Via grabbed three of the crystal glasses, and the decanter of scotch and placed them all on the table before them. She poured two fingers for each of them and placed the stopper back into the neck of the scotch. 

"I suppose a bottle of Viacelli's would be more appropriate, but unbeknownst to Will, I've had him sampling your finer vintages all evening. As for me, Detroit's the only home I have at the moment. I'm a bit displaced while I'm settling. I've recently moved here to start a joint venture with Will," she said, choosing her words carefully. 

She took a glass and leaned against her desk, taking a small sip. 

Thank you.

He smiled at Via, then returned his attention to Sofia, as it appeared as though business was now the topic of discussion. 

She's right.  I didn't know those were your wines.  But I have to say, I was sincerely impressed.  

He sat back, his glass in hand, and took a sip before continuing. 

And yes, Detroit is my home.  We've started some businesses here, Via and I, so this is home.  

He remained vague, but willing to share as much as appropriate.  

So, what can you tell me about your vineyards?

Sofia laughed and raised her glass.

"Well, you've done all the work for me, then!  The vino speaks for itself, no?"

Before taking a sip, she gestures to her hosts.

"Salute."

With a smile, she took a sip.  The drink was smooth, and certainly refreshing after the long day of traveling. This was her fourth visit to the U.S., and if all went well, she would be staying for a considerable amount of time.  

"So, Mr. Hayes, how did you find our wines?"

Pleased at hearing his satisfaction with the wines, Sofia settled back in her seat and took another small sip of the Scotch, then rested the glass in her palm.

"The Viacelli Winery and Vineyards are a long-standing and well-known brand in Europe.  We began over 100 years ago, but the real proliferation of the brand was nearly a singular effort of my aunt, Regina, God rest her.  She inherited the business from her father, Joseph, and then passed it on to me.  It is, truly, a proud tradition that is responsible for these wines.  We have earned a number of titles world-wide."

She placed the glass on the table, momentarily, and retrieved a tri-folded brochure from her briefcase.  She slid it across the table to Will and then picked up her glass again.

"We have a number of different vinos, something suitable for every taste; including a line of dessert wines that I am developing.  I think it's important to maintain the classics, but also explore new flavors and combinations."

The pitch was rehearsed but not offensively so. It was a part Sofia played and one that she did passionately. The words were said with practice, deliberation, and heart. Via sipped the scotch and watched.

Her relationship with Regina had been brief but involved. She wondered if Sofia knew the extent of her aunt's business dealings. Looking her over as she continued to sell to Will, Via studied Sofia's very familiar face. How much like Regina she was, younger but with the same eyes. Via couldn't help but wonder just where the similarities ended.

Her own business endeavors with Will of late had started a prominent rise. Though they had sat and vaguely talked about what they had done in 'previous' and younger lives as if that part of them were over, one call from the underground leader of Detroit had changed that from a past tense to the present. Their operation was small, but Via certainly had the funding enough from her side import business to keep them comfortably growing. Sofia's involvement could change that comfortable into a level of financial security. 

But how to broach it? Her face was so young, so unmarred by the lines of worry and stony vigilance that came from decades of watching one's back. And in a selfish way, Via very much enjoyed the very close friendship she'd once shared with Regina, even if it came in a more motherly guardianship form, and later in lucrative business dealings. 

She sipped again and watched. Let this business deal reach it's intended end. Then broach the subject. Will had given her the authority to find new talent. She studied his face as he leaned back in the chair, holding a pamphlet and the scotch. Whether he was feigning interest or genuine with Sofia's proposal, Via couldn't discern. He perused the pamphlet but kept his brow furrowed in deep though and glanced often at the young entrepreneur, quietly listening. Will was certainly a man of deliberation. He listened very well and often heard more than just the articulated words. 

When he did look up at Via, she didn't look away. He'd caught her watching him, and his was not a subtle stolen glance. She raised an eyebrow and a corner of her mouth in slightly guilty smile. 

He picked up his glass.  He sipped from the glass and studied the pamphlet.  His eyes met Via's and he smiled.  He rose from his chair, walked around a bit, reviewing one page and then the next.  He stood by the window, looked out and lifted the glass to his lips.  After he swallowed, he walked around the room some more and returned to where the women remained sitting. 

He watched Via, and knew her wheels were turning.  He also knew that he'd made his decision about the wines long before Sofia had entered the office.  Long before she'd entered the Rose Tattoo.  Via made the recommendation, Will said okay.  The deal was done.  But this meeting wasn't about wine.  But in order for them to get down to the real business at hand, the wine would have to be part of the deal.  So, he sat back down, smiled, and leaned in, putting the pamphlet back on the table.  

"Okay, Sofia.  I'm sold."

And with that, he turned to Via, who would run the remainder of the meeting.

Well then. 

