olivia clasped her hands and asked, ‘Do you mind if we order something first?’
He said, ‘Not at all. I’m sorry. Yeah, let’s get a bite to eat before I get to know you, Olivia.’
Her heart skipped a beat. What was she going to order? She stared at the menu. Ah, there were so many options: should she grab something light, a snack~ perhaps, or go for a little more filling meal— mmm- the pictures of the pizza on the menu made her want a slice, even two.
The crunch of the crust had a filling of cheese. This order was perfect. All that was missing was a combination of pepperoni with pineapple. She looked up from the menu, and wondered what Joshua was going to order.
His index finger was fixed on one item. Was he only ordering a drink? A pink lemonade. She gently tapped him on the shoulder.
Joshua looked at her and winked. She froze for a bit. Why was he winking at her? She cleared her throat. ‘What are you going to have?’
He raised his eyebrow and stroked his chin. ‘I think I’ll have a lemonade.’
‘Oh. Okay.’
Olivia folded the menu and held it for a little while. Then she said, ‘I am going to order half a pineapple pizza.’
‘I hear that is one of the best items on their menu.’
She flipped the menu and placed it on the table. Joshua closed his & put it back on the table, too.
Olivia took a deep breath, and asked, ‘Do you like pizza’
He shook his head. ‘No, but I love lemonade.’
She watched him reach for the pen that he had placed behind his ear. He tried to balance it between his nose and upper lip. It landed on the table with a light tap. They reached for the pen at the same time.
Her heart was beating like a drum. She slowly gazed at their hands. His hand over hers.
He moved his hand closer and locked their fingers. The sound of a click from the waiter’s pen made Olivia jump a bit.
Joshua chuckled. She blew a bubble and asked what they wanted.
She took note of their orders and grabbed their menus from the table. Joshua asked for a sheet of paper from her notepad.
Olivia watched him begin to take some notes down. His hand moved in a steady motion.
‘Are you taking some notes about me?’
‘Yes. Only the little bit of information that I have so far is: Olivia Pines’ favorite pizza from the Italian cafe is: pineapple pizza.’
Olivia laughed and was enjoying Joshua’s company. Joshua saw that she her smile. He clicked his pen and wrote: Olivia Pines’ smile is much more refreshing and beautiful than pink lemonade.
9th July, 2020.