Albany Park (28 page)

Grinning and holding the coat open, he coaxed her, “C’mon, you look great.”

Slowly, she slipped one arm into the sleeve and let him help her with the other as she pulled the elegant fur around her.

Turning, her eyes sparkling, she stood on tip toes. “I have to wear heels to go out in this coat,” she gushed, eyes wide and then groaned, “but look at me! My hair’s a mess and no makeup.”

“Oh for cryin’ out loud, you look gorgeous just the way you are.”

Her arms encircled his neck, pulling him close.

“I love you, Howie, This is the most beautiful surprise.”

“I can’t wait until you show your mother and father. They’re always worrying about how I take care of you.”

She bit her lower lip at the mention of her folks and relaxed her grip on him.

“I know my mother is going to love it. It’s much nicer than her coat,” she whispered.

When David came in a half-hour later, she still was wearing the coat, but had brushed her hair and put on a pair of high heels.

She insisted he feel the coat and he smiled at the sumptuous touch, but asked how come she was wearing it in the house.

The following day, she tried the coat on with heels and fresh makeup to see how she looked in the long bedroom mirror. It felt and looked elegant, but she worried about where the money came from for such luxury.

On Sundays, Howie would peel off a hundred dollars in twenties from a large roll secured with a heavy rubber band and give it to her for the house expenses. In the meantime if he didn’t come home for a few days he would go into a rage if she questioned him about where he was or what he had been doing. His answer was to tell her to shut up and not worry about him. Wasn’t he taking good care of her? His outbursts began terrifying her. A few weeks after giving her the coat, he came home at eleven on a Saturday morning after being gone for two days without so much as a call. David was outside playing when he came in carrying his suit jacket over his shoulder.

“Look who’s here she said, her voice having a noticeable sarcastic ring.

“Hi, he answered not looking her way, “anything going on?”

“Is that all you have to say, where the hell have you been“

“I had business to tend to,” he said picking up the newspaper and heading for the living room.

“For God’s sake, Howie, “she whined. You’re not home for days and that’s all you have to say. I’ve been worrying and waiting for you because I ran out of money without knowing how to get hold
of you
.”

Turning back and fumbling in his pocket for the rubber band roll he threw five twenties on the table. “Here, goddammit,” he yelled. “Now quit bothering me you spoiled bitch.”

Raising her hand to slap him, he moved quickly grabbing her wrist, twisting it back, pushing her into the kitchen table. She fell hitting her head as he let go.

“Now just mind your own business,” he hissed backing away.

Holding back tears, she held on the table to get up and slumped into a chair rubbing her jaw where it hit the table. She heard the television go on and the paper rustle in the living room as he settled in to read.

The only time he was always on good behavior was if David was around. He showered the boy with gifts, bicycles, trains and the latest fads in kids clothing. He also liked to take David and her to some of the city’s best restaurants. Downtown and the near north-side hot spots all knew the Rabins. Whether it was Fritzels, The Whitehall, The Pump Room, or any of the other fine restaurants or bistros, a big tipper like Howie Rabin knew the right people, and it was never a problem to get a good table.

Day after day she continued worrying, never knowing where the money came from. She also didn’t like some of his friends whose names occasionally would hit the front pages of the newspapers for some shady deal.

Chapter 16
 

Darlene was at the small dressing table in the bedroom, of their third floor apartment on Kimball just south of Bryn Mawr. As she brushed her hair, she and Vic were having their usual morning conversation through the open door across the hall. He was tying his tie at the bathroom mirror..

“Can you believe we’ll be married three years next week,” she said sounding upbeat.

“Yeah, it’s great and that little guy in the next room makes it even better,” he nodded with a smile. .

“By the way, did you ask the baby sitter if she could stay later that night so we can go out to dinner?”

“Yep, I got it covered.”

Applying her lipstick, she watched Vic out of the corner of her eye looking at himself. “You’re looking sharp today. What’s up?”

“I’m meeting Frank for lunch at Purity’s and knowing how he dresses, I can’t look like a bum.”

“Everything okay?”

“Yeah, in fact, he sounded excited about something.”

