"I'm not worried about it." Evelyn insisted the point as she climbed out of the limousine and sighed. She looked at the dormitories and scrunched her nose. The whole building wasn't as large as the big house on her family's estate; thinking about spending all her time in a single room was disconcerting- especially with someone else.

"The College requires that all freshmen live in the dormitories. Something about community or whatnot. I expect that I'll spend the weekend in the Manhattan apartment, and I'm leaning towards getting another apartment close to here as well. Just hope my roommate isn't a psychopath. Or messy. Or... boring."

Abby, a middle-aged woman wearing a dark pantsuit, just shrugged. It was her job to guard Evelyn, not indulge her in conversation. The bodyguard wasn't a mute, but she found that silence was usually the best course of action. The two of them climbed into the small elevator and took it up to the top floor, which had been specifically arranged.

"Well, wish me luck."

Then Evelyn turned and exited the elevator door- into a crowd of people in the hallway. 

"Excuse me."

Evelyn said it politely, but people didn't seem to get out of her way.

"Abby, please move these people."

After carving through the crowd, Evelyn finally arrived at her room.

The door to the suite was wide open.  The scent of sweets and salty snacks (which were set out across both of the girl's desks - pushed together as an impromptu buffet) filled the air.  They beckoned all those girls who hadn't yet been invited up to come and investigate. 

Seated in the window sill was a willowy brunette with Mediterranean looks.  She was charming a group of young women who likely lived elsewhere in the building.  The young woman was the classic American beauty.  Most likely she wasn't old money, but thankfully at a glance, the girl who likely was her roommate didn't appear to be some nouveau riche brat who was overly fond of gaudy garb. 

The music pouring out into the hallway could be felt, it was that loud.  It might have been too much really, but as Evelyn moved into the suite, she came to realize that it was the perfect volume to allow two or three people to carry on a conversation privately without someone next to them overhearing something they weren't meant to.   

The tune was upbeat, hopeful, and lively enough that it could have been danced to ... though this place wasn't really set up for it.  The yet-unpacked items strewn about the small space were currently serving as chairs for all the party-goers.  As Evelyn joined the group, she got a few smiles and friendly greetings from the people she passed by.  This caused the brunette in the window to take notice of her and her bodyguard's entrance.  

The girl smiled brightly at her, met her eyes confidently and waved as if they had been friends their whole lives.  "You must be Evelyn, I'm Isabella, you can call me Izzy!"  The girl's accent was decidedly American.  "Come on in!  Would you like something to drink?"  The girl hopped out of the window as she motioned toward the loft bed under which there were coolers of iced drinks serving as an impromptu bar. 

"What's your poison?  If we don't have it, we'll get it."

Evelyn wasn’t carrying a bag, and the older woman accompanying her placed the single carry-on bag next to the door.

The girl in the window was pretty. Well dressed- well enough, at least. 

As Evelyn moved through the room, she thought that this was probably the only time in her life she’d been surrounded by a crowd of people under the age of 25. 

The people seemed friendly enough, especially the girl Evelyn presumed to be her roommate. 

“Nice to meet you, Izzy,” said Evelyn. She had a hint of a British accent, but not much. “And no thank you; I’m sure I’ll have something to drink later, but I had something on the plane on the way over and I wouldn’t want to give the wrong impression by falling asleep.” She flashed a winning smile. 

God, that champagne had been horrible. Swill. Gutter water. She did feel slightly bad for spitting it on the man in front of her, but thankfully Claire had been able to defuse the situation. 

Evelyn wished that she’d worn something different- something bolder, perhaps. The navy blue dress she had on wasn’t conservative, exactly, but it was hardly the first impression she’d want to make to her peers.

Izzy suddenly looked as though she’d gotten a bad taste in her mouth, “Oh God, I’m so sorry.  I didn’t even think that maybe you’d had a long trip.  The last thing you probably hoped to see when you got here was a room full of people and loud music.  You must think I’m the most inconsiderate person in the world!  It’s just I’m so excited to be here and… I got a touch carried away.”

“Quite alright,” said Evelyn, hoping that the girl was genuine. She certainly seemed it. “And I can assure you that you’re at worst the second most inconsiderate person in the world, after one of the people I had to share a plane with earlier.” She smirked. 

“Well, that’s good to hear at least. Maybe in the next day or so I’ll work my way up out of the top ten.”  She chuckled, clearly trying to be amusing.  

“If you’ll give me a spot on the window with you, it’ll increase your ranking. But really,” said Evelyn.  “I’d intended to stay up and try to calibrate myself. As long as this doesn’t go on for another 12 hours, it’s no trouble at all.”

Izzy offered her hand to Evelyn, “Come, join me on the throne.  We’ll have our guests full attention there,”  She winked.  She couldn’t help but think of Tara’s throne on that boat of hers and how people must stand around her all day in much the same way the other girls had been coming up to her here.  She was no Tara, but it was nice to pretend.

As she moved to the window, Evelyn waved Abby away into the hall. The middle-aged woman stuck out like a sore thumb. Abby nodded and retreated to the hallway without a word. Taking a seat, Evelyn again wished she’d worn a different dress. Still, she felt decent enough as she crossed her legs and leaned back to rest against the sill and the window.

“Your bodyguard?”  Izzy asked with a smile.  “Mine stays in a room across the hall.  Maybe we could introduce them.  If we’re going to be roommates maybe they should be too?  I mean they’ll be working closing together at least a good part of the time, right?”

“One of two,” said Evelyn. “My other one was anxious to find her own place to stay closer to the city when she isn’t on duty.”

It was nice to know that Izzy had a bodyguard, at least. Some people were weirded out by it, but she seemed like she’d be used to it.

