“Back then, I had feelings for you. Feelings that we never got to explore. Our timing was off. Honestly, we are both free now and I wouldn’t mind exploring them. You know, see where it leads. What’s the other part?”
“The other part is, you’re moving away in less than thirty days! It seems like our timing is always going to be off.”
“It’s only off if we let it be. People have long distance relationships that work. North Carolina is not that far away. But let’s table that for now and work on your problem. Why are you so afraid? You raised Brook to be a street-smart independent lady. She wouldn’t bring someone home if she didn’t feel he could pass muster with you.”
“See, you make it sound so simple. What the hell am I supposed to talk to him about? ‘Hey how is sleeping with my daughter going?’ Do you see what I mean? I can’t get past that.”
“Mitch, I’m going to give you the best piece of advice ever. Get your head out of your ass. Be happy that your daughter respects you enough to even bring him home! Talk to the guy about school and what he plans on doing after graduation. Stuff like that, and you’ll be fine.”
“Will you come over when they are here? You know, for moral support.”
“Chicken shit. Yes, I will be there as long as Brook is okay with it. When are they coming down?”
“This Saturday.”
“Lucky for you I don’t have a life.” She laughs and I can’t help but laugh along with her.
“Do you really think a long-distance relationship could work?” Of course, it could work, you idiot, as long as you tell her the truth. Unfortunately, you keep digging that hole deeper and deeper.
“I think any relationship can work if two people put one-hundred percent into it. It begins with honesty and trust. At this stage in my life, I won’t settle for anything less.”
I put my glass down and pull her close to me. I brush my lips across hers, she slightly parts them and that’s my cue. Our tongues do a dance and I feel lightheaded. I pull back slightly and brush my hand across her cheek. “You are so beautiful.”
“You are very kind, Mitch.”
She pours more wine in her glass, but I put my hand over my glass. “I have to drive home.”
“Or you could stay. We’ve got the whole sheet between us thing down!” She winks. I remove my hand and let her fill it up.
“Have you been researching cars?”
“They’ve changed a lot in twenty years. I’m looking for an SUV, and I want to buy resale. I want something that will hold its value and be low maintenance. Do you have any suggestions?”
“You’ve been in my Lexus, did you like it?”
“I did, but I think I want to go test drive some different vehicles this week.”
“Do you want me to go with you? I mean, after all, you’re helping me out this weekend.”
“Sure, that would be great. Would you like to watch a movie?”
“Sure, I’ve been wanting to see The Irishman. It’s on demand. Have you seen it?”
“No, you want to see it because you’re Irish.” She’s laughing and when she does, her face lights up. All these years that Peter’s been gone, he missed so much. He missed this, a beautiful woman and a daughter who is very special.
“Guilty as charged. It’s a long movie, but I heard good things about it.”
“Okay, you get it ready and I’ll make some popcorn.” She heads into the kitchen and I set up the movie. I’m comfortable, more comfortable than I’ve been in years. It’s like I was transferred back in time to when all I cared about was her. I ask myself every day why I didn’t fight for her. Loyalty to my best friend. He told me he loved her, and he wanted her forever. I should have told him that I loved her, too. Instead, he showed me the ring and I backed off. It’s been said nice guys finish last. Maybe, but I’m alive and with Amelia. Peter is, for all intents and purposes, dead.
“Okay, since it’s a really long movie, I made caramel popcorn.”
The movie is good, but she is amazing.
Amelia
The movie is over, the popcorn is gone, the second bottle of wine is empty, and Mitch is fast asleep. I don’t have the heart to wake him. Instead, I cover him with a throw and Rusty curls up by his feet . . . traitor.
I head upstairs, running everything that happened tonight in my head. I don’t understand why he is holding back. Even though he seems open to a long-distance relationship, something is off, and I can’t put my finger on it. I don’t know why he’s so worried about meeting Brook’s boyfriend. I mean, Emma has brought some guys home, but they didn’t last, and I knew they wouldn’t. Maybe he’s afraid Brook will shut him out of her life. She doesn’t seem the type, though. He’s got to realize that his relationship with her will change many times over the course of his life. I’ll make sure I pay attention to their interaction on Saturday. I’m glad he’s going to go with me for the car. I kept my license for twenty years, but I haven’t driven, so this could be very interesting. I left that part out not wanting to scare him away. I don’t think I would drive in New York, but I think I’ll be okay in Asheville, I hope.
It took a long time for me to fall asleep last night. However, the smell of bacon is overwhelming. I have a nice long stretch and then open my eyes. Mitch is sitting on the edge of the bed with a tray.
“Oh, wow, what a spectacular way to wake up. Bacon, coffee, biscuits, eggs, and a chocolate chip cookie.”
“I’m sorry about last night. I was so comfortable, I fell into such a deep sleep. That is until Rusty began licking my face.”
“That usually means he’s already went outside and did his business and now he wants to eat.”
“I figured that and made him eggs. I hope that’s okay.”
I can’t help but laugh. “He played you like a fiddle. Are you joining me?”
“I can’t. I’ve got a closing later and stuff to do to get ready for it. Figure out when you want to go for the car.”