Darlene shook her head as she blotted her lipstick. “You guys are unbelievable. He thinks you can walk on water and you think he’s the sharpest guy in the world.”

“Don’t laugh, you know all the women love him and he’s a great salesman.”

“Yeah, yeah. Of course I don’t think he’s as good looking as you. But give him my love,” she said, kissing Vic’s cheek as he
headed out
.

Frankie, waiting in a rear booth, waved to Vic as he entered the old restaurant. The place hadn’t changed much over the years. Everything from the asphalt tile floors to the plastic-covered seats and formica tables was either bright yellow or a shade of kosher hot dog red. Only the gray tin ceiling with the flickering fluorescent bulbs broke the pattern. The loud waitresses and counter men, most of them old timers, had about as much mileage on them as the old deli itself. The fragrance of freshly cooked corned beef as he came in brought back memories of high school lunches.

Still thin at thirty, his hair slightly receding, Frank looked sharp. His tan corduroy jacket, dark brown slacks and lighter brown plaid shirt with a tan wool tie, made him look like a model from Esquire. Cordovan loafers and manicured nails completed his prosperous appearance. Not wanting to be shown up by his older brother, Vic, wearing a dark grey herringbone jacket with charcoal pants and a black knit tie, was looking pretty successful and businesslike himself.

Shaking hands, Vic slid into the booth. “Jesus, we look out of place here with all the school kids and women with babies. Oh, and look at those two sharp guys from the fish store,” he said, chuckling as he looked at the men wearing caps and blood spotted aprons sitting across the way.

Frank grinned. “Oh for cryin’ out loud, nobody in this place could care less, not one of ‘em even gave us another look. They’re too busy eating or arguing and telling stories. But I gotta’ admit, you’re lookin’ good; how things going with Darlene and the kid?”

“Okay, but I’m bustin’ my ass trying to keep all the bills paid and Darlene is still working at the United Fund, which pays a lot better than what it costs for the baby sitter.”

“They really like her there, don’t they?”

“Yeah, her boss is still involved in politics and after all the work she did on the Stevenson campaign last year he wants her to continue to work for him. Of course she likes it and I do too. I met a lot of important people working with her during the election and who knows, some day those contacts may come in handy. “

“Well look who’s here,” interrupted Gladys, the busty blonde waitress Vic remembered from his high school days. Still there, and still wearing a tight fitting short black uniform and a toothy smile.

“How ya doin’ Frankie, haven’t seen you for a while.”

Frank winked, returning her smile. “been busy, tryin’ to make a living. How about you? I see you’re looking as hot as ever.”

Her smile widened showing dimples as she giggled, “you still married?”

“Yeah, but I’m not dead, so don’t worry, I still love you.”

“Yeah, you and all the other phonies who hang out around here; hey, who’s this good lookin’ guy. It can’t be your little brother, the one that used to order a hot dog and fries all the time. Look at him, all grown up and even better lookin’ than you. You guys almost look like twins. “

“Easy Gladys, he’s an old married guy too,” laughed Frank.

“Well, just in case, I still get off about 4:00,” Gladys said, a wicked smile brightening her face. “Okay, what can I get you guys?”

Frank shook his head, as Gladys headed back to the kitchen, “man look at how she shakes that ass, still looks good for an old broad. I remember when I used to run around with her when I first got back from the Army.”

Vic smiled, “I think she’s still interested.”

Still shaking his head, Frank grinned raising his eyebrows..

“So, what’s so important that you wanted to talk about?” Vic asked, taking his eyes off Gladys. At the same time, he noticed his older brother suddenly appear serious, shifting in his seat with a small crease showing at the bridge of his nose, as if he wasn’t just having their usual conversation. It was more than that; he had something on his mind.

Frank took a sip of water, hesitating, trying to gather his thoughts before speaking. His jaw tightened as he leaned in, “look Vic, I’ve got an idea that I want to talk to you about for something we can do to work together and make some money.”

Vic looked up, answering with a short, “Oh,” waiting to hear more.

