Fairytales (23 page)

“No, to me you are a very special lady … and a very good friend and that many friends we don’t have in life.”

She took his hand and kissed it.

“Please, Stella, my hand you don’t have to kiss … only the Pope’s … now,
arrivederci,
Stella, sleep well.”

“Arrivederci, signore,
and may God be with you.”

“Grazie,
Stella,” he said, leaving the room.

When he sat in the car alongside of his mother, driving her home, he was grateful to her that she had said nothing about the way the children looked when he left or how wrong he was. She mentioned nothing except what a lovely day it had been, how happy she was they were together, but that was his mother… Stopping in front of her flat, he came around to her side and opened the door. When she got out, she kissed him good night, “God bless you, Dominic. I’m proud to have a son like you,” she smiled.

“And I’m grateful to have a mother like you.” He waited as she walked up the stairs and disappeared.

Getting back into the car, he drove away with thoughts of Catherine, seeing her in his mind’s eye. The way she had underplayed the whole affair, trying to copy her Mama, the gentle Southern lady … “Dominic, we’re all so happy to have been together this evening,” as he was leaving … he wanted to say, thank you, very much, Catherine, for your hospitality … it was really something I could have lived without. Shaking his head in the dark … yes … how well I remember your graciousness … whoremaster …
patrone
to a whore … come on, Dominic, knock it off … that’s enough.

When he let himself in, Victoria was not home. Feeling deserted, he undressed and got into bed. Looking at the clock, he realized it was almost twelve … he began to worry if anything had happened … an accident… he got out of bed and poured himself a drink and sat down. Now it was twelve-thirty. The palms of his hands began to sweat. Where the hell was she, he asked the silent room as he paced the floor? If she wasn’t home in another… then suddenly he heard the key being turned. It was one by the time Victoria opened and shut the door behind her.

“Hi, darling,” she said, taking off her shoes. Flushed with pretended excitement, she kissed him. “Let’s have a drink … oh, you already have one. In that case, I’m going to, too. Bet you had a wonderful time,” she said as she poured herself a scotch. “I certainly did, with all my family and friends … it was simply great… best turkey and … the dressing … you wouldn’t believe it, so festive. So terrific … so really terrific—or did I already say that?” She hiccoughed, “Excuse me, must have been something I drank … or ate.” Dominic sat down and watched as she finished her drink, then poured another. “How ’bout you, darling, feel like a little refreshment?” she asked unsteadily.

“No … in fact, I think you’ve had enough.”

“’nough of what… I think we should give thanks. It’s Thanksgiving, Dominic … time to be ’appy … to
Thanks
… there I go again, repeating myself.”

“Victoria, come to bed.”

“To bed with you … you wench!” She laughed, “Dominic, you’re
dominating
me.”

“You’re drunk, Victoria. Now, let me help you get into bed.”

“Drunk! How can you say that?” she slurred, “insulting me that way. I was never inebriated in my whole life … in my whole crazy, stupid, mixed-up life.” She laughed, and laughed until she cried.

Dominic took her in his arms and carried her into the bedroom where he lay her down, hovering over like a child.

The crying had sobered her. “Oh, Dominic, I’m acting so stupid … like a real ninny. How do you put up with me?”

“I’m the one who should be asking that.”

“Oh, God, Dominic, I missed you so. How do I get over that… how do I reconcile myself to that… how?”

“I don’t know because today was just as lonely for me. It’s plain hell being without you.”

“But what can we do?”

“I wish I knew the answer to that one.”

“My mother was so wrong … I want the whole matzo ball and when I can’t, I act like a spoiled, deprived infant who just had her shovel and sand pail taken away.”

“Honey, you don’t have to be so brave just because you got slightly tight tonight. It’s little enough for what you have to put up with.”

“But, Dominic, this moment with you is all the intoxication I need … wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could just make time stand still?”

“And how many times I’ve wished that, but I think this is the toughest time of the year. If only we can get over the holidays, then we’re going to Mexico for a few weeks on a cruise.”

“Oh, Dominic, how wonderful.”

“I’ve had it up to here with everything.”

