“Yeah, I want a few more things with my dinner, but let me do this then before I forget. Bring three bottles of wine, please. I’d like a Bruno Giacosa, Cantina Mascarello, and an Azienda Agricola Rabajà. We’re celebrating my Dad coming home for a visit! Chicago is always going to be home!” He smiled big and winked at his father, who smiled back, proud as ever. “This is a big deal… the man of the family. Wanna show everyone a good time tonight.”
“Certainly! I’ll get those bottles and glasses for you.” He then went on to take the last of the orders.
“Mr. Big Spender tonight!” Ma teased, clapping. “Bring on the wine. I’m ready!”
“Ma, you got it. Nothing’s too good for the people I love. Money can be made again. It comes and goes, ya know?” His sisters nodded in agreement. “With the right business plan, it can be replaced. My family can’t. I love each and every one of ya. I mean that.”
“Awww! Nix is all sappy tonight! He musta got drunk before he even came here,” Tonya teased, causing people to laugh.
When the laughter died down, he said to the waiter, “We’re going to be here a long time tonight. So you’ll be working your ass off, but I promise to give you a big, beautiful tip.”
The waiter laughed. “No problem and thank you!”
“Yeah, good service is important. It should be rewarded. A gathering like this is important too, with family. The bloodline. Like love. Love should be treated like a cellphone, ya know?” He looked at Yasmine, his heart beating so damn fast… so hard… “Once you get it, you should never leave home without it…”
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Damage Control
The special DJ mix of ‘Sara Smile’ by Hall and Oates and Bootsy Collins’ ‘I’d Rather Be with You’ played out as they entered his dwelling. The vaporwave sound, a type of digital musical manipulation that caused the song to play slower, gave the music a nostalgic air and felt so pleasing to the ear. Nixon took his father’s coat and hung it in the closet.
His father looked around, then his gaze settled on the fish tank. Nixon debated on turning the lights brighter. The room was dimly lit, as he always liked it when he got home. He didn’t care for strong illumination, maybe due to the lighting in hospitals, which triggered discomfort.
He picked up the remote and turned on the fireplace. Dad took a slow, leisurely look around, his footsteps echoing, hands in pockets. It was unusual for him to be that damn quiet. Finally, the old man sighed, and slipped a cigarette out of his pocket. Nixon did a mental check in his head, trying to remember if he’d put all of his personal belongings away, out of sight. He’d had a fuck fest with Yasmine the previous day, and he’d fucked her in almost every room. Lube is put away… I put that up right after I fucked her in the ass… I remember that. The handcuffs, the scarves, spreader, chains? Yeah, put those up. Wait a minute. Shit. I hope I put the damn cords and that belt away… Yeah, I did…
“Hold on, Dad. Put that cigarette down. I have something better than that.” Nixon retrieved a black velvet box from a tall glass dresser. He opened the lid and removed two cigars. After putting everything back, he handed one to his father. Dad gave it the once over and smiled.
“Illusione Epernay l’Alpiniste…” he read slowly. “Wow, fancy schmancy looking.”
“I like many brands of Nicaraguan cigars. These are high quality.” He ran it slowly under his nose and closed his eyes, savoring the aroma. “A boutique cigar.” His father nodded in appreciation. “These ones in particular are produced at the Raices Cubanas factory. Heard of it?”
“No, I haven’t. I don’t know about shit like that, Nixon. That’s more your speed… expensive stuff. I’m not sophisticated.” Dad’s smile was tinged with sadness.
In fact, the man had been acting different all day. At dinner, he’d been jovial, talkative, and in a great mood. Now, he seemed withdrawn. Even during the ride back to the house, he’d barely spoken. Maybe he needed rest after the flight. Nixon felt it was deeper than that, but didn’t want to keep asking how he was doing, and he’d done that several times in the car.
“So, tell me more about these cigars.” Dad sniffed it and sighed. “You were getting into where