In Over Her Head by Melody Fitzpatrick

hurry.
    Reluctantly, I give up on my search, head back to my room, and somehow manage to get dressed and do my hair in record time. (We’re all on a tight schedule this morning.)
    This seriously blows! I woke up excited this morning; like really, genuinely, looking forward to finally doing this thing for real! I can’t miss another shoot. It would look totally unprofessional!
    I glance at my reflection in the mirror, and I’m as pale as a ghost. Oh gawd! I look like I have the flu. How am I going to make it through breakfast?
    * * *
    Massimo’s face breaks into a huge grin when he sees me. “Good morning, bella !”
    â€œGood morning, Massimo.” I smile weakly.
    â€œToday is a big day so I have prepared for you my Massimo breakfast special!”
    â€œMassimo breakfast special?”
    â€œYou have not heard of it? It is famous!”
    â€œUm … I don’t think so.”

    â€œAhhh … no matter!” He waves his hand dismissively. “Words cannot describe. You need to taste!”
    â€œMassimo, I … um …”
    Before I can protest, the Massimo Breakfast Special is in front of me — a massive egg-and-sausage breakfast sandwich, oozing with cheese, slimy fried onions, and something green, which may or may not be avocado. Massimo beams with pride, his eyes wide with anticipation as he waits for me to take a bite.
    Henry, who was in the middle of wolfing down his first sandwich when I came in, wastes no time diving in to a second, and is oohing and ahhing with every bite.
    Massimo claps his hands and laughs. “A masterpiece, no?”

    â€œMassimo, I reckon you’ve outdone yourself!” Henry says, happily popping a final dripping bite into his mouth.
    â€œHenry,” I say, passing him a napkin, “you have … um … some egg yolk on your chin.” So gross!
    Henry grabs the napkin and wipes off the disgusting egg yolk. “Ah gee, thanks, Han!”
    â€œNo problem,” I reply, my stomach lurching.
    â€œDig in!” Henry points at my sandwich.
    â€œI’m not that hungry.”
    Massimo frowns at me. “Hannah, my dear. You must eat.”
    No … I must not eat! I must get out of here!
    â€œMassimo … I …”
    â€œI hope everyone is fuelling up with healthy food this morning!” Captain Steele bellows as he comes into the galley.
    Why is his voice so loud? He seriously scares the crap out of me every time he opens his mouth.
    Massimo holds up the captain’s special teacup. “Coffee, Captain?”

    Captain Steele is about to answer when he glances down at the gigantic breakfast sandwich in front of me.
    â€œHannah, is this your idea of a healthy breakfast ?”
    â€œUm …” I glance over at Massimo, who looks like he’s wincing in pain from what I can only guess is fear of the captain’s wrath.
    The captain’s nostrils flare. “Please, for just this once, answer the question !”
    â€œCaptain,” Massimo bravely breaks in, “Hannah didn’t —”
    â€œI didn’t …” I say, cutting him off (with no idea of how to finish the sentence). “I didn’t … I didn’t …”
    â€œYou didn’t what!” the captain barks.
    â€œI didn’t realize how hungry I’d be this morning because I’ve …” (gulp) “… been so sick, and now that I’m feeling better, I figured I’d need a big breakfast …” (gulp) “… with eggs …” (gulp) “… and sausage …” (gulp) “… and cheese … and mmm … caramelized onions,” (gulp) “… because now I’m just starving and …”
    It’s like there’s no way to stop my rambling; I’m like an out of control runaway train speeding downhill!
    â€œâ€¦ and oh my gosh, I’m so hungry,” I say, stuffing the massive sandwich into my mouth.