by Jan Moran
“Dad, Pasquale bought him out. The business is rightfully theirs.” Nausea assaulted Vincenzo after hearing his father’s story.
“No, our family inherited the vineyard.”
He’s crazy.
Vincenzo shook his head, opting not to tell him about his feelings for Alicia and a possible marriage merger. Will she ever forgive me? Besides, it might never happen—not knowing if Alicia had any affection left for him. “I have to get back to work before Mr. Contrino wonders where I went. We need to meet tonight to finish this discussion because I’m not done.” He took his leave and rushed to his car.
Where did his grandfather get the idea the business the family ran into the ground should belong to them again? His father knew nothing about making and selling wine. What the fuck is he going to do with the winery? Vincenzo didn’t want it. Running a winery was not in his future. But for the sake of Alicia, he would do anything including betraying his father. But could he ever be Alicia’s true suitor?
~*~
Vincenzo paced around his office, all the employees gone for the evening. Even Mr. Contrino had gone home to his family while here he was, nerves gnawing at his gut as he wore down the carpet. What the hell am I going to tell Dad? He stopped to stare out the window, the shadows of evening growing darker. I will do nothing to hurt the Contrinos. He picked up his pacing. After a while, tired of running in circles, he went to the kitchen to see if the coffeemaker had been shut off. Everything in there sparkled. John is too damn efficient. With a terrible weight on his shoulders he returned to his office, grabbed his briefcase, and left. Will Dad kick me out of his house if I tell him I will not help? The outcome of the meeting worried him.
Chapter 12
Vincenzo
Several days later, Vincenzo still couldn’t wrap his mind around his father’s need to take over the Contrino Vineyards. As predicted, he demanded Vincenzo leave his house. Confused about his dad’s immoral ideas, he came out of the shower dripping. He approached the sink and grabbed the can of shaving cream. What a pain to have to shave every morning. He wouldn’t mind having a baby face with no stubble. He smacked his forehead. Those were the days. As he leathered his face and neck, images of Alicia came to mind.
Amazing curves, soft skin, he could feel her body through his fingers as he lathered her legs, the shower head beating hot water on his back. Alicia sat still on the shower bench, watching him with half-closed eyes. He moved the blade down her long legs—smooth and supple to his touch. When done, he added more foam to his hand and spreading her legs, reached for her mound. Gulping air, she pushed him away.
“Believe me, you’ll love the clean look,” he said, getting her to relax again.
“You’re going to cut me.” She placed her hand on his shoulder to stop him.
“I’m not going to cut you, baby. Trust me.”
When done, he rinsed her and, going down on his knees, moved in.
His body trembled with excitement. To chase the memory away, he ran the four-blade razor down his cheek. Concentrate! The towel wrapped around his waist fell around his feet on the hardwood floor of his bathroom, displaying his erection. It took great strength of will to get Alicia out of his thoughts and concentrate on his fatherly duties.
His packed suitcases riddled the room, ready to be dragged to his new home. Somehow he needed to make the move a wonderful adventure for Oli. The thought of changing her routine saddened him, but Saturday mornings were the greatest mornings ever. Dressed in faded jeans, T-shirt, and bare feet, he walked to his little girl’s room across from his own. Trying not to make noise, he opened the door and poked his head in. Olivia sat in her crib, playing with a little, purple stuffed animal. Narrowing his gaze on it, he noticed she hugged the little Care Bear he’d given her several days ago when sick with a fever.
She gazed at him, lips parted. “Daddy.” Her little arms went up. Vincenzo moved to the crib and lifted her. Olivia’s soft arms wrapped around his neck, and she plastered a drooling kiss on his cheek.
“How’s Daddy’s little girl this morning?” He lifted her in the air and settled her on his shoulders for a piggyback ride down the stairs. Vincenzo used the rear stairs, leading straight in the gourmet kitchen where his mother already busied herself making breakfast. The smell of baking goods tantalized his nostrils, and he inhaled deeply, savoring the aroma. “Good morning, Mom. It smells wonderful! What are you baking?”
“I know how much my little girl loves pear scones and hot cocoa. This is a small feast for Olivia’s birthday.”
“But her birthday’s next week. You spoil her too much.”
Mother reached up and took Olivia from his shoulders and set her in the booster chair at the table. “Making sure my sweetheart eats a good breakfast isn’t spoiling, it’s called good grand-parenting.”
Vincenzo kissed his mother’s cheek and sat next to his little girl. “Ready for breakfast?”
Letting out a squeal, Olivia clapped her hands. She couldn’t be any more ready.
Ma laughed, placing a dish with a scone before the child. “Enjoy, my little, Oli.”
“Where in heaven did you fish that nickname?”
Mother shook her head. “Atho, eat your breakfast.” She placed another dish before her son.
They both smiled, watching Olivia dig into her scone. Mother gave her a sipper cup filled with cocoa. Olivia grabbed it and murmured “mmmm” all the while she drank.
“Ma, where’s Dad?”
Mother came to the table with her own scone and cup of cappuccino. “He’s not feeling too well.”
“Nothing serious I hope?”
