Insecurity and a Bottle of Merlot (22 page)

“Great idea, Max. I like it,” Karen agreed.

“I do too. I’d also put a bicycle rack, some hooks for dog leashes and dog water bowls outside,” Mario added. “That’s the type of extras people like. Every store in the ski towns do it. I’m already doing it in Hunter. What do you think, Karen?”

“I like everything you both said. The only additional things I’d do, is make the name of the store larger on the windows. We have windows facing both major streets. We need the name on each side in bold letters. Also, I really like the idea of a cool awning over the door. It will look classy and inviting, but not over the top. I can take care of all of that, if you two agree.”

“Sounds good to me. Mario?” Max asked.

Mario looked at Karen and smiled. “I say yes. Plus the smartest move we’ve made so far is bringing Karen on board. You’re exactly what we need.”

And you’re exactly what I need, Mario
, she thought, giving him her sultriest smile in return.

Chapter Thirty

The seasons were changing. Summer heat and humidity waned into crisp fall mornings. Skies darkened earlier and night set in by six-thirty in the evening.

Mario brought home Vic’s invitation for the grand opening and after-party. He handed it to her as she sat on the couch watching Court TV and eating Doritos.

“Now what?” she asked. Vic paused the TV and tore open the envelope. She reached for her bubblegum pink readers lying on the coffee table.

Mario planted himself in front of her, standing his ground. With his arms crossed, he waiting for her protests. She wouldn’t get off that easy.

“Mario… ” The pleading began. She dropped back on the couch, pouting like a child and burrowing under the pillows.

“Really, Vic? How old are you… five? I’m your brother, and you’re going to attend this grand opening and party to make me happy. What a novel idea, huh? Something that isn’t about you.”

“You don’t have to be so nasty to me,” she whined.

“I do if it’s the only way to get your attention. Saturday morning were going shopping together.”

“What the hell for?” she grumbled, throwing the remote at him.

“I need a great looking suit for the after-party, and, you, my crazy Puerto Rican sister? You’re going to buy a smokin’ hot dress that will make Max weak in the knees when he sees you. We’ll call it the cost of doing business. Come hell or high water, I’m going to rally the troops and get you two love birds back together. I don’t need a brain dead business partner, or a brain dead sister on my hands. I planned to let it go, but you’re better together than apart, so that’s how it’s going to be. Any questions?”

“Yeah… who made you my boss?” Vic threw a couch pillow at him, and laughed. “I love you, bro, even though you’re neurotic and a pain in my over-sized ass.”

“So we have a deal for Saturday morning? I’ll even buy the dress for you,” he said, kissing her forehead.

“Yeah… whatever. You have a deal.”

Mario and Vic took the train into the city Saturday morning. They decided to make it a fun day of shopping, sightseeing and eating. No visiting crazy cousins, just the two siblings enjoying each other’s company. Before shopping began, they toured The Cloisters in Upper Manhattan. Vic remembered the family doing outings together a few times a year when she was young. Money was tight, so they would decide as a group where to go. They loved The Cloisters, even as children, and chose that most often. The peaceful gardens, and magnificent collections were something they loved to see. It was hard for Vic to remember, but she knew the visits stopped abruptly, for some reason.

She sat alone on the only granite bench in the shade of that large Cypress tree. The far end of the gardens didn’t get many visitors. It was a quiet and forgotten place. Small stones filled her hand. She studied them closely like prized possessions. She twisted each one between her fingers until the light hit them just right. Some held tiny grains of quartz that glistened when she found a ray of sun. Vic smiled at them. It was almost childlike, the way they pleased her. Memories from her youth ran through her mind, some vivid, some faint. She remembered sitting on the very bench long ago, holding rocks and being mesmerized by their sparkling colors. Only a child then, she couldn’t have been more than six. She was hidden within the shade of the large Cypress tree that day. She fell asleep and her family couldn’t find her. They called her name, over and over again. They frantically searched for hours and even involved security. The oldest brother, Carlos, eventually found her, and called her horrible names for upsetting everyone. They missed lunch and most of the exhibits because of her. It was all her fault. She was stupid and ugly with that long, frizzy hair. She ruined their day. The children were mad at her for weeks. They never returned to The Cloisters. Even her parents said it was because she traumatized everyone. The memories were sketchy at best, but she was sure they were true.
Could that have something to do with my insecurities?

