The Jenkins Girl
Chapter 5 - The Way to a Man's Heart
Cynthia paced around her studio. She picked up her brush, stared at the paints. Then put the brush down and walked away from the easel. She sat on her couch. Took her prized camera in hand, turning it around like a magic 8-ball. She put the camera down, got up again. Just as she returned to the easel, there was a knock at the door.
"Thia! Buon giorno ragazza!" (Good morning young lady)
Cynthia dashed to the door. She greeted her landlord with a big smile.
"Buon giorno Signora Roselli! Come stai Lei?" (Good morning Mrs. Roselli! How are you?)
Mrs. Rosellli laughed and switched to English. "You're Italian is getting better dear. I came by to check on you. We heard about what happened in the papers and-"
Cynthia's face shifted to serious. "What was in the papers?"
"It wasn't a big thing," Mrs. Roselli attempted to soothe the younger woman. "Just a paragraph in the gossip section. You told that woman off. Then the Chief's wife snatched her hat and threw it in the fire! I laughed so hard."
Cynthia didn't know her Aunt Mary snatched Elmira's hat. "Aunt Mary didn't tell me. I'm going to call her later."
"Well I just wanted to see if you were all right," Mrs. Roselli said. "Do you need anything? Lunch? I have a new lasgna receipe to try out for the new cookbook."
Cynthia pondered the offer. "Actually, I need some advice. There's someone who's been on my mind for a few weeks. I wanted to send something as a thank you gift, but.."
"He is a man, yes?"
"Yes," Cynthia blushed. "I can't send flowers. His co-workers will laugh."
"Silly girl! The way to a man's heart is through his stomach. I will call Pete, and have them send some lunch to his office." Mrs. Roselli picked up CJ's phone. "Where is his work?"
"Fire Station 51. I have the address."
Johnny stared at the pots and pans in front of him. He scratched his head.
"So Junior, what's for lunch?" Roy sipped his coffee.
"I dunno Roy. Everyone's tired of my usual. But I'm not good with recipes."
"Well you better think of something quick. Those last two runs made everyone hungry."
Mike walked into the kitchen.
"So Gage, what's for lunch?"
Johnny blushed. "Um, well, you see-"
BRRRING!
"Got it!" Marco yelled from the bay. Seconds later, 3 men in restaurant uniforms followed Marco into the kitchen. One held a small box.
"Hello fellas! This is tiramisu. It needs to go into the fridge." Roy took the box and placed it in the refrigerator. The second man spoke up.
"This is lasagna. It can stay out, or in the oven to stay warm." By now, Captain Stanley, Chet, and Marco were watching the proceedings.
"This is some salad. A bottle of italian dressing is also in the bag," the third deliveryman said.
"Johnny, this is from Roselli's! How much did this set you back?" Stanley asked.
"Cap I didn't order food," Johnny looked as confused as Stanley.
The first deliveryman, the name "Pete" on his apron spoke up. "This is for Chester B Kelly."
The crew turned and looked at a very pink Chet. "I-I didn't order this Cap."
"No you didn't," Pete said. "It was ordered for you. And these are for you also." He handed Chet a bag with a card attached.
"Enjoy fellas!" Pete and the other restaurant workers left the station.
Chet sat on the couch to open the bag. Marco peeked over his shoulder. "You gotta be kidding me." he laughed. Chet pulled out a vase of dark colored assorted flowers. Then he opened the card.
CB
Told you I'd find a way to thank you. I have friends at Roselli's.
Give me a call. If you're not taken, I'd like to hang out some time.
CJ
"So who's it from?"
"Yeah, who?"
"Who do we have to thank for saving us from Johnny's cooking?" Mike winked at Johnny.
"Cynthia Jenkins," Chet answered. "Said she has friends at Roselli's." He got up and walked to the dorm. "I'm going to call and let her know it arrived."
Roy looked at the lasagna. "Let's dig in. I'm starving."
Cynthia was unfocused on the magazine in the hands when the phone rang.
"Jenkins Photography."
"Um, hi. It's Chet Kelly."
"Hello there! Did the surprise arrive?" Cynthia smiled.
"Yes, it smells great. You really shouldn't have." Cynthia could hear Chet blush.
"I needed to. I waited too long to say thanks."
"By the way, I'm not taken," Chet said. "I'm off Saturday. Maybe we could go on a picnic?"
"I'd love that Chet. I'd like to get to know you better."
Chet paused, then took a leap of faith. "Yeah, same here. How's 12:30 sound? I'll pick you up. Your address is the one on the business card right?"
"Yes, you got it. See you then! Have a safe shift."
They hung up their phones with huge smiles.