Crown of confessions, p.18
Crown of Confessions, page 18
When I returned home, Dr. Mancuso made a house call to check in on Ms. G. He was an old family friend and had been her doctor for years. Besides her father and now me, he was the only medical person she ever trusted.
We discussed her latest episode, and he agreed that her disease had progressed. Her medication was altered, and he and I set up a medical plan if she’d need more advanced therapies and further care.
Ms. G. complained of faint dizzy spells—something she’d never mentioned to me before, but if her stories told me anything, she was good at hiding things—a symptom of being a Mafia queen. It explained why she fell in the garden a few months ago. I’d made her use a cane to help with her ankle, but that could’ve masked her symptoms.
The doctor thought it might’ve been a case of vertigo from a possible inner ear infection, so he ordered some antibiotics and various tests to rule things out. He made a few recommendations about her diet and left. With this news, I’d have to watch her more carefully and look for signs of a possible stroke or heart problems. My experience as a caretaker told me that the next few months would be a challenge.
The next morning, I was up early to check on Ms. G. I helped her get dressed and served her breakfast. “You never told me you were dizzy.”
“Big deal,” she clipped.
“It is a big deal. I’m here to care for you, and I need to know when something is bothering you.” I placed the blood pressure cuff around her arm for our daily checkup.
“Don’t you know enough?” Ms. G. barked. “You watch me eat. You watch me take a crap. Hell, you know everything. I got no privacy. All I do is sit around here getting ready to die.”
Sadly, I’d seen this many times with my clients. They felt vulnerable and dependent. For someone like Ms. G., the feeling of isolation made her feel like a caged animal. I’d have to do something to perk her up.
“You want to go out for lunch? Maybe take a drive to Goosetown? But we need to watch your salt intake. Too much sausage and peppers. Maybe a salad today.”
“A salad?” She raised her voice. “Greens are for the goats. I’m not hungry, and I don’t want to go anywhere. I’m tired.” She reached for her crochet needle and yarn.
“How about a walk in the garden for some exercise?” I looked down at the blood pressure cuff. The reading was slightly elevated. A nice walk would help bring it down. “After you eat your breakfast, I’ll grab your cane and we’ll go outside. Okay?”
She rolled her eyes.
I got up to put the cuff back in my bag. The doorbell rang.
“I’ll get it.”
“Who in the hell is it now? Tell them to go away,” she snarled from the living room.
“Boy, did you wake up on the wrong side of the bed today,” I said under my breath. I opened the door to a familiar face.
Sofia stood in her six-inch heels with two Louis Vuitton bags at her side. She waved away a black limousine and came toward me with open arms. “Surprise! I thought if I told you I was coming, you might tell my aunt.”
“I’m pretty sure I’ve proven that I can keep a secret.” I hugged her back.
A slight giggle escaped her lips as she lifted her black sunglasses on top of her head.
“Hey, isn’t that Joey Flora in that van?” Sofia squinted into the distance, then waved. “Hey Joey, you coming in?” she yelled at the van. Sofia turned back to me.
“I think he’s here because of me,” I said as the man waved his hand at Sofia.
“Why, what happened?”
“Oh, it’s nothing. Someone’s been calling the house. Like prank calls. The last time they called, Alessandro was here. He thought it was best to have some guys watch the house for a while.”
“My cousin can be protective.”
“Very.”
“After your call, I thought it was time I spent some time with my godmother, and I need her to sign some papers in the will. The estate now passes into her name.”
“She’ll be thrilled to see you. I should warn you now, she’s been a little cranky today. The doctor adjusted her meds. She says she’s been experiencing some dizzy spells.”
“She’s dizzy?”
“Apparently. She hadn’t said a word until today. I haven’t noticed any balance issues, but she uses her cane from time to time because of the fall. It may be an ear infection. The doctor ordered some antibiotics. But now that I know, I’ll keep a closer eye on her. A salt-free diet should help reduce the risk of any blood pressure fluctuations.”
“Okay. Well, you know best. Where is she?” Sofia looked down the hall.
