Insecurity and a Bottle of Merlot

by Bria Marche

  The lease papers were signed the second week of September. Max and Mario were officially partners in business. They agreed on a two year lease for the building closest to North Division Street and Central Avenue. The demographics were perfect. There were plenty of passersby in cars and on foot. Peekskill was the right town to open up an outdoor sports gear store. The age group of active adults was just right. This store would thrive with Mario’s business smarts and Max’s charm and handsome, rugged good looks. They wanted the Colorado mountain vibe in downtown Peekskill, starting with the store name. They would name their store “Geared Up” and the official opening would be the third weekend of October. Mario arranged to stay with Vic for six weeks until the store was running smoothly. They had supplies to buy, employees to hire and a grand opening to promote. Staying in Tarrytown made more sense than going to and from Hunter, and Mario didn’t want to impose on Max by asking to stay with him. Tarrytown was only twenty-five minutes away.

  Time moved slowly for Vic. She hadn’t seen or spoken to Max in almost a month. She did her best to get out of her funk. Working every day, and being with friends was her saving grace. Vic let go of the hope she had, and moved on. Many evenings were spent with everyone congregating at the Victorian. Sasha hadn’t moved in yet, but the house was coming along beautifully. Workers were busy installing the new roof and the exterior paint job was in process. The Victorian was emerging with the dignity and grandeur she once carried a century earlier.

  The girls enjoyed paint parties which always included multiple bottles of Merlot and plenty of smack talk.

  The dining room walls were slathered with burnt orange semi-gloss paint. Blue painters tape was stretched out to protect the woodwork, even though it was a tedious job. Each person had their specific role and area to work on. Mia teetered on the top step of the ladder, trying to reach as close as she could to the ceiling with the roller. She was tall, athletic, and unanimously assigned to that job. Sasha, being afraid of heights, chose to tape the trim with Tina’s help. Karen and Vic painted at eye level while they all chattered at the same time. Background music and wine were constants. An extra case of Merlot sat on the card table at all times. The classic rock station filled the air as the girls danced around the drop cloth with paint brushes and rollers in hand.

  “Hey, Vic, how’s Geared Up coming along?” Sasha asked, as she straightened out the blue tape on the door frame. She flicked a piece of tape that was stuck to her ruby red fingernail. “Mario and Max have to be pretty excited about the progress, right?”

  Silence filled the room except for Aerosmith’s “Walk This Way” playing in the background. Sasha stopped taping and turned around. Eight eyes stared at her like she just committed a mortal sin. Her transgression would require at least ten Hail Mary’s. “Now what did I do wrong?” she sighed.

  “A little empathy would be good,” Tina said.

  “C’mon you guys. I got over Jack in five minutes, and we were a real couple.”

  Mia almost fell off the ladder. “Don’t make me come down there and smack you across the face,” she yelled from her perch. “Apologize to me, Karen and Vic… right now!”

  “Jeez, you guys… sorry. I was only making conversation.”

  “Well, converse this.” Mia shot the middle finger at Sasha faster than lightning as she shimmied down the ladder. She grabbed Sasha by the nape of the neck. “Outside, now.”

  “Sorry about Sasha, Vic. She doesn’t know any better. She really didn’t mean anything by that,” Karen said, comforting Vic when she saw the tears pooling in her eyes.

  “I have to let it go. Max and I are over. Nobody needs to tiptoe around me anymore. That’s bullshit. You guys have been there for me whenever I needed to talk. I’ll be right back.” Vic went outside and sat on the porch with Mia and Sasha. Mia was drilling proper etiquette into Sasha’s head, harshly.

  “Mia… stop. Sasha didn’t mean anything by it. She was asking a valid question. It’s me that needs to get a grip. C’mon you guys, a group hug… please? Let’s take a break and have some wine. Sasha, you asked me a justified question and I’m going to answer it.”

  Sasha hung her head and took the walk of shame as she stepped over the threshold and back into the house. “Sorry, everyone. Sometimes I just blurt things out. I didn’t mean anything by it… really.” She gave Tina and Karen a hug with an authentic, heartfelt apology for her comments.

