The car was only a few minutes away from the restaurant and Capazzo and Charlie engaged in conversation, they talked about various topics. They both learned of each other's mafioso background, Charlie being a member of the Blue Note Label with The_Kid and Capazzo running with Godfather Tobias crew The Divergent. The Alfa Romeo soon after turned the corner and headed toward Sparelli's Fine Italian Dining. 

Both Capazzo and his associate Adz had spoken with Sal and made specific requests for tonight. Sal without hesitation said that it could all be done. Although Sal had got promoted to the Consigliere spot of the Blue Note Label he was still the same old @Fat_Sal that you could still approach and talk to, one of the very few men Capazzo could truly depend on.

Finally the car came to a slow halt. They were finally there at the destination. Charlie held Capazzo's hand, looked at him and thanked him. Capazzo shook his head 'no'.

"No Charlie, thank you for this evening."

With that he gave her a kiss on the hand. A moment later Capazzo's door was opened by a Sparelli's worker. He got out and straightened his suit. He then walked around to the other side and opened Charlie's door. He held her hand as she stepped out of the vehicle. Capazzo then extended his arm and invited Charlie to hold it.

With the exception of two cars the area was completely empty. Capazzo had rented the entire Sparelli's Fine Italian Dining restaurant out for the night. It would just be Capazzo and Charlie dining tonight, Capazzo wanted it that way and only that way. Truly it didn't matter though because when he looked into her eyes no one around existed anyway.

With that Capazzo and Charlie walked into the restaurant where Sal was there to greet them.

Having just closed the doors of Sparelli's I change into my best and cleanest chefs whites. Vinny and I do a quick linen change and clean up in the dinning area. We set every other table with red and alternating white table cloths with green napkins neatly folded at each place setting. As Vinny is placing a small vase with two red roses at each table I make my rounds and light 2 candles at each table and making sure each table is set perfectly. I make my way to the entrance and dim the lights as Vinny gets the bar ready. I hear a Knock at the door and peak outside. It was my 2 guests that had reserved the restaurant for the remainder of the evening. I open the door to let Capazzo and MasqCharlie in. 

"Welcome Mr. Capazzo and Mrs Charlie. Vinny and I will be happy to accommodate your needs tonight. For the lady we will be preparing Fettuccine Alfredo and the gentleman will be having the Steak medium well with fries. Vinny will be here shortly with your drinks Ginger Rye Toddy for the Lady and a Cognac on the rocks for Mr. Capazzo. I will be back shortly with your dinners. 

Every time Charlie thought that Capazzo couldn't top what he had already done tonight, he up and showed her he could.

Will this man always manage to surprise me? she thought to herself as he lead her to their table and pulled out the chair for her.  

Normally she prided herself in being able to read people.  It was quite captivating that she was not able to read Capazzo and was instead left with trying to unveil his mystery.

Grinning at Capazzo she stated, "I can't believe that you even managed to conspire with my Consigliere and it not get back to me."  She joked, "Of course had I known he knew anything at all I would have hounded him relentlessly so it was probably in self interest that he did not even hint at it."  Charlie laughed.  She had always like Fat_Sal.  He had reminded her of her uncle back in Peoria.  

When Vinnie showed up with the drinks, she thanked him and lifted the heated beverages to her nose to take in the wonderful aroma before sipping it.  As the toddy soothed her, she suddenly realized that she had been a bit nervous.  With that revelation came a torrid wave that began to feed on itself.

Fuck, what should I say?  What if nothing comes to mind to talk about?  I bet I will drop Alfredo sauce on me!  

She quickly took another sip to try and cover up her awkwardness and stall for time. 

Capazzo and Charlie engaged in conversation as they waited for their drinks. Capazzo had to be careful he often caught himself just staring into the eyes of Charlie, he couldn't help it, there was something behind those eyes that he wanted to find out more about. Just then Vinnie came with the drinks. A Ginger Rye Toddy for Charlie and a cognac for Capazzo. Capazzo nodded and took a sip of his drink. It was smooth, of course it was this was Sal's place where everything was top notch.

Capazzo was calm cool and collected but he noticed some shyness and awkwardness from Charlie, he thought it was cute. To loosen her up a bit he told some jokes and she laughed at each and every one of them. He told her a few stories about his past and the time he spent growing up and she talked to him about her time in Illinois as well.

