Ch. 37

Putting the finishing touches on their special project, Val and her admin co-workers were feeling celebratory. A lot of hard, tedious work had gone into inputting the old case files into the PCPD database and they congratulated one another on a job well done. In the middle of their celebration, Randy entered the basement, searching for Val. He was on his lunch break and he had some amends to make with his friend. Approaching the mirthful group, he asked, "Did I miss something? What're you all so happy about?" "We're finally free of the basement, that's what. The PCPD database is updated and operational. Any file you need to see from any year since files have been kept here are now in the computer," Val responded gleefully. "Every file since the beginning of the PCPD? Wow. That had to be excruciating work, I'll bet. Good job, everyone." "You have no idea, Randy! It's a relief to be done with this project, at last! Now on to the next thing, whatever the Commish has planned for us… Never mind that; what brings you to our dungeon?"

"Yeah," he answered slowly, "about that. Can I talk to you privately for a minute?" Hesitating for a moment, Val reminded him, "Ok, the last time we talked started with the same question, so if this is about to be a repeat-" "No, it's not. Just the opposite, in fact." They walked from the basement up the stairs to the hallway and paused. Turning to her, Randy said, "Listen, Val, I feel like a major jerk. I asked to talk to you the other day and then acted like a spoiled brat because I didn't like what you had to say. I'm sorry—that's what I wanted to tell you. Maybe I am a naïve little kid, after all."

"I never called you that, Randy. I'M sorry if I gave the impression that that's what I thought of you. I thought your outlook was a bit naïve, but you're entitled to believe whatever you want to. It was just a misunderstanding between us."

"So we're friends again?" Laughing, Val said, "We were never not friends, Randy. I think we're a little more solid than that-than to let a disagreement end our friendship."

"So can this friend buy you some lunch? A 'thanks for accepting my apology' lunch?"

"You don't have to do that."

"Ok, I don't have to. I want to. You in?"

"Sure-why not? What'd you have in mind?"

"How about Kelly's? It's not far from here and they're quick with service, so we won't be late getting back."

"I like Kelly's. Let's go. My car or yours?"

"Let's take mine."

During the short ride to Kelly's, Val asked, "How is it going partnering with Dante? I know you had soured on the idea after your trip to New Jersey…"

"We've come to an understanding of sorts, I guess, so it is what it is. We have some fundamentally different ideas when it comes to police work but that won't keep us from doing our jobs."

"That's good. I like it when my two favorite men get along." "I'm actually included on your list of favorite men?" "Are you kidding? Of course you are. Other than Dante, you were one of the first friends I made here. You took me to Jake's and helped me blow off steam when I was at a low point. Plus you bought me my first butterscotch latte! I don't take that lightly." "Oh, ok. I was honored that you actually came out with me. I never thought I had a snowball's chance of that until you said 'yes'. And I told you, the butterscotch latte reminded me of you." They arrived at Kelly's and after finding seats, they placed their orders. While they waited for their food, Val remarked, "You don't strike me as someone with a self-esteem problem, Randy. You were right—your mojo is quite strong. If I hadn't already been interested in someone else, who knows what might have happened?"

"Hmm. Sounds like you're actually saying I might have had a shot if I'd met you first." "Maybe so. We had fun that night at Jake's. You're funny, you're a good dancer and you have what my mom called 'old-fashioned manners'." "Old-fashioned manners'? Does that mean I act like an old man or something?" he teasingly wondered. "No, silly, it means you know how to treat women. As old-fashioned as that sounds. You're a good date."

"That's a compliment and a half. Thanks."

"You're welcome. You have a lot to offer the right someone."

"You think so?"

"I wouldn't have said it if I didn't believe it." Finally receiving their meals, they began eating. After swallowing a bite of his burger, Randy confessed, "Well, there is someone I've got my eye on but so far, it's been a no go." "Who is it? Someone at the station? Maybe I can run interference, put in a good word-" "No, thanks. I prefer to make my own running. If I do it right and have patience, in time she'll look my way." "I wish you luck, not that you'll need it. I have complete faith in your skills!" They laughed together and finished their lunches. "Yeah," Randy thought inwardly, "If I do it right, you'll eventually see that I'm the best choice for you, not Falconeri."

