Chapter 4

It turned out that Manny and Nicco were actually pretty nice, in the strong silent type sort of way. Both men were muscular enough that their shirt sleeves appeared too small and had sun kissed skin. They both had short dark hair, but Manny was taller and a little more slender than Nicco. Manny's hair was long enough to run his fingers through, which he did often, while Nicco's was more of a short buzz cut. They both spoke with a think native New York accent, when they could be bothered to speak at all.

Manny had retrieved a big black car while Teagan and Nicco had waited out front of the bar. Now, Teagan found herself in the back seat, while Manny drove and Nicco held a cigarette out of the passenger side window. Nicco was a little more talkative than Manny, admitting that the two were actually cousins. He had smiled when telling Teagan that he and Manny had worked for Mr. Giovanni since they were just teenagers. Manny, however, had stayed straight faced and quiet as he followed the directions to Teagan's home.

Teagan hadn't been the most comfortable when giving the men her address, however, when she finally walked through her front door she felt an overwhelming sense of relief. She made sure the doors were secure and the alarm was set, then got into the shower. The hot water washing away the grime from the street and the thoughts of the disgusting street men swirling down the drain. Sleep did not evade her for long, when warmth surrounded her, she sank into dreamless slumber.

Teagan slept so soundly she had not heard either alarm clock she had set. It wasn't until the midmorning sun splashed across her face as it peeked through her bedroom curtains, did she start to move and stretch. She was oddly unconcerned with the time or the numerous missed calls from the office. She readied herself, not in a rush but not wasting time either.

Teagan thought better of walking to work, partly because she didn't want to walk, but also because she was already late and had been chased down less than 12 hours ago. Teagan was stopped as she walked into the office by the receptionist. "Miss De Lupo! Im so glad you made it in today! You've missed two appointments this morning, I just told them you had a family emergency and rescheduled them. I know this is so unlike you, I figured you had a pretty good reason. Anyways, Miss De Lupo, you have a gentleman waiting in your office now-" the young woman slowed her speech and lowered her volume considerably as she continued "- he has been in there all morning, said he would wait for you to come in." The receptionist gave Teagan a 'good luck' glance then returned to filing her nails behind the desk. Teagan glanced up from the mail he was holding, surprised. Just as the receptionist had said, there was a man sitting in her office, the chair opposite her desk, where client usually sat.

As Teagan walked into her office she notice that he was dressed in a black suit with a perfectly matched white shirt and black tie. The folds were perfectly ironed and he wore matching black socks, easily seen due to him having one leg relaxing across the other. His matte black dress shoes tied in an elegant bow. As he noticed Teagan's presence he closed the magazine he was reading and tossed it to the side.

"Miss De Lupo", he said as he stood up to great her.

"Hello Mr. …" Teagan reached out to shake the man hand, leaving the question of his name hanging in the air.

"Just Tony, Miss De Lupo" he answered as he took her hand. Teagan noticed how warm Tony's hand was compared to hers, as well as the stark contrast between his deep tan and her skin that appeared to never see daylight.

"Okay then, Tony", Teagan started as she began to move around her desk to her chair. "I was informed you have waited quite a while, I apologize for your wait. What can I do for you?" she continued as she sat and gave Tony her full attention.

"It's no problem, Miss De Lupo. My employer instructed me to take as long as was needed today." Tony replied grinning.

"Well okay then", Teagan replied, growing uncomfortable.

"I believe you met him last night, actually. In fact, I believe his name is on the side of this building as well."

"Ah", was all Teagan could manage in response, realizing they were talking about Mr. Giovanni.

"He wanted to extend his gratitude" Tony said as he leaned down and reached for something. Teagan couldn't help but lean up a little in her seat to try to see what he was reaching for. She quickly readjusted when he leaned back up. "…by making sure you had something to liven up your office" Tony finished as he presented Teagan with a beautiful bouquet of flowers.

"Oh my goodness, it's beautiful!" Teagan swooned, genuinely surprised and flattered. "I've never seen anything like it." Which was the truth. As she spun the clear vase now sitting on her desk she admired the full purple hydrangeas that supported the while and purple gladiolus that were protruding, arranged by an expert hand.

"I am aware that floral symbolism is a lost knowledge and art for most people in today's age, but Mr. Giovanni still cares much for it. You can always derive meaning from his gifts that contain flowers" Tony spoke matter of fact, but Teagan noted a hint of admiration in his tone.

"I have to admit, I am one of those people. Hat do you think this one means?" Teagan inquired.

"I wouldn't want to make assumptions Ms. De Lupo. I have something else as well…" Tony redirected Teagan smoothly by pulling an envelope out of his inside jacket pocket, presenting it to Teagan.

"What is this?" she asked curiously, noticing her name inscribed beautifully on the envelope before opening it.

"An invitation" he replied. Teagan couldn't tell if he was being sarcastic and gave him a side glare as his mouth slid into a handsome grin.

Sure enough, Teagan felt the heavy, beautiful, card stock as she pulled it from the envelope, with sparkling silver calligraphy sprawled across the black background.

Miss Teagan De Lupo

has been cordially invited to an evening to remember

on March 15, 200

dinner served at 6:30pm

Flipping the invitation over, Teagan saw the address in Lower Manhattan and a reminder not to forget the invitation. She was awestruck, looking at Tony, speechless.

"That's at the end of the week, so you should make arrangements as soon as possible. Mr. Giovanni does not send these out to just anyone, so I wouldn't consider not showing up. His parties are pretty elegant, as well."

Teagan nodded in response, unable to find words. Tony stood to leave, "someone will be at your place to retrieve you around 5:15 that night", he continued while buttoning his jacket and straightening himself.

Thoughts were racing through her head as Tony made his way to the door.

"This is all too much" Teagan whispered, mostly to herself. Tony stopped in the door way, "gratitude and strength" he said gently, looking back over his shoulder at Teagan. Teagan returned her gaze, confused. "You asked about the flowers. Someone must think whatever you did is worth much more" he finished as he turned and left her office.

Teagan watched him saunter down the rows and out of the building, not glancing back a single time.