“Here, Pops.”
“It’s all my fault, son. Grace needed me and instead I left her with your grandmother.” His father’s hands shook as he sipped.
“Lie back. I’m going to get you a blanket.”
Antonio removed the glass from his father. Compassion tugged at him but he didn’t want to embrace it.
“Her death is all my fault. I drink hoping to forget. It never works. I shouldn’t have sent her away. It was my job to take care of her. I just didn’t know how.”
“I’ll be back.”
Joseph grabbed Antonio’s wrist. “You were right. I shouldn’t have been at her funeral. I didn’t deserve to be there.”
Antonio broke free and snatched a blanket from the hall closet. He remembered every detail of his mother’s funeral. It tormented him often enough. Family and friends gathered at his grandmother’s house. Most hadn’t called in years or seen his mother since Antonio’s baptism. People, strangers to Antonio, hugged and kissed him until nausea overtook him. His grandmother withdrew from the gathering early and locked herself in her room. Antonio mulled around the house searching for a space to hide, too. He couldn’t escape. The hugs and condolences continued. Everyone expressed the same thing.
“I’m sorry, baby.”
“You got to be strong, son.”
“Hey, I’m your cousin, Stacy. I’m sorry about mom.”
“You can come and stay with me anytime you want.”
“God will watch over her now.”
He even overheard his Uncle Reggie’s wife when she said, “Grace was crazy anyway. Her own husband couldn’t take care of her.”
Antonio scowled toward his father standing in a corner across the room on his fifth or sixth glass of scotch, maybe more. Family members hugged him, too. Antonio stormed over and smashed his father’s glass on to the floor.
“You shouldn’t be here. You didn’t even care about her.” Antonio accused before he bolted to the beach. He avoided his father for a long time after that.
Joseph’s snore snatched Antonio back to the present. He frowned and placed the blanket over his father. Antonio harbored close to two decades of anger against his father. When he managed to shake his own guilt, he transferred blame to his father for his mother’s death. But, his father was in pain. He glanced at his father. He no longer saw the man he despised. He wanted to rub his shoulder and offer him some form of comfort, yet he suddenly ached for a hug from his father instead. He slid against the sofa to the floor. He finally understood. Their shared guilt led Antonio to five years of mind-numbing drug use and his father into a life of destructive drinking. Antonio compulsively nodded his head. He didn’t see it until now. He didn’t want to admit it but they were alike.
“Don’t worry, Pops. I’m going to help you.”
He pulled a corner of the blanket over him and spent the night beside her father.
Chapter Twenty-One
Back to Boston
Antonio bounced on his toes when he walked out of his hotel. He’d just finished talking with Faith. Things were finally falling into place. It took a couple of weeks but his father was back on track. Antonio knew Torri held back from badgering him for an update, so he couldn’t wait to share the good news. His father would be okay and he had Torri to thank.
The alarm he set on his phone alerted him that it was ten in the morning. Antonio picked up his pace. Time moved quicker than he would have liked. He convinced Torri to meet him in Boston to see the restaurant and he had a few hours to get a sufficient amount of work done before she arrived.
The corner was the quintessential location for November Rain III. Antonio sealed the deal for prime real estate available on Tremont Street, in Boston’s South End. His restaurant promised to add fresh flavor to the small art community. He couldn’t wait for Torri to see it. Antonio checked his watch; she was due to arrive in less than an hour. She offered to take a cab to the hotel and settle in so he could continue working.
“Philip, how’s the kitchen coming along?”
“It looks great, boss. I checked and everything we selected is in order.” Philip managed the DC location and was the ideal choice for the November Rain III project.
“It looks like we’re right on schedule to open in October. I’m almost done with the carvings on the bar. Then it will be ready for Violet to do her magic and finish the job.”
“You added a new symbol to this bar. I like it. Is it a bird?”
“It’s a water bird. It symbolizes renewal of life. It’s fitting for this new location and the direction my life has taken over the last few months.”
“Your restaurant’s been good to me and my family. The DC location also opened the door for astounding new talent.”
“That’s what my high school was all about. The Castle nurtured all talent. Prodigies, artists, dancers, singers, musicians, some kids were doing things we’d never seen or heard before.” He twirled his carving chisel. “Charcoal sketches were my thing, I played around with paint, but I didn’t like it as much. I learned wood carving from studying pieces my grandfather created.”
“Sounds like a great school. My high school was boring. I couldn’t wait to graduate.”
“Well, my high school was unique and I’m grateful for it and the friends I made there. Art and this restaurant are my life savers.”
“Well, Boston is going to love November Rain. Mike’s already started his search for talent to feature on opening night.”
“Make sure he adds a headliner. I want to do it big.”
Philip pulled out his phone and typed away. “Text sent. Let me get back to the kitchen.”
Antonio grabbed his tool bag. “I’m heading out in few to pick up my lady. We have a date at ‘The Beehive’. I plan to bring her here first to bless this spot.”
Philip gave Antonio thumbs up. “I have it all under control.”
