The hovering waiter immediately comes over, and I order for us, "with Cappuccino and water."
Siri asks, "What are we having?"
"I ordered breakfast skewers of peppers and sausage.These are called cornettos."I serve us both a helping."They are croissants with jam."
She takes a bite, "Mmm, yummy."
"They are delicious."Then she grins, "You do know I'm going to expect sausage every morning in some form or another."
I seduce her with a slow smile, "I do."
She shifts in her seat, then asks, "So, tell me about Maximus Aurelius Moore."
"Aurelius was my Italian grandfather's name, so I grew up being called Maximus until…" I pause as the waiter returns and serves the cappuccino."You'll probably need to add some sugar to it."
She reaches for the container, and I continue."Until Gladiator the movie came out."
"Oh!That's right.The Gladiator's name was Maximus.But why did that matter?"
"In school, it was synonymous with 'challenge him.'Which I translated to 'bring it on.'I didn't back down.So, I changed it to Aurelius, and the issue was resolved."
"Makes sense.Tell me more.Cat said you were loaded, and the private chartered jet, this swag hotel suite, and Antonio all say that's true.But you don't live this lifestyle in Alabama.I would never have realized it."
Our food arrives, and we eat while I explain."I can say the same about you.It's easy to live a simple life in Alabama, isn't it?"
"Yeah.It is.We are a lot alike, aren't we?"
"We are."I agree, then continue, "The name of my business is Maximus Enterprises.I inherited my portion of the Liotine trust fund right out of high school.I invested it well.I bought a lot of real estate, mostly rental properties.Vegas is only one location.I have properties in multiple States across the country.But I also bought land in the Dakota's and started a fracking company.Let's just say that I've done very well with what I was given."
"Does everyone know this?"
"Everyone in Italy, but in Alabama, I've managed to keep it on the lowdown.My bro's and the locals know I inherited money, but they have no idea how much.And none of them know about Maximus Enterprises, which is the parent corporation.The other companies I own are structured and shielded in LLCs and land trusts.No one in the Army knows anything."
"Why did you decide to serve in the Army if you knew you were going to inherit a lot of money?"
"I didn't know about the trust fund until it was too late, and I was committed.I signed up while I was still in high school.I grew up watching helicopters flying overhead and wanted to fly for as long as I can remember.I wasn't interested in college, so it was an easy decision."
"When did you learn about the trust fund?"
"As soon as I announced to the family my plans for my future.My dad was in the military, so he and my mother decided it would be best if Ann and I didn't know.Every summer, they shipped us off to Alabama to his parents, the 'regular folks.'I learned an awful lot from my Grandfather Moore.He knew a little bit about everything and a lot about most things.He worked us hard on the farm and in his construction business.That's how I learned about remodeling and the real estate market.But Granny Moore taught us about the fun things about living in the country; fishing, hunting, and water skiing.
"They sound like quite a pair."
"Granny used to say, 'He's my peanut, and I'm his butter.'"
"Only later did I get what she meant."
We share a laugh at that.
"When my dad retired from the Army, he moved us to Alabama.That's when I started spending my summers in Italy, learning about my Italian family.Are you finished?"I push my plate away.
"Yes.It was delicious, and I feel a whole lot better too.I didn't realize how hungry I was.I'm so hyped up and excited."
"Let's go meet Franco, and head out."
I lay my napkin on my plate, and the waiter appears to clear it.Siri does the same.When he steps away with our plates in his hands, I stand and lean over to help her with her chair."You have good training," She tells me.
"I can't have Carlo making me look bad."