Thread: 91 Days: Peace Never Lasts Forever (Athene & thejohnnytype)

Everything was routine as soon as the Velenos appeared. With all parties present, both would unload their crates without wasting more time than necessary. Such a process had been familiar for the past couple of years but it was only just a year ago that Andreas had started to attend beside his cousin to learn how to handle this part of the business. So Andreas gave the nod to Paolo and Tomas, the usual muscle of any operation. Their constant pairing under Salvatori orders was why one was hardly far from the other. They knew their cue without any word and climbed into the truck. It would take two men to carry the heavy crates out as it did bringing them in. The crates were lined up on their side of the exchange grounds to be inspected by the Veleno party. Both Antonio and Andreas noticed their own shipment seemed slightly low in comparison to their rival's. Any one here could do the simple math five crates for six plus 12 women? Don Albert already assured the two Salvatori brothers before their departure that he paid cash for the women for Andreas's birthday. Still, with an entire crate short, a cold sweat on the back of Antonio's neck and the look he shared with Andreas tempted the non-blood to handle this transaction on his own. It was why Antonio renounced his earlier statement. The one about bringing up to the Velenos that punctuality actually means something people with lives. With a simple raise of his hand, dismissing his uneasiness and Andreas who nearly moved, Antonio stepped forward. The 23 year-old always assumed responsibility for these meetings and today was just another Sunday. You know, and it just kills me to say this as a big fan of booze, but I already know you're gonna have to take one back. Y'see, we're a little short. Antonio crossed the empty lot, addressing everyone present at once. Even to Manny and Stefano who hadn't yet noticed they only had five crates. Then he paused, or at least slowed his pace and waited for Pat to meet him halfway. Addressing Alessandro from one Salvatori to the Veleno heir, Must've been some miscommunication. On our part, of course. Andreas's eyes had fallen over each individual's face before landing onto Pat's and finally, the women lined up for trade. There was an urge to upchuck this morning's breakfast that brewed in the depths of his stomach. Though he was unsure of the source of the urge, whether he was just nervous or excited about his first time with a woman or that look that lacked luster and light as they stared straight ahead. Seriously, he wondered, why they should have eyes at all. So he turned away to open each individual lid to the crates as a distraction, ready for Pat. Looking across the paved lot, he recognized Antonio's blue coat and matching felt hat when he finally reached Alessandro and extended a friendly greeting. For someone as sour as Antonio, such an attitude was out of the ordinary. It was not the attitude he sung about just minutes ago. Uncle Albert and my father Davino would like to invite you, Don Marco Veleno, and few of your clan over to the manor tonight. We're celebrating Andreas's manhood. I mean, birthday. He chuckled while reaching for something on the inside pocket of his coat. He soon dropped the idea, finding his hands innocently in the air, probably startling the men that stood behind Alessandro. Take it easy, fellas. Remember, we're all on the same side. Their suspicious looks eased when he tried again, with one hand still raised while the right hand reached inside for a closed envelope stamped with the wax seal of an ornate S. It contained a letter appropriate for a dinner invitation signed by Don Albert. He is your future business partner after all. It's time we recognize that - all of us. Other than Antonio and Alessandro's conversation, the lot was cold and quiet. Andreas heard every word, everyone did, despite being a few feet away. His ears were tinted red and hot from slight embarrassment and when he released a long sigh, his shoulders released a lot of tension, You know I can hear you, Tony. Antonio's smile twitched. Tony. Ugh. Everyone seemed to be bringing a lot of attention to this 18th birthday. It'd been like this since his first birthday in the Salvatori home from carnivals on the front lawn to train rides around the country. This year there would be a small party in the afternoon that Don Albert claimed was necessary for more gift giving and then a large dinner and desserts. It was the most Andreas could convince his adopted father to dial it back to. Anyways, whaddaya say, Alessandro? And then surely we can make amends next exchange.