Claimed by the Mafia Prince

I just graduated from college. I majored in business. But what does a BA degree get you when you are low income? You will have to struggle in getting an interview anywhere. I have a student loan to pay off. I hated the classes I was taking but I had to get a business degree in order to pursue my passion to be the chef at my own restaurant. I was able to get a part time job to pay for somethings. I only have a small studio apartment if that is what you want to call it. The streetlights need to be repaired. There are broken sidewalks, and the buildings are pretty much vacant.

Okay, yeah, it is a small studio that is part of an old warehouse. My uncle let me rent the room above.

I hardly ever seen my uncle. He would stop at the warehouse once a month, have a meeting with a bunch of men and then gone again. I wonder if her ever remembered I lived upstairs. Not that I mattered to anyone. I always felt like I was an outsider in my own family. My parents abandoned me when I was sixteen. I was able to get a part time job at the local supermarket to support myself.

Uncle Vito told me to stay in the small studio until he moved up and was able to buy a house, whatever that meant. Usually, when the cars started to show up for the 'meeting', I would simply either lock my door and turn on the music or just leave building, using the backstair entrance.

Today, I found a message from my uncle to set up the tables and place wine bottles and glassed at each table. Along with bruschetta, antipasto skewers and Italian meatballs. He also mentioned that I would be serving everyone there. I quickly put my apron on and went downstairs to prepare everything. The warehouse had a large kitchen that was stocked for today's meeting.

I quickly put the seasoned meatballs in the slow cooker and assembled the antipasto skewers with cherry tomatoes, olives, artichoke hearts, spinach, fresh mozzarella balls, roasted bell peppers and Italian bread brushed with olive old and grilled.

I made a simple classic Italian bruschetta with tomatoes, parmesan cheese, garlic and fresh basil. I drizzled balsamic vinegar and olive oil lightly. I set water pitchers out as well. I never opened the wine bottles until I received permission from the guests after seating.

Meatballs were ready, so I put picks in them so it would be easier to eat. I set all of the tables. Which were five large round tables in total with eight chairs at each one. I double checked all of the tables and walked back into the kitchen.

I changed my apron to a black apron. As soon as I fixed my hair up into a tight bun, I heard voices in the meeting area. I quickly walked back and found the men were walking in to be seated. I quickly walked over to the first table and pulled out a chair for a very tall gentleman to sit and he held up a hand. Which meant his guard would seat him. I simply nodded and walked back to the serving table.

I never made eye contact with anyone that came here. I heard the snap of fingers and I quickly walked over to the table and the guard said to serve his boss. I nodded quickly and assembled his plate. I tilted my head up a bit at the guard, never making eye contact. "The wine sir? Shall I open it?"

The guard nodded, so I opened the bottle and set it back in the bottle holder. Most of the time the guards served their bosses. I quickly walked over to the next table as the next group of men walked in. Most of the other guards stood in the background close to their bosses.

Time flew by as everyone was served. My uncle walked in and nodded to me. I quickly walked to the back entrance and closed the door. I walked as fast as I could up the stairs and into my studio. I closed the door and locked it. I put my music on, and I decided to clean my shower. I scrubbed it clean and put clean towels up the towels. I stripped my bed down and changed the sheets. Going to need to do laundry soon. I was getting ready to scrub the stove clean when my phone buzzed.

I had my headset on with the earbud for music and I checked the message. It was from my uncle to come back downstairs. Oh crap, what did I do? I was starting to re-think everything, every step in making the food. Dammit. Oh crap, they hate the food. Did I screw something up?

Now is not the time to panic. I squared my shoulders and stood straight up. I made my way back to the kitchen and my uncle was laughing with a man that was smiling.

"Yes, uncle. You called for me?" Still looking down. My nerves were shot.

"Yes, Valeria. This is Giancarlo Barone. The Mafia Godfather. He would like a word with you."

What the hell? Me? Seriously? My whole body stiffened.

"He liked your food very much and is offering you a job in his pub and would like for you to serve these types of appetizers to his customers." My uncle said with a proud tone.

"Valeria, my dear. It is very nice to meet you. I must say, your cooking reminds me of my mother's cooking."

"Thank you, sir. I am honored to meet you. How can I be of assistance for you sir?" I kept my head tilted down and was so afraid to make eye contact. My eyes bounced from my feet to his tie."

"First, please, do not be afraid. Look at me, my dear." Giancarlo said softly.

My hands were shaking. I slowly looked up and my uncle then to Giancarlo. He smiled at me. He was very good looking for an older man. His eyes were soft, and he had a gentle smile. This man was to mafia godfather, and he asked to speak with me?

My uncle nodded and excused himself. I was left alone with the mafia godfather. Christ. I feel my body starting to sway, geez! Valeria do not pass out! I kept repeating in my mind.