Sergio was the first passenger on his feet. He kneed past the annoying woman and her husband. Getting the hell up out of there for some fresh air was foremost on his mind. He tugged down the carry-on bag and hurried out of coach. After today, he pledged if he had to take another commercial flight, first class was the way to fly.
Set on a personal mission hadn’t stopped Sergio from hollering at the fine women he passed. There was an assortment of chocolate flavors . He licked his lips imagining tasting them all. Goddamn!
Outside the terminal he hailed a cab, settled back and gave the address.
The cabbie turned in his seat, “No can do senor. ”
“What the fuck you mean, no can do?”
“You have to get out.”
Sergio stretched his neck back, “Are you serious?”
“Vete ahora!”
Sergio slid out the door, “What kind of crazy shit is this and I thought New York cabbies were psycho?” He slammed the door and the taxi sped away. The next one he flagged attempted to do the same thing, but Sergio refused to get out and the driver explained. “We are not allowed to bring passengers there. If we do, we lose our jobs.”
“So, how do I get there then?”
“If you know the family I suggest you call and have their car come for you .”
“I don’t have the number.” Sergio rummaged through his wallet and counted out the cash. “Can you get me close without getting in trouble for three bills?”
The man inhaled, undoubtedly thinking it over. Three hundred dollars was not enough money to risk his job , however he could drive him to the halfway mark and let him walk from there. He suggested this to the passenger and they struck a deal. The driver took the cash and stepped on the gas .
****
Alfonzo stood, hand s clasped in front of him, looking back over his shoulder when the wedding march began . Under the glowing light of a tropical sun, Selange glided across the outdoor carpet in his direction. He did not see the faces of the guests. They were the background blurs in an abstract painting and the woman coming to him held center stage.
Swathed in a flowing cream fabric , gliding like the gentle waves of a calm lake was a vision. Selange’s g aze never faltered from Alfonzo and he swallowed, awed at her loveliness. Sal ’s arm was inter locked with his mom’s and t railing behind them was his spirited daughter pulling a decorated wagon w ith the twins.
There were smiles and long, “Aw ’s and oh’s ,” from the guests as they passed . Alfonzo shook his head at the last minute change. Selange never failed to surprise him. The d amn woman was creative.
Giuseppe whispered , “She’s brought her entourage . Y ou’re in trouble fratell in o –ha-ha-ha! ”
Alfonzo ignored the best man, w ondering what possessed him to consider bailing . Had he lost his mind or what ? Look at the fruits of his love , marching like l ittle soldiers to the front line with their mom . H ow the hell could he exist without them?
The miniature infantry halt when the music ceased. Maria and Anita were the second line support who hastily fetched the troop of children to allow the bride and groom to step inside the gazebo. Alfonzo glanced back at his children and winked. He and Selange were squad leaders , ready to fight and slaughter anyone who fucked with their clan. Geez, he grinned, I’m a lucky man. “Let’s get started !” He ordered the family priest.
The robed cleric began, “The groom has asked t hat I speak these words on his behalf…”
Alfonzo took Selange’s hand and i t trembled . H e gave it a reassuring squeeze to relay his apology for making her worry . The warmth and pledge of protection calmed the shaking and she looked upon him with such love, his heart spasmed. Alfonzo bowed his head as the
Set on a personal mission hadn’t stopped Sergio from hollering at the fine women he passed. There was an assortment of chocolate flavors . He licked his lips imagining tasting them all. Goddamn!
Outside the terminal he hailed a cab, settled back and gave the address.
The cabbie turned in his seat, “No can do senor. ”
“What the fuck you mean, no can do?”
“You have to get out.”
Sergio stretched his neck back, “Are you serious?”
“Vete ahora!”
Sergio slid out the door, “What kind of crazy shit is this and I thought New York cabbies were psycho?” He slammed the door and the taxi sped away. The next one he flagged attempted to do the same thing, but Sergio refused to get out and the driver explained. “We are not allowed to bring passengers there. If we do, we lose our jobs.”
“So, how do I get there then?”
“If you know the family I suggest you call and have their car come for you .”
“I don’t have the number.” Sergio rummaged through his wallet and counted out the cash. “Can you get me close without getting in trouble for three bills?”
The man inhaled, undoubtedly thinking it over. Three hundred dollars was not enough money to risk his job , however he could drive him to the halfway mark and let him walk from there. He suggested this to the passenger and they struck a deal. The driver took the cash and stepped on the gas .
****
Alfonzo stood, hand s clasped in front of him, looking back over his shoulder when the wedding march began . Under the glowing light of a tropical sun, Selange glided across the outdoor carpet in his direction. He did not see the faces of the guests. They were the background blurs in an abstract painting and the woman coming to him held center stage.
Swathed in a flowing cream fabric , gliding like the gentle waves of a calm lake was a vision. Selange’s g aze never faltered from Alfonzo and he swallowed, awed at her loveliness. Sal ’s arm was inter locked with his mom’s and t railing behind them was his spirited daughter pulling a decorated wagon w ith the twins.
There were smiles and long, “Aw ’s and oh’s ,” from the guests as they passed . Alfonzo shook his head at the last minute change. Selange never failed to surprise him. The d amn woman was creative.
Giuseppe whispered , “She’s brought her entourage . Y ou’re in trouble fratell in o –ha-ha-ha! ”
Alfonzo ignored the best man, w ondering what possessed him to consider bailing . Had he lost his mind or what ? Look at the fruits of his love , marching like l ittle soldiers to the front line with their mom . H ow the hell could he exist without them?
The miniature infantry halt when the music ceased. Maria and Anita were the second line support who hastily fetched the troop of children to allow the bride and groom to step inside the gazebo. Alfonzo glanced back at his children and winked. He and Selange were squad leaders , ready to fight and slaughter anyone who fucked with their clan. Geez, he grinned, I’m a lucky man. “Let’s get started !” He ordered the family priest.
The robed cleric began, “The groom has asked t hat I speak these words on his behalf…”
Alfonzo took Selange’s hand and i t trembled . H e gave it a reassuring squeeze to relay his apology for making her worry . The warmth and pledge of protection calmed the shaking and she looked upon him with such love, his heart spasmed. Alfonzo bowed his head as the
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