by Jake Biondi
“I’m sorry,” Justin said, kissing Gino’s chest.
“It’s been months and no sign of him. I’ve tried to be hopeful and optimistic, but it may be time to accept the fact that he’s not going to be found. His body must have been swept away in that ravine like the police said.”
“You’ve been so strong since the crash,” Justin stated. “I’m so sorry.”
“It’s time to stop throwing money at the private search team and see how to go about having my brother declared legally dead.”
“Are you sure?”
Gino kissed Justin’s forehead. “I am.”
“Do you want to have a memorial service for him? Or something to celebrate his life?”
“I’ll think about that. Right now, I think an acknowledgment at our wedding would be nice.”
Justin smiled. “I agree.” Justin played with the partial key that was resting on Gino’s chest. “You’ve been wearing this key around your neck ever since your father gave it to you.”
“It reminds me of him. Keeps him close to my heart.”
“Do you have any idea yet what it’s for?”
“None,” Gino admitted. “I haven’t really put any effort into figuring it out. I figured that Marco would know what to do with it, as Father said, but we never found him. And with all that’s been going on in our lives lately, I haven’t had much time to think any more about it.”
“Speaking of all the things going on in our lives, I’d like to spend our wedding night on the yacht, if that’s okay with you.”
“Of course.”
“I just figured that since we’re not going on a honeymoon right away, it might be special to spend the night on the boat. It is my wedding present, after all.”
Gino smiled. “I love you so much.”
“I love you, too. And I can’t wait to finally be your husband.”
Gino rolled over on top of him. “You already are, as far as I’m concerned. The ceremony is just a formality. You’re mine.”
Gino kissed him passionately as Justin wrapped his legs around him and prepared for Gino to make love to him.
At the same time in St. Louis, Jacqueline Morgan was standing in the baby’s room in her house. Her painter was putting lids on his paint cans and finishing up for the day. She adjusted the position of the crib in the corner.
“All set,” the painter said.
Jacqueline looked up from her task to examine the room. The walls were pink with small butterflies stenciled on them, whimsical light fixtures hung from the ceiling, and a rocker chair stood near the window.
“It looks beautiful. You do fantastic work.”
“Thank you. I appreciate that.”
Jacqueline walked to the baby changing table, picked up a pre-written check, and handed it to her friend.
“There you go. I added a little to the total because you finished the job so quickly.”
The painter examined the check. “Thank you. I’m really glad to hear that your daughter is coming home sooner than you expected.”
Jacqueline smiled. “She is. The doctors say she really took a turn for the better. So I get to go to Chicago tomorrow and finally bring her back home.”
“Well, that is truly a miracle. There’s nothing more beautiful than a healthy child,” the man said.
“I couldn’t agree more,” Jacqueline agreed with a wide smile.
The next day, Jesse met with Logan in his office first thing in the morning. They sat beside one another at the table in the corner of Logan’s office reviewing some documents together.
“I just think we could cut some costs on the Smith account and save them some money. That would build some good will.”
“Good point,” Logan agreed.
Jesse closed one folder and opened another. “And I was looking at these figures as well. Doesn’t it seem like the marketing budget is bloated a bit?”
“Bloated?” Logan repeated.
Jesse smiled. “You know what I mean. It just seems excessive.”
“Perhaps.” Logan looked up from the documents. “What did you do, go through every one of my client’s budgets?”
Jesse sat up in the chair. “I just did a quick overview of all accounts in the division, that’s all.”
“Wow,” Logan mumbled.
“I’m a partner now, it’s expected of me.”
“I suppose you’re right.”
Jesse reached out and grabbed Logan’s hand. “That’s enough work talk for now. How about we take a break and talk about us?”
Logan smiled. “I prefer that topic.”
“Me, too,” Jesse stated. “Cole’s started packing to move out of the apartment.”
“Have you decided what you want to do?”
“I was hoping we could talk about that.”
“Of course,” Logan said. “What would you like to do?”
“Honestly? I want to live with you.”
Logan’s face lit up. “Oh, my God. I was hoping you’d say that. I have been wanting to ask.”
“You have?” Jesse laughed. “I have been avoiding the subject because I didn’t want you to think I was pressuring you.”
“Pressuring me? I was avoiding the subject because I didn’t think you’d want to move into a condo that I used to share with your father.”
“We’d make it our own,” Jesse said. “It would be like a new place.”
“Whatever you want. It’s due for a makeover anyway. I’m just so excited to hear you saying all this.”
Jesse leaned over and kissed Logan. “Taking our relationship to the next level has always been on my mind, Logan. I love you.”
“I love you, too,” Logan said. He added, “You can start packing tonight right alongside Cole.”
“You can help,” Jesse stated, giving Logan a wink.
Logan laughed. “Fair enough.”
While Logan and Jesse discussed their future, Patrick Provenzano and Emmett Mancini were standing at the back of a boat riding along the Chicago River. With the sun sparkling on the river’s surface, they looked up at all the tall buildings lining the banks of the river.