The flight to Logan International was a piece of cake. She loved flying and imagined everyone did. Torri couldn’t understand why Antonio preferred to spend more than double the flight time on a bus. That would have to change if they ever planned to travel together. She looked forward to the next few days with him away from the distractions in New York.
Antonio left an extra room key for Torri at the front desk. She dropped her bags near the door and threw herself on the king-size bed. It was almost as comfy as hers at home. She checked the pillows. Fluffy. Next on the list was the bathroom. She flipped on the light. Perfect. A glass shower with room enough for two invited her to jump in. She had time to freshen up before Antonio picked her up for their date.
Torri laid out her clothes and prepared to jump in the shower when a swish of warm air swept across her back. She spun toward the door. Her heart drummed. Antonio waltzed into the room. She greeted her man with a deep, long kiss to make up for the five days he was away.
“You’re early.”
“Wow, I should go away more often.”
“No way! I missed you way too much.”
“I missed you more.”
Torri unfastened her blouse and let if fall to the floor. “Care to join me?”
His eyes smoldered with a fiery passion. He grasped Torri’s hand and led her to the bathroom. Antonio took his time as he removed the rest of her clothes. His caressing gaze dropped from her eyes to her shoulders lingering on her breasts. He reached past her trembling body and turned on the shower. Torri stepped under the cool spray he released. Antonio removed his work clothes. She held her breath as her eyes pored over his hard body. He joined her in the shower.
Under his spell, Torri quivered as his hands traveled along intimate parts of her body. He kissed the hollow of her neck. She sizzled as his lips explored her soft, sun-kissed skin as cool water cascaded over their hot bodies. With expertise tongue teased her tender nipples. She shuddered and craved more. Moans of ecstasy slipped from
Torri’s lips as his skilled fingers stroked her like his paintbrush on canvas.
He placed his hands under her buttocks, lifted her and gently lowered her hips onto his healthy shaft. Torri wrapped her legs firmly around his back and held onto the bar behind him. Tears rolled from her eyes as his thrusts fulfilled her throbbing. He sucked on each breast as he eased in and out of Torri’s warmth. The passion rose to level of intensity neither one of them could control. Torri grabbed onto his thick hair and devoured his mouth, sucking his tongue. With their bodies still joined, Antonio carried Torri out and lowered her dripping body onto the bed.
“I love you.” Antonio confessed in a husky whisper.
The admission intoxicated Torri. A stream of bliss whisked through her body. She held on tighter as their bodies reached an explosive tempo. Torri collapsed in the arms of her lover and rested her head against his chest. She didn’t even know when she ended up on top. She listened to the pace of his heart return to normal. Antonio caressed Torri’s damp curls and kissed her forehead before he drifted off to sleep. She closed her eyes and whispered, I love you, too.
Nature’s call woke Antonio. They used a great deal of energy making love and passed out. He remained silent for a little longer. He watched Torri’s chest gently rise and fall. Antonio’s breathing fell in sync with hers. He was sure he’d experienced heaven on earth and the woman in his arms was his angel. Antonio checked the time and regretted having to awaken his sleeping beauty. He kissed her lips. Her eyes fluttered open like the wings of a butterfly. Her smile melted his heart.
“My love, we have to get ready if we’re going to make our dinner reservations. First, I’d like to show you the newest location for November Rain, so you can see what I’ve worked on all week.”
“I’d love to. It won’t take me long to get ready.” She left the bathroom door ajar. “What’s the update on your father?”
“Good news! As you know, my father and I finally talked and cleared the air. Now, he’s on the road to recovery and dealing with his grief in a healthier manner. I think we’re going to be okay.”
“That’s incredible.”
The sadness in her tone troubled Antonio. He peeked through the crack and watched Torri wipe her eyes. Antonio backed up to spare her embarrassment. He wished he knew how to take away her pain. Yet, he knew first hand how dangerous it was to hide it. “Ree, honey, it may not be easy, but you have a chance to get to know your real father.”
The door flew open. Her face glowed as if tears never met her cheeks. “I’m ready.”
“To meet your father?”
“No. To see the place you’ve been hiding from me for weeks.”
“After you.” He opened the door and accepted her signal to drop the conversation.
The early fall weather was ideal for an evening walk. They held hands like a young high school couple. Torri even had a little skip in her step. The restaurant wasn’t far from their hotel. Antonio didn’t have to tell Torri when they arrived. She dropped his hand and covered her mouth, he imagined fascinated by the large windows, the reason he fell in love with the location.
Antonio opened the door. Torri strutted into the large open room and stood where the hostess would welcome customers. She sprang over to the collection of wood that would soon be the bar.
“Did you carve this?”
He grinned.
“Tony, it’s exceptional. I can’t wait to see it when you complete it.”
“Thank you, baby. Come let me show you around.”
The lights went off before they made it halfway through the room. The glow of two candles flirted with the darkness. Their eyes adjusted to a table set for two.
“Please be seated. You are the first guests of Boston’s hottest new restaurant, November Rain.” Philip, dressed in a crimson tuxedo vest and bowtie, stood beside the table.
