185
It’s a week later and we’re all seated in the private dining area of a lovely restaurant called—Puccini’s.
It’s not just me and my lovers. Vincent Bernardo is here too, as are three Lombardo captains we haven’t seen in a long time, Angelo, Reggie and Peter.
Also in intendance are Don Torrio with his six captains and Leo Abruzzi with the other four Cassaduchi captains, Dickie, Paulie, Mitch and Sonny.
Don Torrio stands and taps his champagne flute. It’s speech time.
“It’s been a long time since we were all in one room together. There’s been too much bad blood. Let me be the first to say—I look forward to a new era of peace, prosperity and friendship under Donna Chelsea Lombardo’s leadership.” He nods to me and raises his glass,“Cent’anni.”
Everyone clinks their glasses with whomever is nearest and they all say, “Cent’anni.” It means—One hundred years.
If I take care of myself, I could live that long!
Leo Abruzzi stands next. “People who wanna be boss,” he shrugs, “they should know, huh?”
Everyone laughs and smiles.
“In light of recent events, I’ve been elected to speak on behalf ofour thing,and we want you to know, Donna Lombardo, that no one on this side is going to be stepping up. We figure, all things considered, we’ll be kicking up to you…if you’re okay with that?”
He sits. He means that sinceIkilled their boss,I’mtheir boss now, because they aren’t going to fight amongst themselves for succession. It was the plan all along, he’s simply making it official in front of everybody.
I stand to make a speech of my own.
“Thank you, Leo. I accept. I also want to thank you for making this transition smooth for everybody. You’ve been a good friend to my family. I take you as my underboss. Everyone should know, when Leo speaks, he is doing so with my voice.” I pause then raise my glass to him, “Cent’anni.”
Everyone clinks glasses again and cheers Leo.
When they’re done, I speak once more, “Don Torrio, thank you for your kind words. You support has meant everything. You were a friend to my father…and in recent times you have shown your friendship to me as well. May it ever continue to be so. We will do great things together.”
He smiles and nods.
“Now, let’s eat!”
People raise their glasses again and cheer. As the servers come in, I look at Antonio, Christian and Daniel—All of them are smiling at me.Even Vincent has a grin on his face.
Talk about rags to riches…this is one screenplay Hollywood will never see.
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