“That’s very wise, Papa. You guys have worked hard for many years. You deserve to live your lives to the full. How can I help?”
“As you know, tradition dictates that the oldest son takes over from his father. Gino is the older of you two.”
My heart sank as he said Gino’s name.
“However, I cannot in good conscience leave the running of the Coli family to him. He’s my son and I love him, but he’s not the right man for the job. He is impulsive and greedy. He is not a born leader like you are, Joe. I’ve given this a lot of thought; as you know, I don’t make snap decisions. I’m a careful man when it comes to business.”
“That’s why you are loved and respected by your men, Papa.”
“Thank you, Son. Gino is not going to like this one bit, and neither is his mother. They are not cut from the same cloth as us. I fear that he may take his anger out on you and Ella, and that’s the last thing I want for you, my darling son.”
“I agree. He’s most certainly going to throw a shit fit. How are you planning on softening the blow, Papa? He’s going to fight back no matter how you deliver the news.”
“Sicily has become a very dangerous place in our business, Son. I don’t want harm to come to you and your young family. I’ve spoken to my advisors, and they agree that America is the place to run a business like ours from. There are many opportunities in America, and if we want to grow, we must consider this carefully.”
“America? That’s a long way away from Sicily, Papa. Are you sure you’re up for such a huge endeavor?”
“I’m looking ahead, son. Ultimately, we must grow or die out. That is why I wanted to talk to you. I want you to run the new business in America for me, Joe. You are the right man for the job. You are strong, smart, educated, and fair. You will make good decisions. I trust you, son.”
“Wow, that’s quite something, Papa. I’d like to discuss it with Ella first. If we’re going to leave home and live so far away from family, we’re going to need a while to come to grips with it.”
“I understand, my son. This is a big deal, and I know that you will make the right decision. Talk it over with Ella, but don’t take too long. I’m not getting any younger, and it’s better to start your family there, for the safety of all of you.”
“I will. Thank you, Papa.”
“Now, let’s go have breakfast with our ladies. It smells good.”
“It sure does.”
ELEANORA
“You’ve been very quiet, my love,” I said to Joe as we drove home after breakfast. “Are you alright? What did you and Papa talk about?”
“I’m fine, gorgeous. I’ll tell you over a bottle of Lambrusco.”
“Lambrusco. It must be serious.” I watched as tiny worry lines danced across his forehead.
“It’s something we need to talk seriously about.”
“Okay, now you’re scaring me.”
“Don’t worry, my love. Whatever we do, we’ll do it together.”
The drive home dragged. I was never good at waiting. If I wanted to know something, I wanted to know it yesterday. When we got home, Joe opened a bottle of my favorite tipple and asked me to sit with him in the garden.
“Okay, let me have it. You’re killing me here.”
Joe laughed as I stared at him like a child with big eyes.
“I don’t suppose I can persuade you to a quickie, to break my silence of course.”
“Come on, spill the beans you dirty old man! If it’s juicy enough, I may give you a freebie pass.”
“How can I turn down such a gracious offer? Okay, here it is. My father wants to retire soon, and he wants me to take over the running of the business.”
“Okay…”
“That’s not really a big surprise to you, I’m sure.”
“No, not really. I feel a ‘but’ coming.” Now, I was nervous.
“Gino is going to throw a shit fit when my father announces his decision. As the older son, Gino will argue that it is his right to be next in line. But we all know that he’ll fuck it up, royally.”
“No argument there. But how are we going to avoid that backlash?”
“Here’s the kicker. My father wants me to move our operations to America. Sicily is saturated with families like ours, fighting for dominance. America is a land of new opportunities for the Coli family, and my father feels that I’m the right man for the job.”
I was silent for s long while. A million thoughts crossed my mind as I stared at the sparrow’s nest high up in our tall ficus tree. The chicks were shouting hungrily at their mother as she brought back insects and worms to nourish them. I couldn’t imagine leaving my beautiful Sicily. I’d lived there all my life. It was part of me.
Joe took my hands in his. “My darling, I know this is sudden, and I can imagine the thoughts that are running through your head right now—but Papa is right. It isn’t safe here for us. Gino will undoubtedly cause us countless headaches, and I don’t want us to start a family in a place where you aren’t safe. I’ll give you time to digest it all. Let me know when you’re ready to talk about it.”
We sat quietly under the ficus.
***
ELEANORA
“America! You’re shitting me. Really?” Bria was floored, and to be fair, so was I.
“Yup, looks like it.”
“That’s big, Ella. How do you feel about it?”
“I know it’s the smart thing to do, but leaving my friends and family behind—I’m not sure I can do that.”
“No shit. Have you told your mother yet?”
“I haven’t told anybody but you. I thought that if I said it out loud it would become real. At the moment, it’s just a thought milling around in the head.”
“When do you need to decide? Is Joe’s father in a hurry?”
“He’s not getting any younger, and retirement is top of his list. But if we go, it will be within the next year.”
Bria put her arms around me. I felt the sadness in her hug. I couldn’t imagine living my life without sharing it with my bestie.
“Who the hell is going to be your muscle is America? Who’s gonna beat the shit out of bitches like Boobzilla, if I’m not there?”