“It’s so funny,” Emmett said. “When you live in Chicago as long as I have, you often forget all the amazing things the city has to offer. It’s only when a friend comes to visit or someone moves here as you did that you remind yourself what a great place Chicago is.”
“I love it here,” Patrick admitted. “And seeing it all with you is even better.”
Emmett smiled. “With the restaurant and club opening, I haven’t had much time for things like boat rides or walks in the park.”
“We need to change that then. Life’s too short.”
“I guess,” Emmett said as he gazed up at the Wrigley Building.
“Do you have time for lunch after this?”
“Sure,” Emmett said. “That’d be great.”
The men stood beside each other for a few moments as the boat slowly made its way along the river toward Lake Michigan.
“So, what is going on between the two of us?” Emmett asked, breaking the silence.
“What do you mean?”
“You know what I mean, Patrick. There’s something here, something special between us.”
Patrick held Emmett’s hand. “I know,” he said smiling. “But do we have to label it?”
“I guess not.”
“I’m really enjoying getting to know you, learning all about you, and spending time with you. You’re a special man and I really like you.”
“I like you, too.”
“So how about we just keep on doing what we’re doing and see where it leads?”
Emmett smiled and hugged Patrick tightly. “Sounds like a plan.”
Hand in hand, Emmett and Patrick continued to enjoy the views of the city as the boat went through the locks and entered Lake Michigan.
That night, Derek and Cole had dinner with David and Adam at The Boys and The Booze.
Seated at a table in the window, the f
our men were enjoying their entrees in the midst of the packed restaurant.
“Is it weird eating here when you work here all the time?” Cole asked Adam.
“Not really,” Adam replied. “This is my life now. Everyone always thinks the restaurant business is so glamorous. Try working in it for a while. It’s hard work twenty-four seven.”
“He’s not kidding,” David added. “He’s rarely home. He should take a guest room upstairs with Emmett and Jensen.”
“But I love it. Managing this place is a dream come true for me. I’m very lucky.”
David took a sip of his wine and then said, “So the plans for your bachelor bash are set and it’s going to be an awesome night.”
“Thanks for organizing it,” Derek stated. “We all appreciate it. You put in a lot of time.”
“Well, Adam helped a lot, too. It should be fun.”
“Thank you both,” Cole added.
“Speaking of fun, I want to tell you about my wedding present.”
“David, you have already done too much. You don’t need to be getting us presents,” Cole said. “Really.”
“Don’t be silly,” David said. “Of course I do. And I think you’ll like this one.” David paused to drink some more wine. “I know that you aren’t going on a honeymoon right away because of Cole’s travel schedule for Cio. So I talked to my friend who manages the Waldorf Astoria and my gift to you is the governor’s suite for your wedding night.”
“Wow,” Derek gasped.
“I thought it would be a special place for your wedding night. It’s huge, just wait ‘til you see it.”
“We checked it out and it’s pretty amazing,” Adam added.
“There’s only one suite in the hotel that’s bigger but it’s actually booked on your wedding weekend.”
Cole laughed. “Sounds like this one will be plenty big for two people.”
“You’re getting more than just the suite. You’re getting the royal treatment including a spa day. It’s as close as you can come to a honeymoon without actually being one.”
“Sounds perfect. Thank you so much.”
“My pleasure. You guys have been so wonderful to me, accepting me into the family and everything, that I wanted to do something special for you.”
“Very much appreciated,” Derek said.
A waiter approached Adam and whispered into his ear.
“Excuse me,” Adam told his friends. “Sounds like I’m needed in the kitchen for a moment. Be right back.” Adam stood up and followed the server into the kitchen.
“So,” Cole said to David. “What’s up with the two of you? You can’t keep your eyes off each other.”
David blushed. “We’re just getting to know each other.”
Derek laughed. “Getting to know each other? If no one were here, I think he’d jump on you right here in the window.”
Cole rolled his eyes at Derek. “It seems like you two are really hitting it off.”
“We are,” David admitted. “It’s nice. I really like him.”
“That’s great. You deserve to be happy and he seems like a great guy.”
“Certainly better than Dustin. God knows what Adam ever saw in him.”
Cole looked at Derek. “Did you really have to go there?”
“It’s okay,” David said. “Adam and I have discussed Dustin already. He’s over him and it’s all good.”
“Are you bringing Adam to the wedding?”
“Of course,” David said. “He’s very excited. He loves you guys.”
“Perfect,” Cole stated. “So excited for you…and for Adam. He’s a very lucky guy.”
“I think we both are.”
“I think we all are,” Derek said as he kissed Cole.
In the secluded room, Camille Ciancio and Mateo stood over Marco Ciancio as he lay in the hospital bed. Mateo watched the monitors as Marco began to move in the bed.
“He’s slowly coming out of it,” Mateo explained to Camille. “Be patient and don’t jump all over him when his eyes open. Give him time.”
“I understand,” Camille said as she put her hands on the rail of Marco’s bed.
Marco sighed a bit and moved his head. Slowly, his eyes opened and scanned the room. After a moment, he focused directly on Camille.”
