The Russos 6

by D. J. Manly

  Published by Mojocastle Press, LLC

  Price, Utah

  This book is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to actual events, locales or persons, living or dead, is completely coincidental.

  The Russos: Episode Six

  ISBN: 1-60180-037-1

  Copyright © 2007 D. J. Manly

  Cover Art Copyright @ 2007 April Martinez

  All rights reserved.

  Excluding legitimate review sites and review publications, the reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or in part in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means, now known or hereafter invented, is forbidden without the written permission of the publisher.

  Copying, scanning, uploading, selling and distribution of this book via the Internet or any other means without permission from the publisher is illegal, punishable by law and will be prosecuted.

  Available online at:

  http://www.mojocastle.com/

  Also By D.J. Manly:

  Connor's Storm

  Melting Ice

  The Russos: Digital Soap

  Dedication:

  To my readers.

  The Russos:

  Episode Six

  D. J. Manly

  Previously on The Russos...

  Tony and Angelo make love. Tony's feelings are all mixed up, and he comes on to Drake Senior. Janet asks Johnny's advice about marrying Mac.

  And Now...Episode Six of The Russos

  There were well over a hundred people at Drake's Christmas party. Some of them Tony recognized, others he had never seen before. These were people who worked on the many facets of the rock scene: producers, sound people, video camera people and the list went on and on.

  Frank was there with his latest girlfriend, a British fashion model named Trish. He took Tony by the arm and introduced him to face after face. Then Drake and Pepi took him around and introduced him to more people. He met two well-known rock stars and a Hollywood actor. That was cool, but he was too shy to ask for their autographs.

  The liquor came around often on trays carried by four or five waiters. A huge bowl of rolled joints, courtesy of Frank Carr, sat in the middle of a buffet table next to the fancy sandwiches. By quarter to twelve, there were a lot of people who were drunk as well as stoned.

  Johnny Russo was the centre of attention. He sat in a red velvet easy chair on a raised platform in front of the huge window. His chair was right in front of the grand piano in the middle of the huge living room, where the majority of the guests had gathered. Tony hadn't had more than a few minutes to talk to him all evening. He was always surrounded by people and appeared to be having a really good time.

  Just at the entrance to the living room in front of the curved gold-handled staircase sat the Christmas tree, the candles now all lit up and illuminating the big red bows. Many people stopped to admire the tree or stood pointing up at the mistletoe, demanding that their companion honour the tradition and bestow kisses upon them.

  Drake often got caught under the mistletoe. People either lured him there or caught him by accident. The thought of catching him there himself occurred to him, but he didn't dare.

  Janet and Mac were cuddled together on one of the sofas. They looked happy. His grandmother sat in the corner of the room, a little overwhelmed by all the people. Tony sat by her often.

  It was almost midnight when Pepi stepped up onto the platform. Tony glanced over at his father, who was saying something to Drake. Drake handed his brother a microphone and then went to turn off the sound system. The music that had been playing all evening came to an abrupt halt.

  Pepi positioned himself behind the piano and waited for Johnny to speak.

  "Good evening. First, we would like to thank everyone for coming," Johnny said. "I look around and I see so many good friends and loved ones. I am thankful to be here."

  There was a round of applause.

  "I would also like to thank all of you who lent us such support during the past few months. Thank you for your cards and letters, the flowers, everything. It will never be forgotten. I'd like to say also that this is the first Christmas that I have the good fortune of spending with my son. Tony?" he said, motioning for Tony to come forward.

  Tony slowly walked over to his father and placed his hand on Johnny's shoulder. There was applause again as Tony smiled shyly.

  "Every year, Drake hosts these Christmas parties and we are always so grateful when you all grace us with your presence," Johnny continued. "Please, continue to have a good time and if you end up sleeping in one of Drake's bathtubs tonight...well, it won't be the first time."

  There was more laughter.

  "Now, we're going to do something we have always done at these parties, and that is to sing Christmas carols. I invite you all to join in while Pepi plays for us. Drake, where are you?" He looked around with a grin.

  "Drake is always somewhere he shouldn't be."

  Laughter, and someone shouted out, "That's Drake for ya!"

  Drake shook his head with a grin as he stepped up on the platform and positioned a mike on top of the piano. He glanced out at the crowd. "I'll find out who said that, and you'll be punished."

  "Please do!" came the taunt. Drake made a comical face in reply.

  "Where's Mac?" Pepi enquired at the same time that Mac quietly stepped up behind Johnny's chair. He patted Pepi's shoulder, and Pepi nodded in satisfaction.

  "The gang's all here!" he called.

  Tony went to step down off the platform, but his father stopped him. "You're part of this family. Stay."

  Tony felt a warm glow move through him. "Thanks, Dad," he said softly.

  Pepi began to play 'White Christmas, singing the first verse on his own.

  Tony was amazed at what a good voice he had. Pepi always sang backup.

  Mac sang the next verse. Tony's eyes widened. He looked at his dad. "Wow, they both sing so well."

  Johnny nodded as Drake's deep baritone voice completed another verse, and then Johnny himself sang. They came together in beautiful harmony in the chorus. Tony closed his eyes, listening to the blending of their voices. What talent they had.

