“I didn’t want to spend money unnecessarily. I figured I would try to clean them to see if they were salvageable. As you can see, it was well worth my hard work. These are very expensive pots and pans.” Billy waved her over. He opened the big pantry closet, which had multiple shelves. “As you can see,” he tapped the label on the shelf, “I cleaned out the closets and labeled everything making it easier to take inventory when we need to order.”
“I can’t believe you Billy. Why didn’t you tell me you were doing this? I wanted to help you get the place together.”
“I didn’t want to bother you with the little things, especially since you’re still working. I spent most of the day while you were at work cleaning and setting up. But don’t worry. There are still plenty of things that need to be done. Come on let me show you.”
Alexandra followed Billy back out into the dining area. While she looked around the kitchen, Billy had set up half a dozen tables.
“What do you think about the way I set everything? I really don’t like tables up against the wall.”
“I agree. I love the set up.” Walking around the café, she stood in the back of the room near the kitchen. “I think we should set up one big table here. This will encourage people to come in with their friends.”
“Let’s do it.”
Billy and Alexandra continued to move tables around until they were satisfied with the set up.
“I’ll be right back.”
Billy disappeared into the room off the bar, which they agreed would be their office. Before she could investigate behind the bar where a brand new cappuccino machine sat, Billy reappeared with shopping bags.
“Here you go.” He handed her the two bags. “Go ahead and dress two of them. The rest of the dishes, flatware, glasses and linens are on its way. I’m dying to see what you are going to do with them.”
“I’m sure you’ll be quite surprised.”
Over the course of the next weeks, Billy and Alexandria continued to work on the interior of the café. The day the UPS driver brought in over two dozen boxes containing the dishes, glasses and coffee cups, reality set in that the café would be up and running soon.
Billy spent the morning cleaning the freezers and refrigerator so they would be ready, while Alexandra worked on the bar turned coffee counter and strategically placed the glass cake and Danish holders on top.
“Coffee?” Alexandra called out to Billy in the kitchen.
“Would love it. Give me a few.”
Alexandra set up the machine and turned it on. Looking around the room at the recently delivered boxes, she couldn’t help but smile. The excitement of setting the tables and filling the shelves with the cups made her aware of the work ahead.
“Love the smell of freshly brewed coffee,” Billy said, wrapping his arms around her waist. “But the smell of your perfume is, well, turning me on too.”
“What you’re smelling is a combination of bleach, orange furniture polish and coffee.” She leaned into him and kissed his lips before backing out of his arms.
“No, I don’t believe you.” He grabbed two mugs and poured their coffee. “What do you say we sit out back?”
“Sounds like a wonderful idea. We’ve been cooped up in here all day.”
“Tell me about it. I was gagging on the fumes from the bleach. But I wanted to make sure the freezer was sterilized. I can use a bit of fresh air despite the cold.”
“I know. I’m having a hard time breathing myself.”
Alexandra slid her coat on and followed Billy to the back door. Before opening it, he turned to face her.
“There’s a surprise for you outside.”
“Are you kidding?” Alexandra couldn’t imagine what he was up to now.
Instead of answering, he opened the door. She stepped outside and gasped. Billy had mowed the lawn, laid pink and beige octagon bricks, creating a patio and replaced the dilapidated table with brand new patio furniture.
“Oh my God Billy. I love it. When did you have the time to do this? It was so cold the past few days.”
“When it comes to you, I always find the time. Now come sit.” He pulled her chair out. “It’s a beautiful day.”
Alexandra sat. “You’re so full of surprises.”
Billy pulled his chair next to Alexandra’s, reached out and took her hand. “I was thinking, if things worked out inside we could expand to outside.”
“We can add a Tiki Bar and maybe even do karaoke one night a week.”
“Now that’s a great idea, Sweetheart.”
Billy sat back in his chair and rested his feet on the chair across from him.
“That means you have to draw up blueprints for back here.”
“Consider it done,” Billy smiled. “Wait until you see what else I have planned for you.”
“I can’t wait.”
Day turned into night as Billy and Alexandra spent most of the afternoon unpacking, washing and putting the ceramic plates, silverware and coffee mugs in place. Alexandra was pleased in how everything looked. She had set three tables and they spent a great deal of time rearranging the rest of them, making certain to get the most out of the space.
“Everything looks perfect,” Billy said, standing in the doorway holding a shopping bag.
“I know.” Alexandra walked behind the coffee counter and pointed at the mirror. “I couldn’t help but drape the floral garland around it. Now watch.” Alexandra walked over to the far end of the counter and flicked the light switch on. “What do you think?”
“I love it.”
“That was the exact reaction I was looking for.” Alexandra turned the lights on over the counter. “I’m starving. I can smell the Chinese food waiting for us.”
“Yes. Someone had to make a food decision.” He laughed. “I’m getting tired of eating sandwiches and Italian takeout.”
“I know. I have to start getting back into the groove of cooking dinner.”
“That would be great, but when we’re here all day working, I don’t know about you, but I don’t feel like going home to cook dinner.”
“Exactly. By the time we get home we‘re ready for bed.”
