Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: SKULDUGGERY (09/01/16)
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TITLE: A Year In Rome Saves Roma | Previous Challenge Entry
By Jennifer Liang
09/07/16 -
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“How do you know that? He is always the perfect gentleman with me.” Roma took a sip of her pumpkin spice latte and tried to control her anger towards her twin brother Alex.
“Of course he is. But tell me one thing. Does he establish your dating boundaries or just try not to cross what you have set up? How’s he doing with that?”
Roma paused for a moment and thought about it. She had been thrilled when a handsome Italian man like Stefano Dougman had intentionally sought her out in the campus coffee shop during finals. She had assumed that because they were at a Christian university that all men were honorable. But last night . . . It gave her chills just to remember the way he had called her “Baby” while trying to kiss her, hard. She pushed away and he did not like it. What would he do next time?
Although what Alex had to say made sense, to a point, she wasn’t ready yet to admit it and continued to defend her new boyfriend.
“I have a date tonight at the new Italian restaurant downtown. I will discuss this with you later.”
“Ok. Just be extra careful what you drink with him. I don’t trust him and think he is planning something.”
“What? Why would he do that? He is a Christian and Christian men don’t do things like that. Stop being so overprotective. I can take care of myself.” Angry now Roma stomped away, throwing her empty cup in the trash with force before opening the door.
Crash.
Daisy was sprawled on the coffee shop floor, an unintended consequence of her future sister in-law’s indignation.
“What’s up with her?” Daisy asked Alex as he, ever the gentleman, picked her up off the floor. He was rewarded with the sweetest kiss.
“Hi honey. Oh, I just don’t trust Stefano. That’s all. I overheard him chatting in Italian with his friend in class and the topic was Roma. He is a definite player and sees her as his next conquest. There is no way he is studying here because of his love for God. This is a place to pick up and use innocent woman.”
“You heard that?”
“I sure did. They don’t know that I studied Italian. Remember how I told you I lived in Rome for a year?”
“So, what are you going to do? She seemed angry when she left. I assume that means that you talked with her.”
“I did. But she didn’t want to listen. Now we just have to wait to see how well her date tonight goes. You want to have dinner with me at that new Italian restaurant?”
“Sure thing.”
Roma dressed carefully for her date. She was not the prettiest girl but wanted to make sure Stefano knew she had made the effort just for him. Adjusting her black pencil skirt she sprayed perfume and grabbed her purse.
Arriving at the restaurant five minutes early she looked around for her handsome man. Her eyes adjusting to the darkness she saw him over by the bar chatting with the bartender. Just when the bartender set the freshly made drink on the bar Stefano was opening up a small bottle and pouring it in her favorite drink. When his eyes locked on hers she knew that whatever he had done was not honorable. No trace of guilt but she knew he was. Roma reversed her course so abruptly it shocked Stefano.
“Baby,” he shouted. The bar went silent. “Please come back.”
“Don’t you ever call me Baby. I did not like it the first time and I certainly don’t now. Good bye.” Roma stomped out and ran right into Alex and Daisy.
“I don’t know how you know it Alex, but you were right.”
Winking at Alex, Daisy responded, “It was that year in Rome. Right Alex?”
“It sure was.”
Roma raised her eyebrows in a quizzical look just asking for an explanation. “I am starved, but understandably not in the mood for Italian tonight. Can I join you two for dinner and you can explain?”
Alex and Daisy glanced at each other and declared in unison “Chinese.”
“Perfect.”
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