“Okay. I’ll probably wait until I’m ready to leave. I don’t want it sitting here. What time will Brook get in?”
“I’m not sure but I’ll let you know as soon as I find out. Thanks for being there for me. I know I’m being ridiculous, but it’s who I am.”
He gets up, kisses me on the cheek, and heads out. At least I got a breakfast in bed. Rusty comes in, jumps on the bed and begins to beg. “Don’t even try to give me that sad look. I know you already had breakfast.” He gives up, curls up and watches to see if I drop anything. Fat chance, Rusty.
Mitch
I head to Doug’s house, knowing he’s probably watching by his window for me to come home. We look out for each other, not just because we are friends, more because we are nosey. The minute I pull up, he comes out the door still in his robe. He walks outside to get his paper and gives me the finger when he goes back inside. It’s times like this he reminds me of Vincent Gigante, the mafia leader who feigned insanity and walked around Greenwich Village in his bathrobe for years. I swear Doug is turning into him. I climb his steps to find he left the door open for me.
“Where were you last night? You want coffee?”
I don’t answer since I already know he’s going to give me a cup. “I need to talk to you about something important.”
“First, tell me where you were last night. I was waiting up for you.”
“You’re not my father and what the hell are you doing—channeling your inner Vincent Gigante? Stop walking around outside in your bathrobe,” I remark. He waves his hand, dismissing me and pushes the cup toward me.
“So, are you going to tell me where you were? Is that better?”
I can’t help but laugh at him. “I went to Amelia’s house and fell asleep watching a movie.”
“What the fuck is wrong with you? You’re playing with fire. You need to let her go for good.”
“See, that’s what I want to talk to you about. I’ve got a thing for her.”
“Ha, why don’t you tell me something I don’t know?”
“I don’t want to let her go. I want to tell her everything. She wants to have a relationship and so do I. Unfortunately, you know me, I can’t have a relationship based on lies. Every move I make compounds one lie on top of another. See, that’s the thing about lying, once you start, you keep making up more to hide the original one. After a while, you can’t even remember where it started. I feel like I’m in a house of cards that’s about to collapse around me.”
“So, you want to tell her about the heist. Tell her that our holding company purchased her house, so we can tear it apart looking for the jewels. Exactly how do you think that’s going to go over?”
“I don’t know, but I can’t go on like this.”
“Once you tell her, she’ll tell Chloe. From there, all bets are off.”
“We can’t go to jail since there is nothing to show that we did the heist.”
“She’ll blame us for Peter. Whether he left on his own accord or if he was murdered, either way, she’ll be playing the blame game.”
“What about Chloe? Wasn’t she hanging around with you at that time? What does she know?”
“She knows nothing. I met her after the heist. By the time you and Peter brought Amelia around, Chloe already walked out on me.”
The mention of her name makes him sit up ram rod straight. I don’t think he’ll ever tell me what happened between them. Truthfully, I don’t want to know. I have enough of my own secrets to keep, I don’t need any more.
“Brook is coming home this weekend. She’s bringing her boyfriend Benjamin home for me to meet. I asked Amelia if she would be there with me.”
“Is that why you want to spill your guts, because she wants to be there for you at a moment’s notice, or is it all the lies that are making you feel guilty?”
“When did I become such a Dudley Do Right?”
“You always were. Peter and I are the ones that took you to the dark side.” He laughs. I roll my eyes and get up to for more coffee.
“You’re not helping me at all.”
“At the end of the day, I can’t tell you what to do. Remember, I’m not your father. You’ll do what’s best for you. If you tell her everything, you stand a good chance of losing her. If you don’t tell her everything, it will eat you up inside and you’ll be miserable. In the end, it will fracture your relationship, and you’ll lose her.”
“So, I’m fucked either way.”
“That about sums it up. Now, why don’t you tell me what’s going on with Brook. This is the first time she’s bringing someone home to meet you. I want to be there, too. I mean, after all, I am her Godfather.”
“The guy moved in with her,” I announce. Doug’s face turns red as a beet. Maybe I should have eased into that more.
“Oh, fuck no. Did you talk to her about this?”
“After I fought the urge to throw up, I had to listen to her version of what she thought my marriage was all about. I don’t have to tell you, since you’ve lived it too in your own marriage. All in all, she made me realize I’m a lousy liar. After that, there was really nothing left to be said.
“Ouch, that had to hurt, man. I’m sorry.”
“It’s my own fault. I married a woman I wasn’t in love with. I love her for giving me Brook, but that’s it.”
“Yeah, like me and the hag. So, how do you think Amelia is going to help you out with the meet and greet?”
“You have such a way with words. I just don’t want to be alone when I meet him. I need someone to keep me in check.”
“What am I, chopped liver? I plan on being there!”
“You’re already pissy about the guy moving in with her. You’ll only add fuel to the fire.”
“I promise you I’ll behave. Well, only if he’s good enough for my Goddaughter.”
“I’ve got to go. We have the closing on the house on East 48th street today. Once I have the keys, I’ll drop them off and you can get started with flipping it.” We actually have a legitimate business where we buy and flip houses. I put my cup in the sink and head out, leaving him to his paper.
