by Ursula Renee
“The police found a body in a dumpster three blocks from your father’s bar.”
“Oh, that.” The concern switched to indifference.
Nicholas looked up from the picture of the severely beaten man. Carl…Earl…whatever the hood’s name was…hung out on the same corner where they found his body. On more than one occasion Nicholas had witnessed a transaction between him and someone who obviously needed his next fix.
Nicholas had taken an instant dislike to the young man because of his chosen profession. He came to loathe the dealer after the man called Georgia out of her name due to her association with the Santianos.
During one confrontation, Nicholas had slammed on the brake and shifted his car into park in the middle of the street before he jumped out and went after the other man. He had been prepared to make him swallow every tooth in his mouth, but Georgia ran to his side and begged him not to resort to violence. He allowed her to pull him back to the car. As he drove away, he fumed about her passive beliefs.
Yet this morning she sat across from Nicholas, eating as if nothing was amiss. Her eyes showed no emotion for the young man or the horrific beating he had sustained.
Nicholas remembered the interaction between Georgia and his father the previous afternoon in the hospital room. Showing off was the quickest way to get caught when taking matters into his own hands. Though witnesses would spread the word of the consequences of messing with family, they would also tattle when confronted by the authorities. Therefore, whenever there was a confrontation it was best to limit the number of people involved and never discuss what transpired.
It was for that reason he knew neither his father nor Georgia would talk about the young man’s death. However, he had no need for them to confirm his suspicions. He knew his father had a hand in the dealer’s demise and that not only was Georgia aware of the role he’d played but she approved.
Nicholas closed the paper and dropped it into the garbage behind him. He was disgusted that someone could be so evil that his death would elicit no emotions from the most peace-loving person he knew.
Once they finished breakfast, Georgia insisted on doing the dishes. The chore did not take long, since Nicholas always cleaned as he prepared food, to minimize the mess he had to work around. Also, if there was one thing he did not enjoy, it was tackling a sink full of dishes on a full stomach, when all he wanted to do was lounge around in front of the television.
Georgia strolled into the bedroom as he was brushing his hair. He watched her reflection in the mirror. Her face was brighter than it had been the previous day, and her eyes were more alert. She stood tall, with her shoulders back, capable of taking on the world.
“You ready?”
She nodded.
Nicholas tossed the brush on the dresser. He took her hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze before leading her out of the apartment.
****
Georgia’s shoulders slumped. She did not know where to begin.
The damage to the bar was worse than what she remembered. The majority of the furniture appeared beyond repair. And she did not think there was a bottle of liquor left intact.
Nicholas patted her shoulder. She was grateful for his presence. Without him, she did not think she would be able to stand there. Yes, the previous night she had talked about cleaning up and opening back up, but talk was cheap. Action was what mattered most, and if she had been by herself, she was certain she would have followed her instinct to curl up in the middle of the room and cry.
“Go upstairs and change. I’ll get everything we’ll need.”
Georgia headed upstairs. She first called Joey to apologize for not showing up for work the previous day. It did not come as a surprise that he had already heard about the attack on her father. The Santianos were quick to pass on news regarding family and friends.
After her employer gave her his best wishes, she changed into a pair of denim capris and one of her father’s old shirts. Though her father insisted ladies did not wear pants, she owned two pairs. She preferred them over dresses when she helped with the quarterly cleaning and maintenance of the bar.
When she returned to the bar, Elvis Presley’s “That’s All Right” drifted from an old radio her father had stored in the back room after he purchased the newer model. Leave it to Nicholas to turn to music her father called noise.
A mop and broom leaned against one end of the bar. Several rags lay on top. The salvageable bottles of liquor were lined up on the other end.
Nicholas stood behind the bar, pouring a shot of whiskey.
“You know Daddy wouldn’t like you drinking his liquor.”
Nicholas reached into his back pocket and pulled out his wallet. He dropped a twenty on the bar and shoved the billfold back into place.
“That’s too much.”
“He’ll owe me a couple.” He raised the glass to her, then downed the liquor.
Shaking her head, she walked behind the bar to ring up the sale. She pressed a button and the register dinged and the drawer slid open.
Georgia gasped.
“What’s up?”
Nicholas glanced over her shoulder at the full drawer. She was sure that if she counted the money there would be more than her father usually took in on a Thursday night.
“Your father shouldn’t have.”
“What makes you think Pops is behind this?”
Georgia glanced back. Like father, like son. Reveal nothing, play innocent, but be there for a friend in a time of need.
Before she could reply, the bell over the door tinkled. Georgia glanced past Nicholas at the young man entering. His lips were turned down in a frown, worry lines marred his olive complexion, and tears hovered at the brim of his downcast eyes.
“I’m sorry, Georgia.” His voice cracked.
She rushed from behind the bar to the young man who was two years her junior. “It’s all right, Ray,” she said, embracing him.
She felt his head shake against hers. “No, it’s my fault.”
Georgia pulled back and stared into his hazel eyes. “Why’s that?”
“I shouldn’t have left him.”
