by Jake Biondi
“No problem at all, Aunt Connie. As I’m sure you can understand, I am eager to hear what you have to tell me.”
“Of course,” she replied. “Your mother and I were sisters. Few sisters are as close as we were. We told each other everything.”
“She always spoke very highly of you.”
“So whenever our lives got crazy or stressful, we turned to each other for support and help, as I hope you and Marco do as well.”
Marco smiled. “We do.”
“You know that her affair with Antonio Mancini was something that she struggled with for a long time after it was over. She loved him. But she loved your father, too.”
“I know she did.”
“So when it ended and something happened, she turned to me for help.”
“Something happened?” Marco asked. “You mean her cancer?”
“No,” Concetta replied. “Your mother didn’t actually have cancer at the time she came to stay with me.”
Marco’s eye widened. “What? But that’s why she went to Rome. To participate in those experimental studies. Why else would she have left us for so long?”
“The cancer and those treatments was a story that she and I made up so that she could get away and stay with me for an extended period of time.”
“You lied to all of us?”
“I protected my sister.”
“From what?”
“From the truth,” Concetta stated, clearing her throat. “Your mother came to Rome with a medical condition, but it wasn’t cancer. She was pregnant.”
“Oh, God,” Marco said.
“She came here to live until she had the baby so that no one at home would know.”
“But she died of cancer.”
“She did,” Concetta said with a nod. “Which they ironically discovered while she was here. So her lie became the truth.” Concetta paused for moment to catch her breath. “She always said that cancer was punishment for the sin of her affair. God’s punishment. I tried to explain to her that God doesn’t work that way.”
“And what happened to the baby? Did she have it?”
Concetta nodded again. “She did. A baby boy.”
“So I have a half-brother?”
“You do. But, Gino, remember what I told you. This information is for you and you alone right now.”
“But why?”
“Your mother loved and trusted you more than anyone else in your family. Even me.”
“How is that possible? She told you everything.”
“No,” Concetta said, reaching into the cloth bag on her lap and removing a large, leather covered book. “She told you everything.” She handed the diary to Marco.
“What is this?”
“Your mother kept a diary during her time in Rome. She said it helped her process and work through all that had happened and how she felt about her pregnancy. Even after she gave birth, she kept writing. She wrote in it all the time, until she decided it was time to return home to America and her family.”
“And she gave it to you.”
“When she left, she gave me very clear, strict instructions. After her death, at a time determined by me, I was to give the diary to you. She specifically said it was to go to Gino and no one else.”
“I see...”
“No one has ever opened that book since she locked it closed. Even I have no idea what’s inside of it. But when your brother Marco visited me recently and began asking questions about your mother, I knew it was time to deliver this to you as I had promised.”
“And what about her other son?”
“I have no idea what happened to the boy after she gave birth to him. I never saw him again and she never spoke of him again. She said everything that you would need to know about him -- and other things -- would be found in there.”
“What kinds of things was Marco asking?”
“Questions about your mother and the affair. I provided as little information as possible. As I promised your mother.”
“Is there a key to this?”
“She destroyed it,” Concetta said. “She said you’d have to break it open; that way you’d know no one else had ever been in it.”
Marco ran his fingers over the book’s lock. “Mom was certainly clever, wasn’t she?”
“Gino, please remember this. That book is like Pandora’s Box. Once you open it, you may learn things about your mother that you never knew. And your family as well. Whether or not you choose to open it is entirely up to you. I promised my sister that I’d deliver it to you and I have. Be careful and think long and hard before you break that lock.”
“Of course, Aunt Connie. I understand.”
“Good, my boy. Now, I have done what I came to do. And I need to rest before my trip back to Rome tomorrow.”
“Yes,” Marco said. “And you’re sure you don’t want to see anyone else while you’re here? Even just to say hello to Marco or my father?”
“No one must ever know I was here.”
“I understand,” Marco said, standing up. “Your secret is safe with me. Is there anything else I can get you before I go?”
“No, dear. I just want to rest now.”
“I’ll go then. Thank you so much for this conversation. And the diary.” Marco kissed his aunt. “I’ll be back to drive you to the airport in the morning.”
“Thank you, Gino,” Concetta said. “And remember what I told you about opening that book.”
Marco nodded and then left the room. Once in the hotel hallway, he looked at the diary and smiled wildly. Then he headed to the elevator.
While Marco got into his limousine to head back to the Ciancio estate, Gino and his father Carlo were speaking in the mansion’s library. Carlo was seated in the large leather chair to the left of the fireplace and Gino was pouring himself a drink at the bar at the far end of the room. Once his glass was full, Gino walked toward his father.
“Father, I want to know what you plan to do now that old man Mancini is dead.”
“What do you think I plan to do? Take the company right from under his boys.”
Gino sat down on the sofa across from the fireplace. “Father, I am asking you to please be fair.”
Carlo laughed. “Fair? I am always fair.”
“You know what I mean. I know you didn’t order that bomb to be placed in the car, but you didn’t speak out against it, either.”