Randy realized Val had been speaking to him in the middle of his musings when she touched his arm. "Sorry, I was thinking about something else—what did you say?" "I was just asking if you were ready to go back to work. I wanted to get one of those checkerboard brownies before we left, though." Simultaneously, they bent over the table to remove their trash and their heads collided with an audible "thud," causing them both to begin laughing uproariously. "Ouch! I don't know whose head is harder, yours or mine!" exclaimed Randy, wincing. "Judging by that knock, I'd say we're equally hard-headed," Val retorted. Still giggling, she noticed the red spot forming on Randy's forehead and before she could think better of it, she reached up and rubbed it in sympathy after brushing his hair out of the way. "Whoa," she told him, "that's really gone a deep shade of red! Poor thing." A voice from somewhere over her shoulder stated, "Aww, young love is the best! So romantic! The way you're stroking his poor, bruised head—too sweet." Val turned around and saw Lulu, who was looking back at them with a smirk. Lulu continued, "Hey, Randy. I see you've got yourself quite the little bee; she flies from flower to flower, collecting all the—pollen—she can get. You must be the flower of the day—lucky you." To Val she added, "Geesh, Cousin, even for you this seems ambitious! Running two men at the same time! But then, why limit yourself, huh?" Val was about to respond to her when Randy interrupted with, "Val and I are just friends, Lulu—don't get it twisted. I know you two have your issues but I'd appreciate it if you didn't talk about my friend like that in front of me. And I don't know you real well but I've gotta tell you, 'catty' isn't your best look. Just saying." Catching Val's eye, he finished, "Let's go, Val, so we don't end up being late." Giving Lulu a short nod and a tight smile, he placed his hand on Val's back as he guided her from the restaurant.

"You didn't have to do that, Randy. I can stick up for myself," she said quietly. "I know you can; I don't doubt that. I didn't like the way she approached you, though. It's like she was going out of her way to be nasty, which I thought was unnecessary. I just told her so, that's all." "Yeah, you sure did. Thanks. It's always nice to know when someone has my back."

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Not too long before the end of the shift, Dante received a phone call from Lulu. "Hey, Dante, got a minute?" "Yeah. What's up? Everything ok?" "Everything's ok, except—have you seen Mr. Trunks lately?" "Rocco's stuffed elephant? I thought I remembered seeing it with his stuff over the weekend. Why? You don't have it?" "No, I can't find him. He had a hard time going to sleep last night and I couldn't figure out why. I finally noticed he didn't have Mr. Trunks. I looked through everything here, but I didn't see him. Do you think you can look for him on your end and bring him over if you find him?" "Yeah, of course. What time do you want me to bring it by?" "Since your shift's almost over, as soon as you find him, if you don't mind." "I can do that." "Thanks, Dante. Oh, and don't go out to the docks. I've gotten an apartment in Maxie's building, a couple doors down from her. I'm still moving in, so bring him over here, please." "What's the apartment number?" "72." "Ok. As soon as I find it, I'll head over."

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When Dante arrived at Lulu's new apartment, he paused outside the door and listened. If he wasn't mistaken, Musetta's Waltz from La Boheme, his favorite opera, was being played. Since when, he wondered, does Lulu listen to opera? He knocked on the door and a short while later, Lulu answered his knock. Breathlessly she said, "Come in. Whew! Moving furniture is hard work! I think decorating is even worse—I've moved that one couch three times! I think I'm finally satisfied with where it's at." Gesturing to her clothing, which consisted of a Yankees baseball jersey knotted at the bottom and a pair of high cut jean shorts, she remarked, "I know I look kind of grubby but moving is also hot work! I wanted to be comfortable so I wouldn't be tempted to quit before I'd finished. Oh," she went on, pointing to the stuffed elephant, "I see you found him. Good. Hopefully, Rocco'll be able to sleep better tonight. I can't believe what a difference one toy makes! So, what do you think?" she eventually concluded, inviting him to inspect her handiwork. "It looks good. You've made some interesting color choices…" He trailed off after taking in the light grey couch with the pink and white pillows. "Well, the grey is for Rocco, the pink is for me, and the white is for us both. I didn't want it to be overly girly since he's got to live here, too. You'll have to see his room before you go! It's got a Yankees baseball theme. I may have gone a bit overboard but I want him to be happy in there. He's laid his head in a lot of different places lately. I wanted him to know that this room is all his." "I'll definitely check it out," Dante replied, adding, "Yankees theme, huh?"