“You were here?”
He nodded. “I came in early on Thursday and was sweeping when Earl walked in with his shadows. Your father said he needed me to run an errand and once I was finished, I was to call it a night. Something told me to stay, but he insisted.”
“I’m glad you listened to him. If not, you’d be lying in a hospital bed next to him.”
“Still—”
“Stop beating yourself up. You know there’s no way he’d have let you stay, even if he had to toss you out of here himself.”
The stubborn set in his jaw said Raymond would continue to blame himself. “What are you going to do?” He glanced around the room.
“Exactly what Daddy would’ve done. I’m going to clean this place and open up.”
“You’ll need help.” He reached for the broom and nodded toward Nicholas. “I haven’t seen you in a while.”
“Been busy,” Nicholas replied. He looked at Georgia before adding, “But I’ve put things into perspective.”
The two men stared at each other. Though they did not say a word, she felt like they had made plans about her life without consulting her.
Georgia opened her mouth to give both men a piece of her mind. A quick glance at the task ahead of her forced her mouth shut; she swallowed her complaint. Better to have them stick around and help while thinking they had some say in her life than to have them walk out and force her to deal with the mess on her own. With a huff, she righted the chair next to her and inspected the damage.
****
“Here’s another one.”
Georgia set the chair on top of a table to the right of the door, where they were placing the furniture in need of repairs. The stack to the left was the furniture that was beyond repair and slated for the junkyard. Unfortunately, the pile on the left was larger than the one on the right, and together they were
far more than the usable stack in the back.
The damage had been more extensive than Nicholas had originally anticipated. With only a half dozen chairs sturdy enough to hold a body and two tables undamaged, there was next to no place other than the bar for people to sit while they enjoyed their drinks. If it wouldn’t have taken the paperwork so long to get through, he would have suggested they apply for a cabaret license and turn the center of the room into a dance floor.
Georgia’s shoulders drooped again. Nicholas knew she was beginning to feel overwhelmed at the task ahead of her. Not only did she have to take care of the bar, but her father would need care, too, once he was released from the hospital.
Feeling the need to lighten the mood, Nicholas turned up the volume on the radio as the first beats of Eddie Cochran’s “C’mon Everybody” played. He strutted back to Georgia, took her hands, and led her toward the center of the room.
“What are you doing?”
“Granted, I’m not an expert, but I think most people would call this dancing.” He slipped one hand around her waist and bopped in time to the music.
“Nick, be serious. My father doesn’t have a cabaret license.”
“It’s only needed if there are three or more people dancing. As long as Ray doesn’t join in, we’re fine.”
“You don’t have to worry about me,” Raymond called from behind the bar, where he was sweeping up broken glass. “This ain’t my kind of music.”
“See, it’s all right. Relax and enjoy yourself.”
He felt her relax in his arms. Her lips turned up in a smile. He spun her away from him and her melodic laughter blended with the music. But when he pulled her back, her body began to shake and her laughter turned to sobs.
Nicholas stopped moving. “Sshh, it’s all right.” He held Georgia to his chest and rubbed her back.
“No, it’s not.” She shook her head. “I’m a horrible daughter.”
“No, you’re not.”
“Yes, I am. I’m over here dancing and laughing while my father’s in the hospital.”
“There’s nothing wrong with enjoying yourself. You know your father would not want you moping around.”
“How would you know what he wants? It’s not like you’ve ever sat down and talked to him. He doesn’t even like you.”
“Whatever you say. You can lash out at me all you want.”
“Stop being nice to me.”
“Sure, anything you say,” Nicholas agreed without releasing her.
He kissed the top of her head as he gently rocked her. When her sobs finally calmed to a whimper, he pulled back and brushed the tears from her cheeks. “Do you feel better?”
Georgia shook her head.
“Do you want to cry some more?”
She shook her head again.
“Do you want me to just hold you?”
She nodded.
He pushed her back to his chest as the bell over the door tinkled.
“What the hell’s goin’ on?”
Georgia tensed and tried to pull back. Nicholas maintained his grip on her as he glanced over her head at her friend.
“We’re cleaning. Whaddaya think we’re doing?”
“Funny, it looks more like yah feelin’ her up.”
Nicholas cocked an eyebrow. Georgia’s so-called perfect man abandoned her at the first chance he got and then had the nerve to fume over her finding comfort elsewhere.
“Nicholas…”
Sighing at Georgia’s use of his first name instead of the abbreviation, he reluctantly released her but stayed near her side. Raymond lowered the volume on the radio.
“Where’ve you been?” her friend shouted despite the decrease in background noise.
“That’s none of your business.”
Nicholas smiled. He was proud she refused to let the other man intimidate her.
“It is when we had a date.”
“Our plans weren’t definite. I told you I’d think about it.” Georgia shook her head. “Besides, you didn’t expect me to go out last night, with my father in the hospital, did you?”
“It’s not like you were sittin’ at home waitin’ for news.”
