by Jake Biondi
“What is it?”
“Gino, it’s very important that no one know I’m coming to see you. Especially not your father or brother. Is that understood?”
“Of course,” Marco said. “Whatever you want.”
“I just need to meet with you in confidence. Let me give you my flight information.”
“Sure,” Marco said. “I’ll meet you at the airport. And Aunt Connie, let me give you my private cell phone number. It’s safer.”
Marco shared his cell phone number with his aunt and took down her flight information. When the call was over, he grabbed the rest of his clothes and left Gino’s room, while Gino concluded his shower.
The next day in Chicago brought with it the sounds of snow plows and shovels as the city began to dig out from under the snow that the storm left behind. City crews worked around the clock to clear streets and residents did their best to return to normal routines under a blanket of white.
Inside his apartment, Jesse made himself a protein shake for breakfast. He gulped it down and peeled a banana, which he also ate quickly. Then he picked up his phone and re-read the text message from his mother. Wearing only his sweatpants, Cole emerged from his bedroom, running his fingers through his messed hair.
“What time did you get home?” Jesse asked. “There was no sign of you when I finally went to bed. I thought maybe you were trapped in a snowdrift or something.”
“Even better.” Cole smiled. “I was with Derek.”
“No shit. How’d that happen?”
Cole opened the refrigerator and pulled out a water bottle. “Long story. But it was good. We finally got a chance to talk and to--”
Jesse covered his ears. “Uh, I don’t want to hear the rest of that sentence.”
Cole laughed. “I was going to say ‘sort things out.’ But we did get to do what you were thinking, too.”
“So... what did you sort out?”
“I think we’re going to be together after all. It’s just going to take some time.”
“That sounds like what he always says.”
“No, I think he’s serious this time. He just wants to make sure Joyelle is okay first. Which I totally get.”
“As long as you’re okay with it. I’m kind of tired of telling you to be careful. You’re a big boy.”
“Yes, I am,” Cole said, sitting down on the sofa.
“Well, if he ever fucks you over, he’ll answer to me.
“Down, boy,” Cole said. “I can handle myself.”
“Guess what,” Jesse said, changing the subject. “I heard from my mother last night. She sent me a text.”
“Hey, that’s great. Are you two okay now?”
“Hardly,” Jesse said. “It was just a sentence. But at least it shows she’s thinking about me and still cares.”
“Well, of course, she does,” Cole stated. “She’s your mother. She loves you.”
“I have other good news I’d like to talk to you about, too,” Jesse said, sitting down on the chair across from him.
“What’s that?”
“For some time now, I have been thinking about throwing a small fundraiser for your mother. Well, not exactly for her, but inspired by her. A cancer research fundraiser.”
“Wow.”
“Logan and I are working on it together and we have a lot of the plans done already.”
“You and Logan? How’s that going to work?”
Jesse smiled. “Well, we first discussed it a long time ago. And now we’re using it as a way to re-build our friendship, I guess. It’s something we can work on together and spend time together in the process.”
“And he’s cool with that?”
“He’s cool with the fundraiser part. Us becoming close again is a side perk that I need to make happen.”
“Ah,” Cole said. “An ulterior motive, eh?”
“Sort of. But the event will be amazing. It’s going to be at Emmett’s new place, before it’s open to the public. Not a huge crowd but food, entertainment. Just a way for me to celebrate my friendship with you and my love for your mom.”
“That’s really sweet. Thank you so much, bro.”
“I know your mom isn’t always able to travel, but she’s certainly welcome to attend. We’ll leave that to you and her to decide.”
“She’ll be very touched when I tell her. Or do you want to tell her? This is your idea.”
“No,” Jesse said. “I want you to tell her. And then you two can decide if she wants to attend.”
“Thank you so much. This really means a lot.”
“You’re my family, Cole,” Jesse said. “And I love you.”
“Love you, too,” Cole replied, hugging his friend. “Thank you.”
“Gym time?”
“Let’s do it,” Cole said, getting up from the couch. Jesse and Cole headed into their rooms to grab their gym gear.
Across the street, Joyelle was arriving home from her overnight shift at the hospital. She pulled off her coat and scarf as Derek greeted her with a kiss and a hug.
“You must be exhausted,” Derek said.
“I am,” Joyelle said. “But it wasn’t too bad. Other than the few minutes when the power went out.”
“Oh, boy,” Derek said.
Joyelle kicked off her boots. “Why didn’t you tell me that Cole saved my life?”
“What?” Derek asked, surprised by the question.
“Tyler said that Cole tried to save me and the babies from the explosion. Why didn’t you tell me?”
“I didn’t think it was important. I was more focused on you.”
“You didn’t think it was important that I know someone risked his life for me and our babies?”
“The doctors told us not to pressure you into remembering.”
“But that’s something pretty important. I need to thank Cole for that. Take him cookies or something.”
“No!” Derek said. “You don’t need to say anything. I’m sure he knows you’re grateful. He knows you’re still recovering.”
“Derek, if I want to thank someone for trying to save our babies, I’m going to.”