Philip’s efforts to help Antonio dazzle Torri impressed him. He presented Antonio with a bottle of his favorite non-alcoholic champagne. Antonio nodded his approval with the selection. A radiant smile was glued on Torri’s face. The couple lifted their glasses and toasted to November Rain and their future. Philip earned himself a generous raise.
“Tony, what a lovely surprise. I’m loving every minute of this trip so far.”
“I’m glad, but I had nothing to do with this candle light dinner. This was all Philip.”
“Well, you must be an amazing boss.”
“He’s one of the best.” Philip placed the first course on the table.
Each course was more incredible than the last, topped with Torri’s favorite, Crème Brule.
“Phil, who prepared this meal on such short notice?”
Philip bowed in response.
“You? I had no idea you were so talented in the kitchen.”
“Thank you, sir. Cooking has always been my passion.”
A pair of high heel shoes clacked across the restaurant floor. “Now, why wasn’t I invited to dinner?”
Antonio felt the burn of Torri’s eyes.
Delilah picked up Antonio’s spoon and finished his dessert. “Mmm. Delicious. Even better than I remember.” She walked around the table. “So this is the new restaurant. You’re the big man, now. A long way from hanging out at Mickey’s. Who knew you’d buy it and remake it into something this incredible!”
Antonio jumped up and interrupted Delilah before she said something he’d regret. They’d met at the edge of his rocky point just before his recovery. She’d seen him at his worst and he wasn’t ready to relive that time with her in front of Torri. “What are you doing here, Dee?”
“I’m here because of you.” Her laugh was reminiscent of the Wicked Witch of the West. “Well, you approved my vacation. It made sense when I realized you’d be here. So, I changed my plans and came to join you.”
Torri shot Antonio a death look. “Tony, would you care to explain?”
Antonio couldn’t get another word in.
“I had a feeling she’d be here.” Delilah faced Torri. “I’m tired of being nice to you. My history with Antonio is deep.” She pointed her finger in Torri’s face. “You’re just a temporary fix.”
Torri shoved Delilah’s hand aside. She crossed her arms and leaned back. As a photographer, Torri was proud of her gift to read into the soul of a subject. The subject before her -- had no soul. She refused to respond in any way.
Delilah turned her back on Torri and stepped closer to Antonio. “Do you think you can just pick up where you left off with her after fifteen years and forget about the people that have been by your side all along?”
“Dee, what’s going on?”
“Antonio, don’t act like you don’t know what I’m talking about. You’ve pushed me to the side ever since she walked into November Rain.” Delilah’s voice quivered out of control.
“This is ridiculous.” Antonio looked over at Torri.
“I’ll tell you what’s ridiculous, you actually thinking that she cares about you. You’re just a distraction for her.”
Torri jumped in. “How dare you?”
“I overheard you on the phone last week when you stopped by November Rain to see Antonio. I don’t know who you were talking to, but you said you couldn’t wait for your life to get back to normal. That you didn’t know anything about him and his emergence disrupted your life long enough.”
“Is that true?”
“She won’t answer you because it’s true.”
Torri hurled her napkin onto the table. Delilah was like a tick under her skin, the more she picked at her the deeper she got. She wasn’t going to stand there and explain herself to Antonio. “Philip, where’s the ladies room?”
She stormed off according to his directions.
In Torri’s wake, Antonio’s heartbeat scrambled. He was in deep trouble. He knew it looked like he questioned Torri’s intentions in fro
nt of Delilah. He just wanted the truth about the phone call. He glared at Delilah. His body tensed and his veins pulsed. His mother told him mistakes made a person stronger. Delilah was his biggest mistake.
“Antonio, should I call the police?” Philip’s pulled out his cell phone.
“Not necessary, Phil. Just do me a favor and keep Torri here while I escort Dee out.”
Antonio snatched Delilah by her arm careful not to snap it. Her behavior since he reconnected with Torri baffled him. Did he miss the signs before this or was it brand new? He mentally tallied moments Dee may have attempted to manipulate him over the last few months. He released her arm.
“Dee, I don’t know what you want from me and I don’t care. I’m in love with Torri.”
She cocked her head to the side. “Tony, I told you she has another agenda. You can’t see it because you’re lost in nostalgia. It’s okay. You’ll realize soon enough that you need me. Don’t you miss the nights we spent chatting after the restaurant closed?”
“Delilah, this has gone on long enough.”
“You’re right. I didn’t realize it back then but you’ve liked me since the day you agreed to keep me on staff for November Rain.”
“That’s ridiculous. I kept Roxie, too. Was that because I had a thing for her, too? Don’t answer. I’m sorry to do this, but I have to let you go.”
“Wait. Are you firing me?”
“Delilah, go home. As of right now, you no longer work for me.”
“You don’t mean that. You’re just angry.”
“I tried to do you a favor by keeping you on staff when I bought the restaurant. I’m sorry it meant something more to you.”
“Antonio…” She eased closer.
“I’ll have Jake contact you.”
He traipsed back into the restaurant to find Torri. Delilah’s delusions shook the foundation Antonio worked hard to rebuild with Torri. His world was just rocked by a fault in his life. Torri deserved better. The sins of his past tainted the evening. He kept his back to her.
November Rain Page 16