“That bomb was your brother’s doing. Not mine. And when I heard about it, I addressed it with him directly. He will not ‘go rogue’ again, so the issue is settled.”
“For now. But I don’t want any more ‘gifts’ sent to Justin, either. That walking stick and movie tickets was a sick joke. We don’t need to degrade other people -- or ourselves -- like that.”
“And I spoke to Marco about that, too. Just as you asked.”
“Now that the Mancini boys are officially owners of the company, I just have a bad feeling in my gut. Like something bad is going to happen. And I don’t want our family causing more trouble.”
“Gino, the Mancinis will get what they deserve.” Carlo sipped the wine he had been holding in his hand. “And now there are apparently four of them.”
“They were all caught by surprise by that revelation at the reading of the will.”
“I’m sure,” Carlo said. “It’s a complete surprise to everyone.”
“I talked to Justin. They don’t even know where to begin searching for this person.”
“You care a lot about him, don’t you?” Carlo asked.
“Justin? Yes, I do, Father. I’m sorry if that upsets you.”
“Gino, you know I have always supported you and your lifestyle. I love you and I’m proud of you. But please be careful. I don’t say that because Justin is a Mancini. I say that because I see behaviors in him that aren’t trustworthy. I don’t want you to get hurt.”
“Thank you, Father. I appreciate that. He is a complicated man. But I think I know him better than anyone. I know to keep my eyes ope
n around him. But I do love him, too.”
“You take people as you find them, son. Flaws and all,” Carlo said. “Just remember who your family is and don’t get caught in the middle.”
“That sounds more like a threat than advice, Father.”
“Maybe it’s both.”
Gino took another sip from his drink. “I can take care of myself. Now I have to go. I have a meeting and then I’m having dinner with Justin.” Gino finished his drink and put the empty glass on the table in front of him. “I’ll see you later.”
As Gino was leaving the room, Marco entered it and the two nearly collided.
“Whoa,” Marco said. “Where are you off to so fast?”
“I have a meeting,” Gino replied. “What’s with the hair? Trying to look even more good looking like me?” Gino laughed and disappeared down the hallway.
Marco smiled. “Hardly.”
“Where have you been?” Carlo asked Marco.
“Just meetings in the city, Father,” Marco lied.
“Have you made any progress at all on the Mancini search? Now that the secret is out, they will be scrambling to find their new brother, too.”
“Still working on it, Father. I’m doing the best I can.”
“Well, do better.”
“I have a feeling that I’m going to learn something very soon,” Marco said with a smile as he headed over to the bar to pour himself a drink.
At the same time in Chicago, Derek and Emmett were having coffee at Boystown Blend. They were seated in a corner of the coffee house talking privately.
“Are you sure you’re okay?” Emmett asked his brother as he took a drink from his coffee cup.
“I’m fine,” Derek said. “It was a long trip.”
“I’m sorry I couldn’t be there to help you,” Emmett said. “But I just couldn’t go.”
“I understand,” Derek said. “It’s not a problem. You and our dad had your problems. Hell, Dad and I had our problems, too. But after the visit we had a few weeks ago, I thought I should go. And I’m glad I did. Especially for the will.”
“I know. We have a brother out there somewhere.”
“Still trying to wrap my head around that one,” Derek said with a sigh.
“Like I told Max, I’m surprised there aren’t even more out there with the way Dad cheated on Mom.”
Derek smiled and rolled his eyes. “Exactly.”
“Poor guy doesn’t even know he’s about to inherit a quarter of a huge corporation.”
“Speaking of which,” Derek said, “we are now officially and legally heads of Mancini Global. How do you feel about that?”
“You know how I feel, Derek. I wanted no part of it before and I don’t want any part of it now.”
“Well, whether you like it or not, you are a part owner now.”
“Then I’ll give my share to you,” Emmett said. “You’ll have fifty percent and I won’t have to worry about it.”
“Is that really what you want to do? Think about it a bit. Talk it over with Max. It’s a big decision.”
“I can talk it over with Max for sure, but my mind is made up. I don’t want any part of it. Not sure why you do, either. That company has caused so many problems for all of us. Sell it and be rid of it.”
“We can make it our own now. Take it in any direction we like.”
“You maybe. But not me,” Emmett said, drinking more coffee. “But I will talk to Max first.”
“I think that’s a good idea. You two will be married soon -- you should talk those major decisions out.”
“Wow,” Emmett said. “Now you’re a marriage counselor, too?”
Derek laughed. “Me? Doubt it. Speaking of which, I should probably get home to Joyelle. I’m sure she’s eager to see me and hear how things went in California.”
“Sure,” Emmett said, standing up and pulling on his coat.
“Thanks for the ride. And the coffee,” Derek said, also putting on his jacket. Then he gulped down the rest of his coffee.
As they headed toward the door, Michael Martinez and Keith Colgan were coming through the door of the coffee shop.
“Hey, guys,” Emmett said with a smile.
“Oh, wow,” Keith replied. “Funny seeing you here.”
“We were so sorry to hear about your father,” Michael said. “How are you guys doing?”
