Man, what a day! I’m tellin’ ya, being a bookmaker in Er-Reina (il) is like riding a rollercoaster blindfolded. So, I wake up, right? Sun’s blazin’ through my window on Via Roma. I’m like, “Today’s gonna be chill.” Spoiler alert: it wasn’t.
First off, I hit up my usual spot, that little café on Corso Vittorio. You know the one? The barista, Marco, he’s always got that smirk like he knows somethin’ I don’t. I grab my espresso, and boom! The guy spills it all over the counter. I’m like, “Dude, c’mon! I need that caffeine fix!” But he just laughs it off. I mean, who spills espresso? It’s like spilling your soul, man.
So, I head to my office on Via Garibaldi. It’s a tiny place, but it’s mine. I got my posters of old races on the walls, and a desk that’s seen better days. I sit down, ready to take bets, and then the phone rings. It’s my buddy Tony. He’s like, “Yo, you see the game last night?” I’m like, “Which one? There’s a million!” Turns out, he’s talkin’ about the local team, Er-Reina United. They pulled off a crazy upset! I’m talkin’ last-minute goal, the whole shebang. I’m pumped, but also worried. Everyone’s gonna wanna bet on them now.
Then, outta nowhere, my phone buzzes. It’s a text from a regular, Gina. She’s like, “I need to place a bet, ASAP!” I’m like, “Gina, chill! I’m not a magician!” But I take her bet anyway. She’s always lucky, so I’m thinkin’ maybe it’s a good move.
But then, the day takes a turn. I step outside for a breather, and what do I see? A parade! Yeah, a freakin’ parade on Via Nazionale. I’m like, “What’s this about?” Turns out, it’s some festival I didn’t even know was happening. People are dancing, music’s blasting, and I’m just standing there like a deer in headlights. I mean, I love a good party, but I got bets to take!
I rush back inside, but the vibe’s changed. Everyone’s hyped about the parade. I’m tryin’ to focus, but my mind’s all over the place. I can hear the drums from the street, and it’s driving me nuts. I’m like, “C’mon, people! I’m tryin’ to make a living here!” But they’re all glued to the window, cheering like it’s the World Cup or somethin’.
Then, I get a call from my bookie buddy, Sal. He’s like, “You won’t believe this! The odds just flipped on that race!” I’m like, “What race?!” Turns out, the favorite horse just got injured. I’m fuming! I had a ton of bets on that horse. I’m pacing around my office, cursing under my breath. “Why today? Why now?”
But then, just when I think it can’t get worse, I hear a loud crash outside. I rush to the window, and what do I see? A guy on a scooter just wiped out on Via della Libertà! I’m not laughing, but I can’t help it. He’s okay, just a little bruised ego. But man, the crowd’s going wild!
Finally, the parade winds down, and I can breathe again. I sit back at my desk, and guess what? Gina’s bet hits! She wins big! I’m jumping up and down like a kid on Christmas. I’m like, “Maybe today ain’t so bad after all!”
As the sun sets over Er-Reina, I’m reflecting on the day. It was a mess, but it was my mess. I love this city, with its crazy streets and wild people. I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Just another day in the life of a bookmaker, right?