Free Down to Business (Business Series) by J.C. Alexander Page A

Dina replied in a nasally voice that reminded me of Fran from the TV sitcom, The Nanny . “How’s your Mom?”
    The way she pronounced Mom sounded like Maaaahmm .
    “She’s doing well, thanks.”
    “That’s good.” She swiped the file along her pinky nail before she looked up at me, snapping her gum. “Who’s this, your girlfriend?”
    Vinny glanced at me, looking shocked by her accusation. “Oh, uh no.”
    I pressed my lips together and looked down to hide my embarrassment.
    “This is Autumn, she’s just a friend,” he explained, rubbing the back of his neck. “We have a class together at Adelphi.”
    “Oooh, that’s a pretty naaame,” she said with a wink to Vinny, and then she smiled at me. “Well, it’s nice to meet you. If you get a chance, you should snag this one. He’s a cutie.” She winked at Vinny.
    It was Vinny’s turn to blush. “Thanks, Dina. We need to get going.”
    “Oh sure, I know Tommy’s been waiting to see you. Go right on up…”
    “Thanks. See you later,” Vinny said, eagerly leading me away from the desk to an elevator on our left.
    The enticing smells of garlic and tomato sauce taunted me the whole ride up the elevator. The fear of eating spaghetti in front of Vinny was feeling less threatening as I followed him down the hall, which resembled a hotel.
    “I gotta warn you,” he said, looking over at me as we walked, “my uncle is a little crazy so don’t take what he says personally.”
    “I won’t. I know all about crazy old people. I have a crazy grandmother.”
    “Half of my family could be considered nuts. It comes with being Italian.” He flashed me a smile.
    We passed a few little nooks with sofas and a nurse’s station before we came to Uncle Tommy’s door.
    Vinny looked a little hesitant to knock. “Here we go.”
    He gave the door three firm raps.
    “I’m coming! Hold your pants on!” a man called out.
    There was movement behind the door, something banging around, and then finally the sound of a deadbolt turning. 
    A hunched over balding elderly man, dressed in a dark blue silk robe stood before us. His dark sunken eyes peered up at Vinny with a scrupulous glare, the hard wrinkles in his brow creasing.
    “Oh look who it is, my worthless nephew. It’s about time your ass showed up,” he said in a thick New York accent.
    That brought a smile to Vinny’s face. “Hey Uncle Tommy. I brought you dinner.”
    “I ate already! Three hours ago. I thought you said you were comin’ here around four.”
    “I was but I got held up—”
    “Who’s the bird?” he adjusted the glasses that were sliding down his prominent nose, as he looked me over.
    “This is my friend, Autumn. Autumn, this is my Uncle Tommy.”
    “You shoulda told me you were bringing company, Vincenzo. Ida’ kept my trousers on. Sorry Sweetheart.”
    His name was Vincenzo? How funny. I thought it would be Vincent.
    “That’s okay…” I said with a smile. “It’s nice to meet you.”
    “Yeah yeah, a pleasure,” he said waving my comment away. “Get your asses in here. You’re letting all the warm air out!  Plus, there’s a bunch of nosy ass old bastards on this floor and I don’t want them knowing my business.”
    I tried not to laugh and peered over at Vinny, who looked strained, as he closed the door. Uncle Tommy’s apartment was decorated with hotel-like furnishings. There was a matching blue sofa and recliner, a light oak TV armoire, and two end tables. A small eat-in kitchen and bathroom were to the left and a bedroom on the right. As we passed the kitchen counter, I noticed a slew of pill bottles, a can of prunes, powdered Ensure, and denture cream.
    Tommy turned to us and pointed to the sofa. “Sit down would ya? Lemme me get you kids something to drink. Do ya like V8 juice?”
    “Uh, no thanks Uncle Tommy. Why don’t you and Autumn sit down, and I’ll plate up our food.” Vinny suggested, setting the bag down on the kitchen counter.
    “Grab those TV trays in