“We’re okay. Thank you,” Derek said.
“Derek just got back from California,” Emmett added.
“You must be wiped out,” Michael said.
“Hey, we were thinking of hosting a dinner for you two,” Keith said. “We all want to see you and offer our support and condolences.”
“That’s kind of you,” Derek said. “Sure.”
“Great,” Keith said with a smile. “I’ll be in touch about dates.”
“And let us know if you need anything at all,” Michael added.
“Thank you,” Emmett said, hugging Keith and then Michael.
“Bye,” Derek added as Emmett and he left the coffee shop.
Michael and Keith approached the counter to place their coffee orders. “This has to be rough for them,” Michael said.
“Of course,” Keith replied. “Even though they were not close with their dad.”
“That doesn’t matter. It still impacts you in ways you don’t even anticipate. Believe me, no one knows that better than I do.”
“True,” Keith said.
“Are you okay? You’ve been kind of quiet lately.”
“Me? Naw, I’m fine. Come on; let’s order.” Michael and Keith got the attention of the girl behind the counter and placed their coffee orders.
To their left, in the far corner of the coffee shop, Jesse Morgan and Ben were seated at a small table.
“I appreciate you meeting with me,” Jesse told Ben. “Sincerely.”
“Well, you certainly got my curiosity.”
“I’ll be frank. I don’t like you and I will never forgive you for what you did to me on New Year’s Eve.”
“What I did to you? I think you have it backwards. You set that entire trap up for me.”
“Regardless. I don’t want to rehash that. There’s no point.”
“What is the point?” Ben asked.
“The point is that we need to get along, for Mom’s sake. She’s pregnant and she needs to take care of herself and not be stressed out.”
“That is something you and I finally agree on. In fact, I just signed a lease on an apartment for us here in the city.”
“Great,” Jesse said. “I’m sure she’ll like that.”
“Yes,” Ben said. “I have pics of it right here on my phone.” Ben pulled out his phone and pulled up some photos. Then he handed his phone to Jesse, who looked at the photos. “It’s a pretty cool place; I think she’ll like it.”
“Nice,” Jesse said, scrolling through the photos on the phone.
“Excuse me a moment,” Ben said, getting up from the table and walking to the bathroom.
Jesse watched Ben go into the bathroom. Then he quickly took out his own phone and pressed a few buttons on it. He touched his phone to Ben’s and then pressed a few buttons on Ben’s phone as well. Putting his phone back into his pocket, Jesse mumbled, “You sick fuck.”
Ben returned to the table. “Well, thank you for this little visit, but I really do need to get back to work.”
“I understand,” Jesse said. “Please take good care of my mother. And please give her my best.”
“Absolutely,” Ben said, turning and leaving the shop.
Jesse stood up and pulled on his coat. As he did, he said to himself, “Next time I’ll get you away from her for good.”
Jesse left Boystown Blend as Cole O’Brien and David Young were walking through Maggie Daley Park, having just finished ice skating. Their ice skates over their shoulders, they left the ice skating ribbon and walked through the park toward Michigan Avenue. The park was crowded, as usual, with people walking in all directions.
“I’m a man of many talents,” Cole said, jokingly. “You only know the tip of the iceberg.”
“Well, I’m looking forward to knowing more.”
When they reached Michigan Avenue, they turned south and headed toward the Art Institute. The winter Chicago wind propelled them forward.
“So you and Tyler are getting along well as roommates?” Cole asked.
“Great, thanks,” David replied. “We both lucked out. And we’re really grateful to Emmett and Max for letting us live in that condo. It’s great.”
“Cool,” Cole said. “You’re like Jesse and me.”
“Well, not quite. Jesse and you have a much longer history of friendship. But Tyler and I are certainly building one. It’s fun.”
Cole smiled. “This is fun, too.”
David stopped walking and turned to Cole. “Really? You’re having a good time?”
“Of course. I always have fun with you.”
David took Cole’s hands into his and pulled them to his chest. Then he leaned in and kissed Cole. The kiss grew deeper and more passionate. When it ended, Cole looked around to see if anyone walking on the street was watching them. David, however, remained focused on Cole.
“I’m sorry -- I shouldn’t have--”
Cole smiled and put his gloved index finger on David’s mouth. “Shh. You don’t have to apologize. It’s okay.”
“But I know you and Derek--”
“Stop. Today is about you and me. And I’m enjoying it.” Cole kissed David again.
“Thank you,” David said.
“Come on, let’s get out of this cold.” Cole and David trotted up the stairs to the main entrance of the Art Institute, passing the building’s iconic green lion statues as they did.
David and Cole headed into the Art Institute to continue their day as Max rushed into Boystown Bistro to meet Logan, who was already seated at a table with a half-full glass of wine in front of him.
“Sorry I’m late. Construction issues,” Max said, kissing Logan on the cheek and taking a seat across the table from him.
“No problem,” Logan said. “I’m in no rush.”
“Good. I want to hear everything you have decided for the fundraiser. I think construction will pretty much be on time.”