Page 91 of The Last Ones Standing, Part Two

“Hey, Jacob, the boss will be here soon. You have anything else you want us to do before he gets here?”

“No, I’m going to go out back for some fresh air to gather my thoughts. Come find me if he gets here before I’m back.”

I head to the bathroom first. I’m nervous as fuck. Dario Di Lorenzo is a big deal in the culinary world. I’m essentially about to be mentored by one of the best. I don’t know if I should be in awe or shit myself. I can’t believe my luck.

This is the best thing to ever happen to me. As the realization hits, I take a leak and go to wash my hands. Right as I cut the sink off, my phone rings. I pull out my phone to see its Pop. I groan. This is the only part of taking this job I hate.

I wanted to cook for the Di Lorenzos, not spy on them. The more pressure my grandfather applies, the more I question what he has going on. I know I don’t know the entire story and I’m starting to get frustrated.

I pick up and head out to the dining room instead of going out back like I planned. “Hey, Pop, what’s up?”

“Have you met with Dario yet?”

“No, he’s on his way. Our meeting is today.”

“I need to know what his mood is like.”

“I don’t know this guy. How am I supposed to know what his mood is like? Pop, what’s this all about? This is a great opportunity for me. I don’t want to ruin it,” I reply, becoming more frustrated.

“Listen to me,” he seethes. “Do what I say, and you’ll be running that place. I need to know why the fuck he’s not answering my calls. How hard is it to read someone’s mood?”

Pretty damn hard when you don’t know them, I think to myself. I can feel myself becoming hot under the collar. Maybe Dad is right, I don’t know if getting wrapped up in my grandfather’s mess is the best idea.

“Listen, I should prepare for his arrival. I have work to do.”

“You just do what the fuck I’ve told you to do. This is what my son gives me,” he mutters the last part under his breath.

The wordsfuck youare right on the tip of my tongue. However, I turn and see Dario walking toward me.

“I have to go,” I murmur and rush to hang up.

I don’t have time for this bullshit. If I play my cards right, this could be big for my career. My grandfather can play his games on his own. Fuck, I actually like Lizzy and I’m not too sure I want to mess that up for Pop either.

I shake it off and move to shake my new mentor’s hand. Fuck it, I’m going to make the best of this. I’m not ruining a great job for some old-world shit. Jeez, I’m glad Ma’s side of the family isn’t as crazy. On second thought. That’s some bullshit too.

* * *

Riccardo

These boys have no respect for me. Frances didn’t raise them right. If he would have allowed me to raise them, I wouldn’t be going through this shit now.

“I need to know Dario and Giuseppe’s next move,” I say to myself.

The families are still unstable. Now is the time Dario should be promoted. He would be able to make a power move to take over and then I could move in. Promoting him would be my next move.

If I were still Giuseppe’s consigliere, it’s what I would advise. I don’t know what my next move should be because Giuseppe hasn’t made a move. He’s too silent.

“Why is that?”

What the fuck am I missing? I’m losing confidence as I feel my control slipping. I’ve had Dario’s ear for years. Him not taking my calls is a problem. It’s time I find answers.

I purse my lips and go to dial Lou. His phone rings a few times before he picks it up.

“Hello.”

“When was the last time you saw thatmulignon?”

He sighs into the phone. “Listen, Pop. I’m in the middle of a showing.”

---