by Jake Biondi
“Really? You’re going to let our father control your career from the grave? You settled the lawsuit and prevented it from becoming public knowledge. Hell, even my contacts had a hard time discovering it. Let it go, Mateo. Move forward.”
“What difference does it make to you anyway?”
“Logan needs you. He needs you to help him move forward from the fire. It’s important.”
“I told you I’d think about it.”
“Have you? What are you waiting for? You know what condition Logan is in; he tried to kill himself for God’s sake. You can help him rebuild his confidence and his life. Isn’t he worth it to you?”
“I didn’t say--”
“If Dustin, who tried to kill someone, deserves your compassion and care, doesn’t Logan deserve the same?”
Mateo stood up from the table. “I need to get back to work.”
Michael grabbed his brother’s arm. “Don’t just do it for Logan. Do it for yourself.”
Mateo pulled his arm from Michael’s grasp and walked away from the table. Michael turned and looked out over Lincoln Park through the window beside him.
On the other side of the hospital, Logan also looked out over Lincoln Park from the window in his room. With his back to Patrick, who remained seated in a chair, Logan described his childhood.
“Sometimes when I got home from school, my father would be sitting in the living room, empty beer bottles everywhere. And he’d start his...comments.”
“His comments?” Patrick asked.
“‘Why are you home so early from school?’ ‘When will you take a girl on a date?’ ‘Why aren’t you at practice or something?’”
“Practice?”
“For a sport,” Logan explained. “He wanted me to be on a sports team.”
“And you didn’t want to be?”
“I was on the newspaper, the yearbook, lots of clubs. Why wasn’t that enough?”
“Was it enough for you?”
“I was happy in my clubs with my friends. We knew and understood each other. But not my father. He never understood me. ‘Real boys are in sports,’ he used to say. Over and over and over.”
“Real boys?”
Logan continued to stare out the window. “That’s what he said. Over and over. ‘Real boys play sports.’ ‘Real boys go to dances.’ ‘Real boys take girls on dates.’ Real boys, real boys, real boys.”
“And how did you feel when you heard that?”
Logan’s view of Lincoln Park blurred behind his tears.
Patrick stood up and took a step toward him. “Logan?”
“His hands were large. Especially to a small boy. Sometimes I didn’t even see them coming.”
“Go on...”
“Sometimes he hit so hard that I hit the wall or fell onto the floor. Once into a glass coffee table.” Logan ran his fingertips over the burn marks on his neck. The bruises were quick – on my cheek, my ear, the side of my head. And I’d lie there, trying to hold in my tears as I am now…staring at him. Until he’d go to the kitchen for another beer, without saying a word.”
“And this happened often?”
Logan wiped the tears from his face. “Too often to ever forget.”
Across town, Cole O’Brien was in a large warehouse for a photo shoot. Wearing only a pair of Cio underwear and standing in front of a green screen, Cole altered his poses as the photographer snapped shot after shot. Lights flashed and staff members watched as Cole worked his magic in front of the camera.
Adam entered from the rear of the room and quietly watched the shoot. After a few minutes passed, one of the staff members called out for Cole to change into another outfit. The photographer paused and several staff members rushed over to Cole to touch up his makeup and help him into a new pair of Cio jeans.
Adam slowly approached Cole as the crew flurried about preparing for the next phase of the shoot. Some crew members carried in a mock stone wall for a backdrop as others adjusted lighting. Another crew member used a can of red spray paint to mark the wall up with graffiti and others moved some large fans to the side.
Noticing Adam, Cole gestured for him to come closer as makeup artists put their finishing touches on his face and body.
“This is quite a production,” Adam observed.
“I know, right? Took me a while to get used to other people dressing me. But it is a business, I guess – and Gino has put quite a bit of faith in me.”
“Rightfully so,” Adam stated. “You’re the face of his entire clothing line. I’m sure you’re doing a great job.”
Cole smiled. “If you had asked me a year ago how I’d be making a living, this would have been the furthest from my mind.”
“Life’s funny. You never know what it’s going to throw at you. I learned that a long time ago.”
“How’s Dustin?” Cole asked as he pulled on the jeans for the next part of the shoot.
“Better,” Adam said. “I saw him earlier today. Thanks for asking.”
“Any idea what happens to him once he’s released?”
“You mean will he be arrested? I have no idea. I know Max hired an attorney for him just in case.”
Cole seemed surprised. “Wait, what? Max hired an attorney for Dustin?”
“He did. His name is Provenzano, I believe.” Adam paused and then added, “I was just as surprised about that as you apparently are.”
“I mean, Derek is still in California and hasn’t really had a chance to think about all this. I’m not sure how he’ll react to what you just shared.”
Hank, the head makeup artist approached Cole. “Ready in ten?”
“Sure thing, Hank,” Cole replied. Hank smiled at Cole and Adam and then walked away.
“I know you’re busy,” Adam stated. “So let me get to the reason that I’m here. Max just hired me to be the new general manager of The Boys and the Booze.”
“Congrats.”
“Thanks. So I’m putting together the opening gala and I’d like you to be a large part of it. What would you think about launching the Cio fall line at the gala?”