“I think the promise he made to his father is going to be his destruction.”
Startled, Vincenzo gazed at his mother. “What do you mean?”
“Your father runs a tight business, but going after his relatives never made sense to him especially since his great-grandfather Michele ran the vineyard to the ground. If it hadn’t been for Pasquale, there would be no winery. The Contrinos have dedicated their lives to the wine business, and they do it well. If your father ever succeeds, Virginia would be deprived of some excellent wines.”
Her words caught him off guard. “You’re against him?”
“I don’t agree with it. Your father has his lucrative business, something he does very well, providing us with a very good life. I don’t understand why he has to meddle in the Contrino’s lives and business.” She sighed. “I also believe the old man Contrino is far smarter than your father, and I bet he knows exactly what’s going on and why you’re there. After all, what’s the old saying, keep your friends close and your enemies closer? I feel Mr. Contrino hired you to keep you very close.”
“Wait a minute! You sent me to talk to him while you knew all along?”
His mother’s glance made him cringe. He wondered at her intuitions. She always seemed to understand people’s motives, actions, and reactions.
“I didn’t expect your father to throw you out of the house—”
“Ma, it’s fine. I’m a big boy.”
“I’m not worried about you. I worry about Oli.” She glanced at the child.
“Nonna, more.” Olivia lifted her empty dish from the table.
Grandma reached for it. “Careful, Oli, the dish can break.” After placing another scone on it, she placed it before the child who laughed and took a big bite.
Vincenzo’s heart overflowed with tenderness. Life without his little girl would be empty. He never imagined being a father would be so rewarding, bringing such joy and love in his life. He sighed. Thank God I fought for her. Olivia didn’t just appease an empty spot in his existence, he could see it fulfilled some strange need his mother had. The instincts of a mother never died. Whatever the case, his child received unconditional love.
Now, how could he make Alicia understand and forgive him for the past? Does she understand about Olivia? He had his work cut out for himself, for she despised him with passion.
With his index finge
r he tickled Olivia’s side. “Are you ready for a fun time?”
Laughing, she stood on the booster and jumped on his neck. He caught her, squeezing her to his heart. “I love you, Oli.” She pushed her cheek on his lips and he kissed it. Standing, he twirled. “Time to say good-bye to Nonna so we can go to the park and play.” He put her on the floor, and she ran to hug her grandmother.
“Have a good time, dear, and listen to Daddy.”
Vincenzo lifted her into his arms. “See you later, Ma.” He sauntered out of the house. In the three-car garage, he opened the back door of his SUV and strapped Olivia in her car seat. “Are you ready?” he asked ruffling her soft curls.
“Yeeth, Daddy.”
“Then, let’s begin our adventure.”
*~*
The alarm rang, Vincenzo slammed shut the blasting noise pulling him out of a wonderful dream—he sat under the weeping willow with Alicia in his arms. Pushing aside the covers, he stood, stretched, and shuffled to the bathroom. A cold shower would dampen his excitement. Mondays always came too soon. Why couldn’t weekends last longer?
Brrr! He shivered as the cold water ran down his back. If Alicia was at the office, it would be a good day.
When he opened his bedroom door the wonderful aroma of coffee snaked in his nostrils. He breathed deep, inhaling his favorite smell. How did Mom get here so early? Before going to the kitchen to drink the cappuccino, he stopped to check on Olivia. The child slept tangled in her favorite fuzzy blanket, the sheets dangling through the crib’s bars and the pillow under her feet. What kind of dream had placed her in such disarray? Shaking his head he closed the door and moved on.
Two years had passed so fast he began to understand why parents always complained time flew. A friend of his dad’s once told him never to blink because the minute he did, Olivia would be all grown up and going to prom. He wanted to be involved in her life, be a part of every new development she went through, be there for every new experience that made her grow up just a little more. He didn’t want to be the type of father who held her back. He wanted to grow with her.
Not like you, Dad, who believes it’s enough to bring home the bacon.
Stepping in the kitchen, he kissed his mother’s cheek. “Mom, you’re real early.”
“It’s the first day I come over. I didn’t know what traffic would be like.” She smiled.
After a cappuccino, he kissed her good-bye and headed for the office, wondering what kind of day he would have. With light, early morning traffic, he made it to work in record time. He parked in the structure, and, with the office still empty, he rushed to the administrative counter to check if Alicia would be in today. Cha-ching! The appointment book said she would be coming to the office.
Chapter 13
Alicia
The yearly gathering of the Virginia wine growers would be held at the Jefferson Hotel. Alicia’s excitement grew apparent as the event drew near.
“What are you so happy about?” Vincenzo asked.
Blood pumped faster through her veins. “This year all the winos are getting together at the Jefferson.” She observed his puzzled expression. “It’s something my grandfather started when he took over the vineyard to create friendly competition between the wine growers. It’s a wonderful formal gala I love attending with my grandfather.” A noise behind her startled her, and she glanced over her shoulder. “Nonno, good morning.”
“Morning.” His gruff voice grated her ears.
She moved to him, giving him a hug and kiss. Alicia had learned to overlook his grumpy morning moods.