“Everything?” she asked, snuggling closer to Dominic.

“Everything, except you,” he said, kissing her erect nipples, then holding her close, feeling her body yield to his, making them one.

T
HE MONTH OF DECEMBER
came all too soon and once again it was a time for Dominic to spend Christmas Day away from Victoria. But this time she was resigned, thankful she had a family she could go to as well.

The Rossi ménage was all assembled around the huge tree, opening presents, and once again Catherine played the role of the contented wife and mother pretending that nothing was different than in years gone by, only this time, she took care to be ever so slightly more attentive to Dominic than at Thanksgiving.

After dinner, she found Dominic in the study, relaxing with Dom and Tory. “What’s goin’ on in here with all my men?”

“Nothing,” Tory said, “just discussing politics.”

“Is that what you’re doin’… I think you ought to let your Papa relax today and not have to talk or think about such things …”

Dom stood up and looked quickly at Tory, who got the message, then making some excuse they left, leaving Mama and Papa alone. Dominic was not at all grateful for what they considered a time for estranged parents to be alone, but he remained.

Catherine looked all shimmery in her gold and green lame as she seated herself across from Dominic. “You’re lookin’ fine, Dominic, better and more rested than I’ve seen you in a long time.”

“Thank you,” he answered, his voice flat, which Catherine pretended not to notice.

“How about a little Cointreau to settle your stomach after that sumptuous meal?”

“No thank you.”

“Sure now?”

“I’m sure.”

“Well, I think I’m gonna have a little …” Pouring herself a drink, she said lightly, “Stella’s just gotta be the best cook in the world … don’t you think so?”

“Yes …”

“Now, Dominic, tell me, what was all that about, all that politics and all.”

“Well, like you said before, today’s not the time to discuss world affairs.”

“And you’re right … what do you think of the boys … so grown up and handsome and brilliant… just like their Daddy.”

“I think I will have that brandy,” Dominic said.

“Why, of course.” Handing it to him, she said, “Aren’t the children just simply incredible?”

“Just incredible.”

“Dominic, did you get a letter from Roberto?”

“No …”

“That’s strange … I forwarded it to your office.”

“Did you … well, I didn’t get it.”

“That’s too bad. I suppose with the Christmas mail, you’ll probably get it next week.”

“How is he?”

“He’s doin’ just wonderful and happy as can be.”

“I’m glad to hear that.”

“Wait till you read the letter. It’ll do your heart good.”

“I’m sure.” Then there was silence between them.

Dominic gulped down the brandy.

“Here, let me get you another.” Before he could protest, he found the glass filled and in his hand.

“Dominic?”

“Yes?”

“Dominic, I know this has been difficult for you comin’ home like this …”

“Yes, it has.”

“But don’t you think enough time has gone by that we could be just a little more friendly when we have to see each other?”

“That isn’t so easy.”

“I know, but the children feel it, in spite of all the … well, pretense.”

“I’m afraid that’s the only way we’re going to make it… I can’t cut myself up into a million little pieces. I can only be me—”

“But don’t you ever remember the good times. Shouldn’t that make you just a little more … friendly?”

“When were the good times, Catherine?”

“While the children were growin’ up and we had all those wonderful holidays together.”

He didn’t answer.

“You mean all those years made no impression on you, you never recall … the birthdays, the happy times don’t mean a thing?”

He sighed, “Look, Catherine, there’s nothing to talk about, what I do remember are a lot of other things I’d rather forget—”

“I don’t want to argue with you, Dominic. All I’m askin’ is for you to try and forget the bad and remember the good.”

“What I’m trying very hard to do, Catherine, is not to remember anything, except the fact that I’m here doing what is expected of me.”

“You mean then, there isn’t a chance that you and I can share at least what I remember as some of the happiest times of my life with you?”

“Catherine … you’re not a fool and neither am I. What’s past is past. It can never be relived. If we had those good times, as you put it, we wouldn’t be in this position now.”

“So you’re totally through. Am I understandin’ right?”

His shoulders slumped. Finally, he said, “Yes, Catherine, you’re right. It’s all over. It really was a long, long time ago.”