“Sis? I knew I’d find you here.” Mario approached Vic after watching from a distance. He was young then and couldn’t remember that day, but was told about it from his brothers every time Vic did something wrong.

“Mario, do you think Carlos and the others have something against me? We aren’t close, like you and I are.”

“We’re the youngest, of course we’d be closer. How about lunch? Have you seen enough?” Mario didn’t want Vic to bring up bad memories. Today needed to be a day filled with fun and laughter.

They left The Cloisters and the memories behind. The ten minute walk through Fort Tryon Park was relaxing. They caught up on some much needed bonding, brother and sister style. The forty-five minute subway ride to midtown offered great people watching. Vic and Mario took turns jabbing each other in the side when someone interesting caught their attention. Vic took in the sights and the jarring of the train, as it made its starts and stops while getting closer to midtown and the shopping district.

“Would you ever trade small town life for this craziness, Mario?”

“Never in a hundred lifetimes. How about you?”

“Nope, my feet are planted in Tarrytown for good.”

They walked for several hours, enjoying everything Times Square had to offer. Lights flashing, cabs honking, and people hurrying to get somewhere, often with scowls on their faces while they pushed through the crowds, mesmerized them. Vic and Mario ducked into the nearest Starbuck’s for an espresso. A boost of energy would hold them over. They fell into the cushy chairs, both exhaling at the same time. Vic brought the demitasse cup close to her nose and inhaled the deep brown elixir. The strong coffee smelled heavenly. It was the magic potion that would get them through shopping. Their legs were tired, and they still had hours to go.

“Okay, Sis, where do you want to shop?” Mario asked, hoping she would pick a store nearby.

“Let’s go to Macy’s. We can both find what we need there. To be honest, Mario, I’m exhausted already. Maybe we should have lunch first to perk us up.”

“Find a decent restaurant between here and Macy’s on Google maps. We can head there now.”

“Okay, I found a pizzeria halfway to Macy’s. It has good reviews and four stars. We only have a few blocks to walk on 7th Avenue. C’mon, we’re out of here.”

They entered the small pizzeria. Prime real estate on 7th Avenue couldn’t afford mid-priced restaurants a lot of space. Vic and Mario needed to adjust their eyes to the dimly lit room. Six booths lined the wall. A table with four chairs sat on either side of the door. Red checked tablecloths and an Italian motif decorated the tiny establishment. The smell of pizza baking in the stone oven was divine. A portly Italian man threw dough to the delight of several families in the booths. It was a show all its own.

It was six o’clock by the time Mario and Vic dropped into the seats of the train back to Tarrytown. Vic was certain her arms were longer just from the weight of the bags they carried around for hours.

“Was that an awesome day or what?” Mario asked, his voice sounding exhausted.

“Yeah, and you know what, bro?”

“What?” Mario raised his eyebrows and turned his head toward her.

“We’re going to be the hottest looking siblings at that party.”

“I’m sure we’ll be the only siblings at that party.”

“Yeah, but we’re still going to be the hottest.”

They both dozed off clutching their bags in their hands.

***

Vic gathered the girls for lunch at her house on Tuesday. Finger food, sandwiches and sweets filled the table. Chilled Sangria was in the beautiful, cut glass pitcher handed down from her grandmother. Slices of strawberries, oranges and limes bobbed up and down with each pour. A variety of cheese cubes with colorful toothpicks sat on Fiestaware in the flamingo shade of red.

“This is different, Vic. We always meet somewhere for lunch. What gives?” Karen asked, after air kisses were exchanged.

“Nothing much. I just wanted my besties here for lunch. I’m going to model the dress Mario bought me Saturday when we went to the city.”

“Oh cool,” Sasha said, bouncing in her chair. “Everyone is going to the opening Friday night, right?” she looked around, acknowledging everyone’s affirmative nods.

“I’ll admit, I’m kind of nervous.” Vic wiped imaginary crumbs off the tablecloth as she spoke.

“We’ll have a great time, hon. You should be proud of Mario. This is what, his third store now?” Mia asked, already knowing the answer, but trying to get Vic’s mind off Max. She popped a handful of green olives into her mouth. “So, go put on the dress. We’re dying to see it.”