“I don’t have to explain myself to you.” She placed one hand on her hip and pointed to the door with the other. “William, go home until you want to be reasonable.”
The man’s mouth dropped open. He looked like he was not used to having anyone…especially a woman…dismiss him. He took a step and reached out for her. He missed his target as Nicholas stepped between the two.
“I think the lady asked you to leave.”
The other man grimaced as he glanced from Georgia to him and then back. After a second, he held up his hands and backed away. “You’re right. Things are getting a bit tense around here…you know…with your father not around. I’ll come back later and we can talk.”
Georgia nodded. Nicholas did not approve, yet he decided not to add to her aggravation by voicing his opinion. He simply stood there until the other man walked out and the door closed behind him.
“I don’t like him.” Raymond voiced what Nicholas had been thinking.
Georgia looked at the young man. “That’s unfair. You don’t know him.”
“I’ve a feeling about him.”
Georgia pursed her lips together as if she was trying to hold back an argument. She was unable to tell him a “feeling” held no merit. Not after she claimed she’d had one about Gianni.
Nicholas realized he had yet to bring up the reason they had not talked for several weeks. But that was another topic for another time.
The telephone rang, breaking the tension. Raymond picked up the handset and listened. A smile grew on his face. After a second, he told the other party to hold on. He then held out the handset and announced, “Your father’s awake.”
Chapter 15
“You look worse than what the cat drug in,” her father mumbled as she rushed into the room.
Georgia shook her head. She had known he’d have something to say about her outfit, but she had been too eager to see him to change from her pants into a skirt.
“What I look like doesn’t matter.” She leaned over the side of the bed and placed a kiss on his forehead. “How do you feel?”
“Like somethin’ the cat drug in.”
She smiled as she walked to the empty chair on the other side of the bed. At least he was maintaining his sense of humor.
“The doctor explained all your injuries and said you’re going to be here for least a week.”
“Yeah, whatever. It ain’t like he got a bar to tend to.”
“Don’t worry about the bar. Nick and I spent the morning cleaning and taking inventory of what’s needed. I’ll place the orders on Monday.”
Her father turned his head and glared at Nicholas, who leaned against the doorjamb. A smile spread across his lips as if the older man’s actions amused him.
“You know where I keep the emergency fund. Do what you can with it.”
“It won’t be necessary. There was plenty in the drawer to cover the expenses,” Georgia replied, wondering if the doctor should reexamine her father’s head. She never expected he’d agree to her helping out with the bar.
He closed his eyes and shook his head. His lips moved, yet she could not make out what he was mumbling. After a minute he frowned at her, and she shook her head.
“I didn’t ask anyone for the money.”
“I know you didn’t, girl. Though you’re still to blame.”
“Why’s that?”
“’Cause of your kindness. That man would’ve never filled up that drawer if you weren’t a good girl.”
“Then if anyone’s to take the blame, you should. You’re the one who taught me right.”
“I concede.” Her father chuckled. “So what else have you’ve been up to?”
“Nothing else, Daddy. I’ve just been worrying about you.”
She conveniently left out where she had been worrying. She did not want to be
responsible for the coronary he’d have if she told him she’d stayed at Nicholas’s apartment.
“By the way, William sends his best.”
“Now, he’s the type of man you should be hangin’ wit’.”
Her father was impossible. He couldn’t let up with his matchmaking for a second. She suspected he would actually consider the brief make-out session in the car a positive sign.
Unfortunately for William, the kiss had been another strike against him. It had been a disappointment, and she had been eager to get away from him. She, however, had enjoyed every moment with Nicholas and regretted his pulling away. In fact, she was certain she would have allowed him to continue if he had not stopped.
“Are you all right, girl?”
Georgia snapped out of her thoughts. “Yes, why?” She forced a weak grin on her lips.
“You had this funny look on your face.”
Her cheeks warmed. “It’s nothing, Daddy,” she said as she raised her eyes to peep at Nicholas.
He didn’t notice her look. He had been focusing on something in the hall and now stepped out of the room. A second later, he ushered in Celeste.
“I hope I’m not bothering you.”
“You know you’re always welcome.” Georgia’s father spoke for the entire room.
Too excited to speak, Georgia jumped out of her chair. By the time she reached the door, Nicholas had grabbed the bouquet of flowers from his sister’s hand and slid her coat off her other arm.
When they were younger, Georgia and Celeste would squeal and embrace each time they met as if they not seen each other days. This time, it had been weeks, not hours, since the women last spoke. While they did not emit high-pitched noises that would have nurses running to the room to investigate, they hugged one another with just as much fervor.
After a minute-long embrace, the women stepped back. Through the tears falling from their eyes, they sized each other up. Though Celeste’s hair was pulled back in a single braid, it lacked luster. She had circles under her eyes and had lost enough weight that her clothes hung off her small frame.
Georgia’s eyes dropped to the bruise peeping from her friend’s short sleeve. She reached up and touched the arm. Celeste jerked back and grimaced, but her features quickly straightened. With a small laugh, Celeste wiped the tears from her cheeks with the back of her hand.