“I don’t know why Tyler is telling you stuff like that anyway.”
“Because he thought I should know. And I think so, too.”
Before Derek could reply, his cell phone started to ring. The phone screen said the call was from “Justin,” so Derek answered it. “Hello?”
As Derek took the call, Joyelle went into her bedroom to pull off her scrubs and pull on some sweatpants and a sweatshirt. Once changed, she returned to the hallway where Derek was standing.
“That was Justin,” Derek said.
“What did he want?”
“My father died last night.”
As Derek shared with Joyelle the news of his father’s passing, Michael drove Keith through the gates of Chicago’s Graceland Cemetery. They slowly made their way through the cemetery until Michael stopped and parked the car so they could walk across the snow-covered cemetery to his father’s grave.
“I’m sorry to drag you out in this snow, but it’s my tradition on my dad’s birthday,” Michael explained.
“I understand,” Keith said. “Besides, they already have the paths pretty cleared of the snow.”
“Just a bit further,” Michael said as he saw the top of his father’s gravestone protruding from the snow. The two made their way to the grave unaware of a person watching them from a safe distance.
When they reached the spot, Michael pushed the snow off the gravestone with his hand. The snow tumbled to the ground, slowly revealing the shape of the marker and the writing on it. Michael knelt down to brush the remaining snow from the face of the stone so that Keith could see the details.
“This is my father,” Michael said. “Feliz cumpleaños, Papa.”
Keith stared at the name on the grave. “Sergeant Ricardo Gomez. But that’s a different last name.”
“Yes,” Michael explained. “I have my mother’s last name, Martinez.
They weren’t married. Michael was my mother’s dad’s name and my middle name is Ricardo for my father.”
“My God,” Keith said as his knees buckled slightly.
“Are you okay?” Michael asked. “You don’t look so good.”
“Just the wind, I think. Hard to catch my breath.”
“It is cold out here. Maybe we should get back to the car.”
“Why don’t I head back and you can have a moment with your father?” Keith said. “I’ll wait in the car.”
“Okay,” Michael said. “You sure you’re okay?”
“Yes,” Keith replied, already walking back toward the car.
As he made his way through the snow, he passed a tree, behind which Rachel shifted her stance so she wouldn’t be seen by either man. She watched Keith get back into Michael’s car and then turned her attention back to Michael and his father’s grave. A gust of wind kicked up some snow from the ground. Chicago snowstorms bring out the best and worst in people.
Episode #26
One’s identity may change in a moment. As Marco Ciancio prepared to see his Aunt Concetta again, he transformed himself into his brother Gino. Dressed in one of Gino’s suits and wearing his hair more in Gino’s style, Marco waited patiently in the back of his limousine for his aunt to arrive.
When he saw his chauffeur escorting his elderly aunt to the car, Marco stepped out of the back seat and greeted her. Embracing her with a warm hug, Marco made sure not to make direct eye contact with the old lady, whose eyes were shielded by thick sunglasses.
“Gino!”
“Aunt Connie,” Marco said with a smile. “So good to see you.”
“You look just like your brother,” Concetta said. “I still can’t tell you two apart. Did I tell you that he came to visit me recently?”
Marco acted surprised. “Marco visited you? In Rome?”
“He’s a good boy, too.” Concetta patted Marco on the cheek. “I have much to share with you.”
“Let’s get you into the car and out of this hot sun,” Marco said, carefully helping his aunt into the back seat. “I made all the arrangements for your hotel just as you asked. No one else knows you’re in town.”
“Thank you,” she replied, getting comfortable in the car. Marco got inside next to her and the chauffeur returned to the driver’s seat.
As the limousine left the airport and headed into the city, a taxicab pulled in behind it. The driver got out and walked around to the trunk while Derek Mancini got out of the back seat and met the driver behind the car. The driver removed Derek’s luggage from the trunk and placed it on the curb.
“Thank you,” Derek said, putting some cash into the driver’s hand.
“My pleasure,” the driver replied. “Have a good flight back to Chicago.”
Derek smiled, picked up his luggage, and headed into the airport terminal.
As Derek headed home to Chicago and Marco drove his aunt to her hotel, Gino Ciancio was visiting Justin Mancini in his home. After placing a gigantic floral arrangement on the counter in Justin’s study, Gino hugged Justin tightly.
“How are you doing?”
“I’m okay,” Justin replied. “Just tired. Been running around nonstop.”
“I know you can’t see them,” Gino said, “but I knew you’d love these flowers because you love the scent. I remember that.”
“I knew what they were as soon as you brought them in,” Justin replied. “Thank you.”
“My pleasure,” Gino said. “I’m so sorry for your loss.”
“I appreciate your support over the last week very much.” Justin paused a moment. “I’m glad you’re here because I want to apologize to you.”
Gino smiled. “Oh?”
“Yes. The last time we were together, before my father passed, I said some horrible things to you. I was feeling sorry for myself about the loss of my vision and I accused you of being the cause. I’m sorry.”
“I understand how frustrated you are.”
