Flying the Dominant Billionaire

A Hush Up

Leonardo

Leo glanced sideways at Brandon, Nonno’s chauffeur who had been driving him around from the time he could remember. He couldn’t imagine the Silver Spirit without the good ol’ Brandon.

The guy was almost 40 now! Must have been with Nonno for over 20 years! He would love to learn Nonno’s employee retention tactics!

“How you doin’ Don?” Leonardo smiled lightheartedly.

A somewhat impassive Brandon responded, “can’t be better, Mr Leonardo, sir! How has Boston treated you?” Brandon was trying to engage in small talk, but his tone failed to match the question he asked.

He found it quite amusing as Brandon never engaged in casual conversation with anyone. Nonno must have persuaded him. The poor man is completely out of his league.

As a child, Leo used to jump in the front every time Brandon pulled up, driving Nonno’s work car. Sometimes even Gabby would join him. They would ask the young, expressionless Brandon a thousand questions about all the bits and bobs of the luxury car, all the knobs and the buttons.

Nonno had told Leo that Brandon was picked up from a juvenile detention centre when the Parish priest who knew Nonno had requested him to give the boy a chance to lead a better life. Nonno never regretted that decision.

“Pretty good!” Leo replied to Brandon's question and saw Brandon give up the facade of a friendly conversation.

He continued to drive the car, lost in his own world. The man could remain invisible and enjoy anonymity!!

They headed off to the Union Oyster House, the oldest restaurant in Boston.

Restaurant closing time was eight in the evening for all and yet even after being almost an hour later than that time, they were respectfully ushered in through a small nondescript entrance on the side street.

Bill was one of the investors and a close family friend of the Milanos, the Italian American family that owned the place.

They were welcomed as family members. It was as if the place was their own personal kitchen.

Jacob Milano hugged William Lombardi as they entered.

A big man, he slapped Leonardo between his shoulder blades knocking the wind out of him. “Good to see ya Leonardoo. Where is that beautiful woman tonight?”

Leonardo missed a step and tottered before he regained his balance. “Good to see you too, Jake. We are not together anymore.” He replied flatly, ensuring that his face was devoid of any telltale expressions.

He did not want Jacob to know how much it hurt.

The thought of what he did to Eleanor the other night still brought the disgusting feeling of horror and shame!

"Aah, sorry to know! Well! Young blood," he winked at them. “C’mon guys,” he ushered them to a table that was already laid out for them.

Jacob’s chef came out to greet Bill and Leonardo.

Standing next to Jacob in his impeccable uniform he spoke softly. “I would recommend the Lobster Ravioli for you,” he said to Bill and to Leo, “I will make you Grandma's clam chowder, your favourite!” He winked at Leonardo and clapped his delicate hands together.

This was the only place in Boston where Leo would find his comfort food.

Last fall, Chef Marino had spent one whole evening discussing the taste profile of his grandma’s chowder, taking copious notes and promising him he will have a tasting for him the next time he visited.

He had kept his promise in Leo's next visit and had dished out the chowder the other day. Leo hadn't been able to stop himself when his food had arrived. He had been instantly transported to his Nonna's warm kitchen as he had tasted the first sip. Since then, Chef Marino always had this dish ready for him.

They swiftly ordered their meal and the Australian Chardonnay that Marino recommended. They were hungry, and it was already late. Drool pooled in Leo's mouth as the memory of his grandma's special dish floated into his head. He was famished.

Bill spoke to Jacob warmly, “Don’t you want to go home? I need some alone time with Leo. He is graduating next week and we have loads to discuss about his future.”

Leo smiled at his grandpa's words. He was like this! To the point always.

“Oh yes! Need to get home for dinner. Buon appetito! I leave now. Marino and his men will take care of your needs. “Ciao” Jacob beamed with a bow and left.

Their food was served without further ado. Leo took in the aroma of his chowder. The fragrance was exactly how he remembered. He took the first sip and the burst of flavours reminded him of the smiling face of his beautiful grandma. The way she would pull him into warm, soft hugs! Her kitchen constantly smelled delicious.

Whenever he and Gabby went into the kitchen, they found some or the other delectable dessert ready for them… All baked in- house.