I laughed and held her tightly. “I’ll go to America if you promise to go with me.”
“Duh, I thought you’d never ask. I hear they have incredible dancing academies there. I can show those newbies a move or two. And Fabio’s father could always do with a few more casinos. That’s it, we’re going with you. But first, let’s get me hitched.”
“I love you, Bria. I wouldn’t have it any other way. Watch out, America, here we come!”
“I’ll drink to that!”
JOE
“America—the land of opportunities. America?”
Fabio’s eyes were dancing. He was the first person I told of our plans. I knew he would tell me the truth and not some pointless crap.
“What do you think, Fabio?”
“I think that’s a fucking brilliant idea!”
“I thought you might like it. I’m gonna miss my wingman, bud.” I looked down at my shoes, just in case a tear fell from my eyes. I didn’t want to look like a nancy boy in front of my main man.
“Miss me? Who said you’re gonna miss me? Fuck that! Bria and I are coming with you. Sicily is so yesterday. America is where it’s at, buddy. Don’t think you’re gonna get rid of me that easily, Mr. Coli.”
“That’s fantastic! Don’t you think that you should talk to Bria first before you move your bride to be across the world?”
“Ah, Bria’s a riot. She’ll be packed and ready to go before I’ve finished my sentence. That’s what I love about her. She’s a firecracker waiting for a place to explode. How does Ella feel about it?”
”She’s thinking it over. The thought of leaving her parents is hard for her. Plus, losing Bria is another worry she’s added.”
“Well, don’t you worry about that. The dream team is sticking together. Where you go, we
go.”
“Cheers to that, bud!”
When I got home that evening, Ella had a spring in her step. She had dinner ready and our favorite red wine was open and breathing.
“What is this? Is my little flower ready to seduce me? You know you didn’t have to work this hard. One flash of that cute butt of yours and I’m ready to rock and roll.” I smacked her gently on her butt cheeks.
“As a matter of fact, I have some news.”
“Oh, do tell.”
“I had a chat with Bria today. I told her of our plans to move.”
“And?”
“And she was gutted until she announced that she and Fabio are coming with us.”
“Really? That’s very interesting. As it happens, I had a chat with Fabio today, and he said the very same thing. It looks as if the dream team is moving to America.”
“Yup! Watch out America, here we come. I hope they’re ready for Fabio and Bria, god love them.”
“Let’s not tell the authorities until we land.”
“Good idea! But who is going to tell my parents that I’m leaving? I’m not looking forward to that, Joe.”
“Don’t worry, my love; we’ll do it together. I’m sure they’ll be on board when we promise to invite them to summer with us in Palm Beach, Florida.”
“Is that where we’re going to live, my love?”
“Absolutely. It’s gorgeous there, and where else can I take my gorgeous wife to than gorgeous Palm Beach?”
For the first time since I broke the news to her, Ella looked excited. The fact that Bria and Fabio were moving with us was the catalyst for sure. I was looking forward to a new life with my beautiful Ella.
***
JOE
As expected, the proverbial shit hit the fan when my father announced to everyone that I was his successor. Gino’s face was as red as a beet—I fully expected to see him burst into flames. He was very silent when my father had finished speaking. His silence was deafening. Without a word, he got up after the meeting, and without so much as a ‘see you later,’ he left.
“I thought Gino took that pretty well, didn’t you?” My father was kidding, obviously; a blind man without his stick could see the waves of rage washing over him as he left the room.
“He’s definitely not happy. I’m a little worried about what he’s going to do, Joe. Have you and Ella decided on a date yet? I think the sooner you leave Sicily, the better.”
We’ll be ready soon, Papa. All that’s left to do is break the news to Ella’s parents and she’s dreading it. Mama wasn’t exactly happy about it either. Is she okay?”
“Your mama is a strong, smart woman. She knows this is the best thing for you and Ella. She supports us in our decision. It took a lot of talking and tears to get her to a good place. I’m just sorry that you and Ella are moving so far away from your family and friends.”
“Actually, funny story… It appears that we won’t be traveling alone.”
“Really, how so?”
“Fabio and Bria are joining us. Fabio spoke to his father, who thought it a brilliant idea to expand his casino empire to America. Fabio is excited about that, too.”
“And Bria?”
“She’s happy to go follow her husband wherever he goes. Ella is thrilled to have her best friend with her. And I must say that having my best friend there with me will be a comfort.”
“That’s wonderful news, son. This is the best thing for you and your family. It will be hard, but if anyone can make a success of it, it’s you.”
ELEANORA
Bria and Fabio’s wedding was the most fun I’d had in yonks. The bride and groom looked dazzling, and their fun wedding was a reflection of the wonderful, crazy couple they had become. We bid them farewell as they left for their island honeymoon, and three weeks later they were back, tanned and happy. The time had come for me to drop the bomb on my parents, and I was a wreck.
I was skittish as I prepared lunch for my parents. Their lives were going so well. My father was healthy again, and he and my mother spent more time together, enjoying the life they had worked so hard for. I was afraid that my news would hurt them.
“Joe! Have you opened the wine, darling?” I was in the kitchen doing the last minute preparations, and Joe was faffing in the living room with the television.