“She’s in the living room.”
“Zia, I’m here,” Sofia yelled and whisked past me with luggage in tow.
Sofia’s energy changed things in the Giordano home. For the next few days, people I didn’t know filled the house. Cousins, friends, and many older Mafia men who still wore three-piece suits with hats, ate, drank, and smoked cigars outside. When they weren’t drinking and smoking, they’d sit around the table and tell old stories. The minute I entered the room to check on Ms. G., they’d change the subject.
Angelo and Alessandro stopped by and brought food from the deli. I’d asked them to make Ms. G. some healthier options, but she turned her nose up at the flavor and told Angelo he should close up shop because his food “stinks” now.
There were even a few intense poker games. Sofia promised she wouldn’t let the guys stay too late, and it made Ms. G. happy, so I sat back and let her relish it. She was surrounded by her people telling stories in her home. The past few days made her look youthful, and I was extremely grateful for her visitors, mafiosos or not.
Alessandro made sure to introduce me to some of the biggest Mafia men that ruled San Jose, and when they talked about Ms. G.’s father, Giuseppe, it was like I knew him. They told me about the parties they’d had over the years, and I felt like I’d lived it through Ms. G.’s stories.
I met not only the older generation but their families as well. Some were realtors, teachers, and well-known businessmen. One guy was the chief of the fire department, and another was a famous singer who serenaded Ms. G. with Italian songs all night. I even met an author who wanted to write a story about the family. I wasn’t sure how that would go, considering the pledge of secrecy required in this life, but if I ever saw it on a bookshelf, I’d probably buy it to see how true it was to the stories I’d been told.
On the surface, they looked like regular, law-abiding citizens, but with this family’s history, if anyone knew the whole truth, it would be cause for alarm. They were friendly and welcoming to me, and that was all that mattered. Many of them thanked me for taking care of Ms. G. Sometimes, she even introduced me as her daughter.
As strange as it was, I felt part of something much bigger than myself—part of a family with rich history and a need for one another. I was naturally drawn to them. But I knew enough about them to know that although they were loving people, they were also fierce—a clan of sorts, bonded by blood, where family and loyalty meant everything. If I crossed them, I’d pay the consequences, no matter how many years had passed. I wouldn’t let their age and wrinkles fool me. As I’d seen with Ms. G.’s power wielded on Marcus, it only took one phone call.
I opened the sliding door to find Ms. G. sitting in her recliner with Sofia fixing her hair. She had on a dress she’d never worn before, but for some reason it seemed familiar.
“You look beautiful. Where are you two going?”
“I’m taking Zia to Bakersfield to see her nieces and nephews. My Zia Carmela’s grandchildren.”
My pulse picked up. “Sofia, may I speak to you in private?”
“Sure,” she said. “Hold this brush, Zia. I’ll be right back.”
“Are you sure this is a good idea?” I whispered. “She hasn’t been anywhere except a few occasional trips to Goosetown in a long time. It might cause her some confusion, not to mention the dizziness.”
“I don’t want to do anything to upset her. I promise I’ll give her the meds and watch what she eats.” Sofia pleaded her case.
“I understand. It’s just that . . .”
“I thought it would be good for her to see some family.”
“No matter what she tells you, I’m goin’,” Ms. G. yelled from the living room. “You should be happy. I put in my God damn hearing aid today.” Her voice bellowed through the house.
I rolled my eyes.
“I rented a car. If it gets too much, I’ll bring her right back. My cousins will understand.”
“Okay,” I said, skeptical. “I suppose one night would be okay, but if something happens, call me right away.”
“I will. You have my word,” she said in a bubbly voice. “By the way, my cousin told me he wanted to have you over for dinner, and now you have a night off.”
“We talked about it. He said he wanted to make me dinner. Since you’ll be gone now, I guess that works.”
“Seems like you two are hitting it off. Zia says he’s here every day and that you guys can’t keep your hands off each other.” She laughed.
