Maximum Rossi by Paul W Papa

Author:Paul W Papa [Papa, Paul W]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781734405743
Publisher: HPD Publishing
Published: 2019-12-18T22:00:00+00:00

Nineteen

I FOUND BOBBY two pits away watching over a craps table. I gave him the ins and outs and he said he would be delighted to help. Those were his words. I swear.

“I don’t want a comp,” I said. “Just good seats.”

“Nonsense,” Bobby said. “You let me take care of it. I’ll get you into the seven o’clock show. It’s a dinner show.”

Good ol’ Bobby.

“Where will you be?” Bobby asked.

“I’m gonna take the kids over to the Silver Queen for a couple of drinks.”

“I will find you there once I have made the arrangements.”

The Silver Queen was a lounge inside the casino. It had a bar, seating, and a stage. Like the Copa Room, but much smaller. Freddy Bell and the Bell Boys were playing. I ordered a manhattan. Tony ordered scotch and soda, and Tina had some type of froufrou drink with an umbrella in it.

“Geeze, Max,” Tony said after we took our seats. “You look like hell and you could do with a shave.”

Tina slapped his arm. I liked a woman who defended my honor.

“It’s all right,” I said. “I just stepped in front of a fist is all.”

“Looks like more than one,” Tony said. That got him another slap.

“Best be careful,” I said, “or we’ll end up looking like the Bobbsey Twins.”

“Does that make me Nan or Bert?”

“You’re Flossie,” I said.

I asked about home and received the scoop. It didn’t sound like much had changed in the short time I was here.

“You know, Tina,” I said. “I don’t really know much about you. Just that this guy got awful lucky when you said I do.”

Tina smiled that smile of hers. “There’s not much to tell. I’m just a little old Italian girl. Grew up in Chicago, west side, off of Church Street. My family owns a small furniture business there.”

“How’d you meet this mug?”

“College,” she said.

“We both attended Boston College,” Tony added. “She studied finance and I’m in accounting.”

“Go Eagles,” I said.

Tony held Tina’s hand as she spoke. It was nice to see the two of them together. They looked like a couple that would be around for a while. A family you wanted to be part of. If I had a heart, it would have been warmed. We’d been sitting there about twenty minutes when Bobby arrived.

I made the introductions. “Bobby, this is Tony Cremonesi and his bride Tina. They’re here on their honeymoon.”

“What a pleasure to meet you,” Bobby said and shook their hands. He turned to me. “All arrangements have been made, Mr. Rossi. You may take your guests to the Copa Room at your convenience. The show starts this evening at seven.”

“You’re a doll, Bobby,” I said.

“It is my pleasure, Mr. Rossi.” He turned to the couple. “I hope you enjoy your evening.”

Tina stood and held out her hand a second time. “Thank you, Mr…”

“Hill,” Bobby said.

I had forgotten that part. My introductions needed work.

“Thank you again, Mr. Hill,” Tina said.

Bobby bowed slightly, turned, and left.

Tina remained standing. She had an inquisitive look, like she was trying to remember where she left her keys.

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