“Okay, but I want you guys to know it was Mario who picked it out. It’s kind of racy, even though I probably would have picked out the same dress. I’m just saying.” Vic giggled and trotted off to the bedroom.

“Friday night should be interesting,” Tina said.

They heard the clip clop of heels coming toward them from the hallway. Vic stopped before turning the corner to build the suspense. There were four waiting bodies at the kitchen table with eyes bulging and mouths agape.

“Okay… here I come.” She was giggling again.

“Well, do it already, for crap’s sake,” they said, in unison.

“Holy mother of Jesus and God! You look better than me,” Sasha blurted out.

Everyone rolled their eyes and laughed at the nonsense that always spewed from Sasha’s mouth.

The grin spread across Vic’s face as she pranced around like a new filly full of energy and life. The silver, shimmery dress clung to her every curve. Thin spaghetti straps were all that dangerously held up her ample breasts, and they still heaved over the décolletage neckline. The hemline was so short it barely covered the Kardashian sized butt Vic loved and hated, depending on what she was wearing at the time.

“Oh my friggin God, how are you going to sit in that thing?” Mia asked, her mouth still gaping open with remnants of green olives on her teeth.

“I have no idea. I guess I’ll stand all night. I’m not putting it on until we get to the after-party anyway. At the grand opening I’ll be casual like everyone else.” Vic was still giggling. “Can you believe Mario picked this out?”

“Uh… duh… he’s a guy,” Tina said.

“I’ve got a great idea,” Karen added. “Let’s all change into hot as hell, provocative dresses once we get to the after-party. That way Vic won’t look like a slut all by herself. We can join her. It will be a riot!”

“Damn girl, you’re hanging out with Sasha too much,” Mia said, cracking up. “But, I’ll admit, it is a great idea. Let’s do it. None of our guys will be able to take their eyes off us.”

“That’s hilarious, Mia, since you’re the only one with a guy,” Vic said, correcting her.

“True, but by the end of the night, who knows?”

Chapter Thirty One

Friday arrived and the grand opening was in full swing. People lined up to take advantage of the ten percent discount on their merchandise total. Everyone hoped to be the winner of the two hundred dollars in Geared Up Bucks.

Karen made sure everything ran smoothly, like a well-oiled machine.
No hiccups, no mistakes. Today has to be perfect,
she thought
.
Mario was well aware of her business sense and abilities, but she also wanted him to notice her as a single woman interested in him.

A local catering service had snacks and beverages set up along the street in front of the store entrance. Every dog owner was given biscuits for their beloved pets. Water bowls were filled with fresh water every half hour for those thirsty pooches. Free face painting and small toys were given to the kids. Helium balloons tied to the potted evergreens swayed in the breeze. Even the local TV station and
Daily Gazette
stopped by to take pictures and get a quick interview with either Max or Mario. Mia ran around snapping candid shots and videos for their own memories.

Everyone pitched in to get the store off to a great start. Vic and Max bumped into each other constantly, she, stocking shelves, he, helping customers. They politely apologized each and every time. Sideways glances and smiles lit the girl’s faces as they deliberately found ways to push Vic and Max together.

The first day wound down, and the crowd dispersed by five-thirty. At six o’clock the store closed with everyone sighing from exhaustion. The grand opening was a huge success with total sales of $6239.00 for the day. It was cause for celebration and the after-party would begin at seven- thirty.

The trunk of Karen’s car was filled with gorgeous dresses sheathed in garment bags. Shoe boxes and handbags sat on the floor in the back seat. The girls left first for the Inn Along the Hudson to change clothes and freshen up. They rented one room for the night just to have a place to shower and change. Aaron, Max and Mario stayed behind to restock, straighten up and close the store.

The two double-bed suite they reserved was crowded with women. Glamorous dresses lay across the beds. Shoes were tripped over. Non-stop chatter filled the room. They took turns speed showering and applying makeup in the brightly lit bathroom. The large dresser with a full sized mirror was their staging area for hair and primping. By seven-fifteen the girls were transformed into Cinderella’s on their way to the ball. Mia took individual pictures of each of them and a group shot using the timer and tripod. They were indeed like sisters. Each had their own distinct beauty and quirky personality, but they all had the same amount of love in their hearts, with a little extra waiting to be appreciated by a good man.