Via's smile was bright and welcoming. It was also a mask of relief. This part of the negotiation was over. She almost felt bad putting Sofia through the nerves of pitching the sale and partnership, but her sale was done. Now it was Via's turn.

Unless you've come prepared, I can have a team draw up some contracts and we can get them signed by Wednesday, posted to your home office if needed. 

Her mouth stayed slightly open, and Via's tongue traced the inside of her teeth as she contemplated her next words.

The truth is, Sofia, your wines are delicious. A true herald of the Viacelli name, one that Will's happy to carry in his place. But, we wanted to talk to you about another deal. This one would be without contracts, but it would involve a bit of a partnership as well.

Sofia felt the corners of her mouth turn up in a small smile.  She now had confirmation of what she had suspected.  Though she had never met Will Hayes before this, she had done her research.  He is a smart businessman, and a busy one.  Such a meeting to simply approve a wine vendor was something that would be left to a bar manager.  Upon hearing that her aunt's friend, Via, would be attending as well, Sofia knew that there must be something else on the evening's agenda.  

Leaning forward slightly, she placed her empty glass on a coaster on the table.  The sleeve of her jacket rose just above her wrist, briefly exposing the edge of a burn on her skin- long since healed over.  

I have the necessary paperwork with me- no need for fuss.  Such things can be handled in time.  

Sitting back again, she adjusted her cuff and smiled cooly to her hosts.

Now, what else may I do for you?

I'm not going to mince words much, which means that I'm putting a lot of trust in you. I knew your Aunt well. Very well. And not from the vineyards. From the shipyards. From deals not conducted in cozy, upholstered offices. You're a smart girl. I know you know the kind of woman your Aunt was, and despite how that sounds, I mean that in the most reverent way possible. She taught me almost everything I know. She wasn't much of a marksman. I had to learn that myself.

Via set her own glass on the desk and traced her fingers over the sanded and resealed symbol in the middle.

Will's been offered an opportunity by Spike S---

She chuckled, as if his last name need to be said. 

You know of whom I speak. He's running more than just the night shift at a bar and we're looking for talented individuals who know the game and now how to get around the authorities. We're not just bringing in everyone.

She turned to look at Sofia as she crossed her arms over her chest; her fingers slowly tapping on the upper part of her arm.

I want you to work with us. It'll be nice having a Viacelli in the 'family' again.

The smile on Sofia's face seemed to stretch a bit further as memories of Regina and her "other work" flooded her thoughts.  Just like Via, Regina had imparted a vast amount of knowledge to Sofia that went far beyond grapes and presses.  Growing in up Sicily was never a fairy tale, especially in Caltanisetta.  Where in some places girls carried baskets of flowers and played together after school, Sofia carried a lupra as soon as she could lift it, and played life-or-death games of hide-and-seek with local crime syndicates.  Going to live in Catania with Regina had been a relief, but Regina taught her to never let her guard down.  She taught a young Sofia to keep her wits about her and work hard to stay a step ahead of everyone she came in contact with.  By the time Sofia turned 19, some of the local boys that worked in the vineyards started calling her "il lupo."  It wasn't inappropriate, in truth, and Sofia carried the nickname quite proudly.

Sofia nodded solemnly and sat up straight.

Via, I greatly appreciate your friendship to my Zia.  You meant a lot to her- and it is easy for me to see why.  What you and Mr. Hayes are building has a solid foundation and it is no doubt that you will be profitable.  It would be an honor for me to continue the friendship between the Viacelli family and yours.  I believe that we are "lo stesso," we understand each other very well.  A good partnership is made richer by a good friendship, and I think we three have the makings of both.

Via exhaled audibly through a broad smile that culminated at the lines in her eyes. 

Wonderful. I'd offer a drink to seal the deal but I'm afraid if I have any more tonight, I'll be sleeping at my desk and unable to walk home. Twenty year old scotch does not mix well with three and a half inch heels.

And of course, no paperwork required.

She made her way around the desk to the drawers, and pulled open the heavy metal handle. There was a rustle of papers and a small metallic grind but Via's hand emerged holding a small key with a tag.

Your new second home.

Via walked back to Sofia, and placed the key in her hand.

And see to it that it does feel like home for you.

As they all stood in front of their chairs, Will smiled.  He watched as Via handed Sofia the key, and walked toward their new partner.  

Welcome Sofia. 

He leaned in and gave her a kiss on each cheek.

You are a welcome addition here.  We are very young, and from what I've heard, we could definitely use some of the Viacelli influence.  I definitely echo what Via has said.  Please, this is your home.  

He walked his way back toward Via, his eyes catching hers.  

So, shall we head back downstairs and enjoy some more of that wonderful band?

Sofia stood to meet Via as she returned to them.  Before taking the key in hand, she grasped Via's hand and gave it a gentle squeeze before kissing each of the woman's cheeks in the customary fashion.