  They sat on the maple floor, side by side in the dining room. The fireplace glowed with small embers, more for ambiance than warmth. Mia turned off the music for now. Sasha filled each empty plastic cup with wine.

  Vic started by saying she didn’t want any sympathy. If she and Max were meant to be a couple, it would work itself out, somehow, someday. She believed in karma, both good and bad. “Now to answer your question, Sasha. As far as I know, the store is coming along nicely. Mario said they just hired two college kids for the weekends and a recent graduate to work daily with Max. I’ve asked Mario about Max’s health and he said Max is doing great. He has a slight limp, but that’s all. His leg braces come off in a few days, so that’s wonderful news. Mario even said the insurance company gave Max a nice settlement for his Harley and he already bought another one. I guess he’ll start customizing it during the winter months when he isn’t helping Mario. It will be slower in Peekskill because of the type of gear they’ll sell. The mad rush will be the ski store in Hunter. Max will go there and help out, especially on weekends. Any other questions?” she asked, with half a smile.

  Sasha bounced up and down raising her hand like a school kid. “I do. I do. When are you and Max going to make up?”

  Vic groaned with her face in her hands, then laughed. “I don’t have a clue, honey, but thanks for asking.”

  ***

  The Westchester County seat was located in White Plains. Because Mario and Max decided on an LLC, they had to sign documents at the courthouse and register the company trade name before they could officially open for business. Max knew Mario expected to ride together to White Plains. Max would have to pass Tarrytown anyway. He agreed, telling Mario to expect him at ten a.m. He assumed Vic would be at work. What Max forgot, was that Hair Brained was closed on Tuesday’s.

  The 1999 Chevy Silverado lumbered down the highway toward Tarrytown. Gotta get that exhaust fixed. It’s starting to sound like the glass packs on Mia’s Camaro. Max smiled at the image in his mind. He remembered that day when the paramedics carried Mia to her car after she sprained her ankle. He laughed when she pointed to the hotrod black Camaro Z28 sitting in the parking lot. Of course it had to be her car. Max chuckled, as he thought about those crazy few days, months ago. He began to relax as he drove. Vic will be at work. No worries. He pulled into the driveway and honked the horn. Mario texted he would be out in a couple of minutes. Max lay his head back against the headrest and closed his eyes. The sun warmed the left side of his face. The open window allowed the breeze to blow softly through the truck. Max’s arm was on the window frame, his head propped in his hand. He was dozing off with his head precariously bobbing, ready to hit his chest. He didn’t hear Vic pull up and get out of her car.

  “Hi, Max.”

  He jumped at her voice, causing Vic to jump as well. She let out a small giggle at the startled look he wore.

  Mario opened the front door, one foot over the threshold, when he noticed his sister standing at the driver’s window of Max’s truck. He stepped back in and closed the door.

  It’s Vic, and she’s only inches from my face. “Vic! Why aren’t you at work?” Max asked, trying to come to his senses.

  “It’s Tuesday. Hair Brained is closed. I was out running errands and… You look good, Max. How are you doing?”

  “I’m good. A small limp with my right leg, otherwise as good as new. And you?”

  The small talk was awkward. They both felt it.

  “Couldn’t be better.” She smiled while telling the biggest lie ever to cross her lips. “I’ll get Mario for you.”
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  Vic walked away abruptly and headed for the house. She didn’t see Max reaching for her hand. He didn’t see her eyes tearing up with agony.

  Mario came out and got into the passenger side of the truck. “Okay, man, let’s make this business official,” he said. He would let this brief encounter go. Mario finally concluded his sister’s love life, or lack of it, was none of his business.

  Vic peered out between the slats of the blinds as they drove away. Tears streamed down her cheeks and gathered at her chin, before falling to the pink tee shirt she wore.

  ***

  Ten days remained before the grand opening. Karen volunteered her services for the promotion, but as soon as Max and Mario realized what an asset she was, they hired her full time on the spot. She would be the PR representative for both stores. Karen was good at what she did, but had an agenda all her own. She wanted to get closer to Mario. If it had to start out as business only, so be it. It was a start. Timing was everything, and Karen would remain patient.