"Yeah. The Falconeri-Corinthos tradition will continue! I want Rocco to fit in with you guys on game days. It'll be good if he can share the Yankee love with his grandfathers and uncles—I want him to grow up being a fan. You don't approve?"

"You know better than that. I'm even grateful you're going through the trouble. I didn't know you were planning to move, though."

"I wanted to be closer to town. And I did tell you that I wanted to be on my own and stop depending on my brother. I also thought going back and forth on the launch every day was getting to be a little much. I think Rocco's developed a love of boats, though, and he likes the water, so he got something positive out of our time at Spoon Island," she said, chuckling.

Dante nodded, mentioning, "It's also more convenient for me to be able to get him when it's my turn to have him; I think this move was a good idea." Frowning slightly, he pointed to the dock where her phone was playing the La Boheme soundtrack before he asked her, "Since when do you listen to opera?"

"For a while now. I usually listen to it when Rocco is here. I want him to develop an appreciation for it. I just remember how bummed I was that you were taking me to the opera on our first date until I actually saw and heard it for myself. I fell in love with it that night. Do you remember that?"

"Of course I do. I also remember you wanted to go to Butter instead. I had to convince you that the opera was better than any old nightclub. But yeah, you ended up being glad we went."

"Exactly. I want Rocco to be able to say that some of his first memories are of hearing and loving this music. This is something he can share with both of his parents."

"Wow, Lulu. I'm sort of impressed, here. The Yankees AND opera? I didn't think they were necessarily your favorite things, though."

"You taught me to appreciate them both and I want to make sure Rocco loves them, too."

"Okaay. Sure. Is he here?"

"No, he's with your mother. I took the day off because I've been using the time to move in here. She offered to watch him so I could get it all done without interruptions. She's gonna bring him back in a little while—we'll have dinner then."

"Dinner? Is that what I've smelled ever since I walked in here? Did you actually cook?"

"I'm working on learning how! I'm still hoping Olivia hasn't given up completely on teaching me! She brought this over, though. It's her three and three lasagna. Something else I want Rocco to grow up with—Italian cuisine."

"Ohh, hurt me! Her three and three lasagna? Wow. Her lasagna is almost as good as her braciole! But really, Italian food, the Yankees, opera—those are my favorite things, not yours. Why are you going through all this trouble?"

"Those were some of the things we had planned to share with him anyway, when we were still a family. I don't want him to miss out on them just because of our current situation. Don't worry. I'll make sure he also gets the Spencer love of adventure and self-reliance. He has a lot of good things in his heritage from both of us. If I have my way, he's gonna be a very well-rounded kid!"

"I appreciate the way you're deliberately including things that are important to me as well in his upbringing. I'm surprised by it, if I'm being truthful."

"Rocco deserves the best I can give him—he deserves that from both of us. I'm gonna do my part to see that he gets it, from me at least. You seem skeptical, though. You doubt my motives or something?"

"I don't mean to seem doubtful. I am a bit thrown off by your attitude change, though. Don't get me wrong—I'm glad we seem to moving to a new understanding between us. It just seems sudden."

"It's not. I've done a lot of thinking and self-examination lately. I want what's best for Rocco more than I want to keep the drama and anger going. One of the greatest gifts we can give to him is to see us getting along, isn't it?"

"Yeah, totally. I agree with you all the way. We should be trying to give him the best of us and if you want to include the things I love as part of that—well, I can't find fault with it. I can't believe you're willing to try to learn how to make Italian food again, though! That's kind of 'above and beyond,' I think! Since his grandma loves to cook, you could just let that be her contribution to his childhood memories, the way my Nonna's cooking is for me. Ma made her three meat, three cheese lasagna, huh? You should feel honored. It usually has to be a special occasion for her to bust that out! What are you all celebrating—the move in?"

"That, and the fact that she's thinking about moving in with us. She really wants to bring your little brother home and work things out with Julian. We thought if we lived together, we could help each other with the boys. That's why I took the larger apartment; there's enough room for all of us."