“That makes sense.  I have a place in the city too.  My people will switch out from time to time, my older sister makes the arrangements.  I don’t get much say in it, but they’re pros.  Good ladies all of them.  Haven’t had a dud yet.”  She smiled.  “Granted, I’m pretty sure Tara’s pickier than I’d ever think of being.  All I care about is that they understand they’re here to keep me safe, not be my babysitter.  So longs they understand that… we’re good.  I used to have this one when I was a bit younger, oh that was a nightmare.  I’ll get into the details later, but let’s just say I learned very quickly what I don’t like in a suit shadowing me.”  Izzy looked her roommate over, seeming to consider her a moment.  Silently wondering who the girl was to need protection.

Not wanting to share the fact that the bodyguards her father had hired had far, far too many instructions when it came to her personal life, Evelyn just smiled and nodded.

“Is this your first time away from home and family, too?”  Izzy asked.

“First time in America, but I’ve traveled all over Europe,” said Evelyn. The ‘too’ suggested that ‘Izzy’ hadn’t been out much- or at least hadn’t seen much of the world. A bit disappointing.

“I’ve always wanted to travel.” Izzy lamented.  “It just… hasn’t happened yet. Circumstances haven’t been ideal for it, but my older siblings they’ve been all over.  Italy, France, Iceland, Cuba and even South America. I hope to eventually get out and stretch my wings a bit as well.” 

“Well I’ve never been to South America,” admitted Evelyn, not sure exactly why she’d want to go but a little jealous nevertheless. “I’m sure you’ll find the time to explore.”

“Do you know what you’ll be studying yet?  Or are you still undecided?” Izzy asked picking up her glass and taking a drink from it.

“Literature and Dance, if I get my way. Business and Economics, if my father gets his. And you?”

The other people in the room had slid away, giving the two girls by the window space to talk privately. 

“I’m going to study business and design.  I’m very keen on fashion design, Bri- one of my older sisters, she used to bring home the most amazing clothing from Milan and Rome.”

“Oh God,” said Evelyn. “Milan is the best. Everyone always talks about Paris, but I’d rather have Milan.” 

Izzy smiled as she continued. “She had this natural gift for just… effortlessly being beautiful.  I always admired her and wanted to be just like her. I guess that’s developed into a passion for fashion.  I have notebooks full of ideas for the most lovely clothing. Of course, I’ve got a long way to go before I’m anywhere near as good as the people in Italy… but that won’t stop me.”

“You’ll have to show me sometime when it’s quieter. I wouldn’t know the first thing about designing, but I’ve had a lot of experience on the other end.”

“Well, I understand that they do a fashion show for all the seniors.  If we’re both still here then, maybe you can be one of my models! I’ll make you the most lovely clothing… with your figure I’d probably sell dozens of dresses.  Honestly a model is just as important as fabric and colors. I can’t imagine designing an outfit without someone in mind to wear it. Of course, I’d have to let you keep any of your favorites as payment… you could tell everyone then that you have Izzy Mastrosimone originals!”  She laughed. “When I’m world famous, you’ll be the envy of all your friends. You can tell them all how we were the best of friends and roommates in university.”

Well, this girl moved fast. Half an hour and they were already best of friends. Still, it seemed to fit the general atmosphere of the party. Dozens of strangers throwing themselves around at each other, trying to figure out who was who. “Sounds quite nice to me, Izzy.”

“Would you like me to introduce you to some of the other girls I’ve met?  Or shall we continue to hide away in our little sundrenched paradise watching our guests?”

“I think I’d prefer to be mysterious for a little while longer,” said Evelyn.

“I like the way you think.”  Izzy smirked.  “So, where are you from?  I’d try to guess based on your accent but I’m bound to make a fool of myself.  I’ve already revealed how unworldly I am.”

Izzy studied her as Evelyn tucked a strand of dark chestnut hair behind her ear. Blue eyes. Great figure. A beautiful girl. But there was something off about her that Izzy had been trying to put her finger on for the whole conversation that suddenly clicked: most of the beautiful women that Izzy knew or had known in her life had also possessed an edge- or even a deadliness. Evelyn was beautiful, but she was soft. Not weak or demure, exactly, but…

“Yorkshire,” said Evelyn. “England. Although my grandparents were American. What about you?”
“I was born in Newfoundland, Canada - but my parents were American.  We came back to the states right around the time I and Jack turned 14.”  She smiled and shook her head, “I have a twin brother.  I’m bound to mention him from time to time.  Jack is studying law at Columbia.  Do you have siblings?”

“I don’t.” She caught the ‘just cats’ before it flew out of her mouth. 

“I can’t imagine how that must feel.”  She thought about it a moment.  “I imagine it must be nice at times.  I’ve always been one of many so… never a quiet moment in our house.  Before Victoria, Mal, and the colors came along Jack and I were the babies.  But in a very short amount of time it seems like we became the middle kids.”

Evelyn stood up and smoothed down her dress. “You’ll have to explain ‘Victoria, Mal, and the colors’ to me sometime. For now, I’ll accept your offer of some introductions. We’ll talk again when everyone’s gone, I’m sure.”

“Of course!”  Izzy said brightly.  “No sense in wasting a good party, right?  It’s why I went to all this trouble.”  With that she hopped up and took her new roommate around and introduced her to all the people whose names she could remember - and those she couldn’t she took the opportunity to meet them again for a second time.  It was exciting to have a girl to be rooming with.  It seemed odd not having Sage around. While she wasn’t exactly her age, it had been weird living with the guys and no other woman after so many years of having at least one other girl living in the same house if not the same room with her.  Evelyn didn’t know it yet, but Izzy just knew they’d be the best of friends, like sisters.