It already does, bella.

Slipping the key carefully into the pocket of her jacket, she turned to the place where Will was seated.  This was a moment she had been groomed for.  Regina must have known that this would be her path, and had prepared her well and instilled in her a great sense of duty and honor.  Sofia bowed her head slowly, then took his right hand kissed it softly.

Mio onore di servire, Padrone.

With that, she stood straight again.

Now- I have a gift for you both.

Turning, she again opens her briefcase. 

A gift?

She looked at her watch and realized it was only a quarter past eleven. The band would still be playing for hours and given how the energy of the music below was resonating and vibrating the floors, they wouldn't be stopping anytime soon.

What would that be?

Via looked to Will, curiously and inquisitively.

With a sly grin- a mischievous and familiar smile she inherited from her aunt- Sofia pulled two sample-sized bottles of wine from her briefcase and handed one to Will and Via.  

These are a sample of a special press that I have ordered exclusively for your establishments.  I've named it "Dolce Pepe," and I think you may find the flavors to be familiar.

Again, Sofia was a woman that did her homework.  She knew of the pair's special liking for a certain American soda.  Via had sent a case of it as a gift at Christmas one year and Sofia found it quite to her liking.  As a gift, she'd commissioned a special pressing of a red wine- a cherry base with vanilla, amaretto, clove, and a few other specially blended flavors.

Siobhan looked at the worn scrap of linen in her hand, then up at the imposing facade.  That rose, well it reminded her of home now, didn't it? Like the stained glass on the front of her mum's favorite church.  Detroit was cold this time of year and she snugged her woolen coat close, glancing around the deserted street. 
 

"Come on ya daft ninny, just knock.  If they dinna answer, then ye're not meant to be here!"  Siobhan muttered to herself, the flushed as deep a red as the rose and looked up and down the street again, nervous that someone had heard her speaking aloud to no one in particular.  Mentally pulling herself up by her boots, she stepped up purposefully and knocked timidly, then tried the door.

It opened. 

"H...hello?  I'm wanting to speak with someone about a job I'd heard tell of?"

Via, Sofia and Will all made their way back down to the main floor where the band was in a swing and the floor followed suit. Despite all the ventures she'd been involved in recently, this one held a special place in her heart. The chocolatessen was business, if one could consider smuggling a business. This was a success, and the realization of a dream. She glanced at Will as they hit the final landing and squeezed his arm.

The doorman caught her eye as he was bending over the woman who'd just entered. She wasn't quite dressed for a night of drinking and dancing, rather more modestly as if traveling. The doorman seemed to look confused and shook his head, but he turned and pointed to Via as she made her way across the floor.

"Hi, I'm Traviata Parile. Come on in dear. Can I take your coat?" Via looked back to a server and indicated to clear a table. "What can I do for you, Miss...??

Vonnie blushed so hard she felt her ears change color and heat up.  The stunner that had just approached made her blink several times.  She tried not to gawk as she glanced around the richly appointed space.

I...ah...I'm Siobhan...Siobhan Brody, though friends call me Vonnie..Are...are ye the one what does the hiring here Miss Via?  I'm looking for work, you see...and the rose on the door called to me, in a way.  Mmmy coat? Ah, well um, yes Miss, thank you.

Siobhan took off her coat, self consciously brushing her hands down the dowdy black woolen dress she'd worn to stave off the chill, and because it was her best dress.  Stopping, she straightened slightly, lifting her chin just a bit.  Grinning sheepishly, she spoke again.

My apologies, Miss...I had a bit of a chill, not to mention being struck silly.  This is a beautiful place!

Sofia and Will stood not far away, as Will was giving her a brief tour of the Rose Tattoo.  Sofia's eyes fell on the new visitor, and she noticed that the woman seemed a bit timid.  Moreover, she noticed how genuinely kind Via was to her.  It was pretty clear that this woman wasn't "connected" in any way; yet, Via treated her with just as much respect and kindness.  That made Sofia smile a bit wider.  This is the woman her aunt Regina had grown to love, and it wasn't hard to see why.

The widened eyes and kind smile were in thanks to the genuine compliment. The Rose Tattoo was certainly a point of pride and she made no attempt to hide it.

"Thank you, sincerely. You are very kind. And yes, I am the one who does the hiring here. I take it you saw the advertisement I placed in the Detroit Ladies Weekly? Or were you referred by someone?"

It certainly made a difference as to the type of job offered, Via mused. She always needed help these days, but given the meeting they'd had upstairs... Via's thoughts trailed off as she took Siobhan's coat with care and handed it to the doorman. She then gestured that they move to a table further away from the door, and definitely away from the nearly undulating dance floor.

"Your dress is so lovely," a compliment honestly given as Via's fingers traced the stitching on the shoulder. "Did you make it yourself?"