Page 25 of Wild Ace

Shaking my head, I flip through the files in my nonno’s office until I find the insurance policy and phone number. He’s upstairs cooking, and I really want to be able to take away some of the guilt and burden he’s feeling right now.

“Good afternoon, this is Atlantic Coast Insurance, how can I help you?”

“Hi, my name is Alexis Manzato, and I’m calling on behalf of my grandfather, Frank Manzato. We had a break-in a couple nights ago and I wanted to file a claim.”

“Do you have your policy number handy?”

“Yes.” I read off the number and I hear her clicking away at her keyboard.

“Okay, did you file a police report?”

“I did, but the investigation is still happening.”

“Alright, I will need a copy of the report. Can you tell me about what happened?”

I reiterate the story, and when I’m finished, she offers her sympathies. “I’m so sorry your grandfather had to go through that, and you as well for having to witness the effects of such a heinous act.”

“Thank you.”

“I’m also sorry to have to tell you that your grandfather’s policy doesn’t include crime coverage.”

“What?” I whisper, my mind reeling with what she’s saying. “That’s a separate thing?”

“Yes ma’am. He has commercial property insurance, but it’s an old policy and hasn’t had any updates, add-ons, or adjustments since it was created.”

“But–” I say, and then stop, needing to not lose my cool right now. “What does his policy cover?”

“It covers property damage, bodily injury on the job, product liability, libel, slander, copyright, natural disaster, and fire.”

“So, there’s nothing that can be done about the cash stolen?”

“I’m sorry, ma’am, no. But even if you did have coverage, if it turns out to be someone who was employed at the time, that would void any coverage anyhow.”

“It was all he had, and without it, he has nothing. How is he supposed to ever retire?”

“I wish I had better news to give you, Ms. Manzato.”

“Me too.”

Hanging up, I toss my phone on the small desk and hang my head in my hands, letting the tears that have been building up fall freely.

What am I supposed to do?

My nonno doesn’t deserve this. He’s worked hard his whole life and deserves to live the rest of it comfortably without worry. He can’t work forever.

I only allow myself to cry for a few minutes before I take a deep breath and wipe my eyes. I know what I have to do, and while I don’t necessarily like it, it’s what has to be done.

Chapter 8

Lexi

Shimmying the dress up my hips, I loop my arms through the straps and reach behind me to zip it up. I meet my eyes in the mirror and the girl looking back at me is one I recognize, but also not, at the same time.

It’s the girl I was for years, slipping into this role for a few hours at a time. I do my hair and makeup, put on a dress and heels, and I play pretend. At least, I think I’ve been playing pretend. I can’t tell anymore.

Sometimes it feels like my everyday life is pretending. But what isn’t pretending, is me going to the deli and helping my nonno. Seeing the smiles on people’s faces when they walk through the door, and seeing the enjoyment they have in our food and coming together with friends and family over a good meal. Anything can be a celebration when good food is involved.

We bring people together and I love that.

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