Cole paused for a moment. “Well, the timing would be great. But I think Gino would have to make that decision. If he approves, I’m in. It sounds fun.”
“We’re also going to have a float in the Pride parade and we’d like you to be on it.”
Cole smiled. “That’s very flattering but I can’t. I actually just got a call this morning and they have asked me to be the grand marshal for the parade.”
“Oh, wow. That’s really cool.”
“Surprised the hell out of me. I still haven’t gotten used to being a public figure now. I don’t know that I ever will.”
“Still…the grand marshal of Chicago’s Pride events? That’s pretty damn amazing. I guess that means you probably won’t be playing on our new volleyball team.”
“What do you mean? I love volleyball.”
“Well, I’m putting together a team sponsored by the restaurant. A marketing tool for sure, but fun, too. We’ll have the hottest team in the city.”
“Sign me up – as long as you have a few extra players to cover when I’m traveling for shoots.”
“Done.”
Hank came back over to Cole. “We’re ready for you.”
“Okay, thanks.” Cole turned to Adam. “Duty calls.”
“No worries. Thanks for being supportive of my ideas. I’ll be in touch.”
“Take care,” Cole said as he headed back to the center of the room.
While Cole continued his photo shoot, Keith Colgan made his way down the winding cemetery path to the grave of Michael and Mateo’s father. When he reached it, he paused and looked down at the wording on the marker. Kneeling down, Keith placed a bouquet of flowers at the base of the marker.
“I’m so sorry…for everything,” Keith cried softly. “I accept that your son doesn’t forgive me, but I hope you do. Your time with your family was cut short…and now my time with Michael has been cut short, too. Please…g
rant me your forgiveness, so I can move forward. Michael doesn’t know the whole truth, but I’m sure you do...”
At the same time, Emmett and David were talking near the Ciancio pool. Each had a glass of champagne in his hand as a soft breeze blew, keeping the reception guests cool.
“You did a really nice job with the eulogy,” Emmett told David. “You really captured Tyler’s spirit.”
“Thank you.”
“You doing okay?”
“I’m just tired,” David said. “I wish I were headed back to Chicago today with Derek and you.”
“Carlo’s attorney made it clear that you need to stay for the reading of the will. Sounds like you may be included in it.”
“When Tyler and I met with Carlo back in Chicago, he made reference to something he was going to give us when we got here to the mansion. Maybe it’s in the will,” David said. “I’ll just be glad to have it all behind me.” David added, “Of course, walking into my apartment alone for the first time since Tyler’s death won’t be any fun.”
“I can go with you, if that would help. Anything you need, I’m here.”
David hugged Emmett. “You know, next to learning I was Tyler’s twin, the best thing about learning my family history is you.”
Emmett smiled. “You can never have too much family. You know, I talked to Max earlier and he said he already has a potential new roommate for you, if you still want to have one. Our new restaurant manager. I haven’t met him yet, but Max speaks highly of him.”
“Thank you. We can sort through all of that once we get home.”
Gino approached David and Emmett.
“I’m wondering if you two would join me over at the head of the pool there,” Gino said pointing toward the swimming pool. “I have an announcement to make that I’m sure you’ll want to hear, especially you, David.”
“Sure,” Emmett replied as they curiously followed Gino back toward the pool.
With family and guests gathered at the end of the pool closest to the mansion, Gino appeared at the top of the terrace steps to address them. The tree branches high above created a bit of a canopy beneath which Gino began his announcement.
“On behalf of my entire family, I want to thank you all once again for joining us on this special day. While it is certainly a day of sadness and loss, it is also a day of celebration. Together, we celebrate and honor the lives of two amazing men who have touched all our lives in memorable, lasting ways.”
Bella walked through the group ensuring that everyone had a full glass of champagne as Gino invited both Justin and David to join him on the steps.
Gino took Justin’s hand. “This man has been such a rock for me these last few days. With my father dying and my brother missing, I’m not sure how I would have made it without him.” He turned to Justin. “I love you, babe.”
“I love you, too,” Justin replied.
“And although David and I only recently discovered that we are related, we have already become close friends and brothers.” Gino hugged David.
“I am very grateful to have you in my life,” David declared.
“Today we are both suffering the loss of our brother Tyler, but we have reason to celebrate as well. That’s why I have asked you to gather here with me for a short, but important announcement.”
Derek, Joyelle, and Emmett exchanged glances and then returned their focus to Gino. Rachel took a few steps toward the terrace and paused just behind Camille.
“After a few phone calls back and forth to St. Joseph Hospital in Chicago, I am happy to announce that Ciancio International will be adding a large addition to the hospital in honor of our brother. It will be called the Tyler Bennett Ciancio Wellness Center.”
“Wow,” David gasped as the group erupted with applause.
“Tyler was a phenomenal nurse and I know how important wellness was to him, so I could think of no better way to keep his memory alive. When I ran the idea past Justin and he wholeheartedly approved, I made the necessary calls and we are all set. The new facility will house all the hospital’s wellness programs -- from their substance abuse programs to their physical therapy spaces to their nutrition clinics. It will be state of the art, the likes of which Chicago has never seen -- and all under the name of our brother Tyler.”