“Well,” said Evelyn as she closed the door behind the last of the guests. “That was fun. Exhausting. But fun.”

“I think from now on, I’ll save the parties for the house in Dyker Heights.”  She smiled. “A lot more room and a lot less chaos in our personal living space.  But… it was a nice way to meet the ladies. And a few of them seem really nice.”

“Where’s Dyker Heights?” 

“Brooklyn, New York.  It’s, um, one of my childhood homes.  I, Jack, and Mal have been staying there ever since we decided to come back here for school.”

Evelyn nodded, pretending like she knew where Brooklyn was. “I rented a place in Manhattan. Seems like we have pretty good coverage, then.” 

“Oh, well then we won’t be far away from each other, even when we’re not here.  Brooklyn and Manhattan are just a hop skip and a jump away from each other. All a part of New York City, you know?  I’ll have to give you the grand tour if you’ve never been to see all the sights. It’s quite an amazing place to live, but it can be overwhelming and if you’re not careful … especially in times like these, it can be a bit hairy.”

“My bodyguard, my other one, took me around to see some of the biggest tourist places in the last week or so. But I do plan to spend quite a bit more time around Broadway.”

Izzy shook her head, “The tourist places are fine enough, but a real tour of New York… well, it’s going to have some out of the way places they don’t list in the brochures.  Some of the real gems… best food, best drinks, best music… best looking fellows.” She smirked.

“Sounds lovely.”

“You got a fella back home in England?”  Izzy asked as she began putting her things into her dresser.  She suddenly realized that might be too personal and quickly added, “You don’t need to talk about that though, if you don’t want to.”

“No,” smiled Evelyn. “It’s fine. And no to your question as well. My father is a bit… strict.” She paused. “Not that I have any intention of having him run my life, of course!”

“Dads mean well.”  Izzy said a bit quieter, some of the excitement fading from her voice.  “He probably just wants to make sure his little girl has the best of everything.  That’s just how they are sometimes.” She shrugged and changed the subject, “I took afternoon classes.  I figured there was a fair chance that I’d want to be out late and unlike my sister, I’ve never been a morning person.”

“Late morning and afternoon for me. You won’t have me waking you up at the crack of dawn.”

“Thank God.”  She smirked. “What’s your opinions about a large brunch though?  My family has this thing about breakfast… I don’t like getting up early for them, but I do sometimes like to indulge in a big brunch.”

“Seems fine to me,” smiled Evelyn. “Although I tend not to eat much in the mornings.”

“Okay so, what are some of your deal breakers?”  Izzy said moving to hang up her dresses.  “Things that will drive you crazy if I do them… pet peeves, if you will?”

“I… don’t rightly know. Nothing comes to mind,” said Evelyn, lying through her smile. It would be impolite to rattle of dozens of things and ruin the moment. “I’ve never shared a room with anyone before, so I suppose I’ll have to find out.”

“Well, like my mom used to say, honesty is a gift you give.  Don’t be afraid to tell me if I’m driving you nuts with something.  I’ll try my best to knock it off straight away.  I’ve had to share space all my life.  I know how it can begin to feel like a prison if the person you’re living with becomes completely unreasonable and doesn’t bend to help you feel comfortable.”  Izzy nodded sagely.

“Of course,” said Evelyn. “Oh, I flew over and left most of my wardrobe behind; I was planning on starting the new one tomorrow in the Garment District. Would you like to join me?”

“Absolutely!”  

Evelyn smiled. “I’m sure we’ll get along just fine.”

The next morning, the two girls barely saw each other, but after returning from her last class of the day, Izzy found Evelyn waiting for her in a beautiful, cream colored dress that seemed perfectly tailored to hug her curves. The dark chestnut hair was shining, and her dark blue eyes gleamed at Izzy as she walked in. 

“Ready to go? Or would you like to freshen up?”

“Wow!  Look at that dress… you’re stunning!”  Izzy said smiling brightly. “Give me five minutes.  If I’m going to stand next to you, I refuse to look like I just shambled out of an academic grave.”  

“Thank you,” said Evelyn. “And don’t be silly- you look great.”

Izzy went to the closet and dug around until she found something that seemed on par with what Evelyn was wearing.  It wasn’t quite as nice and wasn’t tailored to her specifically, but it was nice enough that she didn’t think she’d feel like a charity case being take out by the resident rich girl.  What she’d worn to class had been for comfort, ease of movement, not at all for looks. If she was going to the city to shop, well, she was going to damn well look like the well-off woman she was.  After all, it wasn’t so long ago, that a Mastrosimone sneezing would have sent this whole city in fits trying to find a tissue. Granted, that wasn’t something that mattered all that much these days and Izzy had to keep that in mind.  Arrogance was not only unflattering, it was stupid in her position. Some gangsters had long memories. She didn’t need anyone remembering why the shouldn’t want her or her brothers around.

“So, do you have some places in mind that you’d like to shop?  If not I can make a few suggestions of some nice shops my sisters like.”

“That would be great,” said Evelyn. “I was mostly planning on browsing.”

“Well, I can think of at least a half-dozen places.  There’s this one shop, it was my mom’s favorite. Brigitte said that they bring you wine and cheese while you sit in comfortable chairs and they bring the clothing out to you.  I’ve never shopped there, I was too young when we lived here, but I see no reason not to try to go now.”  

“Sure. I’ll have Abby bring the car around shortly.”

When Izzy had changed, then two young women rode down the elevator. Evelyn pushed the door open and walked toward the gleaming black Rolls Royce limousine that had pulled up to the curb. Abby emerged to open the door for Evelyn, who sat on one of the leather seats and crossed her legs.

“I’d considered a town car as being more practical,” she admitted. “But I thought it could be frustrating to have to squeeze a bunch of people into one of those if the occasion called for it.” 

