"Valenitno Rossi, come with us to the movies? How and when did this happen?" Lydia turns around in the front seat in order to face me. I shrug my shoulders, "We got to talk during the free period we had together. Told him about Friday and he asked if he could come with."

"I think it's a great idea, what do you think babe?" Anthoine pretends to be too occupied with driving. "I mean wouldn't it ruin everything? It's our anniversary afterall." I raise my hand in protest. "So you mean to say that me being the third wheel isn't already ruining your so called anniversary?" Anthoine is heard clearing his throat.

"She's right babe."

"Thank you Lydia."

"Doesn't Rossi have a competition this weekend? Shouldn't he be resting on Friday instead of watching some horror movie with us?" Lydia sighs before turning to me, "He's still mad about the fact that I thought Valentino's new haircut looked hot."

"I can hear you."

"Good, so you agree." Lydia smiles.

"Fine." He surenders. "Bring Rossi if you like, but he has to pay for his own snacks."

"Deal."

*

Friday afternoon I had an early shift at the restaurant, one of the waiters has the flu. Although I don't mind helping out, on this particular day I was in a rush to get home in time to get ready for tonight.

"The flu, can you believe it? Don't forget to wash your hands thoroughly!" My dad alerts the staff. He leans in to plant a kiss on my cheek, "Thanks for stepping in last minute."

"No worries Papa, but when do you think I'll be off, like I said I'm going to the movies with Lydia and Anthoine."

"Naomi?" He said surprised, "We've barely started and you're already asking when to leave, how tragic." Like a bull I blow air through my nose, before continuing setting the tables.

Throughout my shift I often made an excuse to return to the kitchen. A big clock hung over the sink. How was I gonna make it home and back when the movies started in less than two hours. "Fine, clear the last tables then you're free to go." Papa said, after catching me returning to the kitchen.

Untying my apron I rushed to my bike parked behind the restaurant and that's when I ran into Mrs Rossi, about to start her shift. "Hey Naomi, heard you were stepping in for Franco."

"I was, but now I'm leaving." I said, throwing one leg over the seat in order to mount the bike. "Alright you have a good evening, say hello to your mother for me."

"I will!" I was already rolling down the street as I waved goodbye. Valentino must not have told his mother about tonight or she just didn't want to bring it up.

I'm pedaling like crazy when I turn the corner. I was about to head on to the avenue when a loud honking noise almost made me fall over. Seconds later Valenitno pulls up beside me in his rusty midget golf truck, or whatever it was, post kart?

"You scared the shit out of me!" I shout, hand to my chest. "Sorry." He chuckled. "I was just about to drive away when I saw you turn the corner with your bike. Where are you working in the restaurant?"

"Yeah, I had to cover a shift."

"I was droppin my mother off, you just missed her."

"I met her actually."

"Did she say something to you?" A wrinkle forms across his nose.

"No, why?"

Valentino shrugs. "Told her not to make a big deal about...you know, you and I going to the movies together."

I bite my lip. "You told her about us?" He nods. "Yeah, I assumed you would tell your dad and in case he would ask my mother about it I wanted her to know about it as well."

"Smart."

Valentino's eyes wandered to the bike then back to me. "Do you need a ride, I was gonna head home and take a shower, I can take you to Lydia's house first?"

I shake my head. "I was heading home actually, my mother is taking me to the cinema later." There is a short pause before he speaks. "Well since we're both here how about I give you a ride and drop you off at your house. I can pick you up once you're done, so that your mother doesn't have to."

There was a slight tingle in the pit of my stomach. "Sure." I said timid. Valentino stepped out of the truck as I dismounted the bike, to help me lift it onto the cargo before we got in and drove off.