The Boardwalk

By Karen Cino

This is the second edition, revised with a different cover than the original. After an accident at work, Brooklyn DeMelli walks every day down at the boardwalk as a way to keep active and have a semi normal social life. She meets up with the regular morning walkers, while enjoying the beauty of the beach and the scent of the ocean. To keep busy she started her own company, making beaded jewelry for parties and flea markets. Mario Morales is the hippy that plays acoustic guitar every morning at different ends of the boardwalk. The music captivates Brooklyn. Following the muse, she meets Mario who turns out to be a narcotics detective working undercover on a huge investigation. When Mario finds out Brooklyn is inadvertently involved in a drug trafficking ring, it leads to a series of events, which puts Brooklyn’s life in jeopardy, while forming a romantic bond between them.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Karen Cino
• Release date: Jan 30, 2016
• ISBN: 9781310310294

Karen Cino

Karen Cino is a multi-published author who has been writing since she was fourteen years old. She started her career by writing poetry, short stories and writing articles for her high school newspaper. After reading Jackie Collin’s Lovers and Gamblers and Jacqueline Susann’s, Valley of the Dolls, Karen found her niche. She wanted to write women’s fiction and wrote her first book during the summer before she started college. Her daily walks down at the boardwalk are what gets her muse going. It clears her mind and helps her find realistic plot ideas and the characters boosting up her muse. Karen loves writing about local places that people can relate to. The late Paul Zindel’s books took place in Staten Island and reading them, especially My Darling My Hamburger, still brings back many memories for her.Karen loves the summer, loves the beach. Her previous books were written and take place in various places across Staten Island. Karen relocated to the New Jersey Shore in 2015. She traded in the Staten Island Boardwalk for the shoreline in Long Beach Island. Her Cookie Cutter Cozy Series takes place in Barnegat, NJ.Karen is a member of Romance Writers of America, Women's Fiction Writing Association and Liberty States Fiction Writers.Karen has two adult children, Michael Giordano and Nicole Balmaseda, two cats, Katie and Sunni and lives with Paul, her true love in Toms River, New Jersey.Currently, Karen is working on a new Cozy Mystery Series and Women’s Fiction Series.

Book preview

THE BOARDWALK

Karen Cino

Women’s Fiction

Mandolay Press

ABOUT THE E-BOOK YOU HAVE PURCHASED: Your non-refundable purchase of this e-book allows you to only ONE LEGAL copy for your own personal reading on your own personal computer or device. You do not have resell or distribution rights without the prior written permission of both the publisher and the copyright owner of this book. This book cannot be copied in any format, sold, or otherwise transferred from your computer to another through upload to a file sharing peer to peer program, for free or for a fee, or as a prize in any contest. Such action is illegal and in violation of the U.S. Copyright Law. Distribution of this e-book, in whole or in part, online, offline, in print or in any way or any other method currently known or yet to be invented, is forbidden. If you do not want this book anymore, you must delete it from your computer.

WARNING: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000.

A Mandolay Press Book

Women’s Fiction Romance

THE BOARDWALK

Copyright © 2012 Karen Cino

E-book ISBN: 978-1523432813

First E-book Publication: July 2012

Second Addition: January 2016

Cover design by Karen Cino

Edited by Stephanie Balestreri

Proofread by Rene Flowers

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED: This literary work may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including electronic or photographic reproduction, in whole or in part, without express written permission.

All characters and events in this book are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead is strictly coincidental.

PUBLISHER

Mandolay Press

Dedication

I like to thank my mom and dad, Joan and Vincent Cino and my children, Michael and Nicole Giordano for all their love and support. A special thanks to my brother retired Police Lieutenant Kenny Cino for all his help.

The Boardwalk is dedicated to my muse. He believes in me, supports me and will always be the one.

The author acknowledges the trademark status and the following trademark owners mentioned in this work of fiction:

MSD Consumer Care, Inc.

