Chapter Eighteen
June 2004
"Tony asked me to give this to you."
She leans forward and accepts the small rectangular envelope; she leans back in her seat as she reads.
Graduation Exercises
Kingsborough Community College
Friday June 23, 2004
7 P.M.
He sees her smile, "He's asking me? I would have thought that….family would be?" She asks shyly.
"No, he was given four tickets and, well he wants, hopes you can go. Hell I want you to go. After the ceremony we're all going to Giuseppe's for dinner."
"Giuseppe's huh, you mean the place that you took me for dinner that one night where I ate the most delectable chicken marsala on the planet," She pretends to mull over the offer, "Ok, I'll go."
"Great," he exclaims, some heads turn to the sound. He clears his throat, as he lowers his voice, "I mean great. I'll pick you up at six, is that alright?"
"Yes I'll be ready," she says eagerly. "So," she says as she stands, "We had better get back to work."
He grumbles a bit, "Yeah, yeah."
Friday June 23rd
6 P.M.
The doorbell buzzes as she slips into her shoes, a quick check in the mirror, "Hope I'm not overdressed," she tugs on her garment, wondering if the dress is too short. "Nah," she nods her head in approval of her appearance. "Hell I never get to dress up like this." The buzzer sounds again, "Alright Bobby I'm coming," one more quick check at her look, she smiles as she leaves the confines of her bedroom. Her fear of overdressing is put to rest when she opens the door and finds her partner, clad in a charcoal gray suit, crisp white shirt and striped maroon silk tie. She stands frozen in the doorway; though she has seen the suit before, tonight he looks very handsome, indeed.
He nervously places his hands in his pockets as he finds himself staring at her. This is my partner, wow, he thinks as he gazes upon the sight of her standing in the doorway. Her sleeveless black surplice v-neck dress with braided straps is a sight that he has never seen on his partner.
She speaks first, "You look fantastic Bobby."
He unconsciously adjusts his tie, "Thank you," he takes a step forward, as she releases her hold of the doorknob.
"Ah yeah," she steps aside, "Come on in," Jesus Alex get a grip will you, it's only Bobby.
He nods, "You look beautiful Alex."
"Thanks," her face blushes slightly, "It's not often that I get to dress up like this and well at first I thought that it may be too much but…."
"It's perfect." He says with authority.
She smiles as her apprehension for her choice of clothing has faded. "Let me get my bag and then we can go."
Kingsborough Community College Auditorium
The ceremony lasted a little over an hour as one hundred and three students received their degrees. Tony searches for only a minute as he spots one of the tallest men in the crowd, he calls his name as he waves, "Bobby, over here."
The foursome meets up and Cheryl is the first to embrace her son, "I'm so proud of you."
"Thanks Mom."
Bobby gingerly grabs for the diploma, "An associate's degree in psychology," he says proudly, "Cool very cool, I'm proud of you."
He hands it back to Tony, "Never thought it would happen did you?" Tony says with a tilt of his head.
"Honestly I did have my doubts," he pats Tony on the back, "Sometimes."
Tony nudges him, "You and me both," he chuckles lightly.
"Congratulations Tony," Alex says.
"Thanks Alex," he says as he kisses her cheek. He steps back and puffs out his chest. "I start my training in two weeks."
"Training? Training for what?" Alex asks coyly before Bobby has a chance to speak.
Looking directly at Bobby, he states, "I've decided to join the NYPD." Bobby frowns slightly at this announcement, Tony continues. "I know what you're thinking….my juvey record, well they frowned a bit at that but after they read the recommendation that Alex wrote, I was in."
"You asked Alex," he says with slight irritation in his voice. "Why didn't you ask…?"
Tony interjects, "You, I didn't want to tell you incase I didn't get in."
Shaking his head as he speaks, "I wouldn't have been upset it would have been something you tried, and the more things you aim for the better. Actually I was thinking about the plan….you know, for you to take these credits and continue your education, what happened to going to law school."
"Maybe in a few years I'll go….but right now," he states firmly. "I want to be a cop."
Bobby runs his fingers trough his hair. "Don't do this for me."
"I am and I'm not, does that make sense?" They share a laugh, "Anyway," Tony continues. "I really want to do this."
Cheryl links her arm in her sons, "He's been talking about this for months, believe me I'm a little apprehensive but he has never been so excited about anything before."