  She took charge of all the promotional planning. Karen ran the ads, printed the flyers and brochures, and hired teenagers to walk the streets of Peekskill handing them out. She ran the idea past Mario and Max of a ten percent discount on all purchases on the day of the grand opening. She also suggested a grand prize of two hundred Geared Up Bucks for in-store merchandise to the thousandth person coming through the doors on their opening weekend. She sent out invitations to everyone they knew to attend the grand opening. There would be an after-party for their closest friends at the Inn Along the Hudson. Karen reserved the beautiful Stonewater Grille’s canopied terrace deck for Friday night, October 17.

  “That should get the town buzzing,” she said, as they ended the day at Ruben’s. The three sat at the outdoor table on the sidewalk, each with a cold pint in hand. Geared Up was directly across the street. Trying to take on the role of an unbiased customer, each gave their opinion of the store from this side looking toward it. Max liked the facade, but suggested potted evergreens on either side of the entrance to give it an outdoor feel.

  “Great idea, Max. I like it,” Karen agreed.

  “I do too. I’d also put a bicycle rack, some hooks for dog leashes and dog water bowls outside,” Mario added. “That’s the type of extras people like. Every store in the ski towns do it. I’m already doing it in Hunter. What do you think, Karen?”

  “I like everything you both said. The only additional things I’d do, is make the name of the store larger on the windows. We have windows facing both major streets. We need the name on each side in bold letters. Also, I really like the idea of a cool awning over the door. It will look classy and inviting, but not over the top. I can take care of all of that, if you two agree.”

  “Sounds good to me. Mario?” Max asked.

  Mario looked at Karen and smiled. “I say yes. Plus the smartest move we’ve made so far is bringing Karen on board. You’re exactly what we need.”

  And you’re exactly what I need, Mario, she thought, giving him her sultriest smile in return.

  Chapter Thirty

  The seasons were changing. Summer heat and humidity waned into crisp fall mornings. Skies darkened earlier and night set in by six-thirty in the evening.

  Mario brought home Vic’s invitation for the grand opening and after-party. He handed it to her as she sat on the couch watching Court TV and eating Doritos.

  “Now what?” she asked. Vic paused the TV and tore open the envelope. She reached for her bubblegum pink readers lying on the coffee table.

  Mario planted himself in front of her, standing his ground. With his arms crossed, he waiting for her protests. She wouldn’t get off that easy.

  “Mario… ” The pleading began. She dropped back on the couch, pouting like a child and burrowing under the pillows.

  “Really, Vic? How old are you… five? I’m your brother, and you’re going to attend this grand opening and party to make me happy. What a novel idea, huh? Something that isn’t about you.”

  “You don’t have to be so nasty to me,” she whined.

  “I do if it’s the only way to get your attention. Saturday morning were going shopping together.”

  “What the hell for?” she grumbled, throwing the remote at him.

  “I need a great looking suit for the after-party, and, you, my crazy Puerto Rican sister? You’re going to buy a smokin’ hot dress that will make Max weak in the knees when he sees you. We’ll call it the cost of doing business. Come hell or high water, I’m going to rally the troops and get you two love birds back together. I don’t need a brain dead business partner, or a brain dead sister on my hands. I planned to let it go, but you’re better together than apart, so that’s how it’s going to be. Any questions?”

  “Yeah… who made you my boss?” Vic threw a couch pillow at him, and laughed. “I love you, bro, even though you’re neurotic and a pain in my over-sized ass.”

  “So we have a deal for Saturday morning? I’ll even buy the dress for you,” he said, kissing her forehead.

  “Yeah… whatever. You have a deal.”

  Mario and Vic took the train into the city Saturday morning. They decided to make it a fun day of shopping, sightseeing and eating. No visiting crazy cousins, just the two siblings enjoying each other’s company. Before shopping began, they toured The Cloisters in Upper Manhattan. Vic remembered the family doing outings together a few times a year when she was young. Money was tight, so they would decide as a group where to go. They loved The Cloisters, even as children, and chose that most often. The peaceful gardens, and magnificent collections were something they loved to see. It was hard for Vic to remember, but she knew the visits stopped abruptly, for some reason.

