Tony Partly Cloudy (19 page)

“No, let me finish. I mean, think about it. Put me in a Mafia movie and have me whack somebody, and that’s great. People love that stuff – hell, I’d get a freakin’ Academy Award. Or hey, put me in a bus driver uniform or something, and stick me in a sitcom with some smartass wife and kids, and that’s great, too. I’d make a million bucks an episode, like they all do. So why can’t I read the freakin’ weather?”

Sarah sighed. “Tony, I don’t have an answer. And frankly, I never thought about that last part – how there are plenty of guys like you onscreen, just not on the news.”

“Yeah, my uncle Jimmy’s the one pointed that out to me. How it was a double standard and all.”

“He’s right,” Sarah said. “He sounds like a smart man.”

“Oh, he is. Sharp as a tack. I learned a ton from Uncle Jimmy. He’s one of those guys, you don’t realize how smart he is until you know him a while. He pays attention to everything. You can’t slip
nothing
past that guy.”

“Sounds like you’re a lot like him,” Sarah said.

Tony chuckled. “Maybe in some ways. Definitely not in others.”

“How so?”

“Some other time,” Tony said. “It’s kind of a long story.”

Sensing that avenue of conversation had been closed, Sarah said, “So where did you leave things with Fletcher?”

Tony sighed. “He said I could apply, but that he couldn’t promise I’d get an audition. And the way he said it, you could tell he meant he could promise I
wouldn’t
get an audition. He told me they usually get hundreds of tapes from people applying for jobs like this, and that they’d only have time to audition a select few of them. Oh, and he fed me a bunch of crap about what a great job I’m doing in my current position, and how he thinks that’s where I can make the biggest
contribution
.” Tony drew quote marks in the air with his fingers to emphasize that last word.

“So I told him I understood, but that I’d like him to at least consider me. And hell, I don’t have to be the chief. I mean, if by chance they give that job to Deena, maybe I could take her old job, you know? That way I could start to get my feet wet onscreen, without jumping straight from weather producer to chief meteorologist.”

“How did that go over?”

“Like a turd in a punchbowl.”

Sarah raised her eyebrows. “My, how...
colorful
.”

“Sorry, my best friend Vinnie used to say that.” Tony took a moment to refill both their glasses, emptying the bottle. “Bottom line is, Fletcher doesn’t want me on camera. Period. So like I said, I’m frustrated.”

“I’m sorry, Tony.”

“Hey, no problem. I mean, this is a happy day, right? After all, I’m on my first date with you!”

Sarah smiled. “This is true.”

Tony then amazed her by finally taking the initiative. “So,” he said, “what are my chances of getting a second date?”

Sarah’s smile broadened. “I’d say they’re pretty freakin’ good.” This got both of them laughing.

“How about a real date?” Tony asked. “Not just a quick drink after work, but the whole deal. You know, dinner, maybe a movie afterward or something?”

“That sounds great,” Sarah said. “I’m off this Saturday, are you?”

“Yeah,” Tony said. “I might help out Ron in the afternoon, but I don’t need to be there at night.”

Sarah smiled slyly. “And you don’t have a date lined up with anybody else that night?”

Tony laughed. “Good point. I’ll have to check my calendar, and make sure there are no conflicts. It’s so hard to keep track of all the women in my life.”

“Oh really?” Sarah said, arching an eyebrow.

“Absolutely,” Tony said, starting to count on his fingers. “There’s you. There’s my mama. My Nona Maria. Oh, and of course Claudette at the station.”

This got a laugh – Claudette was Fletcher’s secretary, a prim, dour woman in her late fifties who was the living embodiment of the term “battle axe.”

Sarah pointed a finger at Tony. “You know, I sensed there was something between you two.”

Tony played along. “Yeah, ours was a love that could not be denied. But I’ll break it off with her, I promise. But jeez, that’s gonna be hard on the old girl.”

Sarah nodded in mock sympathy. “True. You better let her down easy, you heartbreaker, you.”

“It’s a burden, being irresistible to women,” Tony said, “but I do my best to cope.”

Unable to maintain this course of conversation, the two gave into laughter.

