Love, Loss, and Secrets Across America and Beyond by Ann S. Epstein

Author:Ann S. Epstein [Epstein, Ann S.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: facts about women suffrage;the great depression historical fiction;large families in fiction;the great depression era in canada;family in the 1930s;women rights in 1920;history of the lgbt movement;value of fatherhood;difficult fathers;estranged father;large family during the depression;novels set in the 1930s;novels set in the 1980s;novels set in the 1920s;novels set in Toronto;historical events of the 20th century;social history canada;siblings jews in american wars;multi-generation immigrant families;jewish family stories;jewish family novel;search for missing boy;new york during world war 1;womens education during world war 1;navy world war 1;jewish family in america;teenagers in world war 1;women ww1;young men ww1;immigrants ww1;jewish people 1920s;jewish people ww1;novels set in 1917;novels set in 1918;novels set in 1919;novels set in 1920s;novels set in 1925;become a rabbi girl survives fire;italian girl in america novels;facts about the triangle shirtwaist factory fire;asch building;books set in early 1900s;books set in italy;tracing family roots;tracing family genealogy;teen pregnancy fiction;abandoned child finds mother;factory work immigrants;assimilation in america;estranged father;discrimination
Publisher: Vine Leaves Press
Published: 2022-06-13T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter 23

This is Gemma Kane, speaking with my high school boyfriend, Darius Ignatius, at The Lucky Cherry Diner in Las Vegas, Nevada. Today is Tuesday, May 16, 1961, and the time is 1:00 AM.

Gemma: (Accepts cup of coffee) It’s strange to see you after thirty-four years. This is my first time back in Vegas.

Darius: You made it to the diner in one piece. Didn’t get mugged in the parking lot? (Chortles)

Gemma: Truthfully, I was afraid to drive the rental car at this hour, in this neighbourhood. I took a cab. How long are you on break? I’d have gladly come to your place before or after your shift.

Darius: This is my place.

Gemma: Oh, you own it? (Looks around greasy spoon; four hung-over gamblers at counter)

Darius: No. Fred, the owner lets me sleep here (points behind kitchen) and use the telephone.

Gemma: You’re a short-order cook? I remember when you made me scrambled eggs in olive oil, with tomato sauce and Parmesan on top. We called them “Italian Eggs.” My Irish husband Todd won’t touch them, but my son Frankie loves them. I taught his fiancée how to make them.

Darius: Nah, I’m not a cook, just a dishwasher, but Fred says he’ll try me at the grill once I’ve been sober for a year. Lucky Cherry’s an okay place to start over, although the success rate ain’t high. (Nods toward men at counter) Worse odds than the slots. (Studies me) You look successful.

Gemma: (Chooses words carefully) I’ve been lucky. My mother pushed me to do well in school, and between Todd and me, we earn a decent living.

Darius: It might have been that way for me if my dad hadn’t been too drunk to care. (Snorts) Like father, like son. Did you ever think that maybe you were better off without a father?

Gemma: (Taken aback) Honestly no, but I suppose there are more ways than one to grow up fatherless. (Hesitates) You never said your father drank, but I guessed from your silence that things weren’t great at home.

Darius: My mom meant well, but she was too busy making ends meet to pay attention to me. I cooked at your house to impress you, but mostly to eat a free meal. (Eyes sweep room) Still looking for a handout.

Gemma: Don’t lose hope. How long since you stopped drinking?

Darius: Six months.

Gemma: See. You’re halfway there. Odds are fifty-fifty you’ll make it to a year.

Darius: (Blushes? Hard to tell in this light) Hey, you know why the symbols on slot machines are fruits? (Pours himself more coffee; holds out pot to me)

Gemma: Tell me. (Puts hand over cup)

Darius: The machines paid winners with fruit-flavoured chewing gum, not cash. It’s how they got around “no gambling” laws back in the late 1800s.

Gemma: You were always good at history.

Darius: (Shrugs) Not much history to be proud of now. But, speaking of history (smiles slyly) I’m surprised you don’t recognize this place.

Gemma: (Looks around blankly)

Darius: It used to be a Chinese laundry. This is where your mother worked.

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