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| The Crossroad and The Choice | Started by: NikkiPhoenix on Jan 07, '08 14:15 |
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The small cafe on the corner offered a clear view of the plaza where several busy passersby made their hurried way down the streets to their final destinations. A few people had gathered in the park for an assembly, but nothing was drawing any large crowds. It seemed a typical Monday; all business with people concerned about the age old adage of time and money. Nikki was glad to not be a part of it all for a few. She rather enjoyed people watching from the outdoors cafe, where she sat today with her friend Sue sipping tea and waiting for a special guest. "He's probably just running a little late. Gabe told me he couldn't wait to meet you. I must confess he's not exactly the type I thought I'd fall for." Nikki looked across the white iron table to her friend Sue, who wore a large smile on her face behind the teacup. Nikki knew what the mischievous look was about. Looking down at her choice of wardrobe for the luncheon, it was easy to see that Nikki had certainly dressed to impress. No more of the work outfits for her, instead she sported a well-tailored and fitted green dress that flowed around her crossed legs in the cool breeze. It was unusually uncold for January, but Nikki was not the only one taking advantage of the comfortable weather, opting for three quarter sleeves rather than a jacket or cardigan. "I hope he hasn't forgotten." Though she was confident that Gabe would not forget an opportunity to be together, she couldn't help but muse if business had grabbed his attention and thus delayed his arrival. |
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BunnyBoy waves and wishes the ladies a good day as he walks by. "Good-day my ladies" Tips his hat and walk sonby the cafe' |
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| Reply by: BunnyBoy at Jan 07, '08 14:34 | |
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Sue chuckled, shaking her head at her dearest friend Nikki. Good grief woman, I get the fact that we're here for a guy...and in fact, I think I might even know WHO this gent is, but come on now, enough with the games. Is this a dangerous thing? Her eyes betray her concern for her friend. She and Nikki had been through a lot together...and she'd have died to keep her friend from harm. But what the hell was going on? You aren't the giddy schoolgirl type, Nikki..so fess up. |
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| Reply by: Curly_Sue at Jan 07, '08 14:35 | |
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Truer words hadn't been uttered by Sue, but that is why Nikki loved her so. It was her candid nature that often brought Nikki back down to earth, even though despite her youth, she was already a well-grounded person. Gabe had made her a bit lofty these days, especially as she touched a finger to the large diamond around her neck. Love is a dangerous business, Sue. I know. But I guess this is why I'm too excited. I just couldn't stop myself. Gabe has this sway over me. I know I shouldn't be this enamored by him, but I am. I can't explain it. She softened her smile and brought her head out of the proverbial clouds as she took another sip of tea. That's why I want you to meet him, so you'll know what I mean. |
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| Reply by: NikkiPhoenix at Jan 07, '08 14:41 | |
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With his paper now bought from the local vendor down the street BunnyBoy stops at the cafe' for his coffee choice of the day. Again waving at the ladies. Then opening the paper he begins to read. |
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| Reply by: BunnyBoy at Jan 07, '08 14:43 | |
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| Gabe looked down at his watch. He was five minutes late to meet Nikki and her friend, and that was seven minute later than he'd liked to have been. As he weaved his way through the crowded sidewalk, he mentally kicked himself for not having left earlier, but the order for the Inferno Room was not only a big order, but it meant a lot to him. Dante's club was taking off like a rabbit, and Gabe was honored that he wanted the Viacelli Vineyards and Winery to be a part of that. From a distance, he could see the awning of the little cafe where he was supposed to meet them. Nikki had only mentioned that a friend of hers would be there, but no name. It didn't really matter to Gabe what the friend's name was- it was important to Nikki that he meet her, that's all he needed to know. He was still a good bit away, but he wanted to make sure his appearance was flawless- now more than ever. His suit was freshly pressed, a dark, charcoal grey suit- and under it he wore a deep, dark red shirt. There was a matching handkerchief in the breast pocket of the coat. His thick, curly hair had just been trimmed, and he'd gotten a hot shave just that morning. He felt like a million bucks, but it had nothing to do with anything about himself- he'd see Nikki in a matter of moments. | |
| Reply by: Gabriello_Viacelli at Jan 07, '08 14:52 | |
