9

Vincenzo

Alejandra walked in all dressed up. Alejandra was beautiful, at least as at the time I met her but at the moment, her features became too artificially enhanced so much so that the only thing that differentiated her from a mannequin was the subtle hint of humanity in her eyes.

“How are you?” She leaned in to place a kiss on my cheek. A part of me wanted to move away from her but she was already too close so I just stood there.

“I am fine.” I answered after clearing my throat.

“You don’t look like it…You’ve had that same look since you returned from your trip to Texas.” Alejandra was good with reading moods.

“I lost my father.” Technically, I did even though he never treated me like one.

“We all did. Mi Amor, I know you cared about him even though he never showed he loved you.” She strolled around and stood behind me. I knew that was my cue to change the topic, I didn’t like talking about the man and the fact that everyone saw the love he had for me but I never did.

“Where are you off to?”

“I am meeting my father, he is in town for a few days. Antonio will be there.” Alejandra answered.

“Extend my regards to him.” I told her.

“Why don't you give him the regards yourself? He wants to see you anyway. We haven’t been in the public for some time and tongues are beginning to wag.” She was lying about wagging tongues, she just wanted to spend more time with me and also show her father that we were good.

“This is impromptu, I have an empty closet.”

“Not to worry, the Stylist has already prepared your outfit.” She announced then turned to clap at the door. “You can come in now.” Just then, the door pushed open and two people trooped in with a perfectly handcrafted gray tuxedo. Alejandra always knew the perfect clothes to get for me.

“That’s a beautiful suit, thank you.” I turned to her and thanked her. She took a step up to me and held my hands.

“We’re running late. I’ll wait for you to change.” She placed her lips unto mine and I kissed her back. Her eyes beamed with devotion but my heart remained unmoved, it was trapped in a web of guilt and obligation.

Alejandra loved me with every part of her and as much as I tried, I couldn’t love her back the same way. The moment she pulled back, she looked at me. “Hurry!” She said and walked out.

The drive to the venue was quiet as usual. Alejandra and I had been married for a few years but we still didn't have enough words to say to each other. The men rushed over to get the car doors for us immediately the driver pulled over. We stepped out of the sleek black limousine and made our way towards the entrance. The maître d’ swung the door open as we walked in, our presence commanding attention.

‘Osteria Francescana’ , one of the best, if not the best, was booked for the dinner. As high profile dignitaries, reserving the entire restaurant was a norm.

Don Ceballos was already seated when we walked in. His presence was imposing and the dark sunglasses he wore exuded an aura of experience and secrecy surrounding him. He reminded me so much of HIM.

“Papa.” Alejandra hurried over to greet him while giggling like an eight year old.

“Mi’ja… (My daughter) you look amazing.” He took off his dark shades and engulfed his daughter in a tight hug. The smile on his face was enough to express how much the man loved his daughter. I just stood staring at the duo with envy.

“Oh come, Vincenzo! I barely notice anyone around when my daughter is present.” He ushered me to him with a wide smile on his face. His countenance had switched easily from the imposing dangerous one to the lovey-dovey one. Also, Don Ceballos fancied me.

“How have you been?” I asked him.

“Well, these old bones are becoming weaker by the day but in our line of business, it is a crime to let the vultures know you are losing your head.” Don Ceballos was old, yes, but nothing about him spelt weakness.

“Keep those sunglasses on and they won’t notice.” I said in an attempt to lighten the mood. Don Ceballos laughed out loud and I smiled, pleased that my joke hit the mark.

“You are right my boy! Very right, we should order now, I am famished.” He said and signaled the waiter.

As we looked through the menu to make our choices, the person I had been avoiding walked in.

“I apologize for coming in late, Don Ceballos. I am still struggling to find my feet while managing this entire conglomerate.” He offered a somewhat insincere apology.  I knew Don Ceballos would take issue with the comment, sense the underlying excuse and put him in his place.

“It happens.” Don Ceballos said without looking at him. “Well, if you want to go far like your father and his father before him, you will have to learn and master the act of punctuality.” I had to stifle a smile impressed by the clever Don Ceballos shade without being overly confrontational.

“I will remember not to forget.” He pulled the chair and sat down. “Hello Brother, I didn’t see you there.” He gave me that sly smirk which I deliberately ignored. “Hello Alejandra.” He turned to her and greeted. Alejandra smiled and returned the pleasantry.

The table was perfectly displayed with our orders and we began eating. Don Ceballos and his daughter chatter was the only conversation going on at the table.

“You know… Vincenzo, my daughter adores you and I am happy you have kept your word to keep her happy.” The man looked at me with pure gratitude and I smiled at him in acknowledgement. Deep down, the smile crumbled because I knew I was not completely honest. I had a certain Texan woman buried in my heart.

“But then, at some point, both of you will have to bury whatever feud that is going on here and focus on maintaining the dead man’s honor. He may not have been a friend or a foe but for my daughter’s sake, you'll ensure his honor is upheld. If anything happens to her, both of you will pay with your lives.” His tone shifted from calm to menacing, a stark reminder of his reputation as leader of the most dangerous cartel in the world.

Antonio and I exchanged glances immediately as he emptied the threats.

“I am positive Vincenzo will not allow it to get to that…or will it Brother?” There he went with his annoying sly smile again.

“You have my word Don Ceballos, nothing will go wrong. I will take care of her.” I assured the man but I knew within me I was already tossing the coin.

“Very well then, young men! Let us toast to a peaceful future.” He raised his glass and we followed to make the toast.