“Well, if the occasion ever calls for a fast, fun car… I’ve got the perfect one sitting under a tarp in a garage across town.  It’s been in the family for a bit. We’ll have to break it out sometime and go cruising. Maybe when the weather warms up. We can take it down to the shore.  I’ve never driven it, but there’s a first time for everything.” Izzy admired the car as she got inside, it had been a long while since she’d been inside anything this fancy.

“That sounds nice. And I’ve never driven either; I can have Abby handle it for us.”

“Well, I do know how to drive, but we might be in better hands with Abby at the wheel.”  She chuckled. “I’m far from one of the better drivers in my family. In fact, there is a reason why I let my people take me places… or my siblings.  It’s honestly probably safer for everyone that way. Jack always used to say ‘Izzy’s driving, stay off the sidewalk everyone!’ … he’s a brat, but he’s not entirely wrong either.”  She shook her head, trying not to laugh too hard at herself.

“I suppose I should learn,” said Evelyn as the car accelerated out of the campus. She didn’t sound convinced. 

“If you wanted to learn, it wouldn’t be terribly hard to arrange it.  I bet your bodyguards would be willing to show you.  You could insist that it’s a matter of your personal safety.  After all, if something were to - God forbid - happen you might need to know how to drive to get to safety.  Them teaching you is, therefore, what your father would want.”  Tara smirked and raised her chin slightly as she did.  Skirting around rules was, after all, one of her stronger skills… 

“We’ll see,” said Evelyn. “I don’t expect there’ll be any particular excitement. I have a couple friends that were kidnapped for ransom, so I’m not entirely dismissing the possibility, but I think my father had charming boys as much in mind as dangerous criminals.”

Izzy looked out the window and for a moment was silent before saying, “My eldest sister was kidnapped as a little girl.  She was okay, but, shit happens.  Sometimes you just can’t imagine the bad sort of things that can happen.  It’s best to be prepared for the unexpected that way all your surprises are good ones.”  She nodded to her own reflection, her tone more serious than she had intended.

Evelyn nodded. “What sort of business is your father in?”

“My father is dead.”  She said not looking back at Evelyn.  “My mother, too.  Some of my siblings…  It’s okay, you don’t need to apologize.”

Evelyn’s mouth closed promptly as Izzy continued.

“I know it’s the polite thing, everyone always says that after I tell them.  I’ve just gotten to this point where it’s easier to get it out of the way.  I know I talk about them a lot.  I miss them, but um… yeah.  My parents owned a lot businesses.  I’ve inherited some, but honestly I don’t know the first thing about them.  I have people taking care of that for me.  My older sister Tara handles the trust.”  She shrugged.  “Accountants have all the money.  I just ask when I need things.  And … that’s that.  For now.”

She looked back to Evelyn, her eyes sad but free of tears.  “Sorry to be a downer.  I don’t want to ruin the mood of our trip.”

“You’re not a downer. I understand- at least somewhat. My mother died when I was young. Sometimes it’s easier to just make sure people know that early.”

She nodded, “It’s still pretty fresh, I mean, not really fresh - it’s been a couple years - but I’m still figuring out the best ways to deal with it.  It’s harder on other people now I think.  Me, it’s life.  People die.  You lose folks you love.  Way I see it, you can’t dwell on that too much otherwise you might as well have gone with them.  I know my mom and dad want me happy, so I try to focus on doing that.  Some days are better than others.”

“Sure,” said Evelyn with a reassuring smile. “I understand. We’ll make today one of the better ones, I’m sure.”

“Definitely.  Like I said, I got a list of places I’ve been dying to shop and now I have no reason not to!”  She smiled brightly.

“Well, pick your favorite one. We have a few hours, at least.”

*

Abby, following orders, parked the Rolls on the curb where she could see into the store and keep Evelyn in view. Evelyn, carrying a black purse that she hadn’t had before, followed Izzy into the shop. 

A light music seemed to be coming from nowhere and everywhere.  Izzy marveled at the lovely garments which she could see immediately upon entering.  Before they’d even gotten ten feet into the room they were already being intercepted by a woman in her mid-thirties.

“Good afternoon, ladies.”  She greeted them with a bright smile.  She gave them a once over with her eyes, Izzy could tell the woman was making note of their shoes, purses, and cut of their clothing in the way that only tailors and designers could.  Sizing up if they had the sort of greenbacks to even be walking into a joint like this.

“Good afternoon,” said Evelyn with a businesslike smile. “I’m looking for a new wardrobe. Three formal gowns, as well as a variety of other dresses- at least a dozen- as well as comfort items. My friend is looking for whatever makes her happy. My treat.”

Izzy could see the woman’s eyes widen just a touch.  Instantly the young Mastrosimone wondered if the woman worked for commission.  If she did, this could turn out to be the woman’s best day of the year.

“Oh that’s not necessary.”  Izzy insisted. “Really. You’re too sweet, Evelyn.”

“Don’t be silly. You threw me a welcome party.”

The sales woman seemed to instantly take a liking to the girls, or to the potential revenue they seemed to represent and was quick to usher them into the depths of the store.   “Ladies, why don’t you take a seat here? I’ll have some refreshments wheeled out while we get some garments for you to review and try on. Have you shopped here before or had someone buy you gifts from here?  If so we may already have your sizes and palette preferences on file. I’d be happy to go look either of you up.”

Izzy beamed, “I’m not in the records, but my mom and sister Brigitte would be.  I’d love to look at things they would have been shopping for. They had the very best taste.”

The saleswoman nodded, “What’re the names, dear?”  She pulled out a small pad and pen.

