Page 12 of Something Old

Marco stands when we walk into the board room and my father diplomatically accepts his hand to shake it.

“You’ve met my oldest son, Masaccio. He will be taking over the family business one day.”

“Good to meet you, Masaccio.” Marco says. His voice is tight. His shoulders are so tense they look knotted and stiff. His jaw muscles are clenched. When he sits down again, he is sitting as though there is a metal rod shoved into his spine. Perfectly straight.

Whatever the reason for him being here - he’s not comfortable or happy about it. I’d place bets on how difficult this is for him. It must be true. His business must be suffering. I guess he’s here to ask for a loan of sorts.

I take a seat, sitting comfortably at the table. Waiting for the two old men to talk.

“So, Marco. You told me what you wanted over the phone, why don’t you start from the beginning and tell me in more detail.” My father says a smug grin on his face. He’s loving this.

Marco clears his throat. “Vincent. You know by now that I lost the stretch of territory next to the docks - and I am about to lose the two warehouses on the other side. It is my only entry point for getting my shipments out and if I lose that territory I lose my place at the table, I lose everything.” He pulls his mouth tight. He’s really struggling. The truth is even worse than the rumors. His business is scraps at this point.

“Alright. And what did you want to do?” my father asks, leaning back in his chair and folding his arms across his chest.

“I want to make a deal with you. I will give you what we discussed, and you will cover the debt I owe in order for me to keep my warehouses.”

He takes a heavy breath, holding it in for a long time before blowing it out.

My father is taking his time giving his answer. I know he already has one. He’s just playing games at this point. He’s making the moment last because he’s enjoying himself.

“So, you are still going ahead with what we discussed on the phone?”

“Yes, my daughter, Leora.”

At the mention of her name my ears prickle and my attention turns towards Marco.

“Leora?” Her name is out of my mouth before I have a chance to stop myself, but I was not expecting him to talk about her today.

“Yes, Leora has agreed as well. She will not give you any trouble. Have you decided which of your sons she will marry?” Marco asks and my heart leaps into my throat as realization slams into me.

What the fuck?

An arranged marriage. That is what this meeting is about?

I clench my teeth together to stop myself from reacting emotionally.

“Masaccio will marry Leora.” My father says the words, but my brain denies them.

I feel myself staring at him, but I don’t seem to see anything except white smudges that blur my vision.

“Masaccio? Oh, that’s good. Your oldest.” Marco says.

“You want me to marry her?” I blurt out, aiming the question at my father.

“Yes, Masaccio. You spend far too much time working, and this is an excellent opportunity for you to get a wife.”

“Rufino and Celso are also unmarried and would be better suited.” I argue.

Marco has gone silent as the back and forth between my father and I grow tense.

My father shoots me a warning look. “Masaccio, you are to marry the girl. It has already been decided.”

Now is not the time to fight this. Not in front of Marco.

But my father knew what he was doing by not letting me know what this meeting was about.

“Marco, I will arrange everything. Once the wedding is concluded, our families will have entered an alliance. Your warehouses will remain safe and in your name.” My father confirms, ending the meeting.

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