  Pepi began to play 'I'll Be Home for Christmas' and Drake sang the verses, with the rest of them helping out on the chorus. Drake had the sexiest of voices, and it was perfect for that song.

  They were now singing 'The Christmas Song'.

  Johnny was trying to encourage Tony to sing, but he was too shy.

  The guests in the hall stood perfectly still while they sang. Although Drake kept urging everyone to join in, no one did. They were lost in the beauty of those voices echoing in the hall.

  Pepi stopped playing. He looked at his two brothers.

  "Do 'Ave Maria'," he said.

  There was applause.

  Pepi smiled out at the crowd. "Drake and Johnny sang this song in church when they were both little boys. Although I was too young to remember, our mama tells me that it brought everyone to tears. Sing it for us now."

  Johnny smiled at Drake, and then looked at Pepi.

  "This is for you, Pepi, and for Mama," he said.

  He stood up. Drake took his arm and smiled at him.

  Pepi began to play. Drake began to sing and then Johnny joined in. You could have heard a pin drop.

  Their voices filled the room. There was no need for a microphone. Drake's deep baritone blended perfectly with his brother's higher-pitched tenor. Tony shivered as their voices built together into a perfect crescendo. A lump filled his throat.

  Sophia moved forward in the crowd. Tears fell from her eyes as she watched Drake and Johnny. They were both so beautiful, their voices were like angels voices.

  Her angels, her sad angels.

  She clutched her heart, staring at her beloved Drake.

>   Then she looked up and saw his son, so like him. He was him. He was her Drake, and she couldn't just give him away, give him to Johnny. He was hers. He was Julia's first, then hers.

  Janet came and took Sophia's arm. "Are you okay?" she asked her.

  Sophia nodded. "Am I doing the right thing? Should I tell them? Would you? You never lied to young Drake. I admire you for that, Janet. I do."

  Janet took her over to a chair and sat her down. "Do you need your nitro?"

  She shook her head. "No. I need only my two sons, and Drake. I need Drake most of all, but you've always known that, haven't you, my dear?" She reached up and touched Janet's face.

  Janet nodded, noting her raspy breathing. She patted her hand. "You have three sons, Sophia, not two."

  "Yes, three...three..." She closed her eyes. "I'm tired. I need to rest."

  They broke into a chorus of 'Jingle Bells' now, and everyone joined in.

  Sophia asked Janet to take her to her room. Janet helped her up and led her off.

  * * * * * *

  Drake had placed her in a bedroom on the main floor so she wouldn't have to climb the stairs. Janet opened the door and switched on the light. Sophia's suitcase sat in front of the bed.

  It was a nice room with a beautiful view of the ocean.

  The walls were pastel mauve with a floral border around the ceiling. The down comforter and curtains matched the flowers in the border, shades of mauves and greys and light blues. There was an adjoining bathroom, where Sophia went in to change.

  Janet was about to leave when Sophia asked her to stay a minute. Janet stood by the door.

  A few minutes later, Sophia emerged in a cotton nightdress and matching housecoat, a hairnet over her hair. She sat down on the bed. "Bring my suitcase to me, will you, dear? I want to show you something."

  Janet picked up the small green case and placed it on the bed.

  Sophia opened it, reached inside the pocket and took out a black and white photograph. She hesitated for a minute, and then handed it to Janet.

  Janet studied it. It was a man, a tall, handsome dark-haired man in black dinner dress, standing beside a grand piano. From the look of the picture, it might have been taken in the late fifties or early sixties. There was something familiar about it. She recognized the man in the picture.

  "It's Drake...I mean, of course it's not Drake, but Drake looks like him. Was this Drake's grandfather?"

  Janet asked.

  "That was the love of my life," she whispered. "Just like Drake is the love of your life, he was the love of mine."

  Janet's eyes smarted with tears. "Sophia, I'm going to marry Mac, and--"

  "I know that." She took the photograph and put it away. "You will marry him and you'll make great memories and you'll love him, but Drake will always be your love."

  "Why say this to me now, Sophia, and who...who is that man?" she demanded.

  "My love. He's my love."

  Janet placed a hand over her mouth. "My God...oh my God. Joseph wasn't Drake's father, was he? That man in the picture...he was...that is Drake's father. That's why Drake doesn't look anything like his brothers..."

  "Listen to me. I'm going to die soon, and I have to..."

  "Don't talk nonsense!" Janet snapped.

  "It's not nonsense. Listen to me. I have to say this. I thought about telling them, but if I did, there would no longer be any reason for them to be apart. There is...it's Johnny. He has loved Drake in a...well...unnatural way since he was a child. They can't know. You...must keep this secret. I pass it on to you."

  "Keep what secret...that Drake's father wasn't Joseph Russo? Drake has a right to know who his father was. Is he still alive?"

  Sophia shook her head. Tears stung her eyes. "He killed himself, drowned himself in the river after Julia died."

  "Julia?"

  "His wife?"

  Janet shook her head. "He was married, that's why you couldn't tell him about the baby?"