"Hmm. I can't see the two of you living together, Lulu…"

"I don't think there'll be a problem and Olivia doesn't, either. We get along, we love each other and if she moves in with Maxie just down the hall, it'll be perfect, especially when Maxie has Georgie with her. Three women helping each other get it done. If we can make it work, that's something to celebrate. You're welcome to stay for dinner if you want to—you know your mother—there's plenty."

Dante was surprised by the invitation and still more taken aback by how pleasantly they were getting along. "You sure you want me to stay for dinner? I thought once you got Mr. Trunks back, you wouldn't be able to get me out of here fast enough."

"Like I told you, there's been enough tension between us, Dante. Too much. It's time to start putting that behind us. I don't want the negativity affecting our son. I finally see your point of view there. I want his memories to be of us getting along, not fighting every time we see each other. And if he can recall times when his parents sat down and shared a meal together in peace, I'd like for him to have those memories, too."

"So are you saying you've accepted the fact that Val and I are together? That you want peace between us despite that?"

"I realize you have your life, and I have mine," she answered, side-stepping a direct answer to his question.

"I'm glad we could get to this place for Rocco's sake, Lulu. Thanks. I know it wasn't easy-"

"I don't want to fight anymore, Dante, that's all. Maybe, eventually, we can even be friends again. Who knows?"

"I'd like that, if we could get there. And if you and my Ma honestly think you could live together and help each other out, I guess I should be supportive of that, too. Whatever works to get Damiano back home where he belongs. Speaking of which, let me see this Yankee heaven you've made." They walked from the living room to Rocco's bedroom. He took in the Yankee baseball border framing the room, the jerseys hanging on one wall and the huge red, white and blue Yankee emblem by itself on another one. There was also a painting of a baseball game in progress hanging on the wall over the crib. He let out a laugh when he saw the curtains and bed covers festooned with the Yankee logo and he remarked, "Ok, you might have gone A BIT overboard here! But I like it, and I think once he develops his own love for the Yanks, he'll be nuts about it, too."

"I told you I might have overdone it! But doesn't this room say, 'Hey, total guy zone, here!' That's what I wanted for him, and for Damiano, if he ends up living here."

"Well they can't help but become die-hard fans, growing up in a room like this! I think it's great, Lulu. And again, I appreciate what you're trying to do in giving him the best of the things we both love. We're in a good place right now. I know it wasn't easy, so you deserve credit for making the effort."

"I meant what I said, Dante. I want us to get along for our son's sake. Sometimes that might involve a lot of tongue biting!" They chuckled together before she went on, "If we both put in the work, though, Rocco will still have the childhood we always wanted him to have. Now, before I forget, he and Olivia should be here soon. I want to get cleaned up and set the table for dinner before they get here. That dinner offer stands, by the way."

"You know how much I love my Ma's lasagna! But no, I really ought to be getting home. Since Rocco's not here right now, I guess I'll have to catch up with him this weekend."

"'Ought to be getting home'? You're in so much of a hurry to go back to that empty loft that you can't stay and have dinner with us?"

Scratching his head, Dante paused before admitting, "Not exactly. I wasn't talking about the loft…"

"What did you mean, then?"

"I was talking about the penthouse. Val asked me to move in with her and I accepted the offer. Knowing her, she's already got dinner waiting for me. Maybe next time?"

Everything after "asked me to move in" went unheard by Lulu. Suddenly she was furious, outrageously so. That little slag, that stupid, interfering little tramp, she thought. She had just upped the stakes. Time to make her own move. Aloud she said, "Did she? And you accepted? I didn't think you would go for that, especially with Randy still in the picture…"

"Randy? Randy Hill? What's he got to do with anything?"

Lulu gazed at Dante in innocent confusion before saying, "I saw the two of them having lunch at Kelly's today. They seemed awfully affectionate, if the way they were sitting together and touching each other is any indication. She was brushing his hair out of his face when I saw them and he was touching her back when they left. I thought maybe their relationship was becoming more than friendship—at least, that's the way it looked to me…" There you go, Cousin. Talk your way around that, she thought with malicious satisfaction.

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