"Newcomer?" he questions, his accent impossibly deep, as he crosses his arms. By the way he is dressed, I would presume he was a waiter, but his use of small talk makes me question the notion. My thoughts are confirmed when he takes a pad and a pen out of his pocket. A waiter.

"What gave it away? My terrible accent?" I joke and he laughs before shaking his head.

"I wouldn't forget a pretty face like yours," he counters, and I try to keep my breathing even and reduce the blush rising in my cheeks at the compliment. "Can I get you anything to drink?" he quickly changes the subject and I shake the thoughts from my head before looking back down at the menu.

"A glass of Pinot, please," I say, and he writes it down on the pad - his strong hand moving swiftly.

"Nice choice. Anything to eat? Or would you like me to come back?" he questions but I shake my head, ready to order.

"Can I have the gnocchi alla sorrentina, please?" I read in the best Italian accent I can muster to simply not embarrass myself. This elicits a broader smile from him, and I hope that it wasn't one out of amusement.

"Your pronunciation is great, do you have any relatives from here?" he asks, inquisitively, those blue eyes shining brightly. I'm concerned that other people are waiting, and I am holding them up by keeping him here, so I keep my answer short and sweet.

"My Aunt and Uncle own a townhouse here but that's as far as it goes... Am I holding you up?" I quickly ask and he looks around at the overly busy restaurant before nodding his head.

"I am definitely very far behind, but my father owns this place, it's family heirloom of sorts. I'm sure he'll only be slightly annoyed that I am several tables behind, but he'll understand..." he trails off. "I'll send this through, but we will continue this conversation."

Before I can utter another word, he is walking away, and I can't help but feel a small flutter run through me. I shut down any feelings of desire because it's always the same. A guy shows me the tiniest bit of attention and I think I'm in love... and that's simply crazy. But there's no denying his god-like looks and his deep voice that makes my insides turn to liquid.

My phone buzzes and it takes me a second to register that the incessant ringtone is playing. Looking down, I see that I am getting a phone call... from Ambrose? I'm reluctant to pick up but I accept the call before it rings out.

"Hello?" I ask down the line, completely baffled.

"Hey, Heidi..." Ambrose says, and I furrow my brows. "I just... I wanted to say how sorry I am. I took your love for granted and I know this apology is well overdue, but I can't function without you," he floods down the phone.

I can't help the emotion that constricts my chest as I clear my throat. "It's over, Ambrose, no number of apologies will make what happened right. It's probably best if you just move on... I have. Anyways, I can't talk right now, maybe another time," my voice wavers as I prepare to hang up.

Of course, with my luck, the waiter comes back with my wine and places it on the table in front of me. I mouth a thank you before I take a gulp of it. I'm going to need something to get me through this conversation.

"I know... I don't want you to forget because I know that it was beyond shitty of me but instead of showing you how sorry I am through apologies, you could give me a second chance. You could give me a second chance to show you the love that you deserve... please, Heidi." The waiter throws me a questionable look.

"Is everything okay?" he asks, and I cringe, nodding my head. Was it really that obvious?

"Who are you with? Whose voice did I just hear, Heidi?" Ambrose presses and I roll my eyes.

"It's nothing. Goodbye, Ambrose," I say and before I hear another word come through the line, I hang up. Taking the glass, I drink another gulp of the wine.

"Boyfriend trouble?" the waiter asks, his voice dimmer than before, as he slides into the seat in front of me. I raise a brow at him. Does he not have a job to attend to? Not that I am complaining but I don't want him to get fired or anything. Not that he would seeing as it's his father's restaurant and all.

"Ex-boyfriend," I clarify. "In another country and he still manages to make my life a living hell," I try to make light of the situation, but the waiter's face remains neutral.

"What's your name?" he asks as I run my fingers along the stem of the glass. I watch as the wine fizzes and bubbles with the movement.

"Why are you asking?" I retort, my words drowning in question. He laughs before adjusting himself in the seat to get comfortable.

"Because I'd like to get to know you," he says, and I take a sip of the wine before responding - trying to give myself a moment to process his words. To make sure that I'm not hearing things.

"Heidi Ferrars. It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr Waiter," I say and those blue eyes flash with something I can't decipher. "What's your name?" I ask the same question.

"Why are you asking?" he sits up in his chair, a smirk plastered onto his face. A warm breeze sifts its way through the restaurant, and I let it wrap itself around my body. Chatter continues around us, and the sounds of glasses clinking add to the jovial atmosphere.

"Because I'd like to get to know you," I repeat his words as another waiter walks towards the table and places my dish in front of me. "Grazie," I say to the man, and he gives me a small nod before walking away.

The food looks heavenly, the delicious aroma filling me full. Taking a bite, I almost moan from how tasty it is. The cheese and tomatoes mix euphorically in my mouth. I most definitely have to come here again.

"Niccolo Emiliano... but my friends call me Nico," he says, and I smile.

"I'd like to say that we're friends now, wouldn't you, Nico?" I question and he makes a face as if to say that he is pondering upon the matter.

"I like the sound of that, Heidi," the sound of my name rolling off his tongue almost melts me completely. I thank the heavens that I am seated, or I am afraid that I might have collapsed. "I'll let you enjoy your dinner... let me know if you need anything," Nico says with a smirk and he gets up before walking over to another table.

