by Lulu Pratt
I feel the heat on my face before I notice Rocco on a nearby street corner. Bistro Italiano has flames shooting from each window, threatening and lashing out at the firefighters as they battle the flames with three separate blasts of water.
Rocco sees me before I get to him and he runs to me, throwing his arms around me.
“What happened, Rocco?” I ask, staring at the flames in horror.
“No one knows. Joanne is with the police now.”
“Actually, she is here,” I tell him, nodding to Joanne and two police officers walking to us.
“Joanne, did you find anything?” he asks.
Joanne looks directly at me. “Yes. We did.”
“Maddie Levere?”
“Yes?”
“I am Officer Billows. This is Officer Wright. Can we ask you a few questions?”
“Of course. Anything.”
“Were you here, at the restaurant after hours?”
I feel my stomach hollow out. I feel the insinuation in his voice. I can’t lie.
“I was. Two nights ago.”
“I understand you were given a key for access on days you begin your shift before anyone else is here.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Is it part of your normal work load to be in the restaurant after it closes?”
“No, sir.”
“Why were you here then?”
“I had… forgotten some recipes I was working on, so I stopped by to get them. But that was two nights ago.”
“Were you alone?”
“Yes.”
I didn’t want to lie but pulling Nancy and her father into this wouldn’t have done any good. They had enough to deal with.
“What about earlier this evening?”
“I wasn’t here. I was home. I actually left work a little early because I wasn’t feeling well.” I cast a remorseful eye at Joanne, but she is angry and I feel like it is directed at me. I quickly look down at the ground. Why is she angry at me?
“The surveillance footage shows someone entering the establishment around one this morning, staying for approximately thirty minutes and fleeing just before flames were detected.”
“Surveillance?” I look up at the officer. How the hell did they get footage?
“Yes. The suspect is a small-framed woman with a college hoodie.” He nods at Joanne and she hands me her phone. A dark and pixilated video shows a person walking into the restaurant from a camera pointing at the door. When the person gets closer to the camera before disappearing from view it clearly shows my college hoodie.
“Is this your hoodie, Miss Levere?”
“Yes, but it’s not me!” Do I dare mention Nancy’s name? With our history and the fact that I just lied about being alone the night before, it sure didn’t look good for me. “I wore my hoodie to work the other day and forgot it. When I went back to get it, it was gone.” I shrug. “I don’t know who took it.”
“Is that the truth?” asks the officer, his stare embedding into my eyes.
“Yes, sir. I haven’t seen it in a few days.” My mouth is dry and I feel the tremble in my hands.
“I trust that you will not be going anywhere for a while.”
“No, sir.”
“Good. Be sure you don’t. We will be contacting you for further questioning.”
I turn to Rocco, but I don’t receive the same warmth he gave me when I initially arrived.
“Rocco?”
“I think you should go,” he says, turning away from me.
My heart drops into my stomach and I turn and walk away.
Back in my apartment, my mind moves from one thought to the next. They think I had something to do with the fire. I’m out of a job, probably the best job I could ask for. Nancy is out of a job so there goes my father’s money. Rocco and Joanne both hate me. I fall down onto my bed and cry myself to sleep. I feel like my whole world is falling apart and I’m powerless to stop it.
Just after the sun comes up, a knock on my door sits me up in my bed. If it is the police, I need to tell them about Nancy. I need to clear my name. But how can I be one-hundred percent sure it is her? I’ll just tell them what I know and hope that the truth prevails.
I open the door to a rough-looking Rocco standing in the doorway.
“Can I come in?” His tone is low, curt and his eyes stay on the floor.
I move back and let him in.
“Do you want some coffee?”
“Who is the guy?” He keeps his head down but his eyes look up at me. I see the disgust and it makes me quiver.
“What guy?”
“The surveillance from the night you said you were there alone. You weren’t.”
“That is Nancy’s father. She was there too.”