  "Julia was Drake's mother."

  Janet covered her mouth again. She started to sob.

  She reached out for the handle on the door and held on to it to give her support.

  Sophia wiped her eyes and got up off the bed. She put her suitcase on the floor. Then she came over and took her former daughter-in-law by the shoulders. "I have entrusted you with this. You must take it to your grave, do you understand? Drake was an orphan. His mother died giving him life, and his father took his own life because he couldn't live without his wife. I loved Drake's father, and he made me promise to care for his son. I did. I have. I love him like my own. His brothers love him. I can't destroy this family, Janet. I won't."

  "But..." Janet shook her head. Her stomach was heaving. She felt like she was going to be sick. "Don't you see what pain...don't you understand the guilt you put Drake through? He has suffered enormously because he believes Johnny is his brother. All these years he thought he was sick...cursed...he's not in love with his brother at all, he's simply in love with another man."

  "His father was a great lover of women. Drake can become like that too," Sophia pleaded.

  "Drake is in love with Johnny, Sophia, and he has fought those feelings, but he can't win. You have to tell them, Sophia. The lie has to stop here. There's been too much pain...too much pain for everyone involved."

  "But if they knew before, there would have been no grandchildren...no little Drake, or little Tony."

  "Maybe not, but it wasn't your choice to make. You denied Drake the choice. He should know, Sophia, and if you don't tell him, I will."

  "No," she cried, clutching Janet's dress, "you're a mother. You know these things. You must understand. You can't tell him...I won't allow..."

  The door opened suddenly. Drake stood there.

  "What's going on?" he asked, looking from Janet to his mother and then back again.

  Janet's face drained of colour. She looked at Sophia and then stepped away from her. "Drake, I think your mother has something she must tell you."

  She gave Sophia a meaningful look, paused, kissed Drake on the cheek and then walked out into the hallway, then directly outside to take in some air.

  * * * * * *

  Tony saw her leave and came outside to join her. He gave her a concerned look. "You okay, Aunt Janet?"

  She glanced at him. "You're still my nephew," she murmured.

  "Of course I'm your nephew. What are you talking about?"

  "Why would she tell me?" she said as if to herself, looking up at the sky, then took a cigarette out of a pack in her purse and lit it. If ever there was a time for a cigarette, this was it.

  "Tell you what?" Tony asked. "Who told you what, Aunt Janet?"

  "Maybe it's too late now. Maybe Sophia is right and its best to...God, I don't know. What have I done?" She took a drag off her cigarette.

  The door opened and Drake stepped out. He met Janet's eyes. "What is this all about, Janet? What is wrong with Mama? She won't stop crying. Did you have a fight with her? She's not young anymore, and she has a heart condition. I--" His voice was angry.

  "I said nothing to upset her, Drake!" Janet replied defensively. "She told me something that she needs to tell you and she doesn't want to."

  "Well, what in hell is it?" Drake demanded.

  "It's her place to tell you, not mine. Oh, Drake," Janet sighed, walked up to him and pulled him into her arms.

  Drake looked over his shoulder at Tony with a questioning expression.

  Tony gave him a look back, indicating that he hadn't a clue what was going on.

  Drake disengaged himself from Janet and marched back inside.

  * * * * * *

  Pepi came to meet Drake in the hallway. "What's wrong with Mama? I went in to say goodnight and she told me that she didn't feel well and she didn't want anyone else coming into her room tonight. Is she all right?"

  "I don't know what's going on. I think she had a fight with Janet."

  "A fight about what?" Pepi asked.

  "I don't know, bu
t they were into something heavy when I walked in that room. Janet looked like someone had socked her with a wreaking ball, and they had both been crying."

  "Weird."

  "Well, leave it for tonight. I'll talk to Mama in the morning." Drake looked over at Johnny, still in the chair. Tony stood beside him. Drake shook his head.

  "Johnny looks great, but he's tired now. I think I'll try and get him to bed. It is after two."

  "Good idea." Pepi nodded, looking around at the guests laughing and dancing. Some had jumped into the indoor pool in the other room. "It's a great party," Pepi added. "I think some of your empty bedrooms are being occupied." He winked.

  Drake grinned. "Happens every year. No one here take your eye, little brother?" Drake slapped him on the back. "I don't get it. You're a celebrity, you're great-looking, you have a super personality, don't tell me there's not someone out there for you."

  "I don't want to get tied down. It hasn't worked for you or Johnny, or Mac, even. It's scary."

  "Maybe, but Mac is finally going to marry the woman he has always loved. He and Janet will be happy together. I know it. It will last."

  "And you? When will you be happy, Drake?"

  The question loomed in the air.

  "The only thing that's ever made Johnny happy is cocaine," Pepi added.

  "Don't say things like that," Drake growled.

  "But it's true."

  Drake sighed. "Look, go on back to the party, okay. I'll get Johnny to bed."

  "I miss Angelo. Too bad he's not here." Pepi looked at his brother.

  "I get the message. I miss him too. Does that make you happy?" Drake lifted an eyebrow.

  "It does," Pepi replied and walked away.

  Drake laughed and walked over to Johnny.