Nonno had numerous staff but Nonna loved to bake for her family.

“Is it that good?” Nonno asked Leonardo.

“Mmm mmm!” Leo replied, relishing his meal. He gulped down the last morsel and asked, “how did you know?”

Nonno exhaled audibly. Although he smiled, his eyes looked a little sad. “You had that look!”

Leo raised his eyebrows inquiringly.

“The look that you would have when Loretta would hug you.” He looked towards his lobster and took a liberal portion to shove into his mouth.

“It reminds me of her. I miss her.” Leo let the pretense of an emotionless face drop as he let his vulnerability take over. Being himself around his grandpa was easy.

“I know. I miss her too. She was the love of my life. The woman who stood strong even when my steps faltered. When that dreadful disease took her away, it took some time for me to get myself together.” Nonno smiled. “The crazy woman left notes for me! In unexpected places. Sometimes I get notes from the postman! Can you believe it? I know she is around. Watching over me.” This time, his smile reached his eyes.

Leonardo loved his grandparents. Someday he would like to see such a relationship for himself. But would he?

“All in its own time young man!” Nonno responded.

Is it so easy to read me? Leonardo frowned at his wine glass.

“I have known you since you were a tiny little bambino. I know almost all of your expressions." Nonno answered his thoughts and chuckled again.

“I need to tell you this.” He took another bite and waited to gulp it down before he spoke further. “Eleanor’s matter is sorted. We have paid for all her treatment and the reconstruction surgery. The damage had to be fixed. Her dad has agreed to zip his mouth for a fee and her mother will do as he says. His younger daughter is not happy with it but she is just a Uni student. She won’t go against her family”.

Leo gulped as the guilt inside him rose like an ugly serpent, threatening to spoil his evening with its poison. He tried to distract himself with the practicalities of the situation. “He agreed that easily? I am surprised. I thought Eleanor meant a little more to him than that!”

“She does. What can I say?” Nonno shrugged, “I have better clout with the democrats.” Nonno continued to look at Leo with piercing smokey green eyes, while Leo sat thinking about the dreadful evening. His appetite was suddenly gone and the yummy chowder felt like an unwanted medicine, threatening to come out.

When he looked at Nonno, he saw Nonno's unwavering glare as he watched Leo intently. As if peering into Leonardo’s head, trying to read his thoughts.

“How is she?” Leo asked in a meek voice. He had messed up big time.

“She will recover.” He replied matter of factly. “You need help, son.” He continued in his soft but authoritative voice.

Leo took a sip of his wine trying to think of what he would say next.

“You are not a bad person. That crazy mom of yours has done a number on both you and Gabby. You need to fix yourself so you can be there for your sister. I know a shrink. She is good and has many high- profile patients. Her team knows how to keep a secret.” He continued to devour his lobster without meeting Leonardo’s eyes, giving him time to get his control back.

“I don’t need help. I am not a psycho." Eleanor's bloody face swam in front of his eyes. "I am just a monster!" He finished his sentence in a murmur.

“No, you are not. What happened with Eleanor and with Petra were both warning signs. You deserve to get love. Someone like my Loretta. Before seeking her out, heal yourself. Forgiving is the greatest gift a man can give to himself.” His grandpa insisted.

Leonardo drained his glass. Deep down in his heart, he did not believe Nonno here and knew he did not deserve any love. He was a crazy monster and not one who should ever think of any relationship. He would most certainly destroy his relationship and god alone knows, maybe kill his next partner during s*x.

If with Petra he was harsh, with Eleanor he had gone way beyond. He was a criminal!

“Meet the psychiatrist. I have already fixed an appointment for you. If you don't like it, stop the treatment.” Nonno’s voice boomed. Leo rolled his eyes at his grandpa's tactics. He knew Leonardo wouldn’t disagree with a direct command and was thus using his power.

By now Leonardo had lost all his appetite. He poured in some more wine trying to get the images of a bleeding and an unconscious Eleanor out of his mind.

“What are your plans for the future?" Nonno's voice broke through his morose thoughts. "Which department would you like to join?”

The change of conversation pulled him out of his sullen musings as he started thinking of what he had been planning to do.

***