“I know that,” he snaps. “You gave him something. An envelope. What was it?”
He saw it? I stay quiet, watching him.
“Why did you lie?”
“Rocco, I can’t tell you. But it doesn’t have anything to do with what you are thinking. Please.” I step forward to touch him but he steps back from me. “You have to believe me. Trust me.”
“I can’t do that, Maddie.”
My mind scrambles and I start to put the truth together. I look at Rocco and my eyes widen.
“I have to go,” I tell him. “I need you to trust me on this. Please. I will have answers for you. I promise.”
I grab my purse and phone and rush out the door, leaving him in my apartment.
Chapter 17
ROCCO
My heart wants to believe her, but Maddie is making it very difficult to do so. I leave her apartment, closing the door on my way out.
I talk Joanne into meeting with me about plans for a rebuild and a few days later she agrees. Walking into her favorite café, she is already there with a coffee cup to her lips.
“Any news?” I ask, sitting across from her.
“Nothing yet. They went through all the footage and can’t get a positive identification on the suspect. I know it was Maddie. I don’t know why we are playing these games. Just arrest her for God’s sake.”
“Joanne, I think we should let the cops do their job and put this all behind us. I think we should talk about rebuilding.”
“What? No. Everything is destroyed. It would take months to even be able to open the doors.”
“I have talked to the insurance company. It is all covered. All the damage to the restaurant and the surrounding businesses that have been damaged as well.”
“I think we should just divide the check, cut our losses and go our separate ways. I hear Boca Raton is beautiful this time of year.”
“It’s not what you really want. I know you. This restaurant is your life.”
“And New York has tired me out. Apparently, someone is trying to tell me something.”
“Maybe they are telling you to rebuild from the ground up instead of meager remodeling. Maybe they are telling you that you can finally build your dream. Come on, Joanne. We have been in this business for too many years together to give it all up now. Clean slate? What do ya say?”
She looks at me for a long time.
“It’s a lot of work,” she argues.
“Yes, it is. But it can be exactly what you want it to be this time.”
She smiles slowly. “Let’s do it.”
“Awesome! I’ll call the insurance company and get it rolling.”
“Hello?” A timid voice interrupts our conversation. I look over and see Maddie standing before us. “I know you don’t want to see me and you think I had something to do with the fire, but if you just give me a minute…”
“I think you have done enough damage for one lifetime, don’t you?” Joanne doesn’t hesitate, as she starts throwing daggers.
“Joanne, please. Just hear me out.”
“I think you should leave,” I interrupt, pushing myself away from the table.
“I didn’t do this,” Maddie says with a shaky voice. “I want to be a part of rebuilding
Bistro Italiano. I love it there and I love all of you.” Tears spring to her eyes and I find myself fighting the urge to gather her into my arms. “Please, let me prove to you that it wasn’t me. I know who it was.”
“Who was it?” Joanne leans back in her seat and crosses her arms, skepticism thick in her voice.
“Please, go to that table in the corner and just watch.”
“What? Have you gone bonkers?”
“Please? Just trust me. Call my phone and listen, keep yourselves hidden and just watch.”
I pull out my phone and call hers. She answers, places it in her side pocket and walks to a table across the room from where she directed us to go. I nod at Joanne and offer her an arm. Just as we get seated, the door opens and Nancy walks in. She scans the room, almost seeing us, and walks over to Maddie.
When I hear voices over the phone, I pull it to my ear as Joanne leans in.
“So? Do you have the money?” I glance over and see Nancy sit across from Maddie.
“You already took two-hundred-thousand dollars of my father’s money. Isn’t that enough?”
“No. I figured it was so easy that I should try again. Besides, my daddy says he needs more.”
“He isn’t your father, is he?”
“Are you really that gullible, Maddie? Well, I guess you are. You did hand it over with no questions asked, didn’t you? Someone as stupid as you doesn’t deserve that kind of money.”
“Nancy, please, don’t do this. This money is all I have.”