AT 7:15 ON SATURDAY NIGHT, Tony checked his appearance in the mirror one last time. He had chosen his best black suit, over a crisp white shirt and a tie the color of burnished pewter. “Not bad for a bum from Brooklyn,” he said aloud, then he grabbed his keys and was out the door.

Two minutes later he was slamming his fists on the steering wheel of his aging Dodge.

“No, no, no,” he cried, “not tonight!” The thing wouldn’t even turn over. Jeez, first on the day he started his new job, and now right before his first real date with Sarah. What was it with this car?

Tony pounded up the stairs to his apartment, and frantically punched Sarah’s number into the phone’s keypad. Stay calm, he thought. Be cool.

“Hello?”

“Sarah? This is Tony. Tony Bartolicotti.”

“Oh,
that
Tony,” Sarah joked, reminding him how silly he sounded.

“Yeah, it’s me,” Tony said. “Anyways, listen – I got a little problem here.”

“Oh, no – don’t tell me Claudette found out about us.”

Tony was too anxious to laugh at that. “No, it’s nothing like that. I just... well, my car won’t start. I can’t freakin’ believe it – it was driving just fine this afternoon. But now—”

“Tony, that’s no problem. I’ll come pick you up, okay?”

Tony was silent.

“What? Sarah said. “Don’t tell me you’ve got some macho thing about a woman driving you, do you?”

“No, no – nothing like that. I just feel dumb, you know. I wanted to make a good impression and all.”

“Tony, you’ve already done that. More than a year ago.” This made Tony smile. “And remember the first impression
I
made on
you
?”

Finally Tony laughed. “Yeah, I remember, and I think Avis does, too.”

Sarah giggled. “See? So don’t worry about it. I’m almost ready – give me a sec to grab a pen, and you can give me directions. I’ll be there in like twenty minutes, okay?”

After giving Sarah directions and apologizing several more times, Tony put the phone back on its receiver, and started roaming around the apartment, not having expected to need to have it neat enough to entertain company. Fortunately, Rosa’s influence on her son was still in evidence – Tony kept a fairly tidy apartment. Soon he was relegated to pacing back and forth in his living room.

At precisely 7:30 there was a knock on his door. Sarah must have
flown
here, Tony thought.

He opened the door, only to find the doorway blocked by a wall of black leather.

“Hi, Tony,” Eric said.

Speechless, Tony stared upward at Eric’s expressionless face.

Eric sidestepped nimbly, revealing Jimmy Carbone standing behind him.

“Tony Partly Cloudy!” Jimmy cried, walking toward him with his arms outstretched. “Give your Uncle Jimmy a hug!”

Once greetings and hugs had been exchanged, Eric ushered both men into the apartment, closing and locking the door before assuming his sentry’s stance.

Tony was still in shock as he led Jimmy into his living room, where the two sat down. “So, Jimmy, what are you doing here? I mean, what brings you to town and all?”

Jimmy waved a dismissive hand. “I’m in Chicago on business, and realized that I was just a hop, skip, and a jump from my favorite nephew.” Jimmy paused to wink at Tony. “Once removed.” He leaned over and punched Tony’s arm lightly. “So I thought I’d stop by, see how you’re doing, and take you out for a night on the town.”

Oh shit, Tony thought.

“Wow, Jimmy – that’s terrific. I mean, that was really nice of you to think of me. But there’s a small problem...”

Jimmy’s smile vanished. “Problem? What problem?”

Tony rolled his shoulders and flexed his neck, stalling. “It’s just that, I kinda got plans for tonight. I got a date, and it’s with a girl who’s really something special.”

“So what’s the problem?” Jimmy asked, spreading his hands. “I’ll take the two of you out on the town – my treat.”

Before Tony could protest, Jimmy went on. “I can’t wait to meet her. I can’t remember any girl you were so excited about – she must be something. What’s her name?”

“Sarah,” Tony said, racking his brain for a way to duck Jimmy’s invitation without offending him. “Her name is Sarah.”

Just then there was a knock on the door. Eric whirled around with astonishing speed, bending down to look through the peephole.

“And that would be her,” said Tony.