My cheeks flamed. I wonder where Ms. G. came up with that? We’ve never kissed in front of her or the kids. “Your aunt’s funny.” I looked out the window to see if she could view the inside of my house from her recliner.
“Come on, you can tell me,” Sofia teased.
“Hmm, yeah, well . . .” I avoided her teasing look. “So far, things are good. He’s been a big help around here, and he’s sweet to me.”
“Sweet, huh?”
Out of habit, I reached for my scar.
“I meant to tell you, that doc did a good job. It looks much better.”
“Thanks.” I put my hand down.
Sofia placed her hand on my arm. “He’ll love you for you, Barbara. Unconditionally. And if he doesn’t, he doesn’t deserve you. Now go get ready. Put on something sexy. Do you have a strapless dress? Maybe put your hair up? Men always like the bare shoulders look.”
I reached for my bangs and pulled them forward. “Dress . . . dress . . . Oh, that reminds me,” I said, walking back to Ms. G. “Where did you get this dress, Ms. G.? I swear I’ve seen it somewhere.” I touched the soft lace overlay.
“I’m surprised the damn thing still fits. I bought it years ago from Zavlaris’s shop. I only wore it once for a picnic in Alum Rock Park.” Ms. G. winked at me.
I winked back, and a feeling of warmth filled me up. It was the dress she’d worn for Gaetano the first time they kissed. The day by the brook.
“It’s gorgeous, Zia. I found it at the back of your closet. It smelled like mothballs, of course, but it’s still beautiful. The prettiest shades of yellow, and the lace . . .” Sofia ran her hand over the fabric. “It’s breathtaking.”
I placed my hand on her shoulder and let my fingers graze over the webbing. The dress had so much history behind it. It was a vintage relic with a story of its own. She sat in the tattered brown recliner with her salt-and-pepper hair in curls.
“You look beautiful,” I said.
“You do, Zia.”
“I love this on you for so many reasons. I can’t even begin,” I said.
“Can you believe she even let me paint her nails for the occasion?” Sofia said.
“Wow, she never lets me paint her nails. She says she’ll be in the garden all day getting them dirty and doesn’t see the point.”
“Well, it’s true, damn it,” Ms. G. piped in.
I turned to Sofia. “Okay, have a good time, you two. Her pills are in the medicine cabinet. Directions are on the bottle. I’ll see you tomorrow night. Call me if you need me for anything. If I’m not here, I’ll be at Alessandro’s house. You have his number, right?”
“Yes, I do. Don’t worry. I got this covered. I work for one of the biggest firms in New York City. How hard can it be to care for my aunt for one night?”
“You’d be surprised,” I smirked.
“Very funny,” Ms. G. said. “Now, will you go already?”
“All right, I’m going, I’m going. Good luck, Sofia. You’ll need it.”
Something hard hit the back of my head. When I looked down, it was a hairbrush tangled in grey hair, followed by a ton of Italian expletives. I didn’t know whether I wanted to yell or laugh.
“What am I gonna do with you?” I said under my breath when I heard Ms. G. say, “Where are we going? Why am I all dressed up?”
I walked over to Sofia. We exchanged a concerned look. “We’re going to see Zia Carm’s grandchildren. Remember?”
Ms. G. looked confused and covered her face with her hands.
“You okay, sweet girl?” I placed my hand on her shoulder.
She moved her hands from her face and put them on her lap. “Will Carm be there? I haven’t seen her in ages.” She searched our faces for answers.
A look of panic and sadness passed between Sofia and me.
Sofia bent down in front of her and spoke. “Zia Carm passed away a few years ago.”
“What? How? Why didn’t anyone tell me?” Tears welled at the side of her eyes.
“We did,” Sofia said. She pressed her lips together to keep them from quivering further.
“You did?” Ms. G. asked, still in shock.
“Yes,” Sofia confirmed.
Ms. G.’s face went white. Her eyes darted around the room.
“You’re going to see Carm’s grandchildren—your nieces and nephews. What better way to be close to your sister again? They’re your family,” I explained.
“Yeah, and they miss you a lot. They’re so excited to see you,” Sofia added.