My heart thunders against my chest as I continue eating and try to forget about his deep, rich voice and the way it simply does things to me that it shouldn't. Although it doesn't help when he continues the mindless conversation each time he passes. After ending up ordering a few too many Pinots, I text Calli - updating her on the Italian hotties she was talking about.

Calli: He sounds sexy AF. Can you snap a sneaky pic of him? Please... I am begging.

My mind is much foggier than I had anticipated as I attempt to text a reply.

Heidi: He looks as though he was built by God himself. And no. I can't get a pic of him, that's too weird, Calli. Especially since I met him not five minutes ago. If anything comes of it, then I'll get a pic but if not... there isn't a chance I am getting caught doing that LMAO.

Calli: Put the Pinot down, girl. You never say LMAO. I'm concerned for your welfare.

Heidi: It's okay, it's my last and then I'm leaving. I'm glad you're so concerned for me... what would I do without you?

I laugh as I send the text then my gaze gets caught with Nico as he trails towards the table. "Can I get the cheque, please?" I ask and Nico flashes me a devilish grin.

"No need to worry about that, Heidi... it's on the house," there he goes with my name again. It will most definitely be the death of me. He's already let me take him away from his job for half of the night and now he's paying for my dinner?

"That's very generous of you but-" he cuts me off.

"No buts... we're friends now and friends do friendly gestures," he shrugs, and I take the receipt from his hand, looking at the price: €24.95

"Well, as a friendly gesture... I'm going to tip you thirty euros," I smile and grab my purse before placing the money on the table and standing up. The wine seems to rush to my head as I stand, and I place a hand on the table to steady myself.

"Are you okay getting home by yourself?" Nico questions and I smile at his concern.

Strangers are exactly that... strange. You never know who you might run into. Whether it's someone you merely meet in passing or someone that has the potential to change your entire future. It's truly peculiar.

"Yes, I'll be fine... if I don't tumble down the several flights of stairs," I joke but there's a level of seriousness to it. I'm truly half-expecting to fall down the stairs simply because there are so many.

"I'm taking you home," Nico says and flags someone over. "Can you cover for me, Marcello... I've got to do something," without uttering another word, Nico pushes me forward by my back and we set off on a walk.

"Seriously, I'm fine," I turn towards him, but he continues walking. "How do you know where to go?" I question. My thoughts of him being a stalker or a murderer flood my mind.

"Well, you haven't told me it's the wrong way yet, so I am merely guessing," Nico says, and it settles my paranoia by a margin. So, the possibility of him being a murderer isn't a hundred per cent but it's still possible.

"I don't know you... How am I supposed to know that you're not going to kill me?" I press, the Pinot talking, and Nico rolls his eyes.

"You don't know that, maybe I am going to kill you, maybe not," Nico shrugs and I stop in my tracks to stare at him. "It was a joke, Heidi. We're friends, remember. Last time I checked friends don't murder each other," he laughs.

"Fine, you can take me home," I huff, and I lead him in the direction of where I came from - hoping that I can remember where to go without pulling up maps. "It should just be up here," I explain.

"Should?" Nico questions and I trip up a step. "Easy there," his hands move to my waist, steadying me, and I almost trip again. Holy Lord.

"This is my first day here, first few hours actually. So, I may be a bit rusty on directions," I laugh as a couple passes us on the narrow stairway and Nico moves behind me to make way for them.

I hadn't realised that the sun had now disappeared behind the horizon, the sky on its way towards darkness. The only source of light is the golden glow of the lanterns lining the walls of the streets. The cobble steps are uneven and jut out in places, causing my gaze to be stuck to my feet to ensure that I don't make a fool of myself, yet again.

"Just up here?" he asks, and I nod my head, confirming as we go left up another street. I think it's this way... I hope it's this way.

My phone buzzes in my purse and I sway as I try to fish it out. A message from my mother, of course. "Can we stop for a second?" I ask and Nico nods before moving us to the side again.

Mother: Where are you? You've been gone for too long. Are you okay? Message me ASAP.

"Is everything okay?" my eyes meet his cobalt ones, concern plaguing them.

"Yes, it's just my mother is wondering where I am," I say and look at the time. It's true, I have been gone for a long time. "I'm sorry for taking up so much of your time, it should just be around the corner. You can go..." I trail off.

"I'm walking you home because I decided to. You're not taking up my time, if I am being completely honest you are a breath of fresh air. I'd rather be here with you than down there swamped with people... There's something about you that draws me in, but I haven't quite figured it out yet and I plan to," Nico says, and the alcohol makes it hard for me to comprehend anything he just said.

"I love your eyes," I blurt, and he laughs, his hand meeting the small of my back again.

"You've definitely had enough to drink, let's go."

Eventually, we make it back to the townhouse and I am beyond fatigued. If I could, I would fall asleep on the spot right now. "Thank you, honestly. You really didn't have to do that," I say, my voice full of nothing but pure gratitude.

"I'm glad you're back safe... I hope to see you again," Nico says, and I nod my head.

"Well, I know where to find you, friend," I smile, and he returns it.

My breath is caught in my throat as Nico steps closer to me. My lungs are deprived of oxygen when his hand reaches up and tucks a loose strand of hair behind my ear. "And I know where to find you... friend," he responds and all the words I want to say dissolve on my tongue. "Goodnight, Heidi," Nico's voice flies into the night air.

"... Goodnight, Nico," my voice wavers as he steps away and walks off, back towards the stairs.