MLB Advanced Media, L.

Other Books By Karen Cino

Roses

The Boardwalk

Circle of Friends

Second Chances

The Right Call

Survivor

Love Challenges and Desires

Chapter One

The Ville. Brooklyn DeMelli always wondered why and when they began calling their small town of Fort Wadsworth in Staten Island, New York, The Ville. Most people referred to their neighborhood as the Hood or the Burg, but for Brooklyn and her friends The Ville was a magical part of Staten Island that always had something going on.

As a ritual, she started her day jogging down by the water. This particular morning she reached the boardwalk at seven-fifteen and already, with the heat and humidity, it felt like a hundred degrees. Brooklyn half-walked, half-jogged down the boardwalk, making sure she got her workout while waiting for her friend Lynn Mayer.

Once again Lynn was late. Brooklyn couldn’t remember the last time she didn’t have to wait for her. Every morning she started from the middle of the boardwalk, parking her car in the park and ride lot. Usually by the time she reached the other end by the bocce ball courts, Lynn showed up out of breath with her usual excuses.

Today she didn’t want to listen to Lynn’s boyfriend problems and explanations on why she couldn’t meet her on time, since she had enough of her own to deal with. She tried her best to get out of walking with her by coming down early, but Lynn insisted earlier worked out better for her. That’s why Brooklyn arrived before their meeting time, so she could have time to walk alone and clear her mind. Walking was like popping a painkiller without all the side effects.

The physical and mental pain she endured everyday was the result of getting injured at her job at the Red Lace Shoe Company. That’s why walking became a regular regimen for her.

Taking a deep breath, she inhaled the smell of the ocean, reminding her of her childhood days. Those hot summer days as a child spent at Coney Island, along with her brother, mom and grandmother. They were precious days, full of memories, when life remained so simple with no complications, no bills and absolutely no sex drive.

Good morning Brooklyn, Jerry sang, jogging next to her. His long lean body shined from an overabundance of the suntan lotion he applied. It’s a gorgeous morning, the wind is blowing off the water, meaning today’s going to be a scorcher.

Jerry jogged around her doing figure eights to keep up his pace, talking at the same time. It amazed her that for a person in his early sixties, he had the stamina of a man half his age. Jerry was one of her regular walking partners along with Mike and Sara.

Yeah I know. I just started. Can you believe I’m already soaking wet.

Your face is red. I bet you didn’t put on your Coppertone, he said. "Tan, don’t burn. Get a Coppertone tan," he sang, quoting the theme song from the Coppertone ad commercial from the early 70’s.

Did you see Mike?

He’s down the other end. He mumbled something about having to help his son move some furniture.

Brooklyn jogged alongside Jerry for about a mile before she slowed down to a steady walking pace.

How’s your knee treating you today?

It’s there. She half smiled. That’s why I can’t jog for long periods of time. I miss jogging the full five-mile span. On a good day, I was able to jog down to Hylan Plaza and back.

We’re getting old, Brooklyn. He chuckled, clapping his hands. Of course I have quite a few years on you. Just coming down here every day keeps you young.

Now that’s the statement of the day.

Morning. Sara waved walking toward them.

Good morning. How are you feeling?

Please, don’t even ask. Everything bad, never good… Sara circled her arms in disarray.

Brooklyn rolled her eyes behind her dark sunglasses. Enjoy your walk. I’ll see you on the way back. She wasn’t in the mood for Sara’s stories this morning. The last time she walked with her friend, she wiped tears from her eyes listening to the sad stories Sara told of her late husband.

Okay, I’m out of here. I’m going to try to hit golf balls on the baseball field today. Yesterday, some ass threw bread on the field, attracting a cluster of geese.

Go ahead. Have fun. I’ll see you tomorrow morning.

Jerry jogged down the ramp to his car while Brooklyn continued toward the gazebo by the parking lot. A smile remained on her lips as she made her way down the boardwalk, waving and saying hello to at least a dozen other walkers. During the past few years, she had accompanied each of them one time or another, yet today she didn’t mind being alone. She had plenty to think about.