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Sue rolled her eyes, a slight grimace on her face. Oh for the love of celery, woman, you sure have become a little bit of a drama queen. 'Love is a dangerous thing'. You trying out for an opera or something I don't know about? Seeing her friends face, Sue softened her tone. 'Sides, you know if he ever hurts you I'd kill him myself...you know that, right? You're like my sister, only without my understandably superior good looks, of course. Sue puffs up, trying to get her friend to laugh. It put Sue off to see her friend so...uncertain. It just wasn't Nikki's style. |
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| Reply by: Curly_Sue at Jan 07, '08 14:52 | |
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Sue always knew how to bring a smile to Nikki's face and a chuckle from her lips. Well your dashing good looks are why I brought you here. If he sees you and decides he still wants to be seen with me, I guess that means its destined to be. As she set the teacup down on the saucer, she realized that the shaking of her hands would become painfully obvious if she didn't do something to stop it. The only thing she could think of was to put her hands in her lap, though it gave her a very awkward and prim appearance. |
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| Reply by: NikkiPhoenix at Jan 07, '08 14:57 | |
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From only about 500 feet away, Gabe could already see Nikki sitting there with her friend- though, Nikki was the only thing he could see. The dress she was wearing was...well...stunning. It wasn't the usual business attire he was used to seeing her in, even though he always thought she looked very smart when dressed for work. The neckline of the dress was so perfectly feminine; and Gabe was very flattered to see that she was wearing the necklace he'd gotten her. So mezmerized was he by her simply sitting there, that he didn't notices the gate to the wrought iron fence surrounding the cafe was closed. He walked straight into it, one of the pointed bars nearly impaling him in the midsection. He stumbled back, but not enough to really notice unless someone actually saw him. He brushed it off quickly, trying to act as if it hadn't happened. A waiter opened the gate for him, and he took a few steps toward them. His eyes met Nikki's, and he grinned widely. As he approached the table, he began to unbutton his jacket Ladies, my apologies for being so late- the wine business never waits. He leaned down and gently kissed Nikki's cheek and gave her a wink You look amazing, Nikki. |
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| Reply by: Gabriello_Viacelli at Jan 07, '08 15:10 | |
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She eyed Gabriello over the top of her teacup, taking in the appearance as well as her friend's demeanor toward him. So this was the guy that had her friend acting like a dizzy duck. Suddenly, Sue felt something uncommon toward her nearest, dearest friend. Jealousy. Suddenly, for the first time ever, Sue was jealous of her friend. Jealous of the warmth in her gaze, the strong look of adoration in the man's face. Then she shook it off. It'd be time enough for her, she supposed. Time enough. |
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| Reply by: Curly_Sue at Jan 07, '08 15:16 | |
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Gabe, you made it! Nikki's cheeks flushed from his kiss, and also from relief. She had been so worried that something had kept Gabriello, and that he would not be able to come. Sue was a very discerning friend, but also a very careful person. Often times a simple wrong would earn someone a big black X in Sue's book of life. Once in place, it was very hard to erase. I'd like you to meet my a very close friend of mine. Gabe, this is Sue. Sue works with me at Iguana. She's in the public affairs office. |
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| Reply by: NikkiPhoenix at Jan 07, '08 15:16 | |
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Gabe turned to greet Nikki's friend, not registering the name "Sue" before he saw her face. When he saw her, he laughed and took her hand Sue- goodness, what a small world! Its so good to see you! Genteily, he kissed the top of her hand and gave it a little squeeze. He then pulled out a chair between the two of them and took a seat, turning his empty coffee cup right-side-up to signal the waitress for a cup of coffee Nikki, you have magnificent taste in friends. Sue's mother and my mother were dear friends. |
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| Reply by: Gabriello_Viacelli at Jan 07, '08 15:28 | |
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Her eyebrows raised at their mutual recognition, she smiled relieved again that they at least were acquaintances. Under the table she reached over her hand and squeezed Gabriello's arm. I'm glad you're here. She turned to Sue, who seemed to have gone a bit quiet. So how long have the two of you known each other, Sue? |
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| Reply by: NikkiPhoenix at Jan 07, '08 15:35 | |
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She blushed, ducking her head slightly. THIS is the Gabriello you were talking about? THIS IS GABE? Good grief Nikki... Yeah, mama and Signora Viacelli were friends...a long time ago. Gabe and I were childhood pals...but that was ages ago. She looks closer; hardly recognizing Gabriello in the face she remembered from so long ago. While she smiled at her friend, inside her heart broke a little. Sure, it was a childhood crush, a kiss on the cheek and whispered words of waiting always for each other. Times changed. People changed. She hurt, but the two of them obviously cared deeply for each other. She cleared her throat, the lump there stuck before she coughed. Gabe knows better than to hurt those I hold dear; if I'd known it was him I'd have told you not to worry. Gabe's a kitten, or at least he was all that time ago. Her eyes held his steadily, refusing to let her emotions come into this. |