“Now that sounds like a great idea. After dinner, we’re back to my place,” Billy winked.
“Then what are we waiting for? Let’s eat, lock up and then head back.”
Billy put his arm around her shoulder. “Where would you like to eat? At the table or counter?”
“The counter. Let me grab a few dishes.”
“Forget about the dishes. I got us chopsticks.”
Alexandra followed Billy to the counter where he took the containers, sauces and napkins out of the bag. “What would you like to drink? I put water and ice tea in the mini-frig behind the counter.”
“Nothing. I bought the beverages too.” Reaching into the bag he took out two bottles of beer. “This is to top off our romantic dinner.”
Alexandra opened the bottles and sat down next to Billy. “We really got a lot accomplished today.”
“I have to be honest with you. If we keep up the way we’re going, we’ll be opening up within the next few weeks.”
Alexandra took the container of LoMein and wrapped the spaghetti like noodles around the chopsticks. “We still have to come up with a name and order the sign.”
“Don’t worry about anything. I have everything under control. And before I forget to tell you, I have the electrician coming on Friday to put up the ceiling fans.”
“You ordered the fans I picked out?”
Grabbing a dumpling with his chopsticks, he dipped it into the sauce “Absolutely. So far everything you have chosen out has been the perfect choice. You have made this café unique, giving it class, yet keeping its vintage look.”
“You’re giving me too much credit. We’ve worked as a team. That’s what I love most about you. “ Alexandra ate the last dumpling before placing her chopsticks down.
“You deserve all the credit. You have brought so much happiness in
to my life. This is my dream and you have supported me from the beginning.” Billy finished his beer and cleared the counter.
“That’s because I believe in you and in the magic of our love.”
“I feel the same way.” Billy stood and reached his hand out to Alexandra who immediately took it and stood up. “Can you hear the music in the distance?” he asked, resting his hands on her waist.
“Barely. It’s hard to make out what’s playing. But I’d have to say it isn’t dance music.”
Billy lifted her chin until their eyes met. “I want you to close your eyes and concentrate on the music. Since we have no radio here yet, we’ll have to improvise.”
Alexandra closed her eyes and rested her head on his shoulder. Somehow Billy figured out the words to the love song, singing softly into her ear as he glided her around the cafe.
Billy took a step back and brushed her hair off her face, before tenderly kissing her. “How about we lock up and go back to my place?”
“Let me grab my bag.”
“And in the morning, I’ll make you a sampler of scones.”
“Sounds like the perfect way to end our evening and start our day.” Alexandra blew him a kiss while holding open the door.
“I couldn’t agree…”
Before Billy could finish his sentence, a car pulled up in front of the café. The blackened window opened and a gunshot rang out.
Chapter Thirteen
Billy could hear the ambulance and police sirens in the distance. This wasn’t part of the plan. Why hadn’t he been quicker to shield Alexandra? There was blood all over the place, splattered on the front door and on the both of them. The ambulance pulled up first, with two police cars following directly behind, blocking the street.
By now, there were dozens of people in the area making it hard for the police to put up the yellow crime scene tape. All it took was one officer to pull out a bullhorn asking everyone to step back, before they were able to secure the area. The EMT workers ran off the truck with a big black bag, bulging at the seams. The younger of the two men knelt down in front of Billy.
“Not me,” Billy said, tears in his eyes. “It’s Alexandra,” he said, cradling her in his arms, her head leaning against his chest.
“I’m Gary, and I’m going to have to ask you to let us take care of her. You need to get up so my partner Tommy and I can examine her.”
“Baby, I’m here with you.” Billy checked her pulse and sighed in relief. He kissed the top of her head as Alexandra lay unconscious. “I am so sorry this has happened to you.”
Billy watched Gary clean her forearm. He really wasn’t sure where she was hit. Everything happened so fast. One minute they were walking out of the café, and seconds later a car pulled up stopping at the curb. Before he could even react, or protect Alexandra, the window dropped and the shot was fired. He would never forget the sound or the shrill cry from Alexandra right before she dropped to the ground.
Gary worked on Alexandra until she stopped bleeding. “We’re ready to go,” he said to Tommy.
“Is she going to be all right?” Billy asked, taking hold of Alexandra’s hand.
“The bleeding has stopped for now. We need to get her to the hospital.” Gary turned to Tommy. “Ready. One, two, three.” Gary lifted Alexandra along with Tommy onto the gurney.
“I’m coming. Just give me a second to lock the door.” Oh my God, this is my fault, Billy kept saying over and over again. He should have known better than to think Ralphie would just go away. Once again, as he tried to turn his life around, Ralphie returned obsessed that he still owed him for bailing him out fifteen years ago.
As he stepped into the ambulance, a hand touched his shoulder. He turned around to face two police officers.
“We have a few questions to ask.”
“I’m on my way to the hospital. I’ll be more than happy to speak to you. I’ll come down to the precinct when I know Alexandra is okay,” Billy said as Tommy closed the ambulance door.
As the ambulance sped off, with the sirens wailing, Billy knew he had less than five minutes to figure out what he was going to tell the cops. He couldn’t be sure that Ralphie sent his boys out after him when he refused to give him a cut of their café business. The truth would make things worse; a random shooting, maybe that they would believe.
