The delicious aroma of Italian food wafted through the air and filled Gemma’s senses as she turned the corner towards Ricci’s, it was almost as if she’d been transported in place rather than staying firmly located in California -- only the faint tinge of sea salt in the air and beach vibes enough to remind her that she wasn’t in Venice or Rome. If she’d had time, it was tempting enough that she might’ve stayed to order a quick bite to eat. But today, she was on a singular mission and instead of asking the nearest waiter for a table, she asked for Marco, her attention turning intently towards finding the man as she was pointed in the right direction. Spotting his familiar features, an enthusiastic smile lifted her lips as she ambled towards him. "Hey! I’m so glad I caught you --” One of the things she missed most when first moving to Santa Monica were her friends from university; people who not only shared the same interests as her, but were also closer in age. Not that she didn’t love her colleagues at the aquarium, she did, but most of them were older with countless interesting life experiences and stories, but unable to fully relate to her own life. When she had first gotten to know Marco, it’d been a pleasant surprise to learn that he’d also studied Marine life, had even worked in the same field as her before he’d had to shift career paths. Although she understood family obligations, it’d become a goal of hers to make up for the time he couldn’t spend doing what he loved, especially when she knew how much it would crush her to have to invest her time in something she wasn’t as passionate about as the ocean. “So, I don’t know if you’ll have time or not, but I managed to pull some strings because you’ve already got experience and we can always use extra help -- so if you’re free, I’m headed towards the aquarium and we’ve got some sea stars to feed! What do you say?” ( @marcoxricci )
