Rosie waltzed into the kitchen at five in the morning and began preparing the turkey and getting the stuffing, casseroles, and the rest of the delicious meal prepared.
Francesco answered his phone at five-fifteen in the morning. The phone ringing at that hour scared him to the core.
“Francesco, I’m so sorry to wake you,” said a sheepish Carl.
“What’s the matter, Carl, is Daniel okay?”
“There is a kitchen problem, Sir. I thought maybe you should handle this one.”
“Carl, you’re calling to wake me up at this hour to tell me about a problem in the kitchen?” Francesco’s voice was getting loud.
“It’s Rosie.”
“What are you talking about? Is she okay?!”
“Sir, Rosie has gone into the kitchen and insists on cooking Thanksgiving dinner. She said that their recipes were, and I quote her, Sir, ‘God awful.’”
“Carl, if she wants to prepare the meal, let her. Tell the staff to answer to her. They can be her assistants today.” Francesco was feeling warmth in his heart.
“The chef is angry, Sir. He’s threatening to walk out.”
“He’ll be in love with her by the time dinner is served.”
“Okay, Sir. Thank you.” Carl hung up the phone and hurried to the kitchen.
Francesco never laughed so hard in his life. He was deciding he loved a woman with spunk!
Daniel was already drooling from the wonderful smells coming from the kitchen at the mansion. He was uneasy at first, due to all the yelling, and he could tell that Rosie was right smack in the middle of it. She insisted on serving it also and had even talked Francesco into carving the turkey. She hugged all the kitchen staff before she left, and once again there was peace.
“Rosie, I haven’t done this in so many years! You sure you want me to cut this bird?”
“Francesco, you’ll do a wonderful job.” Rosie smiled at the older, attractive man, who was wearing a childlike expression on his face.
“Then carve it I shall!” Francesco was so happy as the three of them sat down for their Thanksgiving dinner.
“Oh mio Dio! This is delicious, Rosie. This is the best meal I have ever tasted!” Francesco reached over and squeezed Rosie’s hand.
“Yes, Rosie, you sure know how to cook a mean Thanksgiving dinner!” Daniel couldn’t seem to get enough. He smiled at his father, then at Rosie. He couldn’t help but look at the empty chair beside of him. Katherine could have been sitting here with us if I hadn't been such an ignorant fool!
“This was the best way I could find to show my thanks for everything the both of you have done. Not only for me, but also for my horses.”
“Did you see the horses yet, Rosie? They’re at the trainer’s now.” Daniel could see that Rosie was on the brink of tears.
“I’m going to see them tomorrow. I am so excited to go and, Daniel, I bet they’d like to see you also. Would you like to go with me?”
“Sure, I would love to.”
“Francesco, do you like horses?”
“Rosie, I love horses. I’m really excited to have them here!” Francesco certainly wasn’t kidding. He had been hounding the guys setting up the horse area, and they were close to being finished. He avoided giving Rosie a tour of the mansion and grounds because of that very reason. He loved to give surprises.
“Would you like to go with us?” Rosie was hoping he’d say yes.
“I would love to go. Maybe we can stay there and visit them for a while. I would like that very much.” Francesco was so touched that she thought to ask him.
“I’m getting up early and going shopping with Estelle. Then we can head over there after lunch. Is that a good time for you, Francesco?”
“Any time I get to spend with you and my son is a good time.” Francesco blushed. Daniel had to stifle a laugh, especially when Rosie smiled in response to his father.
Rosie and Estelle were at the stores in Manhattan at nine o’clock sharp. Rosie looked at her checkbook balance in the limo and promised herself she would only buy one or two things that she needed. When she was able to find work, she would save up and buy more. The limo let the two women out on 5th Avenue.
“Estelle,” whispered Rosie.
“Yes?”
“I don’t have enough money to shop in these stores!”
“Yes you do.” Estelle winked. “You aren’t paying for anything. Mr. Giordano made it very clear. Just enjoy the day, Rosie. From what I hear, you are more than deserving of being spoiled. If we don’t return to the mansion with a bunch of things for you, I will lose my job.” Estelle made a fake sad face, as Francesco wouldn’t threaten such a thing. But she was given permission to get as creative as she needed to, to get Rosie to agree to the purchases.
“Oh my! I don’t want you to lose your job! Is he really like that? I wouldn’t have thought so. He seems like such a sweet man.”
“Rosie, he’s the sweetest man in the world, and also very wealthy. He wants to take care of you. If I were you I’d let him. You’re the only woman he has had any interest in since the death of his wife Lillian. If this makes him happy, then let him do it. He isn’t harming anyone, and besides, you’re going to have lots of fun!”
“Do you get to buy anything?” Rosie was feeling guilty.
“We both do. So let’s shop! You will never meet a better man.”
“Estelle, I believe you’re right about that one.” Rosie felt like a princess for the first time in her life.
The first store they entered, Rosie’s jaw dropped.
Estelle was used to it. Francesco Giordano always took care of his staff and their families. No one would ever consider taking advantage of their bosses' generosity.
“Do they sell jeans in here? If not, I’m sure there’s a Kmart or something around. They’re all over the place down in Nashville. They shouldn’t cost more than twenty bucks. Sometimes you can find them much cheaper if there’s a good sale going on. That will save him some money.”
All Estelle could do was giggle. She didn’t know who wanted to spoil this sweet woman more, Francesco or herself.
Daniel met with his father to arrange the sale of the Lamborghini and the penthouse. He settled on a large Ford pickup. Even though it wasn’t the best gas mileage, he would need a big vehicle if he had to tow a horse trailer for Rosie. Francesco voiced his approval and added that he was proud of Daniel for thinking of others instead of himself.