Ends of the Earth for You

♚

Nodding at the other’s man words regarding how he would let Roman’s people pick up the cargo, Roman went to reach for another box from a different section of the pallet and placed it next to the other, ready to open it as well. It was only their conversation regarding the drop-off that had him pausing, eyes narrowing as he looked over the stack of boxes. “No, man. That ain’t right.” Roman told him, reaching out to put an arm across the other’s chest, forcing him back a few feet from the stack as he himself backed away. “Describe the drop-off to me, Molina. What’d the guys look like? What’d they drive? Because we got at least 5 boxes that ain’t what they’re supposed to be, or if they are that then they ain’t mine, and that’s a problem.”

Matteo was surprised by the others reaction, but moved back quickly as he pushed him. He thought for a second. “Same as last time. Box truck, two guys, dark clothes, with hats. They knew the right phrases that you told me they would and unloaded the boxes. It went easy. There is an envelope on top they said was for you.” He told him having forgotten about that completely “I just counted the boxes, 50 in total. They said that was right and I locked it.” He told him.

“Well, that does sound like the way to go,” she grinned. “Not something so bad, could always been worse.” Ava teased, looking at the male with a small amusement look in her face. “Well, I dunno which school you attened, but I for certain learned to keep my crayons to myself before the big girl decided to claim them all. Kids overall are all kinds of mean.”

“Way better than the other way.” He said with small laugh. “Well seeing as this is my hometown, I went to the middle school just around the corner from here.” He shrugged. “I think I might have been one of the mean kids.” He cringed slightly. “But to be fair, its hard to be the only kid in class with an accent.” He told her. “But by the time I got to Junior high, my crayon stealing days were well behind me.”

avalindberg​:

“Should we just slide down there to make it easier?” She questioned, taking a step further in line. If this was New York the probablility of her talking to someone while waiting on a line was slime to none, but this was one of the things she could add to the list of new habits she was starting to pick up since arriving to town. “Wow, that was deep. Almost poetic. Almost like assuming that life is not all about sunshines and rainbows like they teach us at school. Brave.”

Matteo nodded. “I mean we could always take the hand basket I have heard about so many times.” He chuckled. He followed her lead stepping closer in. “Deep and poetic. Yes that is what I am known for.” He chuckled. “Let’s be honest. Most everything they taught us in primary school was pretty much bullshit. We didn’t learn about the mean streets until middle school. Preteen kids are so mean.” He said with a shrug.

♚

Meeting the other man in center of the warehouse, Roman returned his handshake and nodded as he reassured him that everything had gone smoothly. It was expected, but still always nice to get confirmation of. Ro was having a fairly good day, he would hate for that to have come to an end so abruptly. “I’ve got some boys waiting for the signal for pickup. I’m looking it over first.” Roman explained as he followed Matteo over to the locked cage where he stored the SSR’s product away from the rest of his own merchandise. 

It was a good sign as to Matteo’s ability to mind his own business when the man immediately left him to look over the shipment alone. Pulling a knife from one of his pockets, Roman heaved one of the boxes from the top of the pile and made quick work of the tape. Opening it, he exposed the black cases inside to his eyes only, doing a quick count before folding the cardboard flaps back over one another and turning to Matteo. “Looks like everything is in order as long as the number of boxes was right upon arrival. You got 45 of these bad boys, right?” Roman asked, tapping the top of the box with a flat hand before pushing himself back up to fully standing.

Matteo nodded at the others statement. “I’ll keep the back unlocked for them for when you are ready.” He told the other. After opening the cage he made his way back to his desk, looking through his paperwork, not wanting to infringe on what the other had. He didn’t want to know what was in the boxes, it was better that way, at least in his mind.

♚

The way that Roman saw it, there were two things that were important to spread throughout the city that the new charter he was heading had settled in. First, it was important to spread your businesses. They were there to make money, first and foremost. Second, it was important to spread your name. Notoriety came with its downsides, sure, but it also brought about power, influence, knowledge, and connections. All of which, in turn, brought about more money. It was an easy enough system if you knew where to sprint and where to take a turn. Roman had a sense for that type of shit, or so he had been told and proven time and time again.

One investment in Burlington that was done in the name of money and to wrap the SSR’s roots more firmly around the city was making deals with a couple of civilian business owners. One of which, was the owner of a sporting goods store with enough warehouse space to be useful and discrete. After parking around the block, Roman took a stroll to the store, ducking around the back and entering through a door that he had assumed would be unlocked. Letting it swing shut behind him, cerulean eyes did a quick sweep of the space before returning to settle on the shop owner he had clocked at a nearby desk. “Matteo, good to see you again, man. I’m gonna assume that everythin’ went smoothly or you would have given me a call.” 

^^

When he heard the door swing open he looked up from his desk to see the man he expected to coming through the door. “Roman.” He said with a nod as he stood up walking towards the man, shaking the others hand. “Easy as pie. You ready to take it now, or you want to send someone else for it later?” He asked, unsure if the other was prepared to take it with him. He had thought about asking what the shipment was but in the end he had decided he didn’t care what was being brought in.

Matteo approached the cage where the shipment had been stored and unlocked the gate before moving back to his desk. He was still trying to feel out the other man and understand him more, especially given their new business arrangement. Sure this being his hometown he should have probably been more concerned about the kind of element that Roman and his gang brought to the town, but so far things had been ok since they arrived, just a few more fights at the Tipsy Crow as far as he could tell.