Frank, sounding more confidential, went on. “You know I’ve been doin’ pretty good the last couple of years selling equipment and supplies to construction companies and I think it’s something that has a real future. In fact, I’ve reached the point where I’m ready to go out on my own, but to tell ya’ the truth, I’m scared. I need someone to work with.”

Pausing, Frank waited to see his brother’s reaction to what he was saying, before he continued. Vic only nodded slowly, but listened attentively.

“Look Vic, I need someone I can trust who is smart and not afraid to work hard. I’ve met a few guys that I thought might work out, but just don’t feel comfortable with them. That’s why I wanted to talk to you. I think you and me can make this work.”

Frank, warming to his pitch started to relax as he spoke. Vic said nothing, but watched him carefully, not wanting to interrupt as he was talking so intently and sincerely, as one man to another; and not treating him like his kid brother.

Two tables away a dark haired waitress dropped a bowl of soup to loud laughter and applause, as she squealed, “Oh shit.”

“Okay guys,” Gladys said, grinning as she watched the distraught girl and balanced two heavy dishes on one arm and another in her other hand. “How bout refills on the drinks?” she said placing their food on the table and smiling at Frank.

“Damn Gladys,” Frank looked up smiling, “you really look good. I gotta come around more often.”

“Ha,” she laughed, “Still the same old Frankie, always trying to score.”

Hearing her name called out from behind her, she mouthed Frank a kiss, “I’ll be back with the drinks,” and hustled away.

Chuckling, Frank turned back to Vic. “Sorry, but I gotta give her a little
shtick
or her feelings will be hurt.”

Vic grinned. Frank picked up where he left off.

“Look, you went to college and got a master’s degree while working almost full time to make ends meet when you and Darlene were struggling. I never went past high school and I need somebody with brains and ambition. Vic we can make a great team. You know I’m a good salesman and with your smarts, we can make it work. What do ya think? Are ya interested?”

Surprised with his older brother’s proposition, Vic didn’t respond for a minute while it sank in.

They were distracted by a broad shouldered busboy with a mop pushing a pail on wheels toward the spill.

Hesitating as they watched the boy, Vic wiped his mouth with a napkin and then answered.

“Well, I don’t know what to say, Frank. You know I’m not really set with anything so special right now and I’ve been doing some looking. Repping for a shirt company is okay and I’m making a living, but it will be a long time before I can really make any real dough. And with Darlene and the kid, I can’t take too many chances because we don’t have any money in the bank, or anyone to fall back on.” Halting, he took a long sip of his coke. “Just exactly what do you have in mind?”

Frank reached into his breast pocket, pulling out some papers.

“Look Vic, this is my tax return from last year. I made over twenty grand and this year, I should do better. Construction guys need guys like me to help them get their jobs done. I know you can do it too. Look, you can be a salesman and I’ll pay you a draw of a hundred and twenty five a week plus expenses against commissions. I know it isn’t much but you’ll make it. Within a few months your commissions will start coming in. Once we get you going we can think about building a real business. “

A vein popped out on Vic’s forehead and he took his time asking a few questions. Frank responded quickly, stressing the growth of the building industry. The conversation continued while they picked away at their sandwiches and cokes, until Vic finally said, “let me think about it and get back to you. Just give me a few days, okay.”

“Sure, I understand. Just promise me you’ll think hard.”

Vic replied with a short nod.

Grabbing the check and dropping a buck on the table, Frank got up, looking at his watch, “hey I gotta run, I’m late for an appointment.” Shaking hands he said, “Look Vic, I feel good about this and want you to know I’ve given it a lot of thought. I know we can do good.”

Starting to get up Vic saw her coming toward him.

The same dark blonde hair only now straighter and short curling in under the chin, the sad light blue eyes, with small wrinkles at the corners and a shy smile, knowing it was him after all these years. Still no makeup, except for some dark shading around her eyes, she stopped as she came close.

His eyes riveted on her, “Mitzi, oh Mitzi, how are you?”

“Hello Victor. I couldn’t believe my eyes, when I saw you.”

“It’s been a long, long time. How’s Shayna?”

“She is wonderful, almost all grown up. And what about you, I see you are all grown up too.”