“Brigitte and Aurora Mastrosimone.”  The sales woman looked then to Evelyn, “And you dear, have you ever shopped with us before?”  Having gotten a negative response, the woman took down Evelyn’s size information and color preferences and promised to return quickly with some things for the girls to look at and try on.

“I can’t believe I’m here.”  Izzy said as soon as the woman walked away.  “My sister Tara came here with my mom on her sixteenth birthday.  We were still living in Canada back then. It was a huge deal that they took her into the city.  She went shopping at a ton of stores, and out to a really fancy dinner, and dancing. When she came back she told us all about the trip and ever since I heard about this place I thought for sure my mom would take me here when I was sixteen too.  And now… here I am.”  

“It’s very nice,” said Evelyn. “Frankly, I didn’t expect anything to measure up to Saville Row… but this is very nice. So far, at least. Hopefully their product is as impressive as their presentation.”

“There’s a few designers from Europe who have offices here in New York.  My father had all his suits made by this Italian tailor. Mom’s anniversary dresses always came from a big design house too.  She never wore off the rack on her anniversary. Said she felt like on that day everything she wore had to be made special so that Dad would see her at her best.”  She smiled brightly and picked up a small bit of finger food, popping it into her mouth. It was then Izzy noted the sales woman and a much older woman with graying hair looking in the room at them, talking quietly just outside the doorway to the room.

“I think your mother had the right idea,” said Evelyn.

“Generally speaking, she usually did.  Smart lady.”  She chuckled.  “Where do you think I get it from?”  She pointed to one of the items.  “The little cream-filled ones are really good.”

“Miss Mastrosimone?”  The old woman’s voice was like a very soft crack of a whip.  It set Izzy on edge instantly, like when her mother was about to scold her for doing something wrong and used her full name.

Evelyn popped a “cream filled one” into her mouth and chewed as the older woman approached them. 

“Mmhmm?”  Izzy said, swallowing the finger food, looking a little confused at the woman’s tone.

“I’m afraid we have nothing to show you today.”  The woman said flatly. 

Izzy furrowed her brow.  “I … I don’t understand.  Do you not have the information about my mom and sis…”

“Oh I know who your mother was, very well actually and I’m afraid that our company does not do associate with such people.  You’ll have to take your business elsewhere.”

Evelyn was too busy chewing to say anything, although her eyes flashed. 

Izzy’s mouth started to fall open, but instantly she closed her mouth so hard her teeth clicked.  She nodded abruptly and stood from her seat, seeming to accept the dismissal without comment.  Evelyn could see the shame and hurt in her friend’s eyes.

“So just to clarify,” said Evelyn, finally able to talk without her mouth full. “My friend is unable to shop here because of who her family was? And you’re the… owner? Manager?”

“It’s fine, Evelyn…”  Izzy said softly, not wanting the make a fuss.

“Yes.  I’m afraid so.  I’m the owner of this establishment, and it would not do for a business of our caliber to be handling such … colorful assets as the Mastrosimones traffic in.  I’m sure Miss Isabella can find someone else willing to take her parents' money in exchange for dresses further down the road.”

Evelyn had no idea what the woman was referring to, but she still nodded. “Of course, Miss… what was your name again? It’s your business, so you can decide who’s welcome, of course.”

“Lauder.  Elizabeth Lauder.”

“Wonderful. Could I please use your phone for a moment?” Evelyn smiled with disarming politeness. “I’ll just be a moment, Izzy. Apologies.”

Elizabeth seemed to hesitate but nodded and the saleswoman came forward again to escort Evelyn to a phone.  Izzy looked like she wanted to crawl under a rock and never come out again, withering under the old woman’s disapproving gaze.

“I’m sorry, dear,” said the saleswoman under her breath once Lauder had wandered away after a few minutes. “It’s not right. I’m sorry I can’t help you, or I’d lose my job.”

Izzy forced a smile for the woman, as if to say she understood, but in the back of her mind she was looking at this shop in a whole new way.  No more were her eyes on the racks of clothing, but instead on the entrances… exits… and possible security. She was angry. Very angry, and sad.  Humiliated. A thousand emotions all at once. It wasn’t fair. The woman had no issue taking her mother’s money when she was still alive - and now?  This?!? It was embarrassing beyond words.

Izzy had steadily smoldered for ten minutes, glaring in the direction that Lauder had wandered off to, before Evelyn reappeared and took her earlier seat, patting next to her for Izzy to join her again.

Isabella sighed.  She walked back over to the seat, “I’m really sorry.  I had no idea this was going to go like this - we can just go. There are dozens of nice shops in the city and not all of them are going to treat me like this, I promise.”

“Just wait. Give it a few minutes.”

Izzy nodded and sat down, she looked at the finger foods and scoffed.  “They weren’t that good.  I bet the wine is French too… or worse from California.”

Evelyn had already popped another cream filled one in her mouth, and she tried to wordlessly agree with the other girl while still enjoying it. 

“Don’t even get me started on the subject of wine,” said Evelyn, as the phone rang at the desk. “It’s a passion of mine.”

Izzy lit up.  “Really? Well, maybe we have another thing in common then.  My distant cousins have a vineyard in Sicily. Wine is kinda a passion of mine, granted, not as much as some members of my family - but only due to lack of exposure.  It’s another reason I want to travel.”

“That’s wonderful. We’ll have to compare vineyards sometime,” said Evelyn with a smile.

Elizabeth Lauder was speaking loudly in the back room. 

Izzy looked up at the sound of the older woman’s raised voice.  She arched an eyebrow. 

“Rebecca!” shouted Lauder; the saleswoman quickly walked back.

“My father owns four vineyards,” said Evelyn. “Two in France, one in Italy, and one in Spain. The Italian one is my favorite, and I’m not just trying to butter you up there.”