 While this wasn’t something Matteo ever thought he would be doing, he didn’t question his decision. He promised his parents when he took over the store that he would keep it running and they would never have to worry. But he didn’t know about the mountains of debt his dad had attached to it. This was the only way he could see through and it was an easy decision. The first time had gone easy and he had no reason to think this one wouldn’t as well. He had the boxes stacked in the storage, he kept them locked in a cage only he could get into. There were only two other employees and neither had a key. He checked his watch and knew the other man would be here any moment. Matteo unlocked the loading dock door before sitting at the desk working on paperwork while he waited for the other to show.

✎

“Yeah, I never thought I’d even be in Vermont but I go where my job takes me.” Jaspar explained, not even lying to the man besides that he had already moved into the city. He really did just go where the stories were and that meant that he lived the life of a transient, not bothering to buy a place of his own or put down roots anywhere. Hell, sometimes it seemed that by the time he unpacked, he was packing up once again. 

“Unsavory, huh? Guess I’ll heed that advice of yours. I’m not looking to lose my wallet or my life in this place.” Jaspar said, definitely lying now. He knew that he would be around the part of town that the man had warned him off from in the next hour or so. He couldn’t resist snooping around and definitely wouldn’t wait to do so. “Maybe not too big, but it does seem interesting at least. And pretty friendly if you’re any example.” Jas commented with a smile. “I’m from Portland, so definitely the south side of Maine.” He informed the other man. “You been?”

Matteo nodded. “I can’t relate.” He chuckled. “What do you do?” He asked the other. There really weren’t any new businesses in town and this guy didn’t look like he was part of the MC. His own curiosity was getting the best of him.

“I don’t know about losing your life, but I can’t promise your wallet would make it through.” He said with a shrug. Matteo shook his head. “I don’t know, the welcoming committee might have something to say about how friendly the town is.” He said chuckling. “Yeah. I used to go with my dad on  a charter every year fishing.” He said with a nod. “We always stayed at this bed and breakfast on the East End. It was our tradition until I went off to college then he started taking his buddies.” He said with a small laugh.

.

Ollie’s nose scrunched up at the off-key yodeling of ‘oasis’ and ‘places’. Someone needed a new tune and fast. “I don’t think so. I mean, there’s a difference between your car, the shower, and public,” she responded with a shake of her head. 

“Alright, touché. I know way too much otherwise useless information. It’s illegal to eat oranges in your bathtub in California.” Olivia finished off her drink and set it aside. “God, no. I’m not gonna ruin anybody’s night with my godawful voice.”

Matteo chuckled. “That is for sure. Some people don’t understand that though and here we are.” He said as he cringed as the current crooner tried to hit a note that no one outside of Mariah Carey could.

He nodded at her law quote. “Did you know It's illegal to undress in public in Vermont, but if you leave your house naked, it's totally fine. They can’t arrest you.” He said with a shrug as he took a drink. “At least you know your limits, unlike some of these fools.” He shook his head with a small laugh.

🌈 - A memory about when they first fell in love

🌋 - A memory about their first heartbreak

🏠 - A memory about their childhood home / where they used to live

📷 - A memory that comes with a picture they have

💡 - A memory that comes with an object or keepsake they have

🔪 - A memory about a dangerous situation

🎈 - A memory about a time they were safe and relaxed

📔 - A memory from a journal / diary entry

📝 - A memory of them getting to know / meeting my muse

🔗 - A memory about their proposal / wedding

🐥 - A memory about their children ( past, present or future )

👘 - A memory associated with an article of clothing they have

⚔️ - A memory about war

🌅 - A memory associated with a certain location

🏚 - A memory about exploration

🛤 - A memory about traveling

🌠 - A time they wished upon a falling star

🐕 - A memory of teamwork

🐺 - A memory about being alone

*

“I could,” she nodded, amusement splayed across her features. “But, where’s the fun in that?” A second onion ring found its way into her fingers. That was one of the perks of having a best friend who knew you as well as they knew themselves — they knew the things you liked and they shared. 

She was in the middle of chewing, listening to Matteo talk when her brows furrowed together. “You sound worried,” she prompted, her optimistic nature coming into play only seconds later. “I’m sure the store will pull through, and if you need help, I’ll do whatever I can.” Admittedly, Gabby’s schedule tended to be jam-packed lately, but there were a select few for which she’d rearrange things, Matteo ranking top of the list. 

“It’s not that bad,” Gabby would answer regarding the hospital. “It’s stressful,” she’d say, knowing all too well she couldn’t mention that her services had now been tapped for the local motorcycle club, no matter how much she trusted the man before her. “But, I’m more stressed by Antonio.” The subject of her brother, and his involvement with the South Side Riders, was one she’d shared with Matteo, however, and she knew the subject was safe. “I just don’t understand how he got mixed up in it.” And now, by default, her too. 

Matteo shook his head. “Yeah yeah. Take them all.” He said as he slid the entire plate in front of her. He never planned on eating any of them, but he did pretend each time. “Do you want the ranch?” He asked sliding the small bowl over to her too.

He shook his head. “I was worried, for a long time. but I think I am finally starting to get it turned around. I think. But thank you for your offer.” He said smiling at her. “You Dr. Cardoso have much more important things than my sporting goods store.” He said pointedly to her as he took a drink from his beer.

“Well, what did you think it was going to be. You work in the hospital in a hundred miles.” He sighed, knowing Antonio was in deep in the gang, but so was he. He was helping Kairo and in turn he had helped him with the store. But he certainly never told Gabby any of this, he was ashamed that he even had to stoop that low. “Honestly, I don’t think its that hard. I’m sorry. Have you tried to talk to him?” He asked her.

Matteo Molina