“That doesn’t justify me lashing out at you. You have been the one person in my life lately who I can trust and count on. You have my back, even when my own family doesn’t. So I’m sorry.
“I love you, Justin,” Gino said.
“Thank you,” Justin said. “I guess I love you, too, in my own way.”
“And because I love you, I’m worried about you. Now more than ever.”
“Why?” Justin asked. “I’ve been working with a trainer like you suggested. Getting around with a walking stick and learning to rely more on my other senses. I’m doing well.”
“Your vision isn’t why I’m worried about you.”
“Then what?”
“Now that your father is dead and you officially own one fourth of Mancini Global, my family is going to come after you like never before. You owe them a large debt and they intend to collect.” Gino paused and then continued. “I will do whatever I can to protect you, but sometimes they don’t keep me in the loop about their plans. You need to be careful. All of you.”
“One fourth? Can you believe it? Who knew my father had another son?”
“I’m sure you were all surprised by that fact during the reading of the will. It’s unbelievable.”
“Not really,” Justin said. “Knowing how often my father cheated on my mother, I’m surprised I don’t have more half-siblings out there.”
“Well, as executor of your father’s estate, you need to locate this person. Quickly.”
“I’m not even sure about how to begin. Even in death, my father is manipulating us.”
“I’m here to help, no matter what you need.”
Justin smiled. “You always are. Not sure what I ever did to deserve that.”
“I’m not, either,” Gino said jokingly. “But it’s true nonetheless. And maybe one day when you’re not so focused on business, you’ll realize that we should be together.” Suddenly, Justin began to stagger as if he were about to faint. Gino reached out and grabbed him. “Whoa, are you okay?”
Justin put his hand up to his head. “I think so.”
“Do you need to sit down?”
“No, no. I’m good. Thanks, though.”
“I have an idea. Why don’t I come by later on and take you to dinner? Just the two of us.”
“That would be great,” Justin replied.
“Perfect. I have a meeting to get to now, but I’ll catch you later then.”
“Looking forward to it,” Justin said as Gino left the room. Still rubbing his temple, Justin sat down on a nearby bar stool.
As Justin relaxed in the silence of his home, the Chicago restaurant was loud with the sounds of carpenters and designers, who were busy bringing the design plans for The Boys and the Booze to life. Workers on ladders with hammers and saws, with electrical wire and light fixtures, with fabric and paint filled the space, making it difficult for Max Taylor and Emmett Mancini to walk through the area.
“It’s like war zone in here,” Emmett said. “I can’t believe it.”
“Well, Shawn really had the team step it up when I told him the date for Logan’s fundraiser. It’s gonna be close, but I think we’ll be okay.”
“Amazing,” Emmett replied.
Max stopped and put his hands on Emmett’s shoulders. “Are you sure you’re okay? You look really tired.”
“I’m okay. It’s just everything with my father and all of this, too.”
“If this is too much, we can put it all on ‘hold’. There are lots of places they can hold the fundraiser. It’s not worth stressing out about.”
“No,” Emmett said. “I’m fine. Just tired. Besides, this is all a good distraction from my family stuff. Speaking of which, I need to get going to pick up Derek at the airport.”
“Are you sure you don’t want me to go with you? I can cancel my meeting with Logan.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. I’m fine. You need to meet with Logan so we can get more details about the party.”
Ben Donovan approached the two
men. “I’m sorry to interrupt, but I need your approval on something.”
“You two handle it,” Emmett said, giving Max a quick kiss. “I have to go.”
“Drive carefully,” Max said as he watched Emmett rush out the front door. Then he followed Ben over to the far area of the club. In the midst of all the chaos of the renovations, Jensen Stone emerged unnoticed from the basement area.
He watched Ben and Max walk away toward the far area of the club and then quickly scanned the room, checking out all the workers and their activities. A few steps away, he spotted a clipboard, work helmet, and wallet sitting on an electric saw table. He walked near the table, reaching out and grabbing the wallet as he passed it, and returned to the kitchen area. Standing behind the wall, he pulled the cash from the wallet, dropped the wallet onto the floor, and headed out the back alley door of the restaurant.
As Jensen rushed from the restaurant, Keith rushed into his bedroom. He tore open his wardrobe and removed the box containing the newspaper articles from his past. Sitting down on his bed with the box in his lap, Keith opened it and began pulling out clippings until he located the one with the headline, “Beloved father killed in hit and run.”
His eyes quickly scanned the article. “Sergeant Ricardo Gomez was killed early Thursday in an apparent hit and run accident.” He continued to read until he reached the end of the article. “Sergeant Gomez is survived by his children Michael, Rosa, and Mateo.”
Keith’s eyes welled up with tears as he crumbled the article in his hands. “It can’t be true. It can’t be.”
While Keith tried to face the reality of his situation, Marco slowly helped his aunt into the chair in her San Francisco hotel. Deliberately leaving the room dark, Marco sat himself in a chair to Concetta’s side. Holding a cloth bag in her lap, she turned slightly to her side to try to face her nephew from behind her thick glasses.
“Thank you for arranging this hotel room for me, Gino,” she said softly. “It’s lovely.”