There was more loud conversation from the back room that seemed to make Evelyn smile. 

Izzy’s eyes went back and forth from the shouting to Evelyn.  “I… well, my Grandmother bought into some vineyards in her day.  Italian. She was our family’s true wine snob as they liked to call her.  She was absolutely finicky about what she’d put past her lips - though I guess, less so when it came to harder alcohols.”  She laughed. “Anyway, I’m her namesake so, I started looking into wines and things pretty young. Just a way to know a bit more about her - seeing how we never met and all.  And, it’s all very interesting to me. I mean, a little too much rain… a little too little, and a whole season can become garbage. Perfect wine comes from perfect grapes and its a lot like gambling for the growers.  I think when I’m very old, I should like to retire on a vineyard.”

The phone rang again in the back and the near-shouting conversation continued. 

“I think that’s wonderful about your grandmother,” said Evelyn. “My grandmother always said she saw herself in me. It’s a special relationship to have. And I admit I not an expert on grapes and climate. I could barely care for a cactus, nevermind a vineyard. I specialize on the other end of things there as well- not just fashion.” 

Evelyn smiled at Izzy, and her smile got even brighter as Elizbeth Lauder stormed out carrying a large bag. 

“You!” snarled Lauder, pointing a finger at Izzy. “How dare you! I’ll be back when this fraud is exposed. Your family is broken, and you can’t trade on your name for-”

“It was me, actually,” said Evelyn, smiling up at the woman. “Now please leave. You’ve already delayed us more than enough.” Lauder gave one last glare, then walked out the door, failing to successfully slam it behind her. “Sorry about that,” said Evelyn. “Rebecca should be right out.”

Izzy lowered her voice, her face a blank slate as she tried to understand what the hell just happened in front of her, “No problem.  I… do I want to know what you did? Did you… get her fired from her own store?”

“No,” said Evelyn. “Well, yes. But indirectly. Mrs. Lauder was… less than cautious in ensuring that she maintained a controlling stake in her business; an ex-husband was thrilled to sell his shares.” She looked around. “I do like the place. I’ll probably keep it.”

“You did that with a phone call?”  Izzy shook her head and then chuckled.  “Remind me not to piss you off.”

“I don’t know you particularly well, Izzy, but you seem like a nice person. Doing that because of your family was… well, it was classless. If a place like this is going to aspire to beauty... “ Evelyn shrugged. “That just didn’t fit. And my family’s bank does tend to pick up the phone whenever we call.” She frowned. “Although if I’m being totally honest they didn’t listen to me until I called my grandmother and she yelled at them. But my grandmother promised me direct access moving forward, so it shouldn’t take quite as long next time.”

Izzy looked at the floor.  “Like you said, a special relationship with grandmothers, right?”  Izzy drew a breath and tried to shake off the feelings inside herself.  The anger, frustration, all of it wasn’t doing her any good.  And Evelyn wasn’t prying.  She apparently had more class than that, but it wouldn’t take her much digging and digging would happen now.  Her Grandmother.  Her bodyguards.  All the people who cared about her would want to know who the hell she was becoming friends with.  Izzy wondered how long it would be before they moved Evelyn out of her dorm or her out of Evelyn’s dorm since she supposed that was how the school would see it - much like Lauder, there was no reason for anyone to respect dead mobsters.  

Evelyn watched as Rebecca wheeled out three dozen dresses.

“Let’s put you to the test, then,” said Evelyn. “Pick out the two you think will look best on me. I’ll do the same for you.”

Izzy smiled.  “Sounds good.”  And with that, she got up and began shopping, trying to put the whole ugly affair of Elizabeth Lauder behind her.  There was no point in worrying about what Evelyn’s family would do or not do when they figured out who she was - she might as well enjoy today.

Evelyn stared at Izzy with the same expression she’d had when she’d sampled the wine. Then she started moving steadily through the racks. 

The two dresses that Evelyn selected for Izzy were soon hanging in the changing room: one cocktail dress, sky blue and a thin fabric suited for summer or at least standing by a fireplace, but with a brightness of color and effervescence of fabric that impressed Izzy and took her breath away when she saw it on her in the mirror. It felt like wearing nothing, yet despite the open back the dress maintained a playful elegance. The second dress was an emerald green gown, far more formal. Strapless, it clung to Izzy’s hips before flaring outward. 

The first dress that Izzy picked out was a form-fitting little black dress that stopped mid-thigh.  It had a square neckline, was sleeveless and wide strapped.  It was simple but that was what made it lovely.  Classic.  Truly a solid staple to have in one’s closet.  

The second was a floor-length pale blue dress with a scoop neckline and spaghetti straps.  Satin beneath and over the top of it was laid a sheer fabric with the most intricate detailing that Izzy had ever seen done before.  It was a work of art and felt fantastic to the touch.  It was the very image of innocence personified, and somehow still sexy.  Izzy knew it would be stunning on Evelyn.

“Oh Evie!”  Izzy exclaimed upon seeing the dresses that her friend picked out for her.  “These are fantastic. Okay, I’m going to try mine on. Be right back!” With that she pulled the dressing room door shut and began to change.  

“You really do have a great eye for fashion, maybe this shop will turn out to be a great purchase for you.”  Izzy chuckled. “Heck, maybe some of my designs will sell here one day!”

Evelyn answered from the next dressing room. “You have a better eye. The black one is nice, but the pale blue one… that’s an inspired choice.”

“I’d better, or I’m wasting my family’s money for sure.  The blue dress though, I don’t know, it just looks like it’s meant to be worn by someone like you.  Some clothing, it wears the woman, this… I think you’re going to shine in it.”  

