* * * * *
Like Charlie, Gina, too, had followed her regular Sunday routine, going to her uncle’s home for brunch. She kissed her uncle hello and relaxed in a large leather easy chair while she told him about her week and again about Charlie Mullins.
“Uncle Carlo, I think I am getting serious about Charlie – the guy I told you about last week.”
“You mean the ‘mick’ from Jersey?” Carlo laughed.
“The same” said Gina, “he really is a very nice guy and I think I have some pretty strong feelings toward him.”
“Ah, love is wonderful, even if it is with an ‘Irish’” said Carlo.
“C’mon, uncle Carlo. Don’t get hung up on that Irish stuff. I know you are just kidding.”
“Yeah. I’m kidding. Do you really like this guy?”
“Well, I sure feel something different. When I am around him I feel relaxed. He’s not pushy, and he seems to be pretty sure of himself. I mean he is quick and witty, comfortable with who he is, and most of all respectful of my space. You know most of the guys I date wind up with eight hands and I have to fight them off and put them in their place. It’s no fun. They’re such idiots! But Charlie is different. He listens to me. He respects my views on things and even asks me what I think. He doesn’t seem to be in any hurry in the relationship and we enjoy each other’s company.”
“That’s where relationships get built, my beautiful niece. When friendship precedes passion and lust, the relationship will last. You want me to check this guy out? You know, see if he is telling you the truth about his life and his divorce, all that?
“Not yet, Uncle Carlo. I want to wait a while. I can tell if something is not quite right. So far, he has been above board on everything. Let’s see how it goes. I’m not in a hurry.”
“Ah, but I might be in a hurry, my dear Gina. I’m not such a young guy and I’d like to see a few bambini running around before too long.”
“Uncle Carlo! Here I am telling you that I think I might really like this guy and you are talking about bambini.” She laughed.
“Gina, you are a beautiful woman and you will have beautiful kids. Everyone likes beautiful babies and I’m no exception. Anyway, I’m just daydreaming. You know it’s your happiness I want.”
Gina kissed him. “Thanks, Uncle Carlo, I know. I just think that for the first time I have found a guy who can make me happy.”
“Just one question, sweetheart. Am I gonna have redheaded grandchildren with freckles? Imagine a redheaded Italian with freckles – má ché.”
Gina laughed heartily. “No, Uncle Carlo, Charlie is what they call “Black Irish”. He looks more Italian than I do. He has black hair, black eyebrows, and could really be Italian for all I know. And like I said, it’s early to talk about grandchildren.”
“Well, so when do I meet this Mr. Irish Wonderful of yours?”
“I’ll let you know, Uncle Carlo. Maybe in a couple of weeks, maybe never. It will depend on how things move forward. But I am really fine with the relationship for the first time in my adult life. And try not to keep calling him ‘Irish’, Uncle Carlo. His name is Charlie!”
“OK, bambina mia, let’s have something to eat. You’re not losing weight are you? You look thin.”
“I am thin, Uncle Carlo, and I intend to stay that way. You’ve been looking at too many of those ‘mamas’ in the neighborhood. God forbid I ever get like that!”
They enjoyed their brunch, made small talk, and Gina kissed her uncle and went off to meet her friends to discuss some of her projects for next week.
VIII
After yet another uneventful week at his desk at Shaw, Charlie dressed for his date with Gina. As usual he had been to softball practice and again, skipped out before the regular pizza and beer.
Bill Gallagher commented to the group, “Hey, Charlie skipped again. You think he’s home?”
“What if he is and what if he isn’t Bill?” said Tony Mazza. “Does he have to have pizza and beer every Saturday? He’s not like us – we’re married. We can afford to get a gut. Charlie’s single. He has to look trim, right? C’mon Bill, give him a break.”
Charlie had to get the house in order earlier today. The book signing was at 7-o-clock so he would have to leave a couple hours earlier than usual.
As promised, Gina had called him during the week. She first called on Thursday afternoon and left a message on his answering machine. She said, “Well, I guess you’re not married Charlie. And if you are, this message should really mess things up!” She laughed and rang off. Charlie laughed when he heard the message when he got home. She called again at 8-o-clock. “Well, Charlie Mullins, if you were married this morning, you are in trouble tonight! I presume you got my message?”
“Satisfied now, Gina? But what if a guy had answered, would you have thought I was gay?”
“You’re glib, Charlie,” she laughed, “I know you’re not gay. I have a few gay friends and they told me that you are definitely, really definitely not gay! They claim they can tell. I don’t know how, but they say they can! But to answer your question, yes I’m satisfied. You’d be in deep trouble after that phone call and you would not have answered this one if you were married. Anyway, I’m calling just to hear your voice and to tell you that the book signing on Saturday is scheduled for 7. Can you make it?”
“I’ll be there Gina. Where is the signing?”
“Meet me at the trattoria like before. Six-thirty OK? We’ll go from there by taxi.”
“OK. You know, I’m beginning to feel like a spy meeting you at the trattoria every time. Wouldn’t you rather I picked you up somewhere?”
“I like the trattoria, Charlie. It’s my special place now because it’s where we first met.”
“OK, Gina, trattoria it is. I’ll be there at six-thirty. And, by the way, I’m glad you called.”
“Good to hear that, Charlie. It means you’re not in trouble.” She laughed again.
Charlie laughed to himself about the phone call while he showered and shaved. He applied the expensive Armani cologne and thought, “The last time I used this stuff she kissed me. Whether it was luck or fragrance, I’m not taking any chances. Do your stuff Mr. Armani!”
Charlie left for Philly at a quarter-to-six and pulled up to the trattoria just a little before six-thirty. Gina had not arrived yet so he went in and sat at a table. Johnny the waiter was there and he said “Good evening Mr. Mullins. Nice to see you again.”
Charlie was impressed. “The guy knows my name already. It must really be nice to be a beautiful woman. Even her dates get noticed!”
“Hi Johnny, I’m waiting for Gina. Could I get a glass of the house red?”
“Sure thing, Mr. Mullins.”
While Charlie was drinking his wine, Gina came through the door. She had an entourage of about half-a-dozen friends. “Charlie! Hi!” She came over and kissed him on the cheek. Charlie thought, “I could get used to this!”
“You want to finish your wine? We can wait.”
“No, that’s OK, Gina. I’m ready to go.”
“OK, these are a bunch of my friends. Friends, meet Charlie, Charlie meet my friends. I’ll introduce all of you properly at the book signing.”
Gina