Eric remained crouched in front of the door, one hand snaking inside his jacket. Jimmy looked shocked.

“Jesus, Tony – is this how people date now? The girl just comes straight to your apartment – you don’t even take her out for a nice dinner first?”

“No, Jimmy – it’s not like that!” Tony said. “My car wouldn’t start, so she’s coming by to pick me up.”

Eric’s almost girlish voice interrupted. “Does she have brown hair, cut kind of short?”

“That’s her,” Tony said, feeling his evening’s hopes collapsing in flames like the Hindenburg. He walked tentatively toward Eric. “Can I open the door, instead of you?”

Eric turned to look at Jimmy, who gave an almost imperceptible nod. Eric withdrew from the door, walking over to where Jimmy now stood in the living room.

“Go ahead,” Jimmy said.

Tony opened the door, and for one brief moment forgot his worries. Sarah stood in the doorway, wearing a simple black dress that was at the same time elegant and sexy. She looked amazing.

“Wow,” was all Tony could say.

Sarah smiled. “Hello to you, too. Nice suit – I hadn’t expected you to get so dressed up. Is what I’m wearing okay?”

Tony shook his head. “No,” he said in a gentle voice. “It’s so far beyond okay, I can’t begin to tell you. You look... amazing.”

Tony heard a man clear his throat behind him, and reality came crashing back in.

“Uh, listen, Sarah – I got some unexpected company. Come on in, and I’ll introduce you.”

Tony led Sarah into his living room, where Jimmy stood with Eric towering behind him.

“Sarah, this is my Uncle Jimmy. He was in town, and stopped by to see me.”

Sarah smiled and walked up to Jimmy, her hand extended. “I’m pleased to meet you,” she said. “Tony was just telling me about you the last time we talked.”

Jimmy took her hand, a broad smile on his face. “The pleasure is all mine,” he said. “And what’s with this handshake stuff? Tony, haven’t you taught her anything about how Italians do things? Come here, young lady.”

Jimmy took Sarah into a gentle embrace, kissing first one cheek, then the other. Stepping back, he said, “Now
that’s
how we do things where Tony and I come from.” Sarah beamed, already engaged by the older man’s charm.

Jimmy gestured behind him. “And this is my associate, Eric.”

Looking up at Eric, Sarah walked toward him, her arms outstretched. Tony realized too late what she was doing, and tried to lunge toward her, prepared to sacrifice his own life to protect hers. But before he could get anywhere near the two, Eric amazed him by leaning down and gently kissing Sarah’s cheeks, his huge arms wrapping lightly around her for the briefest of moments. “A pleasure,” Eric said.

Apparently his dislike for being touched did not extend to creatures as lovely as Sarah. Tony fell back and tried to regain a normal heart rate.

“It’s nice to meet both of you,” Sarah said, already at ease among Tony’s unexpected guests. “Will you be in town long?”

“Alas, just for the night,” Jimmy said. “I’m doing some business in Chicago, and was able to tear myself away tonight, so I took advantage of young Tony’s proximity. I haven’t seen him in more than a year, and thought I’d take him out for a nice dinner. Now of course, I would like to extend that invitation to you as well. My treat, of course.” With that, he bowed. Tony couldn’t believe it – the man actually
bowed
. But the thing was, he looked downright
cool
when he did it. And Sarah was eating it up.

“That sounds great,” Sarah said, smiling. “I wouldn’t want you two to miss out on the chance to catch up, what with you only being in town for the night—”

“Uh, Sarah,” Tony cut in. “Can I talk to you for a second?” Tony beckoned her toward the kitchen. Sarah flashed a smile at Jimmy, and followed Tony into the kitchen.

“Look, Sarah, I’m so sorry about this. First the car breaking down, and now this. I had no idea Jimmy was coming. But – and this may sound weird – I really can’t turn down his invitation. But you don’t have to deal with this. If you don’t want to go, I’ll totally understand. We’ll just tell Jimmy you’re not feeling well. God, I’m
so
sorry about this. I keep making these bad impressions and I—”

“Not feeling well? What the hell are you talking about?” Sarah said. “And enough with these
impressions
you keep trying to make. Have you figured out that
I like you
? Come here.”