She sat, thinking Mama was mistaken. She had underestimated human nature. Dominic was not Daddy and havin’ a temper at this moment or a fit wasn’t goin’ to bring him back. He would do his duty, be the best father he knew how, but he was never comin’ back and it would be childish to think he was. But she was going to remain the charming lady, if it killed her, “Well, Dominic, I think we should join the others.” With that, her head held high, she walked ahead of Dominic across the marble hall back to where the festivities were going on and joined in, although she knew later she’d cry for a very long, long time.

Victoria stretched out on the deck chair in her bikini, feeling the delicious sun and sea breezes upon her body. How marvelous to be so completely relaxed. It was so peaceful and quiet as though there weren’t a care in the world. She reached over and held Dominic’s hand without saying a word, and there they lay, feeling the oneness of each other. At last she had come to terms with herself about Dominic’s children, knowing what part they played in his life … not that she had ever doubted his love for her. And now she had come to terms with reality.

The next two weeks were paradise. But the ecstasy they’d known was coming to an end. Their last night out, Victoria lay in Dominic’s arms. “Darling, I wish this could go on and on … I’m not ready to go home … how about you?”

“It’s difficult to believe we’ve been away two weeks.”

“But what a two weeks it’s been … let’s look at the pictures.” Getting out of bed, she went to the dresser and took out an envelope of snapshots. With Dominic’s arm once again around her, she snuggled up to him and together they looked. “Oh, Dominic, you with that great big sombrero, trying to get on that donkey with your legs almost touching the ground. Where was that taken?”

“Puerto Vallarta, I think … and look at this one with you eating that tortilla and all the juice running onto your new Mexican blouse. The expression on your face is priceless.”

“Wait … look at this one when the zipper on your trousers broke and I found a safety pin in my purse. I think I’ll keep that one for the opposition when you become president.”

“And when will that be?”

“Probably at the next election.”

“Really? Well, at least I’ll have the smallest majority of one in history … look at this … remember when that Mexican boy in Acapulco snapped our picture together and the sun was in my eyes. I look like Ben Turpin.”

They screamed with delight. “Oh, Dominic, you’re not only the most wonderful man I’ve ever known, you do a very mean rumba … among other things,” she said, kissing him.

“And you, Miss Lang, are the most beautiful, wonderful sexy woman I know … and you’re also mine,
all
mine …”

Laughing, she said, “Aren’t you lucky?”

“That’s about the most accurate statement anyone ever made.”

“Oh, Dominic, we’re the luckiest people in the world.”

“I know that I am.”

“Thank you, darling. These few weeks have been very special for me.”

“And for me … I don’t know when I’ve ever been so completely happy—”

“But it’s more than just being happy. Something wonderful has happened inside me.”

He looked at her.

“What do you mean?”

“I’ve accepted things as they are.”

“I’m not so sure that I have …”

“Why, darling?”

“Well, the fact that we can’t ever marry—”

“It really isn’t that important, darling, not anymore … because I feel
I am
married to you … not being able to be friends with your children … well, I’ve come to terms with that.”

“No wonder I love you so much.”

“Oh, darling, that’s just it … if two people love one another the way we do, we can’t allow the
impossible
to spoil what we have.”

She moved even closer. “Dominic, I wouldn’t trade places with any woman.”

Kissing her, he said, “And I wouldn’t trade you for anyone.”

But tomorrow came and once again they were home, putting aside all the memories and mementos. After breakfast, Dominic drove Victoria to her office then went to his. When he arrived, his private secretary said, “Welcome home, Mr. Rossi. You look like you’re still on cloud nine.”

“Thanks, Margo, but I better get off from the looks of the mail sitting on my desk.”

She hesitated, then said, “Mr. Rossi… Mrs. Rossi has been trying to get you since yesterday. She seemed quite upset.”

“Did she mention what the problem was?”

“No.”

“All right, get her on the phone.”

When Catherine said, “Dominic, a terrible thing has happened,” his heart began to race. His first thought was Gina Maria.

“What’s happened?”

She started to cry. “Roberto’s missin’.”