He nodded in Vincenzo’s direction. “How would you like to attend your first wino gathering, as my granddaughter here calls them?” His tone always seemed to mellow out when he spoke to Vincenzo.
“I would be honored, sir.”
“You have a tux?” He pursed his lips when she tried to protest. “Alicia, it will be good for Vincenzo to meet our friendly competitors.” He cleared his throat. “Way back when Michele ran the company, destructive animosity ran strong between the grape growers. Wine should never promote hatred, but friendly competition, which is what I’ve established around these parts.”
“I can’t wait to meet the friendly competitors.” Vincenzo chuckled and took his leave.
Alicia stared after him, pouting. “But Nonno, this is an event the two of us enjoy together.” The stern look he gave her made her glance away.
“Do we have a permanent admin yet?”
“None of the candidates we’ve interviewed have been as skilled as the temporary help we have right now. I’m thinking to make him an offer and turn him permanent.”
He nodded. “If that’s what it takes, then do it.” He strolled to his office.
Disgusted with the whole event, Alicia marched to her office, trying her best not to clang her Steve Madden heels too loudly on the marbled floor. Why can’t he put runners down? Shrugging, she plopped on her chair, leaned her head back, and closed her eyes. Vincenzo’s closeness always made her feel so strange. I could forgive him for breaking my heart. Forgive, not forget. But…he’s out to take over my inheritance. After calming herself, she stood, stretched, and headed for the receptionist area.
“Good morning, John.”
“Good morning, what can I do for you?”
“I need to speak with you in my office, but first I’m going to grab a cup of coffee. Can I get you one?”
He raised a huge mug. “Thanks, just filled my special cup.” Standing he said, “Shall I meet you in your office?”
“Yes, please.”
At the coffee station, she filled her mug with the freshly brewed coffee, inhaling the steam wiggling its way into the air. John brewed some mean coffee every morning.
In her office, she found John waiting. “Please, have a seat.” She leaned against the desk, holding the mug between her hands. “Both my grandfather and I are pleased with the work you do, the efficiency at which you perform any task thrown at you. Your work ethics are superb.” She stopped to sip coffee. The anticipation in his expression pleased her. “Would you like to join the company?”
“You’re offering a permanent position?” His lips curved upward. “I do enjoy working for Mr. Contrino.”
“I would like to offer you the administrative assistant level three position with a compensation salary of $37,500 plus a complete package of benefits. You don’t have to give me an answer now. You have time to think about it. If your performance continues to excel, in the future we may want to change your title to an executive admin. What I’m trying to say is your career path will expand.” She walked around to her chair and sat down. “We can discuss your decision in a few days.”
He stood. “Thank you.” From the expression on his face, Alicia knew he would accept the offer. “Is there anything else I can do for you?”
“How are the new charts Mr. Contrino asked for coming along?”
“I’ve already delivered them.”
“I guess we’ll be discussing them in the team meeting this morning. Thanks.”
John left her office. She liked John and enjoyed working with him. Pleased with herself, she got ready for the morning meeting.
John took amazing minutes then compiled them and added the appropriate charts if applicable. She had never seen such thorough notes before. John would definitely be a great addition to the team. Would Vincenzo approve of the decision? Why does it matter? Why did Vincenzo always have to come to mind? Lately, he seemed to occupy too many of her thoughts. The possibility she still loved him confused her. He abandoned me, why should I still love him? But he had done what he thought best for her. Why did he make the decision for me and not give me a chance to choose? She grabbed a notepad, a mechanical pencil, and headed to the conference room, clacking her heels on the marbled floor.
Chapter 14
Vincenzo
Sipping his coffee, Vincenzo sat in the conference room, waiting for the meeting to start. The clang of John’s mug shook him back to rea
lity. Staring at John, he noticed the smug grin on his face. “What secrets are you trying to divulge?”
“I’ve been offered the permanent admin position.”
“It took Alicia a damn long time to offer you the position.” Vincenzo stood and shook John’s hand. “Welcome aboard.”
“These are good people to work for.” John pulled out a chair and dropped on it.
“I totally agree with you.
“To be honest, and I hope it stays between us, the only person who rubs me the wrong way is Cal.”
“Little Cal who heads the IT department?”
“He’s the one. Even though he has two people under him, he struts around like a peacock showing off his powers. He’s the only person who talks down to me.”
“Say what?”
Alicia popped her head in, glanced around then stepped in closing the door.
Damn she’s hot!
“Just a couple of small announcements.” She leaned against the wall.
She’s got some legs on her.
His mind lingered on Alicia. The woman’s indifference made her even more desirable. It wasn’t just about her looks. He loved her mind—an ambitious yet kind and altruistic mind.
“John is joining the company permanently, and Mr. Contrino just walked out of the office.”
“Say what?” Vincenzo cocked his head, his brow furrowed. His father must have made the phone call he threatened Mom he would make. “Did he say where he was going?”
Alicia glared at him. “I think I’d like to know just as much as you.”
Not true. I need to stop a war.
“We won’t have a meeting this morning.” She turned abruptly and stormed out before Vincenzo could ask the question burning on his tongue.