After completing her jog, Brooklyn stood by the steel dolphin waterfall waiting for Lynn who still hadn’t arrived. Brooklyn leaned against the railing looking for her friend’s car. She called Lynn’s cell, only for it to go directly into voicemail. The hell with her. She’d use this time to be alone, reflecting on the things she needed to do.

Brooklyn walked down the ramp, through the sand to the water’s edge. Strolling along the shoreline gave her the feeling of peace and tranquility she longed for. She needed time to think. Who was she kidding? She had to stop thinking about her past and open her heart in order to move on.

When she heard strains of guitar in the distance, her memories faded away. She hadn’t heard the music in days. Now that she finally had the time, she planned to find the musician who brought such sweet melodies to her ears.

The music led her to the jungle gym by the bocce ball courts. A few days ago she heard the same Beatles song being played at the opposite end of the boardwalk at Midland Beach/Miller Field. She decided to investigate, walking the path under the trees in the shade, blocking her from the intense heat of the sun.

She spotted the musician, a guitarist, who sat with his back to her, and she listened as he changed his style from classical to a blues-jazz number. Taking a deep breath, she closed her eyes. For a brief moment, she felt the music flow through her, sending a chill down her overheated body.

Across the bocce ball courts hung American and Italian flags along with a banner announcing the semi-finals of the Italian-American Bocce Ball Association. The guitarist gathered an audience of men and women clapping from the courts. When he began playing again, they turned their attention back to the game.

Brooklyn moved closer, listening to his muse. At the close of the song, he looked up and their gazes met. Raven eyes enhanced his jet-black hair that was neatly pulled back into a two-inch long ponytail. His bronzed skin from the summer sun and lips were oh so inviting.

Beautiful music. After she spoke, Brooklyn knew she sounded like a complete idiot.

Thank you. He stood, putting his acoustic guitar down on the wooden bench. I’m glad you enjoyed the tunes.

Are you the same musician who plays down the other end on the beach by Miller Field?

Yes I am. I move around every so often sharing my music.

Brooklyn tried not to stare, but couldn’t help it he was gorgeous. His muscles bulged out of his white T-shirt, displaying a tribal print cuff on his left forearm. I’m glad I ran into you today, she said staring at him from behind her dark sunglasses.

You come down here often? he asked in a husky voice.

I’m down here everyday.

Maybe I’ll catch you again.

Brooklyn dropped a five-dollar bill into the guitar case before jogging back onto the boardwalk. What a wonderful way to start her day. She headed toward the fishing pier, humming the guitarist’s tune.

You’re late, Mike announced, walking next to her.

Just a little. I waited for my friend Lynn, but needless to say, once again she didn’t show up.

I keep telling you the same thing everyday. Don’t tell her when you’re coming.

You’re right. She nodded in agreement.

How’s your knee doing today? You seem to have a slight limp going on.

Ah…not good. I’m fine when I’m walking, but as soon as I start doing a little jogging, it starts to stiffen up on me.

The hell with the jogging. Walking is just as good. You walk fast enough to get your cardio in.

Mike lifted his shirt, wiping the sweat off his face. Every time she walked with him, they laughed the entire time. No one could believe the characters that walked the boardwalk every morning.

I like the jogging, but I do keep it down to a minimum.

For the remainder of their walk he proudly talked about his granddaughter, who had just spoken her first words, until he took off by The Finn Restaurant.

Before going home to do laundry, Brooklyn went through her favorite drive-thru for an iced coffee. She hung her wash outside and sat by the edge of the in-ground pool, dangling her legs in the water. She still couldn’t believe it had been four years since Anthony died. By now she thought she’d have the perfect family, including her husband, two kids, a cat and a dog. But instead, she lived in this big house all alone.

It seemed like yesterday they sat by the pool enjoying apple martinis, munching on pretzels dipped in hummus.

