Flying Too Close to the Sun by George Jehn (novels for beginners .txt) 📕

time. When questioned, all of your answers will have sound explanations. Of course you have to hand over three thousand in extra interest. That okay?”

“That’s fine.”

Juni paid the bill and on the way out put an arm around both pilots. Turning to Christina he said, “There was something I liked about you beyond the obvious when we first met. Remember, after the job you and I can’t be seen together, meaning one of us will have to make some excuse why we can’t come to family gatherings whenever the other is present.”

“That won’t be a problem.” Christina assured him. David would be out of her life once this was a done deal. Juni shook hands and to Erik it was as though he’d stuck his hand into a warm loaf of Italian bread.

Outside, Erik and Christina discussed some work items while Juni was lost in thoughts of yesteryear.

While silently surveying the familiar surroundings, Juni’s memories of a younger world and simpler times painted a smile on his face. It was a period before progress and savagery grew at the same rate, when nothing changed, year after year. He could still smell the bouquet of springtime fragrances caused by the newly bloomed lilacs mingling with the Italian cooking scents oozing from the row houses; hear the muffled sounds of people speaking in cramped, hot rooms with open windows and no air conditioners; see the backyard clotheslines; all mementos of a poorer, more carefree era. Ah, Brooklyn. A place where life was still tough and even talking was a hassle due to the incessant traffic and jangling horns. Where exhaust fumes coat the air. A further stroll down memory lane was unavoidable because notable personal events had occurred within walking distance of this very spot. It was right up the street, in the schoolyard of Public School 132 on a warm summer evening like this one where he’d first proven his manhood, gone all the way with a young dark-haired beauty named Nancy Colucci. He was fifteen and she a mere fourteen years old. An era when the sex was safe, but the streets could be dangerous. First worried he’d gotten her pregnant, after the embarrassingly brief encounter, when it turned out he hadn’t, his Catholic upbringing mandated confession. The following Saturday, fearful of recognition he’d nervously sought Almighty forgiveness by declaring his carnal sin in a disguised voice to Father Anthony Monasco, or Padre Tony as he was known to the young parishioners at St. Theresa’s. The priest asked intimate and probing questions, “What did it feel like?” and “How long did it last?” Only years later did Juni realize the Padre was probably getting his jollies over every sordid detail. Four long city blocks away was Alley Park, where he got drunk for the first time with his best buddy, Ray Peluso. After throwing down a pint of cheap Italian Swiss Colony Muscatel both teenagers laughed so hard at absolutely nothing they had tumbled to the ground, hysterical. No matter how hard they tried, the next day neither could recall what was so funny. It wasn’t funny ten years later, when Ray was gunned down and his murder remained unsolved, an open case. When translated from Brooklynese this meant he had crossed some powerful individuals and paid the ultimate price.

The floodgates opened further and more memories poured forth, recalling standing on the top stoop of these same homes, watching brown water cascade down the street after a sudden summer thunderstorm. This brought on thoughts of pastimes like stoopball and stickball, which made him long to return. But he forced himself to stop because just like Ray, the past was dead. All Juni was concerned about now was the future, his and his family’s hopes.

Erik and Christina were still speaking when Juni returned to the present, gave her a peck on the cheek and again shook Erik’s hand. Cranking up his car for the drive home, the Ford with more rust than metal wouldn’t start on the first two attempts. He whacked the cracked, dried-out dashboard, but didn’t get angry. With this deal, I’ll soon be drivin’ a brand-new Caddy.

As he drove off Christina asked, “What do you think of him?”

“I guess we’re fortunate to have him.” The truth be known, Erik was close to not wanting anything more to do with this harebrained scheme. But those words just wouldn’t cross his lips. “Right now you’re the captain in command of my future,” was all he could manage.

Standing there, the lights from the passing cars cast an attractive sheen over Erik, highlighting his European features, clear complexion and bright eyes infused with the deep green hue of shallow Caribbean water. To Christina he was always attractive, but tonight, even more so due to the silky cloak of the warm summer night air. But recalling what happened last time made her cast these thoughts aside.

As if reading her mind, Erik spoke. “After our pictures were in the newspapers, my girlfriend wondered if there was anything between us.”

“I already have a boyfriend.”

“I didn’t know.”

“No one at the airline does, but now you do. His name is David Bennedeto, a Shuttle Air baggage slammer and studying at NYU. That’s how I met Juni. He’s his uncle. But if you should ever meet or speak with David, don’t mention his uncle’s name.”

“Are you and David living together?”

“Yeah. But also keep this tidbit to yourself. I don’t want anyone at work to know. I learned a long time ago not to advertise my private life and recommend the same to you. Most pilots are like washwomen because flying is mostly tedium and everything gets discussed.”

“Will you be all right driving home alone?” he asked, intentionally changing the subject.

“Perhaps you could follow me. It is late and I’ve heard some sections of Brooklyn aren’t the safest.”

.     .     .

Approximately thirty-five minutes later they pulled to a halt in front of her place and she walked over to Erik’s window.

“Thanks. I appreciate it.”

Erik summoned the courage to