Page 6 of The Runaway Bride

“The job is still open, and it’shelping the chef, so you’ll be peeling, chopping, washing dishes, or whateverelse he asks you to do.” He is giving me a raised eyebrow as though he thinks Iwill walk away because the job is menial, to him at least. To me, it’s alifeline.

“I can do that,” keeping my replycalm and confident.

“Okay, I’m the manager and youcan call me Boss or Orsen. Don’t even ask where the name came from!”

I hold my hands up in a sign ofsurrender, but give him a cheeky grin nonetheless. “Okay, Boss.”

“What’s your name?” Orsen asks,and my stomach flutters a little before I respond.

“Elli Harriman, and I’d like towork off the books if that is possible. Cash in my hand works best for me.”

Stopping and looking at me with afrown, I can see he’s trying to work out if I’m going to be trouble or not, buthe must decide I’ll be okay as he states, “Come on, I’ll get you introduced tothe chef, one of the two we have. Today is Chef Pesto Pete. His name isofficially Peter, but he makes the best pesto you have ever tasted; hence, heearned the Pesto Pete moniker.”

Walking into the kitchen behindmy new boss, I see three women sitting at a table on one side, looking at menusand discussing the day.

“Chef, I want you to meet Elli.She is going to be your new gofer, you know, peeling, chopping, running around,that sort of stuff.”

Chef Pesto Pete stands and stepsover to me with a large smile while holding his hand out to shake. “Welcome,Elli. We are not all as abrasive as Orsen, so take no notice of him. I’mpleased to have you in the kitchen and if you can work fast and efficiently,you’ll be a great help to me.”

“I will do my best, Chef.” I givehim a warm smile in return, and wait for whatever is to come next.

“Okay, if you can start tomorrow,which, of course, is Monday, then we can get you up to scratch by Friday whenit gets busy. Be here around 4:00 pm and that will give us time to get yourigged up with an apron and your work area.”

“Thank you, Chef. I will behere.”

Orsen leads me back to the bararea, hands me a coffee from the machine and writes my name down on a list,before informing me of the salary, times and days I’ll be working and he’ll payme cash on Sunday nights once I’ve finished working. All of that suits me and Ihope I can stay here for at least a few months.

Back at my apartment, I can’tbelieve how seedy the area is. Tia has warned the kids that sit around outsideto make sure no one messes with me or she’ll mess with them. I’m thankful shehas taken a liking to me because she is someone I would never normally comeacross in my family circle. But she is refreshingly honest, capable, and kind,although she would deny that last thought.

“Elli!”

Turning, when I hear my namecalled, I give Tia an enormous smile before giggling as she claps her handsexcitedly. “You got the job?”

“I did. I’ll be cutting, peeling,chopping, dicing, and washing dishes, but it’s a job and I’m very grateful forit,” I reply, giving her a hug before she pushes me away, frowning.

“None of that girly shit. Nowcome on, let’s invade your apartment and have something to eat. I’ve beenwaiting to celebrate with you.”

Inside my apartment we make a hotchocolate drink, and a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, which I have to sayI’ve not had before but I like it. Another introduction Tia has given me tonormal day life.

Finishing our sandwich and drink,I’m shocked when Tia speaks. “Okay, now you can fill me in on who you reallyare, and who or what you are running from?”

Sighing, I consider if I shouldtell her or not. It could get her into a dangerous situation, but it could alsosave her from one.

“Come on, I’ll have your back,Elli. I have lived through some shit stuff in my life, and I like you. I’llhelp if I can.” Tia grabs my hand and gives it a comforting squeeze.

“I ran from home. My family ispart of the Vincholetti Mafia. My father is an Underboss for the main boss. Ihave had nothing to do with theFamiglia, as it is called. My fathertold me I had to marry the boss, Nico Vincholetti although he had promised mefrom being a child that I could marry for love, and not have an arrangedmarriage.”

“Noooo, that sort of thing shouldnot be happening this day and age. Well, girl, I would have run too.” Tia issqueezing my hand tightly at this point.

“The boss was to be married andthe young woman ran on the wedding day to only be in a fatal accident. Now heis looking for a replacement. Tick Tock, you are it!” I say, pointing atmyself.

“So, what are we going to do?”Tia asks, picking up our mugs and plates to wash.

“Well, I know how to fight, as mybrother helped me with that. I need to purchase a good knife and gun, but keepit from registering in my real name, which is Elliana Palmeri, and not EllianaHarriman.”

“I can get you those withoutbeing registered. I’ll speak to the street kids. They can get me whatever Ineed and keep quiet about it,” Tia grins.

“Are you sure? Because this couldbe dangerous for you, Tia. Getting involved with me could be life-threateningfor you.”

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