Izzy seemed to relax after trying on some clothing.  She even went back to enjoying the cream-filled treats that were sitting out on the plate once more.  By the time the girls did decide to leave, she seemed to have forgotten all about the unpleasantness or at least had moved on from it successfully. 

Evelyn spent more time selecting her new wardrobe, taking advice from Izzy and Rebecca as she put it together, but rarely waffling as she erred on the side of getting too many options, rather than too little. When she was finished, she turned to her roommate. “So, should we try somewhere else as well? Or is that enough for one day?”

“I think another place wouldn’t be bad … or at least maybe we should consider grabbing a bite to eat at one of the little cafes.  Snacks have been great but honestly, it’s far from a proper meal and it’s getting on in the day. I keep thinking of all the places I haven’t been to in what feels like forever.  I want to show you everything. I mean, as much as Canada was home for a lot of years, this place was the first place I really got to stretch my wings a bit and I love it. New York really is a thrilling place.”

“Well hopefully these cafes are either polite to you or less expensive, otherwise my grandmother is going to cut me off,” smirked Evelyn. 

“Lunch is my treat and I won’t take no for an answer.  I promise it won’t break the bank. I know this place that does these incredible sandwiches and soups.  Quiet. Low key. This elderly couple owns it and they cut all their meat in the back. It’s one of a kind.  Personally, I adore the reuben.” 

Izzy picked up her bags, having chosen a few things of her own.  She gave a polite nod to Rebecca but said nothing to her on the way out. Evelyn followed, returning to the car as Abby went inside to collect the bags.

As Izzy put her bags into the trunk, she did not notice the man approaching them quickly.  

"Give me yer money, and your jewelry ladies, and no one has ta get hurt."  

Izzy turned towards the voice, first locking eyes on his pistol.  It was pointed toward her and Evelyn.  The last time she'd had a gun pointed at her, she'd lost two sisters and her parents.  She struggled to keep calm and look at the man - to try to remember every detail of his appearance.  If she lived through this, Tara, Ori, and Mal would have questions about him.

The man stood nearly six-foot-tall and had sandy blonde hair.  He was a slender fellow with dark circles under his strung-out looking eyes.  His clothing might once have been nice, but seemed as though the articles had been slept-in more than a few nights and he smelled of old cigarettes so strongly that Izzy was sure he couldn't have someplace to do laundry regularly.  He was the very image of so many people these days, homeless, desperate - trying to make ends meet whatever way they could.  And yet, something seemed oddly familiar about him.  

Evelyn immediately threw up her hands and offered the man her purse. 

Izzy moved carefully, watching the man look at her with a matching curiosity.  And then, she saw it, that look people get when they suddenly remember a face.  That look that said he most certainly knew her - though she could not yet place where she knew him from.

“Oh God-” He gasped, suddenly terrified.  “I’m so very sorry, Miss Mastrosimone.”  The man stammered, dropping Evelyn’s purse as if it were a snake ready to bite him.  “I didn’t mean no harm.  You gotta believe me.  If I’d known it was you… may God bless and keep your family.” 

Izzy opened her mouth, prepared to say something, but before she could the would-be mugger was running.  Which, as it turned out, was very good for him as Evelyn’s bodyguard appeared in the doorway of the shop a heartbeat after he had begun to sprint away.

“What… just happened?” Evelyn blinked. “Did you know that man?”

Izzy shook her head, “I don’t think I know him.  He probably just… knew my family.  My father used to cast a pretty long shadow here in New York.”  She bent down and picked up Evelyn’s purse.  “He um… we… were one of the wealthiest families in the country, before everything happened.  The guy probably thinks I still got protection lurking around the corners.  Was probably worried I’d have some mook chasing him down for looking at us sideways.”  She gave a sheepish grin.

Evelyn seemed skeptical as she looked at Izzy, but waved off Abby and returned to the car. For now, she seemed to elect to stay quiet. 

Izzy sat down in the backseat with Evelyn as the car pulled out into the road and the city began to pass them by. Izzy was quiet for a time, contemplating what if anything could possibly be said.  “I normally wouldn’t talk about my family’s business. It’s not my place. It’s not done. It’s… dangerous, but you’re a good friend, Evie. I like you and I figure your family has enough connections they’re going to be looking into who the hell I am now - I mean with that whole buying a business thing you pulled back there.  To say nothing of your bodyguard having to report the attempted mugging, I’m sure.”

Izzy looked down at her hands folded in her lap.  “You deserve an explanation, at least a basic one before your family rings up Vassar and asks for you to have a new suitemate.”

“I’m not really sure what to say,” said Evelyn, measuring her words. “Except that I don’t judge people by their family.”

“That’s a noble enough thing, but I got to tell you - I’m not ashamed of my family.  Quite the opposite, I’m proud of them. I come from a legacy of strong people, with a fighting spirit and will to survive the most incredible things.  They didn’t always do good things, but they were never bad people. And I know the world would like me think they always thought bad about the people I love - but they didn’t.  This city once bowed to my parents. This world trembled when grandparents spoke. I know who I am and who I come from… and things in this world they have a way of swinging back and forth.  Right now, we’re not on an up swing, I get that. It’s easy for people to cast stones now - but that woman Lauder, she made thousands of dollars from my mother when she was living and I promise you her ethics never got in the way of her taking that money back then and she knew who we were.  Everyone knew who the Mastrosimone family was.”

“I wasn’t trying to imply that you should be ashamed,” said Evelyn. “I just…  you’re not… like… a criminal?”

“My father was Godfather of New York.”  She said simply. “He and my mother will killed in a war of crime families a few years back.  Three of my sisters died that way as well. My Aunt, three of my uncles… no... two Aunts. I sometimes forget about Kat.  I didn’t know her. My Grandparents… both sets, were Godfathers too. Philadelphia, Detroit, Chicago… arguably possibly Las Vegas.”  She shrugs.

