Vita Vinum Est
Chapter 1: Pétrus Pomerol
Author's Note: This story has been brewing in my mind for a long while now. I have watched and rewatched Ristorante Paradiso countless times, and though the initial idea of the story arose after the first viewing, I've always put off writing it down - perhaps because the idea has become so near and dear to my heart. Ironically, I'm finally putting idea into action at what could be considered the busiest and most crucial time of my life/career - but somehow, just like how the Ristorante becomes a soothing presence for all who dwell within its walls, the writing of this story, which continues to beckon and inspire me, has become an activity of true rest that soothes my heart and soul.
An important detail: I have read Ms. Ono's original work, and understand that her original intended ages for the characters are much older than the show made it out to be. For example, Claudio would be in his fifties, and Gigi (who was supposed to be the oldest character), at least in his mid-sixties. I think the directors and artists felt the need to lower these numbers somewhat as well, so that the message of ageless love can still be delivered without the cringe factor of having the heroine date someone who could be her grandfather. In the last episode, a random market stall owner remarks that Claudio might be her (Nicoletta's) father, which to me, is a good enough age gap for the purposes of their story.
After all that, the point is I will be following the ages of the characters as they appear (regardless of what they may say to follow the script-books) to be in the show - and not verbatim courtesy Ms. Ono. I'm usually very faithful to canon, but this one is an important exception that to me, must be made. Nicoletta is 21 - that is a certainty. This puts Olga at a minimum of early forties. Claudio looks to be older, say middle forties. Old man Luciano is in his mid to late fifties. Gigi simply cannot be the oldest. I insist. Bah to the Ono script-books. Darling Gigi cannot, for the sake of this story, be so much older than Claudio.
And with that in mind, let the story begin.
This mysterious restaurant is on a road just a little ways from the center of Rome...
Perhaps it was the scent of springtime flowers, or maybe the arrival of fresh seasonal vegetables which heralded their new spring menu, or maybe it was the feeling of being accepted and recognized for the first time in her life by those around her - or most likely, just the sight of his finger finally free of the silver band that had chained him from her all this time. Perhaps it was all of these things combined, but somehow, Nicoletta felt for the first time in a long time that life was what it should be, and she was alright.
"You know, the first time I walked through this street, I thought God was playing a cruel trick with me." Claudio blinked down at the red-head beside him, and wondered whether to ask or wait for her to continue. She did, regardless. "Bear street. Casetta dell'Orso. What is this? I thought. Just when I'd finally come out of my childhood in the country."
Nicoletta smiled. "And then, when I walked into the restaurant, imagine my surprise! I felt as if I'd walked into another world. And that's when I met you, and I knew I had indeed walked into another world. My mother's world - which became my own new world."
"And what are your impressions now of this new world?" Claudio asked softly. Nicoletta lifted her eyes to meet his. "I love every part of it, so much I could die." She pushed open the door to the restaurant, labeled closed, and walked in, leaving the older man slightly taken back.
"You two sure took your sweet time, hn?" Lorenzo grumbled, frowning. Several heads peeked out of the back kitchen entrance. "What did you expect, Lorenzo? Sending those two off together is asking for trouble." Vito bellowed, walking out to greet them. Their snickers and chuckles caused both Nicoletta and Claudio to blush. "N-no, please don't- it's not like that." The head waiter began in earnest protest, as the girl beside him nearly ran into the kitchen in embarrassment. He stopped at this, and sighed pathetically. "Everyone can tell you guys have reached the rapidly developing stages of your relationship. There's no need for shame, we're just happy for you two." Vito laughed, and smacked Claudio across the back several times.
"Y-yes.. thank you. But I'm still.. taking things slow."
"That, you are." Luciano grimaced, as the trio walked into the staff dining and resting area.
As they all settled down to their communal meal to enjoy the good food and better wine, the sound of sudden footsteps unusual to this hour approached the door. When it opened to reveal the shaggy dark head of Lorenzo Orsini, even Gigi's fork stopped midway between his plate and mouth.
"Lorenzo! What are you doing here?" Nicoletta started in surprise. "Is it Olga-"
"No, no, don't worry. I'm sorry to disturb your lunch. I just needed to talk to Gigi about something." He smiled to his older brother, who peered at him out of his spectacles, and swallowing the last of his lamb, stood silently and walked out of the room. For several moments, nobody spoke as all ears pricked up to catch some of the two brothers conversation. When this turned out to be an exercise in futility, Nicoletta sighed and decided to speak out as it was expected of her.
"What do you think that's all about? He could have just called if it was something important. Why come all the way here just to talk to him?"
"You should ask Gigi when he comes back - ah, speak of the devil." Furio smiled warmly and offered to refill the sommelier's plate. He nodded, and sat back down to resume eating from another plate. Five pairs of eyes watched him closely, but the man seemed not to have noticed - or took pains to act so.