“He’d be so excited and pleased,” David declared.
“David and Joyelle, I am putting you in charge of the project, if you accept, of course. You will work closely with the architects and designers, as well as Mateo Martinez, to make this all happen.”
Joyelle climbed the stairs to Gino and, with tears in her eyes, embraced him.
“Is that a ‘yes’?” Gino joked.
“Thank you so much for doing this for Tyler,” Joyelle said. “And for us.”
“We accept,” David said, smiling.
“Great,” Gino stated. “Now Tyler will continue to help and care for people well into the future. Thank you all for coming and, please, continue to enjoy the food and drinks as we celebrate the lives of these two special people.”
The guests applauded once more and then dispersed throughout the area.
“Gino,” Joyelle said to him quietly. “I’m wondering if I could talk to you a minute privately.”
“Of course,” Gino replied. “Should we step inside?”
“Perfect,” Joyelle said as she followed Gino into the house.
Camille turned around to face Rachel.
“It’s delightful to finally meet you in person, darling.”
“You know who I am?”
Camille laughed. “Of course, I do. You’re Marco’s once and thankfully no longer fiancée who’s here for a free meal, no doubt.”
“How dare you!”
“He really did the entire family a favor when he called off your wedding. One business our family is not in is trash collection -- and that’s all you are...trash.”
“You bitch,” Rachel sneered as she slapped Camille hard across the face.
The two women quickly attracted the attention of most of the guests situated around the pool.
Camille put her hand up to her cheek momentarily and then belted Rachel across the face so hard that she lost her balance and fell backward into the swimming pool. The gasps of those watching were quickly drowned out by the loud splash Rachel made as she hit the water.
Floundering in the pool for a moment, Rachel eventually got her head above water as Emmett and David rushed over to the edge to assist her.
Camille addressed Rachel again. “While you’re in there, why don’t you clean it a little? The water is looking a bit murky and we all know what a bottom feeder you are.”
Camille turned and walked into the house as David and Emmett struggled to help Rachel out of the pool.
Inside the mansion library, Gino and Joyelle were seated on separate sofas facing one another. A fire crackled in the beautiful fireplace as Joyelle spoke.
“Before I get on the plane home to Chicago, I wanted to tell you something in confidence.”
“Sure.”
“You and I don’t know each other very well, but we do know each other enough for me to know that you are an upstanding and trustworthy person. You’re a good man.”
“Thank you, Joyelle. Is there something I can help you with?”
“Maybe. Right now, there’s just some confidential information that I’d like to share with you.” Joyelle hesitated, looked at the fire, and then looked back at Gino. “You know I’m pregnant.”
Gino looked down at her abdomen momentarily. “I think everyone knows that,” Gino joked.
“What you may not know is that Derek is not the father.”
“I didn’t know that, but it’s really none of my business.”
“Well, it actually may be.”
“I don’t understand.”
At that moment, Camille was walking down the hallway. As she passed the library and saw the door slightly ajar, she peered inside to see Gino and Joyelle talking. She paused outside the doo
r to listen in on the conversation as Joyelle continued.
“My baby is Marco’s.”
Gino raised his eyebrows. “My brother’s? Are you sure?”
Joyelle nodded her head. “I am. I had some tests run to be sure.”
“My God.”
“Nobody knows yet. Certainly not Derek. I’m not sure how or when to tell people. That’s why I wanted to tell you first, especially with Marco missing.”
Gino stood up, walked over to the other sofa, and sat down next to Joyelle. He hugged her gently and said, “Whatever you need, I’m here. Just let me know how I can help.”
Camille silently walked away from the library door and headed down the hallway.
Later that day as a Ciancio jet carrying Emmett, Derek, and Joyelle landed safely in Chicago, Patrick was kneeling in a pew in the St. Joseph Hospital chapel. He looked up at the large crucifix as the shadows from a few of the candles danced over his bearded face.
After a moment, Jacqueline entered the chapel and knelt next to him. She folded her hands and began to silently pray. Patrick looked over to her and then sat up in the pew. After a moment, she concluded her prayer and sat next to him.
“Sometimes it’s good to just have a moment of quiet during the day,” Patrick said quietly. “I’m glad you are doing the same.”
“I wanted to say one last prayer before heading back to St. Louis.”
“You’re going home already? Why don’t you stay here in Chicago a few days? I’m sure Jesse would like that. Besides, you’ve been though a lot.”
Jacqueline shook her head. “No, I need to get back home and Jesse has enough to worry about without having to worry about me. I’ll be fine.”
“You’re his mother and you’ve suffered a significant loss. I’m sure he’d feel better if you stayed.”
“It’s better for both of us if I go,” Jacqueline insisted. “It’s time.”
“You know I’m always here for you, no matter where you are or what you need. I’m just a phone call away.”
Jacqueline hugged Patrick. “You have been a great help and comfort to me. And to Jesse. We’ll never be able to repay you.”