“Tell it to someone who cares. If you don’t hand it over, I will expose you and Rocco and finish the trail of arson right to your doorstep. At least this way, you’ll stay out of prison.”
I glance at Joanne as she glances at me and she pulls out her phone.
“You know I didn’t start that fire.”
“It was your hoodie they saw in the videos.”
“That you stole from me.”
“Hey, I told you. I borrowed it. By the way, here you go.” Nancy reaches into a large bag and pulls out the hoodie, handing it to Maddie. “Whatever works, right?” Nancy smiles.
“Just answer me one thing, Nancy. If you only wanted money, why did you set fire to Bistro Italiano?”
“I hear it’s a good investment right now. Besides, seeing Rocco get what he deserves will put me in such a good mood. He never wanted me. This is payback.”
Joanne turns away and speaks into her phone. “I need police at Cornerstone Café on Avenue B right away. The woman who set my restaurant on fire is here.”
Within five minutes, three police officers stroll into the café just as Nancy gets up from the table. She glances at them and stuffs an envelope into her bag, just as she starts to walk to the door.
Joanne stands up. “Officers! Arrest that woman!” She points to Nancy. They quickly put their hands on their holstered guns and direct Nancy to a nearby wall. Surprisingly, she complies with them as if she knows they are there for her.
Chapter 18
MADDIE
I watch the officers put Nancy into the back of the police car, relief flowing over me.
“It’s over,” I say out loud.
“I was sort of hoping it was just getting started.”
I spin around to Rocco’s voice behind me. I feel light on my feet as his smile broadens.
“So, I take it you believe me now?”
“I do. And I’m so sorry for doubting you.” He puts his arms around me and pulls me closer. I glance at Joanne and try to pull away.
“Joanne is right there,” I whisper.
“Yes, she is. Don’t worry. I told her about us.”
“You did?”
“Maddie, I don’t want any more secrets. Do you know what I do want?”
“What?”
“You, in my life. If that means not being in business with Joanne any longer, so be it. I’ll find another restaurant to take over.”
He kisses me deeply and it feels like the first time. No secrets, no worries, no pressure.
“I have to say,” Joanne interrupts as she walks closer. “I have my doubts about this.”
“The restaurant?”
“Yes, the restaurant. And whether this whole thing is even going to work or not.”
“Joanne, I…”
“But,” she interrupts again, holding up her hand. “I’m willing to give it a chance if you are.”
Rocco smiles, “Of course I am. I have always been behind you.”
“What do you say?” she asks, looking at me.
“You want me to stay on with you, Joanne?” I feel a sense of belonging return.
“I do. And if you want a part of it, I will give you the chance to invest as well.”
“I don’t know what to say. The only problem is my father’s money is still gone.”
“They will get it all back,” she says with confidence. “Give them time.”
“Come on.” Rocco links his arm in mine. “Let’s celebrate.”
“You two go ahead. I have some things I need to attend to. I’ll talk to you later.” Joanne smiles at me, pats Rocco on his shoulder and walks away.
“I have a bottle of wine at my place, perfect for the occasion,” Rocco says, a sly grin on his lips.
***
Alone with Rocco in his apartment causes a reaction deep inside my gut. I sit on his couch and watch as he opens the wine he promised. He pours two goblets half full of the beautiful burgundy liquid and hands one to me.
“Here is to new beginnings and a wonderful relationship.” He clinks my glass and before I take a sip, he stops me. He takes a drink, his eyes glued to mine. He leans into me and presses his lips to mine. A hint of the sweet smell of wine tickles my nose. I want more of him and as if he senses that, he deepens his kiss, teasing my bottom lip with his tongue before sliding into my mouth. The sweet taste of wine spreads across my tongue like wild fire and intoxicates me. When he leans back, I keep my eyes closed as I savor the moment, a smile taking over my lips.
“I have to say, that has to be the best tasting wine I have ever had.” I open my eyes and sip from my own glass.