Teo scratched at his head idly. "What was that about?" He asked in a casual manner as if solely to make conversation than out of his own curiosity. Gigi didn't reply for some time, until Furio returned with a plate of cured meats which he accepted openly. He tasted one, and then nodded. "There is a special guest coming tonight."
"EH?!" The others looked at each other.
"But, we're fully booked for the night." Claudio said, looking perplexed. Luciano frowned in disapproval. "Is that why Lorenzo came here?"
Gigi nodded. "He is going to pick her up from the airport." For some reason, Nicoletta thought she saw a hint of something strange in the way he said this, and watched the usually silent and taciturn man closely.
"Well, this means we'll have to cancel one of our appointments." Gigi raised his eyes to look at Vito, and then shook his head. "What? Don't tell me she'll be eating with us?" He nodded. "Maan, now I'm really curious about who this mystery person is." Gigi looked at the empty bottle of wine that had gone down with their meal, and then stood up and left.
Nicoletta watched him quietly, and then nudged Claudio. "Do you think he was a bit weird today - even for him?" Claudio raised his eyebrows at her remark, but upon seeing that she was serious, took a few seconds to think over their conversation. He blinked. "Huh... it is strange. He didn't finish his food." Even as he said it himself, Claudio felt himself grow more bewildered. In all the years he's known the man, Gigi had never wasted good food.
"I can't wait to meet this person." Nicoletta whispered to him. "I think - no, I'm sure of it ... this person is very special to him."
It seemed as if everyone had caught the curiosity bug that night. Heads turned and peered out of the kitchen at the sound of every customer that entered through the front doors. But even as the evening wore on, there was no sign of the owner nor his mysterious guest. The only ones who seemed completely aloof to the charged atmosphere were Gigi himself, and Claudio, who continued with his genteel manner perfectly at ease as always. It was only when Nicoletta had lost all hope as the last patron had long gone, and the group was once again gathered in the staff resting area that faint murmurs of conversation were heard, quiet at first, but slowly increasing in volume as they accompanied sounds of footsteps that paused in the outer hallway.
Their conversation was cut short as Lorenzo swung open the door, eyes widening at the full assembly before him. "Oh!" He chuckled. "Sorry, I should make the introductions." He took a few steps forward, and then turned sideways slightly to reveal an extraordinary looking being wrapped in a parka and what seemed to be several scarfs so it was impossible to tell the appearance behind the heavy clothing. The person shuffled forward somewhat awkwardly, adjusting the right shoulder strap of a hiker's backpack. The image was so startling and ill fitted to the ambiance of the entire restaurant and the other individuals present that for a few moments, nobody spoke. Gathering himself with a cough, Lorenzo scratched at his beard with a small smile, and gently tugged down the hood of the parka. "This, is Eloisa. The daughter of an old friend of my father's."
Everyone turned suddenly to stare at Nicoletta, who also felt the shiver of deja-vu. Daughter of a friend? So far, judging from the dark wavy locks of hair, and deep brown eyes that were oh-so-similar in color to the owners' - she could be much, much more than just that. Many pairs of eyes watched closely as the young woman unwrapped layer after layer of scarves, until a fine bundle lay on the table before her. A sigh of ease was shared between them as the face of a woman of about thirty emerged triumphantly to grin at them. It was a smile that immediately dispelled any thoughts that she may have had Orsini blood flowing in her veins. Her eyes, although as dark as those of the Orsini brothers, held a glint of caramel which shone mischievously when she smiled - a smile in a manner quite unlike the calm and easy-going manner of the two older men.
"Hello, please call me Lanza as I'm afraid no part of my full name escapes the pedantic." She said sheepishly.
"These are our camerieres Luciano, Claudio, Vito, our dessert chef Teo, our main chef Furio, our apprentice Nicoletta - and well, you already know Gigi." Eloisa's mouth opened slightly, as if in surprise, and then a completely incongruous expression of shyness overtook her features.
"Where do you come from, Eloisa- or Lanza as you like?" Vito asked warmly. "Why do you not like Eloisa? It is a fine name for a maiden."
Luciano pressed his forehead into his palm in exasperation at his exuberant words just as Lorenzo nudged the young woman to sit. The others brought over extra plates of food for the newcomers, and settled down again. "Oh er, I've been travelling for some time. I was once the Lorenzo's neighbor. And it's not that I dislike that part of my name - it's just, well, all of it together is a bit much." She took a bite out of her plate, and gasped. "Woa! This is really good!"
Furio laughed. "We're humbled by such compliments from someone who's tasted her fair share of the world gastronomy. But anyway, you know, we've got a pretty wonderful name here too, I don't think anyone's ever topped it." He winked at Claudio, who flinched nervously. Eloisa watched his reaction, and gave him a lopsided smile. "My full name is Volante Eloisa Faustio. Reminds one of 'lying, stealing and pacts with the devil.'"
