Posted by hummingbird on 7/8/2014, 8:41 am VVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVV
Chapter Thirty-Eight
Within the next week, Bo and Nora were ready for their next adventure...moving to Texas.
Bo let Lena keep the used car he had shared with Mick, and bought a new one for he and Nora. Because the apartment they had rented was furnished, they had no furnishings to load, just clothes and personal items, so packing was not a big challenge.
The biggest challenge had been saying goodbye to Nora’s parents. While they were supportive of Bo’s decision, they were sorry to see their daughter move so far away; and sorry, too, that they wouldn’t be close when their first grandchild was born. Bo assured them that they could visit as often as they liked. The ranch house had plenty of room.
Now it was the morning of their departure. As Bo returned from carrying the last box to the car, Rita met him in the lower hall outside the restaurant.
“Bo!” she called. “I’m glad I caught you. I have some things for you.”
Bo followed her into the back of the restaurant where Rita handed him a picnic basket.
“Here. This is loaded with food for your trip. I gave you things that would taste good cold. Vinnie even made a pizza for you. Pizza is great cold. I can vouch for that,” she said smiling. “Then there is some soda pop in there and some fruit...I just thought it would be nice for you two to have something to eat along the way.”
“Thank you, Rita. That was so thoughtful of you,” Bo said. “And tell Vinnie thank you for the pizza too. It doesn’t look like we’ll see him again before we take off.”
“I’ll do that,” Rita said. “And here...this is something else that I want you to have. It was Sal’s.” She handed Bo a box. Inside was Sal’s wristwatch.
“Rita…are you sure?" he said looking at her. "This is too much…”
“I’m sure, Bo. Sal would want you to have it. You were like a brother to him.”
Bo’s voice cracked as he said, “It means a lot to me. Thank you.” He tried to control the emotion that he still felt at the memory of Sal. It was very difficult for Bo even after these many months.
“I’m sorry, Rita. I wish things had turned out differently. I tried to help Sal, but…”
“I know, Bo. Nora has mentioned to me that you blamed yourself until you learned the truth. You have nothing to regret. Sal knows you tried to help him. He would have done exactly the same for you…”
“He saved my life, Rita…”
“And you tried to save his. I love and appreciate you for that. Think no more about it. Take care of his watch, and I hope you can wear it remembering the good things about your friendship.”
“I’ll do that,” Bo said. “You know...Sal would be proud of you, Rita. You have been very strong and kept the restaurant going...that’s a tribute to his memory. And Vinnie...he has been a real asset to the business. Not only is he smart and a good cook, but his heart is in it...just like Sal’s…”
“Yes...Vinnie has been a Godsend,” Rita admitted.
“You know, Rita…” Bo paused, “maybe I shouldn’t say this, but...I think Vinnie cares for you. I’ve seen it in his eyes. I’ve caught him looking at you...the way I used to look at Nora.”
“I know...I’ve seen it too, Bo. I’m just not ready for that at this point…”
“And if you were? Would Vinnie have a chance?”
Rita smiled. “Possibly,” she admitted. “But...don’t you say anything to him.”
“I won’t...this conversation is between you and me,” Bo assured her. “But, Rita…” Bo stopped a moment formulating his next words carefully, “...a while back, I had a beautiful young woman remind me that life is uncertain...she told me that I should just ‘grab life and live it.’ He paused and smiled at the memory. “I married her two weeks later. It’s the best decision I ever made in my life.”
At that moment Nora rounded the corner.
“Speak of the devil,” Bo said.
“The devil?” Nora questioned. “I hope you weren’t talking about me!”
Bo laughed as he put his arm around her. “Well, I was, honey, but…”
Rita interrupted, “It was all good,” she said smiling.
Bo showed Nora the basket of food and then the watch that Rita had given him.
“Thank you, Rita,” Nora said hugging her. “Thank you for everything. If you ever need anything, please let us know. And come to see us! Just get on a train and come. I’d love that!”
They held each other tight and the tears started.
“Oh...here we go,” Bo said. “I’ll put this stuff in the car while you ladies finish your goodbyes.
A short time later, Bo and Nora waved goodbye to their neighbors from the apartments above Salvadore's.