Bobby nods his head as he holds out his hand, "You'll make one hell of a cop," Tony shakes Bobby's hand. "I'm proud of you." Bobby pulls him in and they share a quick embrace.
Giuseppe's Italian Restaurant
"Good evening Sir." The tall thin gray-haired woman greets him.
"Reservation for Goren," he states.
"Yes Sir, follow me."
Bobby extends his arm, gesturing for Cheryl and Tony to go first. He takes a hold of Alex's hand as he escorts her through the restaurant.
Drinks are ordered and three of the foursome has decided on their meal, "If you'll excuse me." Alex says as she stands clutching her bag, "But I need to use the ladies room."
"I'll go with you," Cheryl says as she too stands grabbing for her bag.
Tony lowers the menu in his hand. Bobby eyes Tony, eyeing Alex. "What are you looking at?"
"She looks, ah," he sets the menu on the table, "So are you two, you know?"
Bobby picks up his drink, "Not that it's any of your business but no." he takes a quick sip. "Where is your girlfriend tonight?"
Tony picks up a breadstick and snaps it in half, "She dumped me when I told her I was going to be a cop."
Bobby pats the young man on the back, "I didn't want to pry but…."
"Yeah I know, you were wondering all night."
He rubs his shoulder, "I'm sorry Tony."
"Thanks;" he takes a bite of the bread stick, "I'm ok with it, hell it's not like we were engaged or anything."
Bobby smiles, "Keep telling yourself that," he takes a quick sip of his drink, "And after awhile you'll believe it."
"It sucks, you know?"
"Yeah," he chuckles slightly. "I know."
Their dinners arrive and enjoyed by all. The foursome has a tough time deciding on dessert so they agree to order four different desserts and share portions with one another. After the desserts are, consumed four people expel a sigh and a grumble, "Oh I ate too much." Laughter is heard from all. Moments later their waiter for the evening, Mario, asks, "Would anyone care for an after dinner drink or more coffee?"
Shaking heads and each saying no thank you, Mario flashes a smile. "Yes the dessert chef is one of the best and if you're counting calories your scale just tipped over." The foursome chuckle and so does Mario.
"The check Mario, please." Bobby asks.
"Yes Sir," he bows his head then turns on his heel to leave. Moments later, he returns, placing the small rectangular leather case on the table, "Whenever you're ready Sir."
Cheryl reaches for the case but is out maneuvered by Bobby, "No I got it." She raises her hand and her eyebrows to protest. "Save it," he says sternly. "I got it."
"Thanks Bobby."
The waiter returns to retrieve the brown leather case that holds the check. "It's all set Mario," Mario nods his head. "Thank you Sir," he nods his head before he addresses the others, "Enjoy the rest of your evening."
Bobby slips his hand into his breast pocket and removes an envelope, "Here," he taps Tony on his arm.
Tony not surprised that Bobby has given him a gift but the fact that it jingles. "What is it?"
"Open it and find out."
Inside the envelope are two keys, Tony eyes light up like a Christmas tree, he sets the keys on the table, "The Camaro?" he says excitedly trying his best to keep his voice low.
"Yes," Bobby nods, "I gave it a new paint job and it is waiting for you at Lewis', all you have to do is pick it up."
"Oh man….this is….wow….I don't know what…."
"Being able to finish a sentence would be a good thing and…." He emphasizes the word. "There is something else in the envelope." He nudges him, "Take a look."
Tony removes the check made out to him; his eyes widen twice their normal size. The amount on the check is a great deal more than Tony had expected. He leans over whispering, "This is too much, you can't afford this."
He grabs Tony by the back of his neck, shaking him, "Yes I can, I've been saving it since you started college."
"Oh man, this is great, I mean thanks." Tony sniffles then rubs his eyes. Bobby in turn pulls the young man in for a hug. A quick glance at Cheryl and Alex and they two have tears in their eyes.
Alex opens her bag and removes a small envelope, "I know we haven't known each long but I wanted to give you a little something for being able to come through a past riddled with pain. I wish you all the best. Tony."
Tony smiles as he accepts the envelope, "Thanks Alex," he opens the card and a check slips out. He blushes slightly, "You didn't have too."
She nods, "I know but I wanted to."