"Ah, then it's perfect. Claudio's full name is actually Santo Claudio Paradiso. He is your saving angel then, Miss. Faustus." They all laughed at this.
Nicoletta had been observing the woman before them carefully. Upon her first self introduction, Nicoletta had taken a liking to her immediately. The woman before them, although older than her by several years, seemed not nearly as worldly or experienced as she expected of someone who had been travelling without settle for long. The others warmed up to her quickly, and soon, they were caught in wonderful stories of travel, great food, and exotic places. Nicoletta thought she had a childlike candor to her that people liked - there was no pretense or hidden meaning behind her words, and not for the first time that evening, she wondered how someone like her had gotten to befriend the Orsini brothers - and especially one taciturn sommelier.
"So what brings you to this part of the world? Recovering lost adventures back at home?" Teo asked sipping his wine.
"Well, actually I'm thinking of revisiting my roots - the winery business. But to dig up such a buried past, I need some help."
"Ah, so you're a wine enthusiast too?" Eloisa paused, and looked up guiltily. "Actually, no. I'm er.. what you would call alcohol intolerant."
"EH?! Then why-" Nicoletta's eyes widened. "Ah! Is that why Gigi has never poured you a glass of wine?" The others turned to look at the silent man. Lorenzo smiled. "Eloisa first met Gigi when he began coming to the vineyard. She was only six years old, but somehow, they became very good friends. Isn't that right?" A dark red spread upon her cheeks at the mention of this, and Eloisa quickly coughed to cover up her embarrassment. "He hasn't changed at all."
"Does this mean you'll be staying in Rome indefinitely for the next while, Lanza?" Nicoletta asked. The woman nodded. "Yeah - I think it's about time I took care of some things back home. My family had been very close with Lorenzo's back in the day, and apart from him, I don't know who else could help me."
"So you're staying at the vineyard?"
"No, no - I'm looking for a place to settle in Rome. I don't think I can stand going back all at once after all these years." She trailed off.
Nicoletta brightened. "Ah! There's an empty apartment flat next to mine. It's a bit smaller - but I would think less expensive - and very convenient. I can show it to you if you like!" The others looked at her in surprise. "Or, if you just arrived from the airport, I understand how hectic everything must be. You can stay at my place for the night, and I'll talk to the landlady about it tomorrow!"
"Really? Actually, I was planning to spend tonight in a hotel-"
"You shouldn't wander around by yourself - it's very easy to get lost in this city initially. I think Nicoletta's idea is wonderful." Claudio smiled, causing Nicoletta to blush in satisfaction. "Well, then, in that case, let's get going! Is your luggage outside?"
Eloisa stared at the impulsive red head before her, and then turned to Lorenzo. "Is this okay?" He laughed at her worried expression and nodded. "It will be fine, I'm sure. She is, after all, Olga's daughter. They share the same spirit."
"That's right! You told me when we came here - I really wanted to see your beautiful wife. Well then," Eloisa stood up with an awkward shuffle, and gave everyone a sheepish grin. "I'm sure we'll meet again." She began re-wrapping her scarves, as Nicoletta and Lorenzo headed out the door to prepare.
Teo and Vito stood up as well, and put on their jackets. "We'll be going too." Just as they prepared to leave, Eloisa paused by the door, and then after a moments hesitation turned back and took off her backpack. She unzipped the topmost pocket, and then got out a bottle wrapped in dark blue silk with a burgundy ribbon adorned. "For you." She said quickly, and pushed it toward Gigi, who stared at the bottle, and then slowly turned to peer at the young woman before him behind his half-rimmed glasses. As soon as he nodded, she hurried away out the door again.
Furio and Claudio peered at the bottle in curiosity. "It looks very fancy."
Luciano sighed, and got up to stretch. "Are you going to open it or just look at the wrapping?" Gigi examined the present for a moment longer, before finally reaching out and pulling apart the ribbon. The silk fell off the bottle seductively as if a glossy skin, and what it revealed underneath caused all four men to stand in surprise and lean in to take a closer look.
Luciano was the first to gasp softly, followed by Furio who low whistled in admiration. "Man, oh man."
"Is it... is it really-" Claudio broke off as he slipped on his glasses. "A Pétrus Pomerol." Luciano finished for him. Without a word, Gigi took up the bottle carefully, and held it up to the light. A deep sea of dark maroon was caught by the light, and reflected of his eyes. He sighed, and wrapped the bottle up in its silk covering once again, much to the others' disappointment.
"How much is a bottle like that worth? Ten grand? More? Ah, I bet it's going in his private collection for sure. Just, when and if you ever do open it, could you let me sample a drop?" Furio smiled.
Gigi looked at him as if in serious contemplation, and then nodded.
"She must really respect you to have gotten something like that. It isn't everyday that one can even chance upon a Pétrus." Luciano mused.
"Maybe it's her way of saying thanks - and hello again." Claudio smiled. The sommelier looked at the rare bottle, and did not reply.