Today’s the day I meet Benjamin. I don’t know why I’m so nervous. I made up my mind that as long as he is a good person and good to my daughter, I’ll accept their arrangement. Who am I to judge? I think I’ll go pick up Amelia instead of her taking an Uber.
Me: Hey, sweetheart, I’m going to come and get you, so you don’t have to Uber.
Amelia: Please don’t be mad but I’ve got the flu. I’ve been kissing the porcelain god since last night. I was hoping it was a twenty-four-hour bug, but I still have a fever today.
Me: I could never be mad at you. Do you want me to bring you some soup or something?
Amelia: No! I don’t want you getting sick. Don’t worry about today. You’ll do great . . . promise.
Me: Okay, rest up and I’ll check in later.
Amelia: Thanks.
Well hell, I’m on my own. Doug doesn’t count because you never know which way he’s going to go. Speak of the devil, he’s coming up the walk now.
“Hey, Amelia has the flu, so it’s just us.”
“I called Vanni to see if she could shed some light on this guy. She warned me it’s Benjamin not Ben. She said she talks about him all the time. They are supposed to come to Dallas for a visit soon.”
“Brook warned me about the Ben thing, too. We got this, right, Doug?”
“Are you asking me or reassuring yourself?”
I hear a car door and I don’t know if I’m excited for my daughter or nervous for myself. She’s already up the steps and then he comes into view. I’m looking at him and then to Doug. Brook is making the introductions, but I can’t focus on her. All I see is his face, a face I’ve seen before. I hear a crash; Doug dropped his glass. His face is pale as he grabs the back of the dining room chair.
“Uncle Doug, are you okay? Daddy, should we call an ambulance?”
I put a chair behind him, and he sits down. He won’t look at anyone but Benjamin. “Brook, get him a glass of water, please.”
When she comes back, I take the glass and step in front of Doug. I need to stop him from staring. He takes the glass and closes his eyes. The color is finally coming back to his face. “Brook, why don’t you take Benjamin and show him around.” Luckily, she doesn’t question me. When they are out of ear shot, I bend down in front of Doug. Before I can say anything, he grabs my arm and has a death grip on it.
“Mitch, tell me you see what I see, please.”
“Yeah, but how is that even possible?”
“It can’t be; Peter is dead. I feel like I was transported back in time twenty years.”
“Where’s the picture, Doug? Don’t say you don’t know. I know for a fact you’ve never let that photo out of your sight.” He pulls out his wallet and pulls out the wrinkled picture. It was the night after the heist. I got a new camera for the trip and wanted to take a group photo. I set the timer. We all stood there waiting and right before the camera flashed, Peter threw two fists filled with diamonds up the air. The photo that captured the whole thing.
“Look at it closely, Mitch. It’s him, it’s Peter.”
“No, Doug, he’s got to be Peter’s son, and he’s fucking my daughter!”
“We better go inside before Brook comes to get us. Are you okay?”
“Yeah, I need to talk to this kid. Don’t worry, I won’t give anything away.”
We find them downstairs in what’s now the Man Cave.
“Uncle Doug, are you okay?”
“Yeah, I didn’t eat much today, and I got a little light-headed. So, Benjamin, tell me, where did you grow up?”
“Jacksonville, Florida. My dad has a business there. He runs it with my mom. It’s a food truck but on the water. My dad wanted to live in a houseboat but my mom drew the line in the sand on that one, so that’s how the Diamond Reef food boat became a reality and my dad gets to spend most of his days being out on the water.”
“So, a food boat. Very interesting. Do you h
ave any siblings? My daughter and Brook are only children. They grew up together, so they are like sisters. Vanni is older than Brook. How old are you?”
“I have a younger sister. She skipped a grade and is a senior in high school. I’m six months older than Brook.”
I need to steer the conversation away from Doug’s interrogation. “Wow, Benjamin, the New England winters must have been a real shock for you.”
“The first year was brutal. I’m used to it now, but who knows where we will end up when we graduate.”
“Do you have any off-limit places?” Good to know, since my daughter will be following him for sure.
“No, we are open right now. It depends who comes up with the best offer.”
“When are you heading down to your parents’ house?”
He looks at Brook, takes her hand. “We were able to get a cheap flight, but we have to leave tonight. I promise next time we will stay longer.”
I’m watching my daughter as he’s speaking to me; he’s got her wrapped around his finger. This is so not like Brook. She’s a strong person, yet, with this guy, she seems very different. I need to see more of an interaction between the two of them, not just a few hours.
“Well, you’ve got to do what works best for both of you. Why don’t we go upstairs and eat an early dinner?”
We head upstairs, and I thank God I thought to buy cold cuts and rolls. It was supposed to be lunch for tomorrow, but since they are leaving, I can at least feed them. Brook helps me set everything up, including the antipasto.
“Daddy, I’m sorry about the quick trip but we couldn’t pass up the deal on the tickets. I promise you we will come back soon, or you can come up to us.”
I pull her into a hug not wanting to let her go. “It’s okay, at least I got to meet him and see you. Does he make you happy?”
The Heist Page 10