To Tony’s utter amazement, she leaned up, pulled Tony’s head toward hers, and kissed him. Kissed him like she meant it.

Pulling away from a dazed Tony, Sarah said, “Let’s go – it should be fun. He’s totally charming, and besides, what better way to get to know somebody than to spend some time with their family?”

Sarah’s expression changed. “Unless you don’t want me to come along,” she said, pouting. “Unless you’d rather just hang out with the boys, without me there to slow you down.”

Tony looked hard at her, finally figuring out she was playing with him. “No, no, I’d love for you to come with us. As long as this isn’t ruining the night for you.”

Sarah’s smile took on that wicked aspect Tony loved. “Ruining my night? Instead of going to dinner with one good-looking Italian, I get to go with three? Go ahead,” she said, “ruin my night.”

Sarah gently slapped Tony’s arm. “Now come on – we’re keeping them waiting out there.”

Back in the living room, Sarah said, “We’d be delighted to join you, Mister...”

“Please,” Jimmy said. “None of this Mister stuff. Call me Jimmy.”

Sarah turned to Tony. “I hope it’s not going to be a problem if all of us show up – I assume you only made reservations for two?”

Tony winced. “Yeah, you’re right.”

Jimmy said, “It won’t be a problem. Where were you planning to dine?”

Tony said, “I can’t pronounce the name – it’s this new Thai place that’s supposed to be good.”

“Thai?” Jimmy said, clutching his chest. “Tony, have you completely forgotten your roots?” Before Tony could reply, Jimmy raised a silencing hand, and turned his attention to Sarah.

“Sarah, what’s the best Italian restaurant in this town?”

With no hesitation, Sarah said, “Bella Luna. It’s supposed to be fabulous – I’ve never actually been there. But the problem is, in a town this size, it’s hard to get into a restaurant like that without a reservation, particularly on a Saturday night. It’s not like there are a lot of really great restaurants to choose from, so the best ones usually have a pretty long waiting list.”

Jimmy shook his head. “I don’t anticipate a problem. Let’s try our luck, shall we?”

Turning, he strode toward the door, prompting the others to follow. Then he stopped abruptly, and turned to face Tony.

“I almost forgot,” Jimmy said. “Tony, before we go – do we need to take an umbrella?”

Sarah said, “Are you kidding? It’s a beautiful night. The weather’s perfect.”

“That’s what I thought too,” Jimmy said, “but I’ve learned that it pays to check with Tony before you go outside.”

Tony laughed. “No, I think we’re fine tonight.”

“You got a good feeling?” Jimmy asked.

“Yeah,” said Tony, turning to look at a smiling Sarah. “I got an excellent feeling.”

“Glad to hear it,” Jimmy said. “Let’s go.”

As the foursome walked toward Jimmy’s town car, Jimmy leaned toward Tony and whispered, “This one, you don’t want to let get away. She’s got class. But Tony –
Thai food
?” Jimmy shook his head in disbelief.

Eric opened the car door first for Sarah, then the others. Soon the four were on their way to Bella Luna, with Sarah directing Eric as he drove.

As Sarah had predicted, the restaurant was packed. At least a dozen people milled around the crowded lobby, and the adjoining cocktail lounge was standing room only.

Sarah shook her head sadly. “Jimmy, I’m sorry – but it’s about like I expected. But I bet we can still get in at the Thai place.”

“Oh ye of little faith,” Jimmy said, patting her arm affectionately. “I’ll be right back.” Jimmy walked toward the maitre de’s podium, effortlessly cutting through the crowd.

Tony and Sarah watched as the maitre de shook his head in response to Jimmy’s initial inquiry. Then Jimmy drew the man in closer, whispering in his ear. Concluding the conversation with a handshake, Jimmy turned and smiled, beckoning to the others. They were led immediately to a lovely table in a prominent part of the dining room, while others in the lobby looked on in a combination of curiosity and indignation.

Eric made a show of seating Sarah at the table, then withdrew to the bar, where he was quickly able to secure a position that allowed him a direct line of sight on Jimmy. The three men who had been seated in the space Eric now occupied had wisely opted to finish their cocktails in the lobby.