“No, Izzy, I mean you.”

“Me?  I don’t suppose I am.  I mean, I’ve never done anything personally but I’m sure that guy who held the gun on us didn’t see it that way and neither did Lauder.  It’s known as a family business for a reason.  You’re born into a dynasty like the Lucianos, Byrnes or Mastrosimones and you don’t just get a pass.  Folks make assumptions - and while some of the women in my family went to Vassar - hell one of the buildings is named for us; and some of the men went into politics, I think we’re all carrying the label of criminals regardless.”

“Okay. Because… I mean, there were always rumors about how my grandmother made her fortune in America. And none of the rumors ever suggested that she operated on an entirely legal basis. It’s one of the reasons that my father wants me to marry an American, instead of one of these snobby Englishmen who look down on my family- until they need a loan. So it’d be hypocritical of me to cast aspersions on  you just because of your family. But at the same time, I’m sure you understand that like dealing drugs out of our dorm room or you actively… whatever they call it… wapping people… would be a big difference.”

Izzy covered her mouth and chuckled.  “Whacking.”  She corrected.  “Wapping is um… like hitting I think.  Whacking is slang for killing and no, I’m not a hitman.”

Evelyn threw up her hands like she had another gun in her face. “I don’t want to know I was just saying!”

Izzy smiled, amused by Evie’s reaction to her talking about something that is so basic a topic in her family. “At best I’ve learned the trade of a low-level cat burglar and I’ve never put any of that to use.  I haven’t needed to.  We’re very well off still.  My sister has done a lot to protect our family’s assets and she’s encouraged all of us siblings to look at going to school and staying far out of your life.  Only a couple seem intent on pursuing the family business at this point.”

Izzy reached a hand over and put it onto Evie’s.  “I swear to you, I won’t purposefully bring us trouble, but I can’t lie to you.  I can’t say that trouble won’t come looking for me.  And, maybe that means we can’t be friends.  I hope not, but I’d understand if your father wanted you as far away from me and my family as possible.  We’re not as powerful as we once were, maybe not even quite as rich either.  Not a lot to gain from a friendship with me these days, other than a few laughs… but I know your family probably didn’t send you to Vassar for that.  Most women go to Vassar looking to find a husband or build a career in some field that ‘nice girls’ can get jobs in.  Lucky for me I have enough money for the school to look past my family have a lot of unconventional girls… not nice ones.”

“People have a habit of getting hurt around us, but for what it’s worth… I really never meant for you to even have any idea about that side of my life.  I just … wanted to go to school and have some normal friends.  Maybe someone who had never been shot at before.  I can’t imagine what it must be like to have never lived in hiding or not have to fled the only home you’ve ever known on a moment’s notice with bullets flying all around you and your siblings.”  She looked out the window.  “Or to have buried people you love - people who shouldn’t have died so young.  It must be wonderful to have a life where you don’t think about those sorts of things and still, you’re wealthy and can enjoy the world.”

Evelyn looked like she was going to protest something, until Izzy mentioned burying people you love. She paused. “Well I’m certainly not telling my father,” said Evelyn. “He’d probably try to arrest you. Or something. But he’s usually obsessed about my safety to the point of… well, a lot. He would have learned about your family. Easily. Unless…” Evie frowned. “... my grandmother must have wanted this to happen. There’s no way she’d miss this, unless she’s finally achieved senility. She’s just about the only person who could keep the fact about your family from my father.”

Izzy looked back to Evie, “Why would your grandmother want you to be rooming with a girl whose family members are Cosa Nostra?”

“I have no idea,” said Evelyn. “But I think I’m going to ask her. She sounded well and truly annoyed when I told her I wanted to buy that shop, until I mentioned the whole business of insulting my roommate. Then her voice changed. I might be paranoid. Grandmother Kathryn is just… annoyingly prescient, but she generally decides to keep us in the dark so she looks smarter later.”

“She sounds like some of the women in my family.”  Izzy smiled. “Well, regardless - I just wanted you to hear all this from me.  I didn’t want you to think I lied to you or tried to keep you in the dark because I was ashamed.  Like I said, I’m not. I know who my parents were, I don’t sugar coat them, but I also know who they weren’t.  They weren’t monsters. They were some of the nicest, best people in all the world and I don’t just say that as their daughter who is clearly biased.  They really did try to do good things, and I know the people they hurt were really bad folks. No one would cry for the sorts of people my parents did wrong to.”  Either Izzy was a great liar, or she really did believe what she was saying.

“Maybe we should call it a day?  A lot of excitement. Give you a chance to call home if you want.  I’ll… go visit my brother and cousin. Check in on them. Give you some privacy?  If you don’t mind, I’ll tell your driver how to get us to my place in Dyker Heights, it’s not far out of the way or anything.”

Evelyn smiled at Izzy. “Well… we do get on rather well together. And I suppose I’d look foolish if I bought a store for a friend I decided to leave, wouldn’t I? I can drop you off at your place if you’d like, but I need to head back to school. Work to do for tomorrow.”

Izzy smiled, seemingly encouraged by Evie’s kind words - but she gave directions to the house in Dyker Heights nonetheless.  She really did want to let her friend have some time alone to digest this information and to call her family. When they pulled up in front of the large gated home, Izzy looked to Evie and then gave her a hug.  “Next time you come here I’ll have you up for dinner. Give you the tour. I really love this place, it’s not like our place in Michigan or Canada at all - but it’s home. I’ll see you tomorrow, okay?”

“Of course,” said Evie with a smile. Abby popped out of the car to help Izzy with her bags; within a minute, Izzy was left looking at the Rolls Royce driving away.