December 14th
- « What about books? » Leonardo suggested as he was mixing a high dose of sugar into his latte. His shopping partner wrinkled her lovely nose, nodded negatively while paying for both their hot drinks. As usual, Claudia Auditore was taking an extra large, extra large coffee, with no milk nor sugar. Some filthy and jealous months were happy to suggested the only girl within the Auditore brotherhood had more balls than most of said brothers.
Well, Petruccio was really just a kid, junior university student, and much to his annoyance, was and would be nothing but a "kind man", more interested into animal and bones and historical thingies than politics or economy. Despite working with his father at the Firenze International Bank, Federico was not a shark. He enjoyed any good companies and will sweeten any situations with alcohol and laugh. Not that he was stupid, but he did not like going frontal and mortal combat style when diplomacy could have the job done. Ezio was useless. He had graduated two years ago with a management degree but did not seem to had landed a proper job. Yet, he was constantly busy, and had some got money of his own. Giovanni and Maria were concerned but the young man eluded with brio any questions. To and for everyone, Ezio was butterflying from a deal to another and the same snake tongues would lower their voice even more to whisper for certain appreciation "Erudito Group". Whatever. Claudia had corner her brother and had him claudia-style-questionned about his activities. Although he admitting he was not on the Light Side of the Force, he did stress out he was not on the Dark one either. More like a Gray-ish side and Claudia was the best person in the family to get what he meant. So she let him go, having extort him the promise to tell her whenever a certain line was crossed.
Because Claudia Auditore was not a sweet innocent girl. Never had been, as a matter of fact. Growing up as an Auditore, she was launched into a rich yet dangerous world since she was able to contain herself "in society". She was eight and she was already aware of lies, manipulation, leverage and blackmail. Being the daughter of a "good family" it was expected of her that someday, she would marry another offspring from another "good family", staying home to raise her children and indulging herself with some charities occupation. Her mother Maria was a great example of what an happy and successful woman should be.
Hell to it.
She went to university, majoring in management and art, and after a time working from different gallery, museums and such, took over a old brothel and turned it into the most successful cabaret show ever. Some would scoff that Rosa in Fiore was still lighting up a red light from behind the curtains. Maybe it was true. Who know? But yeah, Claudia knew about gray side of the force.
It had been a scandal. Such a young and fine woman, getting involved into such a sordid business. Never the less, Claudia acted like a mother wolf, getting anyone on her way and lurking into her territories by the throat – or the balls, if ones would be believed.
- « Nay. » She started walking next to her friend and colleague. « Most of them don't have good opinions about themselves and books would be... awkward. »
- « What about a piece of clothing? Like a scarf? »
- « Even for the boys? »
- « I would not mind it. »
- « You are gay, Leo. »
- « I am. And? »
- « Not all the well-build men, not all the strippers and dancers are gay. »
- « And this is such a pity. » Leo's brigh blue eyes sparkled with amusement and Claudia giggled. She liked hanging out with Leonardo, even if some found this friendship suspicious. After all, the artist was nine year older than her, and was first introduced into the family through Maria's patronage. Giovanni's wife had always loved painters and sculptors, and helped the young Da Vinci to pierce into the mad mad world of art. In counterpart, Leo's influence on Ezio and Claudia could be easily spotted. As a matter of fact, Claudia had worked for him during summer time, to buff up her resume. And Leo had been her main support when she decided to take over the cabaret. They were now business partners, as Mona Lisa Event Productions would often recruit La Rosa's dancers for private shows and exhibitions.
Today was their traditional once-a-month-let's-feel-what-is-in-and-new-and-fashion shopping day. Leo and Claudia would pace the city up and down, from the large and bright avenues, to more bohemian and alternative and avant-garde clusters here and there, down to shadow pubs where goth, metal or any secluded communities met. They needed it to "feel" the next trend and get inspirations for their next events.
However, this December date was revolving around Claudia's need for a gift for her employee. All the men and women working at La Rosa, either dancers, stripped, magician, bartender, security or cleaning employees... all these were her extended family. She knew everyone of them, and about their life. The success of her cabaret was built upon this feeling of love and acceptance people got from the manager. Some young one had been able to go to university thanks to Claudia's support, other got a loan through the Auditore banking contacts or had some "situation" with Incomes Revenus or Borders Service strangely dealt with by a very cooperative Ezio.
But Claudia was short of idea today. As the young woman had done it for several years, she did have difficulties to get something new.
- « What about a star? » Leo suggested with uncertainty in his voice. Seeing Claudia's incomprehension, he added: « you know, naming a star. »
- « Cheesy... and what is one suddenly decided to go super-nova? Speak about bad omens. »
- « Huuum... Ok... what about a non individual gift? But something they share? » The blond examined a front windows displayed strange color wigs. He was happy he already had Salai's gift, but somehow, he was contemplating copying Claudia's idea and reward his own staff.
- « Like a day off all together? »
- « For example. A staff party. Or a community service. One of my clients did it. All the stay out for a day, helping building houses or cleaning the woods. »
- « Yeaaah, but... no... Some of my people came from very low life, and I don't want to push it back. Like, Faustina growing up in an orphanage. »
- « Hum, I find it particularly accurate in fact. They would know how beneficial it could be and it would be coming from the heart. Not just an obligation. Like... this orphanage house? Maybe it needs a new playground. Or the kids would like to go to the zoo but lack money and support to do so. Or you could have them coming at la Rosa and have a child cabaret show for them. »
- « Actually... it is a really good idea. I like it! »
- « And I'll be glad to offer my help, and my staff's, if there is any volunteers. »
- « That's a deal. Thanks Leonardo. »
- « At your service, Miss Auditore. »