Simon did some internet shopping, consulting the numbers April had given to her.  After comparing what was stock, he made a decision and purchased his order having it sent next-day express delivery.  If April lived in the city, then he would need his little gift in his hands before her anniversary dinner.  Satisfied with his deed, Simon closed up shop and left for work.  The subway ride took a relatively short time and he got out at his stop and headed to the Trattoria.<br/><br/>Simon nodded and waved to the staff who were leaving at the end of their afternoon shift, exchanging pleasantries and idle conversation before entering.  He walked into the restaurant and saw Carmine at his usual station guarding the restaurant from behind his podium and book of reservations.  Simon walked up with his arms wide open, "Carmine, how are you doing you old son-of-a-bitch?"  Carmine responded in turn with a "Not bad you Slavic bastard" as they shared a deep hug and the customary kisses.  Carmine Detillio was from the old country and some customs were just obligatory.<br/><br/>Patting Carmine on the back, Simon leaned over to watch him and the book.  "So Carmine, do we have anything special coming up in the next few days?  Or is just the usual dinner crowd?"  Carmine laughed, "Special?  Every night's special here at the restaurant.  Of course some nights are specialer than others."  Simon perked up, was he hinting what Simon thought he was hinting.  Carmine flipped open the book and turned to the next page and scanned through the entries, "What do you know there is, Simon.  We have a reservation for an Anniversary Special dinner from...a Christopher and April..."<br/><br/>The rest of the words out Carmine's mouth were drowned out by the rush of blood through Simon's ears as he took those words in.  Anniversary Special dinner from a Christopher and APRIL?  April?  His April who called a Trattoria Almalfi and made a reservation for her anniversary with a Carmine.   That April?  Simon felt as if the heavens had opened up and pointed a spotlight on where he was standing.  He didn't know whether to shout ecstatically or collapse from shock.  Sweet April lived in the same city as he did all this time.  His mind was a whirl with thoughts which he put aside for the moment when he realized Carmine was still talking.<br/><br/>"...so Marcus is called in sick today and it looks like he won't be in tomorrow.  He was supposed to handle the Anniversary Dinner thing, so now I'm looking for a guy who's willing to...'  Simon grabbed Carmine's hand and tried to squeal girlishly.  "I'll do it Carmine, I'll be their waiter for tomorrow."  Carmine looked at him, "Geez kid, you beat me to the punchline.  It's not your anniversary, but if you show the same pep and vigor tomorrow, than sure I'll pencil you in."  Simon smiled beatifically as he shook Carmine's hand, "You won't regret it." He walked towards the kitchen to start the night's work floating on Cloud Nine.<br/><br/><em>Tomorrow was going to be a brand new day...</em>