“Aunt Camille?”
She smiled. “Marco.”
“Where am I? What happened?”
“You’re safe. You’re here with me and Dr. Martinez.”
Marco looked at Mateo. “Doctor…”
“Take it easy, Marco. You’ve been through quite an ordeal.”
“The plane crashed. Where are the others?”
Camille took his hand. “They’re fine. You’re going to be fine, too.”
“I’m going to test your reflexes and check you out a bit, okay?”
Marco cleared his throat. “Okay.”
“Do you want some water?” Camille asked as Mateo began to examine Marco’s knees and feet.
“Please.”
Camille poured a cup of water and then adjusted the bed slightly to help Marco sit up more. She handed him the cup and assisted as he drank from it.
“Your reflexes look good,” Mateo said. “And all your vitals are good, too.”
“What happened to me?”
“You’ve been in a coma since the plane wreck. We’ve been monitoring your condition.”
“For how long?”
“It’s mid-September,” Camille said. “So almost four months.”
Marco began to get agitated. “Four months?”
“Stay calm, it’s okay. You’re fine, everything is fine.”
“Where’s Gino? Where’s Father?”
Camille looked at Mateo and then back at Marco. “Gino is fine, he’s just fine.”
“And Father? And the others?”
“You need to stay calm, Marco. That’s very important,” Mateo declared.
Marco sat up further in the bed. “It’s more important that I know how everyone is.”
“You need your rest.”
Marco began to pull tubes from his arm as Mateo lunged forward to stop him.
“What are you doing?” Mateo yelled, trying to get Marco back into bed.
Marco jumped from the bed. “Tell me what is going on...now!” Marco lost his balance and fell toward the wall. He put his arm out to stop from falling.
Camille grabbed him and urged him into a nearby chair.
“Marco, you can’t be on your feet yet.”
Marco sat in the chair as Mateo tended to the tube hanging from his hand.
“What the hell aren’t you telling me?”
“Okay, okay,” Camille said, pulling a chair over toward Marco’s. “We’ll tell you but you need to remain calm, okay?”
“Just tell me.”
“As you know, the crash was terrible. You’re lucky to be alive.”
“What happened to the others?” Marco asked angrily.
“Gino is fine. So are Justin, Max, Emmett, David, and Derek.”
“And Father? What about Father?”
Camille’s eyes filled with tears. “Your father and Tyler didn’t make it.”
Marco grabbed Camille’s arms and shook her. “No! No!”
Mateo put his hands on Marco’s shoulders to calm him. “I’m sorry, Marco. We both are, but you need to remain calm.”
Tears rolled down Marco’s cheeks. “Not Father. No.”
Camille hugged her nephew. “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.”
“He’s been gone four months?”
“Yes. They both have,” Mateo said, cleaning and bandaging the places on his arms where the tubes had been inserted.
“Where’s Gino now? Why isn’t he here? Why isn’t anyone else here?”
“They gave up on you,” Camille lied. “I’m the only one who held out hope.”
“What are you talking about?”
“There’s a lot to tell you.”
“Maybe tomorrow,” Mateo stated
. “You need to rest.”
“I want to know everything right now.”
“Okay, okay,” Camille said. “Mateo, why don’t you get him some water while we talk?”
Mateo rolled his eyes, then left the room to get some water for Marco.
“We laid your father and Tyler to rest in the family crypt at the estate, as they had requested.”
“Tyler,” Marco whispered. “Joyelle must have been devastated.”
Camille nodded. “She was very upset.”
“Gino must have been devastated about Father.”
“He was, he was.”
“But what happened to me? I don’t understand.”
“You were thrown from the wreckage, far from the others. They searched for you and so did the police. For a long time. But then they gave up.”
“And you didn’t?”
“I’d never give up on one of my nephews. So, I hired my own private search team and they found you. You were in pretty bad shape but we got you here to this private clinic and I hired Mateo to care for you.”
“What happened when you told Gino?”
“He was happy and excited, of course. But then he stopped coming to visit. I’m so disappointed in him. He abandoned you for the company. And for the Mancinis.”
“What are you talking about?”
“Your father left the mansion solely to Gino, but he left the majority of the company to you.”
“My God...”
“But in the event of your death or incapacitation, your father gave me your portion of the company. Gino has savored that. He’s become power-hungry and almost unrecognizable.”
“What do you mean?”
“He’s trying to manipulate me and exploit my lack of knowledge about the company. David received some of the company as well and they have been forcing me to make decisions because I don’t have all the knowledge and experience that they do. Gino knows that if you ever came back and took control, you’d overrule him and the things he wants to accomplish.”
“And what did you mean about the Mancinis?”
“Gino wants to get along with them. He is still going to marry Justin. He is funding a wellness center in Tyler’s name completely paid for by the company. He joined forces with Derek and Emmett to fund a new youth center. He is doing everything he can to destroy your father’s legacy. You father specifically directed me in his will to destroy the Mancinis and your brother wants to play nice with them in a sandbox instead.”