  She sat alone on the only granite bench in the shade of that large Cypress tree. The far end of the gardens didn’t get many visitors. It was a quiet and forgotten place. Small stones filled her hand. She studied them closely like prized possessions. She twisted each one between her fingers until the light hit them just right. Some held tiny grains of quartz that glistened when she found a ray of sun. Vic smiled at them. It was almost childlike, the way they pleased her. Memories from her youth ran through her mind, some vivid, some faint. She remembered sitting on the very bench long ago, holding rocks and being mesmerized by their sparkling colors. Only a child then, she couldn’t have been more than six. She was hidden within the shade of the large Cypress tree that day. She fell asleep and her family couldn’t find her. They called her name, over and over again. They frantically searched for hours and even involved security. The oldest brother, Carlos, eventually found her, and called her horrible names for upsetting everyone. They missed lunch and most of the exhibits because of her. It was all her fault. She was stupid and ugly with that long, frizzy hair. She ruined their day. The children were mad at her for weeks. They never returned to The Cloisters. Even her parents said it was because she traumatized everyone. The memories were sketchy at best, but she was sure they were true. Could that have something to do with my insecurities?

  “Sis? I knew I’d find you here.” Mario approached Vic after watching from a distance. He was young then and couldn’t remember that day, but was told about it from his brothers every time Vic did something wrong.

  “Mario, do you think Carlos and the others have something against me? We aren’t close, like you and I are.”

  “We’re the youngest, of course we’d be closer. How about lunch? Have you seen enough?” Mario didn’t want Vic to bring up bad memories. Today needed to be a day filled with fun and laughter.

  They left The Cloisters and the memories behind. The ten minute walk through Fort Tryon Park was relaxing. They caught up on some much needed bonding, brother and sister style. The forty-five minute subway ride to midtown offered great people watching. Vic and Mario took turns jabbing each other in the side when someone interesting caught their attention. Vic took in the sights and the jarring of the train, as it made its starts and stops while getting closer to midtown and the shopping
district.

  “Would you ever trade small town life for this craziness, Mario?”

  “Never in a hundred lifetimes. How about you?”

  “Nope, my feet are planted in Tarrytown for good.”

  They walked for several hours, enjoying everything Times Square had to offer. Lights flashing, cabs honking, and people hurrying to get somewhere, often with scowls on their faces while they pushed through the crowds, mesmerized them. Vic and Mario ducked into the nearest Starbuck’s for an espresso. A boost of energy would hold them over. They fell into the cushy chairs, both exhaling at the same time. Vic brought the demitasse cup close to her nose and inhaled the deep brown elixir. The strong coffee smelled heavenly. It was the magic potion that would get them through shopping. Their legs were tired, and they still had hours to go.

  “Okay, Sis, where do you want to shop?” Mario asked, hoping she would pick a store nearby.

  “Let’s go to Macy’s. We can both find what we need there. To be honest, Mario, I’m exhausted already. Maybe we should have lunch first to perk us up.”

  “Find a decent restaurant between here and Macy’s on Google maps. We can head there now.”

  “Okay, I found a pizzeria halfway to Macy’s. It has good reviews and four stars. We only have a few blocks to walk on 7th Avenue. C’mon, we’re out of here.”

  They entered the small pizzeria. Prime real estate on 7th Avenue couldn’t afford mid-priced restaurants a lot of space. Vic and Mario needed to adjust their eyes to the dimly lit room. Six booths lined the wall. A table with four chairs sat on either side of the door. Red checked tablecloths and an Italian motif decorated the tiny establishment. The smell of pizza baking in the stone oven was divine. A portly Italian man threw dough to the delight of several families in the booths. It was a show all its own.

  It was six o’clock by the time Mario and Vic dropped into the seats of the train back to Tarrytown. Vic was certain her arms were longer just from the weight of the bags they carried around for hours.