“There is much more where that came from, my sweet.”
I set down my glass, my stomach forming a knot so tight, it’s impossible to ignore. My nerves start to work on my thoughts. Will this finally be it? Will I finally let my virginity go? What will Rocco think of me?
I watch as he gets up from the couch, his glass in hand. He disappears into another room and moments later I hear a sweet bluesy song fill the room from small speakers in each corner. I smile and sip my wine.
“Dance with me, Maddie” he says, his hand stretched out. Without another thought, I put my hand in his and we are dancing slowly, very closely and intimately. His warm breath is on my cheek, his arms hold me close as our bodies sway side to side. I can’t remember ever being this intimate with a man.
Rocco kisses my neck and I close my eyes. My arms are around his neck and I pull his body closer breathing in his warmth and closeness. I can feel his hands moving up and down my body as the music fades out and a new song begins.
I feel my shirt being lifted from my waist and my breathing catches as the air hits my bare stomach. I lift my arms as he pulls it up over my head and discards it onto the floor. His mouth covers mine and he deepens his kiss. My thoughts scramble in my head and all I can do is want him. He wraps his hands around my wrists and pins them behind me with one hand and the feeling of submission slams into me. His kiss gets deeper and my breathing gets shaky. He pulls my head back and moves his mouth to the tender skin on my collarbone before moving downward until I can feel the heat of his breath through the thin lace of my bra. My nipples respond and harden at the feeling of his teeth moving across them. When my bra falls away from my breasts I open my mouth to gasp for more air.
His hands are on me, his mouth consumes my nipple, his body is pressed against mine. I feel my skirt fall from my waist and before I step out of it he is scooping me up and carr
ying me out of the living room and into his bedroom.
“Please, Maddie. Do not deny me. Let me make you mine. Let me be your first and only lover and I will be yours forever.”
He lays me gently on the bed and stands over me, looking at me with desire in his eyes. I can only nod. My body is on fire. My chest rises and falls hard with each breath. He unbuttons his shirt as he watches me, with just my panties on. His chest is broad, defined. I reach my hand up and I trace the grooves between his muscles with my fingertips. I pull myself up and sit on the edge of the bed in front of him, my hands working at the buckle on his belt. He looks at me, watching as I pull them down from his waist. As I hook my fingers into the sides of his boxer briefs and pull them down, I hear his breath catch just before his cock springs out.
He lowers himself on top of me, pushing me onto the bed and crushing me with his body. He parts my legs with his and presses himself into me causing my arousal to ignite with a blast of heated desire for him to be inside me. I stop him only to remove my panties and I lie back, waiting. Rocco does nothing but look at my naked body, I move my hands to run them over his body, but he pushes my hands away, pinning them above my head.
“Don’t move them,” he growls into my ear.
His eyes lock with mine and I nod slightly. He kisses my chin and slides his body down until I feel the heat from his mouth through my panties. I can barely compose myself at this point, breathing so hard I feel dizzy. When I look down at him, I see him cover me with his mouth, his tongue doing things to me that felt so good my body aches for more. I feel my arousal heighten, my body responding to him and grinding against his hand.
“Rocco,” I whisper.
“Shh,” he says, laying on me again. He kisses me hard, his tongue penetrating my mouth. “Do you want me to fuck you, Maddie?”
“Yes,” I breathe.
“Do you want me to make love to you?”
I nod profusely, pushing myself into the hardness I feel pressing back.
He leans up and looks at me. I feel the weight of him lift off me and his hand moves between us. He partially presses his weight back down on me and feeds his hands into mine, pinning them to the bed. His eyes lock onto mine and he gives me a lingering kiss before looking at me again. I feel him press into me, opening me up slowly. I feel my heart pounding through my chest and a growing pain inside me as he pushes deeper. The pain mixes with the need for him and I push my body forward, feeling a sharp pain inside me. He stops but doesn’t pull back.