Pining For You (Man of the Month Club)

Chapter 2

Chapter Two

ALEXI

The last two days Rosemary has avoided me at every turn or completely pretends I don’t exist unless it’s to bark an order at me. Talk about a plan backfiring. I’d hoped this would be an opportunity to get closer to Rosemary, instead she’s become the ice queen toward me. Any progress I’d made with her has completely evaporated. Her looks are no longer heated but cold – ice cold. Why is she so disgusted by the idea of us working together? My worst fear creeps in, and I’m sure it’s the exact reason why she’s offended.

She thinks I’m a joke. Just like the rest of my family, she doesn’t take me serious. People like her also see me as beneath them. She did mention I’d be needed for specialty drinks. I’m nothing more than the hired help. What more use could I be of to her? I’m not her equal. I don’t have the pedigree. The social status. I didn’t even go to college and I was an average student in high school.

That all might be true. But if there’s two things I know how to do it’s throw a helluva an event and I know Christmas. I lived that holiday every day for the majority of my life. I also have motivation and determination. When Van approached me about helping, I was like cool. I get closer to Rosemary and something to brag to my parents about. Now my feelings are hurt. And I’m feeling vengeful and petty. Nothing makes me try harder than when my petty switch has been flipped.

I’m not only going to prove to everyone else I’m capable. I’m not only going to prove to my parents that I didn’t move away just to keep doing the same thing. But I’m going to show Rosemary Hayes that I’m worthy to be on the same playing field as her. Not only am I a charmer, but I’m a champion. I wanted to be her champion, she wouldn’t allow that. Instead she’d rather play against me. Wrong move. Get ready Rosemary Hayes. Petty Alexi has been activated.

Van wants a mega party. I jot down a few ideas, but I know I need something epic if I’m going to show off to Rosemary. I’m not too proud to ask my dad for advice. He’s thrown more shindigs than anyone I know. Next I should call my cousin, Thanasis, for tips. Dad answers on the first ring.

“Oh, look who ‘members he still has a baba? You forget your baba. You no longer care for me.”

I groan. “I called you two days ago.”

“And what if I died last night? And you didn’t call last night.”

“Did you die?”

He hisses. “Did I die? I’m talkin’ to you now, aren’t I? What kind of foolishness is this. Why you say this stupid shit?”

“You’re the one that said ‘what if - ”

He interrupts me. “You know what I mean! You ignore me when every day is a blessing for me. I’m old now.”

“You’re not that old, Baba.”

“I give you everything and you can’t even spare a call to me.”

“I’m calling now! I’m trying to talk to you.”

“What were you so busy yesterday that you forgot about your family? Bartending? You could’ve done that here and we see you every day.”

That’s not exactly a selling point. I love my family more than anything. I do miss them, but it’s been nice having my own space. “Baba. Are we going to talk or you want me to keep listening to you complain to me about how we don’t talk?”

“Yes. What do you want to talk about?”

Finally. I take a deep breath before I begin. “My boss asked me to help plan a big Christmas party. I’m so excited for this opportunity. I think it’s going to be great. You’ve had experience with throwing some of the best parties and events. I was hoping you’d help me and give some advice.”

“ Oh. Oh! So you only call because you want something!” He tsks through the phone. “If you wanted to plan a Christmas party and bartend, why did you leave in the first place? So you could do that for someone else and not help your family? Why do you hate me!” He starts rambling in Greek about where did he go wrong and it’s crazy I’m spending all this money to live so far away instead of being practical and staying home. And of course, I’m still not married and giving him grandchildren.

I place my cell down and switch to speaker. As he continues his rant, I go ahead and begin making myself a sandwich. I’ve already eaten half of my sandwich by the time he calms down.

“Okay. You’re my son. I love you. I want you to succeed. What can I do to help? Give you all my wisdom, yes? Yes. We don’t have enough time for forty years of success in one phone call. Maybe if you call me tomorrow… I can give you more, eh? Let’s see. Let’s start with the basics of a good event. Christmas is all about giving people joy.”

I grab a pen and notepad and begin jotting down some ideas and tips dad offers. It took some time, but I appreciate all the advice my dad gives. The man is self-made and has worked hard his entire life. And I may be a fool, but I’m not that big of one to ignore him as a resource.

Time to go present these ideas to Van since his sister is freezing me out. Too bad she didn’t want to be a team player, we could’ve dominated together. Now I’ll have to lead this project alone.