THIN CRUST

I love watching the pizza man twirl the thin dough over his head. More than that, I love to go in the shop and gorge on the lip-burning, spicy, cheese covered, anchovy topped thin pizza. More than that–I love the pizza man. One thing is wrong. He doesn’t know I exist.

Tonight I have a plan. When Bucky, that’s the name the bakers call him, finishes one huge umbrella base, I am going to tap on the window and when he looks at me, I’ll applaud.

It’s 9 P.M. and every small table is filled. A to-go line reaches from the cashier to the door. I clap before he starts another crust. His attention is distracted and his soon-to-be pizza drops on his head. He is terribly embarrassed, lifts the gloop and leaves the window. The boss sends in a replacement, one who doesn’t appeal to me at all.

Once inside, 2 girls I know from school call me to their table. I give up the take out order idea and join them. The waitress heads my way but before she gets to me, someone taps me on the shoulder. I feel faint. It’s Bucky with a huge scowl on his face. ‘You’re the girl who tapped on the window and made me drop the pizza, aren’t you.’ I could not deny it. ‘Well, thanks for nothing. In five years of tossing not once have I had an accident. You come along and spoil my record. Don’t ever do that again.’ Clearly, and rightfully upset, he walks away into what I believe is the kitchen. I stare hard at his back, hoping he’ll turn around so I can apologize. He doesn’t.

Sandra and Michelle are lost, ask me what I did and I tell them but don’t mention the raging crush I have for him. We three are almost the last customers to leave the pizzeria , 2 contented and full, one crying to herself but full.

I wait all week before I return and will stick to a to-go pizza with everything on top. Bucky is doing his thing. I stay away from the window, stand near the curb. Finally, I go inside. As I pass his twirling spot I hold my breath but can not avoid glancing his way. He doesn’t see me. My take out is ready and my impatience overcomes me. If I could, I would eat the hot cardboard box, the inside so tempting. I stupidly lift the lid, reach inside to just pull off a small piece and scream to the heavens. I burn my fingers, drop the box. The pizza falls out and make a big with everything mess on the floor. Mr. Fazolli, the boss, gives me a dirty look but smiles and tells me not to worry.

Bucky sees my situation, my dilemma, and comes over to me. ‘You are the same pain in the neck who made me drop my crust, aren’t you?’ I didn’t mean to cower at his angry eyes, but must have. ‘What’s your name?’ Meekly I tell him Flora, almost like ‘flour’ but it means flowers.’Bucky laughs at the coincidence of it. ‘Flora, I am sorry, really sorry, I was so mean to you when I dropped the crust. You were being nice and I was a louse. Let’s move away so the cleaning staff can work.’

He takes me to a table sits down with me and calls for one of the waitresses to bring me whatever I want, no charge. Well, I ordered the ‘with everything’ that was too tempting. Bucky got a small cheese and pepperoni.

My young dream is coming true. I have my delicious pizza and Bucky to gaze at and hopes that next time he’ll gaze at me.

And he does.