He stands and kisses her cheek, "Thanks again for everything." He resumes his seat looking out at the trio at the table. "Thanks all of you, for everything." He leans over and kisses his Mother on the cheek, "Thanks Mom for not giving up on me and the new computer. I love you."
She holds his face in her hands, "I'm so proud of you Tony, I love you so much."
He turns to face Bobby, "Thank you Bobby I don't why you were sent to help me," he gestures with his hand to include his mother, "Us, but I'm so glad you were." He extends his hand and they shake for a moment. Simultaneously they release their grip and hug, "I love you man."
"You're a good kid," he whispers, "I always knew you were. I love you too."
The men release their hold and Bobby claps his hands, "Ok now, who wants to go home and who wants to hang out in the lounge?"
The group decides to go into the lounge for a drink and listen to the band that is playing.
"Alex, would you like to dance?" Bobby asks plainly.
Alex's frown is unnoticed by her partner, not that she doesn't want to dance but from the fact that he asked. "Sure," she nods. "Sure." She stands and he extends his arm for her to take hold, he escorts her to the dance floor. His gracefulness is a bit of surprise to her as he leads her around the floor. "This is fun," she manages to say.
"Yes it is and can you believe that all night long we haven't talked about the job."
"Job what job?" Alex says playfully. He spins her around then pulls her back as she expels a soft, "Whoa."
"Sorry about that."
"No don't be sorry I wasn't expecting it, that's all." He does the move once again.
This time she laughs, "Can I ask you something? If it's known of my business…."
"That depends, what is it?"
"You bought him a Camaro?"
"Well………when I bought it cost only 500 bucks, Lewis, Tony and I have been working on it since Tony was thirteen. It was never mentioned that it would be his, it was mine, but hell I think he deserves it, don't you?"
She nods, "Yes I do."
"Take your photo?" the voice from the dark skinned women with the camera asks. They shake their heads, then, in unison they say, "Ok, why not." They cease dancing.
"No, no keep dancing," she says with the slightest hint of a Jamaican accent. "You two look so perfect together on the floor." They take a quick glance at each other and begin to laugh. Three shots later she is done. "You can view them in about half an hour in the lobby."
"We will have to check them out," he says.
"Definitely," a few more spins around the floor and then the music stops. They return to their seats with Cheryl and Tony clapping.
Cheryl leans over and whispers in her friends' ear, "You two looked very good out there."
He picks up his drink as he sits back in his seat, "That's what that photographer said, if you ask me you both need glasses."
"Ladies room again," Alex says as she stands.
"I'll go with you," Cheryl says as she stands. She then leans down. "Why are you so afraid of how you feel?" Bobby stares straight ahead, he does not answer her.
Outside Alex's Home
"Do you want to come in for a minute?" She asks trying to sound nonchalant. Yes, she has to admit that her attraction for him has grown.
"No, not tonight, hope you had a good time," he flashes a warm smile, "I know I did."
She holds out her hand, he takes it gently, "Yes Bobby I did, dinner was marvelous and you are a wonderful dancer." She had seen him dance with Marjorie Timmons that one afternoon many months ago. However, being close to him and moving in time to the music as he led her around the floor was something that she would remember for a long time.
"Thanks," he buttons then unbuttons is jacket. "I….I….well, oh here." He digs into his breast pocket and removes the three photos that were taken. "Which one do you want?"
She shuffles through the photos, "This one," she decides on the first photo that was taken. It shows them with huge smiles on their faces just before the onset of laughter.
"Ok then, goodnight Alex, I'll see you Monday."
"Goodnight," she starts to close the door, then opens it again, "Hey," her voice echoes in the night.
He turns around gracefully, "Yeah," he walks back up the stairs.
"I….I really had a great time tonight," she reaches up and kisses his cheek. "We made a nice looking couple out on that dance floor, didn't we?"
"Yes we did," he says proudly as he stands erect. "Maybe we should," he finds himself gazing into her eyes. "Do it again, sometime."
"I would like that," he steps forward and so does she. Their fixation on each other is broken by the sound of a car horn. He steps back, "Goodnight Alex."
"Goodnight Bobby," she stands in the doorway watching him until he disappears around the corner. She closes the door.
I'm going to end it here.
Be back soon with an update.
Later The Mominator