Taking hold of Alexandra’s hand, he kissed the top of her head. “Oh Babe, you have to come through this. I am not going to lose you, not now. I need you more than you need me and that’s no lie.” Billy wiped his wet eyes and running nose on his sleeve. Everything was happening in slow motion. “Please don’t leave me.”
The ambulance came to a complete halt and within seconds the backdoors opened and Alexandra was wheeled off. Billy kept up with them until they got to the emergency room.
“You have to stay here,” Gary said. “Don’t worry, she’s in good hands. A doctor will be out to talk to you shortly.”
“But…”
The doors shut. Billy tried to open them, but they were locked. He started to tap on the door, when an officer walked up from behind him.
“I’m Lieutenant Gallo. I need to ask you a couple of questions,” he said, resting his hand on his belt.
Billy held up his hand. “I’ll answer all your questions, but first I need to made sure Alexandra is okay,” he said, this time banging on the door.
The door opened and a nurse approached Billy. “Alexandra is being examined by the doctor. As soon as I find out anything, I’ll let you know so you can come in to see her.”
“Thank you.” Billy pointed to the wall opposite the door. “I’ll be right there waiting.”
The doors closed and Lieutenant Gallo stood by his side. “I think this will be a good opportunity to answer a few questions before the nurse returns.”
“Can’t this wait until later?” Billy asked, looking over Gallo’s shoulder into the tiny glass window.
“No it can’t.” Pulling his pad out, he flipped it open and clicked his pen against his leather holster. “Full name.”
“Billy Davidson.”
“You’re relationship to the victim?”
It should have been fiancée. I should have asked her to marry me weeks ago. Was it necessary to wait for the opening of the café to ask the love of my life to marry me?
“Girlfriend.”
“Victims full name.”
“Alexandra Scaronni.”
Gallo wrote down the information before asking his next questions. “What were the two of you doing at that dormant establishment?
“We purchased the property and were working on the inside.”
“I see.” Gallo scribbled more notes into his pad. “Do you know anyone who would want to hurt Alexandra?”
“No…”
The emergency room doors opened and the same nurse stood at the doors. “Mr. Davidson, you can come in and see Alexandra before she goes into surgery.”
“Surgery?” Billy asked his eyes bulging open.
“The doctor will explain everything.”
Billy followed her down the long corridor and into the room where Alexandra lay hooked up to multiple monitors.
“Oh Babe, what have I done?”
Alexandra went into surgery and Billy was escorted into the waiting area where Gallo sat, having a cup of coffee waiting for him. With everything going on, he had totally forgot about the interrogation squad waiting for him. Now he had all of thirty seconds to decide if he should tell them about Ralphie and his past.
As soon as Gallo saw him walk in, he was on his feet. “Can you give me a few minutes? I’d like to get a cup of coffee.”
“No problem,” Gallo said. “I bought an extra one just a few minutes ago for you,” he said, handing him a paper cup.
Billy took it from him, and mumbled, “Thank you,” before slouching into the worn out beige leather seat.
“I understand your situation, but we need to ask you a few questions about what happened outside your café earlier.”<
br />
“I’ll tell you whatever you need to catch the bastard who hurt my sweet Alexandra.” Billy took a sip of coffee, his eyes fixed on Gallo.
Gallo took out his pad and sat across from him, sitting on the edge of the chair. “Do you know of any reason why anyone would want to harm Alexandra?” he asked.
Billy bit his top lip and closed his eyes for a moment. All he could see was Alexandra falling to the floor. He had to tell the truth, even if it meant him getting into trouble. His father was right when he warned him that his past would eventually catch up to him.
There were consequences for his actions fifteen years ago. He got away with doing things that others, if caught, would have spent years in prison for. But now, he had no other choice. He had to protect Alexandra, no matter what the cost.
“No one wants to harm Alexandra. The gun shot was intended for me.”
Gallo’s eyebrows shot open. “Interesting. And why do you say that?”
Billy leaned forward in his chair and covered his face with his hands to hide his tears. Once he had his composure, he removed his hands from his face. “This was because of something I did fifteen years ago.” Standing up, he walked over to the window and watched the cars flying up and down Hylan Boulevard. “I was young.” He turned around to watch Gallo’s partner approach them and sit down. “I was just starting out and needed money. Problem is I borrowed from a friend of the family.”
“I don’t get it.” Gallo turned to his partner. “O’Brien do you get it?”
“Not at all.”
“Listen, this is hard on me. I don’t want anything to happen to Alexandra again because of my past mistakes.”
Gallo tapped on his pad with his pen. “Continue.”
“I borrowed money and paid it back. But when I did borrow the money, I got caught up in doing deliveries in and out of Brooklyn.”
“What kind of deliveries?”
“At the time I didn’t know I was delivering drugs, but when I found out, I continued to deliver until I paid back all the money I borrowed.”
“So you illegally borrowed money. And while you paid it back you were a runner for the mob. Is that correct so far?” Gallo asked.
Whispers of Winter: A Limited Edition Collection of Winter Romances Page 138