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| Reply by: Curly_Sue at Jan 07, '08 16:04 | |
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A kitten eh? Secretly she wondered if Sue knew of Gabriello's real occupation, or the deeds that Nikki had been privy to in their very short courtship. Perhaps it had been the intensity of their relationship and the incidents surrounding them that had brought them so close. Nikki wondered how well Sue truly knew Gabriello. It was a serious of questions to be delved into later. Now, as the waitress poured Gabe a cup of coffee, she turned her attention back to him. I don't know of any man who would sit there and be called a kitten. The twinkle now back in her eye and all worry gone, she reverted to her normal, joking self. |
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| Reply by: NikkiPhoenix at Jan 07, '08 16:11 | |
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Gabe wore a grin on his face that reflected the memories of their childhood, growing up together in the streets of Chicago, running around his Mama's restaurant after closing time, and even a little bit of innocent flirting as they grew- but time and space had parted them for quite some time. Now, Gabe shivered as he felt Nikki's hand on his arm. He'd taken her hand under the table and let it happily rest there as they chatted Well, by kitten, she naturally meant a strapping, young lion.... he cut his eyes to her with a look of mock uncertainty ...right? He looked back at Nikki and felt as if his eyes were sparkling to match hers. He thanked the waitress for the coffee and took a sip, adding no sugar or cream; exactly how he liked it |
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| Reply by: Gabriello_Viacelli at Jan 07, '08 16:35 | |
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Nikki's smile couldn't be any bigger, but her happiness was soon cut short as an uninvited waiter brought a small tray of sandwiches to the table. The gesture itself was rather innocuous, but the small note protruding from the tray and the flash of Gabriello's eyes reminded her of the harsh reality of Gabe's other life. Her eyes pleaded with his silently. "Not here. Not today." |
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| Reply by: NikkiPhoenix at Jan 07, '08 16:43 | |
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Something made her impish nature return in force, urging her to say No, actually I meant exactly what I said. Pussy cat, a soft little fuzzily wuzzily itty bitty kitty cat. Not even with your claws out. Remember, Gabe....remember that time when those bullies were holding your scrawny little self down and beating the tar out of you, and I had to come over and kick the big one in the shin? |
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| Reply by: Curly_Sue at Jan 07, '08 16:44 | |
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Had Gabe not been eyeing the note as if it were an inanimate demon, he might have wondered if Sue was intentionally taking jabs at him for some wrong he'd done her that he wasn't aware of. However, the note sticking out of the tray of food glared back at him, and he knew he had to read it. He took it and opened it casually, responding to Sue while he read it I do remember that, Sue. He paused to continue reading the note. It wasn't that long, but the words were quite frank. He folded the note again and put it into his jacket pocket, looking at Sue and giving her a confident, cavalier smile. There was a time that I was a twig of a kid, and I certainly remember being grateful to you a few times for getting me out of binds. But, as you know, a man comes into his own by the sweat of his own brow, and the muscle of his own back. He scooted his chair away quickly Ladies, if you will excuse me for a moment, I need to use the restroom. He saw the look in Nikki's eyes, a flash of concern that told him she knew he wasn't going to relieve himself at all. He just gave her a soft smile and touched her cheek gently I'll just be a second, I promise, doll. With that, he stepped around the other tables and ducked in the door of the main cafe |
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| Reply by: Gabriello_Viacelli at Jan 07, '08 16:54 | |
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She watched him leave, taking her confidence with her. Nikki's shoulders sagged as she saw him walk away. He was no more a kitten, if he ever was one, for she saw not boyish troubles weighing him down, but the heaviness of something much deeper and much more troubling. It was the life he'd chosen and one she'd accepted as his choice to make. Turning to Sue, she took another sip of her tea before smiling again. Well now that I know you know Gabe, spill everything you know. He hasn't talked much of his childhood, only of Mrs. Viacelli. |
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| Reply by: NikkiPhoenix at Jan 07, '08 17:02 | |
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