“You’ve been missing your family and friends for so long, and now you get to see them.”
She wiped her cheeks, then her brows came together. “What if I don’t remember them?”
“They’ll remember you, and I bet you’ll see Carm’s face in their eyes.”
She nodded. “Okay.”
“I can come with you if you need me,” I said to Sofia.
“I’m going to talk to Barbara for a minute, okay, Zia?” We walked to the back door far enough that she wouldn’t hear us.
“You told me, but now I’ve seen it myself.” Her gaze fell. “Should I cancel?”
“I’d normally say yes, but she seems to do well around the family. She likes talking about old times. The past few days with everyone here, she was in her glory. It would be a good idea to bring a few photo albums so she can tell stories about Carmela. They might want to hear how their grandmother grew up. And . . .” I took a deep breath. “It may be the last time they see her.” The words cut like razors as they came out.
Sofia swallowed and thought for a minute, then looked back at me. “It’s important that they see her, then. We’re going. I’ll be back tomorrow,” she said, resolved.
“If you need me to go, I can. You don’t have to go alone.”
“No. We’ll be fine. I want some time alone with her. The car ride will be good for both of us.”
“I’ll be at Alessandro’s. Call if anything should happen.”
Blinking back tears, she nodded. I let myself out and carried my heavy heart with me.
Liquid Courage
There it is, the one on the corner. Of course, Alessandro would have the biggest house on the block. And closest to the lake. His home was massive, like something out of Architectural Digest magazine.
“No way.” Then I remembered the Mercedes, the restaurants, and the fancy champagne. “Yep. This is it, all right.”
I pulled into the driveway and parked in front of his three-car garage. To the left were brilliant views of Lake Vasona. The home was beautifully landscaped. A small deck jutted out from the top of the house as a lookout point to the water. Peering at the lake, memories of riding bikes with my kids on the Los Gatos Creek Trail warmed my heart. How many times had I passed by this house, not knowing that someone like Alessandro lived here? Dozens.
I took a deep breath and looked into the rearview mirror. I grabbed the compact from my purse, added some thick concealer to act as a last-minute shield, and pushed my bangs down. I looked at my watch. It was four thirty. I was early. Partly because I wanted to avoid Santana Row shopping traffic on a Saturday, and also because I was nervous. His house meant his territory.
“Here goes nothing.” I got out and locked the car.
Since he said it was only dinner, I’d opted out of wearing a dress with heels. I decided on black jeans and a pink blouse. Sexy, yet comfortable.
At the double doors, I pressed the doorbell. A beautiful chime rang.
A woman answered. “Hello,” she said, “I’m Lucy. You must be Barbara.” She reached out her hand to shake mine.
Alarmed, I put out my hand to meet hers. “Um, yes.” Was I missing something? I shook the mystery woman’s hand.
“I’m Alex’s house cleaner. He wanted me to give the house a fresh touch before you arrived. Come in.”
“I’m sorry. I’m a little early. I didn’t know if there might be traffic. Sometimes two-eighty can be a little crazy.”
“With the new tech companies around here now, the freeways get packed. Good for business, bad for traffic. Alessandro should be done soon. He’s finishing his workout. I’ll take you to him.”
“Thank you.” I followed Lucy down a hall to a pair of French doors where some heavy metal music blared.
“Sorry for the loud music,” Lucy apologized on Alessandro’s behalf. “Mr. Sunseri plays it loud when he works out.”
She cracked the door to his workout studio and peered in. I looked over the top of her head. Alessandro stood before a punching bag. Sweat dripped from his body and onto the black mat at his feet. Muscles in his arms and back contracted with every punch. When he stepped forward, he let out a grunting noise. It was guttural and manly. It made me think about the noises he’d make when we were alone. I’d never seen his body with so few clothes on.
I crossed my legs to dull the ache between my legs.
“Mr. Sunseri,” Lucy yelled over the music.
No response. Alessandro was in the zone. He was laser-focused on his target. He bobbed and weaved from side to side, landing punch after punch.