“Yes, my love. You’ve asked me that three times already. Calm down, gorgeous; you’re going to do yourself a mischief.”
He was right. I was a ball of nerves. Joe came into the kitchen and held me. “Don’t worry, my love, we’ve got this.”
The doorbell rang at exactly one o’clock. My parents were nothing if not timely. To tell the truth, it was comforting. Joe welcomed them in as I set the antipasti out on the living room table. I’d prepared all their favorites.
“Hey, princess.” My father embraced me warmly as he always did. It was good to see him so upbeat.
“Hi, Papa. You look well. Whipping your friends on the golf course, are you?”
“He sure is,” my mother chimed in. “But I’m still waiting patiently for him to fix a few things around the house.”
“Stop nagging me, woman. Life’s too short for handy work. I’d rather spend more time with you.” He grabbed my mother and patted her on the butt.
“Giovani! Behave yourself, you lecherous specimen.” She chuckled as my father gave her a knowing wink.
“Okay, you two. Not in front of the children, please.” Joe chuckled at my mother blushing.
“So, are you having a baby?” She asked her standard question. “I feel something in the air.”
“Well, it isn’t going to be baby puke and diapers just yet, Mama.” I looked at Joe for courage.
“Oh well, it was worth asking. So, what’s going on, you two? Ella looks like she’s about to melt into her very expensive Italian platforms. What’s up?” My father looked intently at me as he spoke to Joe.
“Everything is fine, Papa. We have big news, but it may be tough for you and Mama.” I caught my breath before I carried on talking. “Joe and I are moving to America.”
“America! Why?” My mother’s face was exactly what I expected.
“Why? When? Are you sure this is what you both want?” My father looked at Joe and then back at me.
“There are opportunities for Joe and me in a place like America. Joe wants to expand their family business, and we feel that bringing up a young family in America will give them incredible opportunities.” I stopped talking. That was my story, and I was sticking to it. There was no way in hell I was going to tell them of our trouble with Gino brewing on the horizon. Moving to another continent was big enough.
Joe spoke next. “We can imagine how shocked you must be at our news. The truth is that Sicily is becoming a dangerous place for young families. I want to give Ella the best of everything, and in America, I can do that. We are a mere flight away from you. Anytime you wish, you’re welcome to visit us. We will visit as often as we can. I know this is hard, and I’m sorry about that. We love you both so much.”
After my mother stopped crying and my father finally let go of her, we had lunch and told them of our plans. They tried their best to look happy for us, but it was no use. I had just broken their hearts, and I felt like a criminal.
Chapter Ten
JOE
The eleven hour flight took it out of us. The dream team was ready to land on American soil and sleep like the dead. The girls were bowled over by the culture shock, gawking at all that their new home would offer them. Fabio and I needed a beer, stat. While our bags were loaded into the car we’d bought before we arrived, the dream team had refreshments in the lounge at the airport.
Florida was beautiful. My father had done his homework well. Ella and I were excited to get our lives on track. Fabio’s father put him in contact with a few trusted developers to help him find the best land to develop for building casinos. It was a new venture in Florida. All they had at that stage were bingo rooms, something Fabio was hell-bent
on changing.
Bria was offered a position as a dancing instructor at a prestigious college, and my Ella was headhunted by the University of Palm Beach. All in all, the gang was on the up and up. The home that Ella and I wanted to build would be perfect on a large estate on Palm Beach. Ella fell in love with the grounds, the beautiful flora on it, and the possibilities of what she could do with the ample space.
I was happy because she was happy. It didn’t matter much to me where I lived and worked, as long as my family was safe and happy. Ella and I rented a quaint little villa while we met with architects, looking for the right one to share our vision. The garden at the villa was no match for Ella. We weren’t there very long before the neighbors were asking Ella for gardening tips. They were exciting times for us. Days were spent working and creating, and in the evenings we enjoyed checking out the nightlife with Fabio and Bria.
Our parents insisted that we build a home that would accurately represent the status of the Coli and Lastra families. No expense was spared. Italian marble, expensive roof tiles, handcrafted furniture carved from exotic wood, the works. Nothing was too much for my gorgeous. She blossomed in Palm Beach.
ELEANORA
Palm Beach in the 70s was paradise. Bright colors everywhere, pool parties, late-night excitement, Trans Ams, and Mustangs as far as the eye could see. I was happy at work, Joe was making inroads in the business world, Bria was her bubbly self, and Fabio had, against all expectations, become a committed entrepreneur and loving husband.
The architects understood exactly what I wanted—the plans for our new home were spectacular. We’d settled on a white, two-story Tuscan villa with terracotta roof tiles and wide arches. The entrance hall was vast with a staircase running along the sidewalls. The double volume space in the kitchen and living room gave an air of space that made the house look quite regal. I absolutely loved it. The six ensuite bedrooms were on the first floor, with our bedroom and study at the south-facing wings of the house. I craved sun and light and so did Joe. I was particularly excited about the garden. The grounds were expansive, leaving me plenty of space to play with.
Hidden Deceit: A Mafia Romance (Corrupt Minds Book 2) Page 10