After a few minutes Sal came in with their meals. Capazzo had the steak, medium well as he liked it with a side of french fries, he was a big fan of fries...his associates knew this first hand. Capazzo had Sal prepare Charlie's favorite dish, Fettuccine Alfredo. Sal laid both dinners down, he asked them if they needed anything else too which they declined, Sal nodded then walked away giving Capazzo and Charlie privacy.

Capazzo rose his glass of cognac.

"To new beginnings and the love, laughter and life that comes with it....Salud."

With that he and Charlie began to eat. Capazzo's steak was made to perfection, just the way he loved it and the fries were nothing short of amazing. The two continued to eat and speak about their lives in the connected world. After a few minutes Capazzo looked at Charlie.

"This is delicious, Sal really out did himself, how is yours?"

Dabbing her mouth with a napkin she spoke, “It is delicious.  The finest in all of Chicago most definitely!”

She asked about the kind of music he liked to listen to and she admitted to him that she could not dance.  They discovered that they both liked reading mysteries.  Slowly they finished their meal until finally both were speaking over empty plates. 

Vinnie came and removed the plates and brought them new drink.  Fat Sal brought out his famous cannolis for desserts.  As Charlie began to eat her cannoli she asked, “Mama and papa talk often of the home country.  I hope one day to go see it.  Have you ever been to Italy?”

Capazzo and Charlie talked about different things and Capazzo was surprised to know how much in common they had. The conversation flowed with her, she was really easy to talk to and thus made conversation a breeze. As the two were talking Vinnie came and removed their plates and refreshed their drinks. He also set down some cannoli's for desert, compliments of Chef Sal of course. Charlie reached in and grabbed one and Capazzo did the same. Soon after Charlie asked about the old country.

"Yes, I have been there...it's stunning. You have to go see it, perhaps one day you'll meet the right guy and you two will go see it."

Capazzo made a funny face and winked as he smiled at her. The two continued in conversation until their desserts and drinks were done. Once finished Capazzo looked over to Vinnie who was at the far right corner of the emptied restaurant. Capazzo then nodded and snapped his fingers. Vinnie nodded and disappeared into the back.

Charlie looked puzzled as if to wonder what was happening. Capazzo didn't say a word but gently put his hand on top of hers and gave her a comforting smile.

Suddenly a bunch of men came out from the back, they were dressed in the same color suits and they all were carrying cases of different sizes. Charlie immediately tensed up, being part of this life tend to make certain things uneasy and suspect like. Charlie instinctively went into survival mode. Once again Capazzo leaned over and put his hand over hers this time kissing it as well. He smiled.

"Trust me babe."

With that Charlie loosened up a bit and began to relax, she knew Capazzo would never dare hurt her, he thought the utmost of her and would never want to see harm come her way let alone be the reason for it. Suddenly the men opened their cases and removed....

Instruments. It was The Benny Goodman Orchestra...Capazzo had one last trick up his sleeve for the evening. He knew Charlie was fond of swing music so he made a few calls and with his connections and was able to get the Benny Goodman Orchestra to come and play. They got set and ready to play as Capazzo stood up and held Charlie's hand. She looked a bit shy and concerned. Although she loved swing music she was not a dancer.

Capazzo nodded and she slowly got up. He held her close and then took her right hand and placed it over his heart on the left side. 

"You'll be fine, you have this (as he placed her hand over his heart)...now just dance from here." He then placed her hand over her own heart.

With that The Benny Goodman Orchestra began to play SING SING SING as Capazzo held Charlie tightly to begin. The music began and the only thing left to do was go and that they did. 

Capazzo couldn't help but smile and keep his eyes locked in on Charlie, she was stunning and tonight was no exception. He continued to dance with her and then he leaned in and looked into her eyes. 

She was a hot mess.  That was the only way she could describe her dancing.  Half the time she felt like if it wasn't for Capazzo pulling her back to him she would go flying off into the tables, and then her balance would be off and she would fall into him.  She had no idea how many times she stepped on the poor guy's feet.

Finally he had mercy on her.  He pulled her close and held her.  Smiling she laid her head on his chest and tried to catch her breath.  After a moment she looked up at him.  He leaned his head closer to hers and her eyes flickered between his lips and then back up into his eyes.  The moment seemed to stretch into days as their mouths parted slightly and hung a breath apart.  Then suddenly Charlie closed the distance between them and kissed him.