She’d never forget the first time they met. She sat in the coffee shop having breakfast, reading the sports page when he appeared before her. She looked up and there he stood. Before she could speak, he slid into the booth across from her and asked, What are you doing for the rest of your life? Laughing she told him his come-on wasn’t original. He replied, I know it isn’t. I just couldn’t come up with anything else to say.

That broke the ice. They wound up sitting there for the next two hours talking about baseball, and how The Ville had changed over the past few years. By the time they left, she had written her phone number on a corner piece of napkin. He called her a half-hour later asking if she’d like to go out for dinner with him.

Her cell phone rang, waking her from her daydream.

Where the hell are you? Lynn asked.

Relaxing in the backyard, she replied, taking a sip of her iced coffee.

Well get uncomfortable and get your ass to The Noi’s for lunch. I’ll tell you all about my date last night.

Give me a half-hour.

Make it fifteen. I’m already sitting at our table by the window having a glass of white zinfandel.

Can’t say I’m surprised. Brooklyn snickered. Let me tinkle. I’m going to walk up there because I have a feeling we’ll be drinking for the greater part of the afternoon.

* * * *

Brooklyn walked in, greeting the owner with a kiss hello. She signaled to the bartender to bring her over a glass of merlot. Lynn waved. As Brooklyn approached her, she shook her head in amazement. It never ceased to fail, Lynn had a cocktail glass in her hand.

Another day, another cocktail, Brooklyn said, sitting across from her. I see you already dug into the basket of rolls.

Of course I did. I held out for fifteen minutes. Buttering another piece, she added, I needed something to act as a sponge for the wine I already drank while waiting for you.

Okay, okay. Brooklyn got the waiter’s attention, holding up the empty basket.

He nodded.

So tell me what the hell happened to you this morning?

I overslept, trying to get over my date from hell. Lynn slouched in her seat, crossing her feet in front of her.

What happened? You looked forward to this date all week.

All I can say is I’m still in complete shock.

The waiter placed the basket full of bread in the center of the table.

Brooklyn broke two pieces off the loaf, buttering both.

Okay. Now you have my attention, let’s hear how mister drop dead gorgeous, bombed out.

You can’t even begin to imagine. But in all fairness, I have to say he was the perfect gentleman. He actually got out of his car, rang my doorbell and handed me a dozen white long stem roses.

Wow. I should only be that lucky. Brooklyn shook her head giggling. I would say he aced the first impression.

Without a doubt. He also aced dinner. He took me to Carmen’s.

Very nice. Your second favorite restaurant.

Did I hear you say you went to a different restaurant? Vito, the owner, asked, sitting down at the table with them.

Don’t get your boxers in a heap, Lynn said. It was a date. He wasn’t crazy about Italian food, so I settled for Spanish.

They met Vito during sophomore year of high school and had remained friends since. After graduation he opened a café, which they both helped him establish. After ten years, he expanded his business opening the restaurant, which turned into a neighborhood favorite, their hangout.

It was the date from hell, Brooklyn mimicked Lynn.

That’s because you didn’t come here for your complimentary after dinner cocktail. He stood folding his arms to his chest.

While you’re pouting, I can go for another carafe of wine. Flirting, Lynn sat up straight, handing him the empty one.

Of course you can. He chuckled. I’ll bring it over before I leave.

When Vito walked out of ears reach, Brooklyn whispered, I don’t know why you don’t go out with him. It’s apparent he likes you. He has since high school.

Yeah…yeah. But if he’s a horrible lover then we lose our hangout and free carafes of wine.

Always thinking about drinking. Brooklyn sipped on her merlot. She wasn’t a big drinker. She’d have an occasional glass of wine when she hung out with Lynn, otherwise she stuck to her diet pink lemonade.

Let me continue on with my story. I keep getting distracted.

Vito placed the full carafe down on the table and gave Lynn a kiss. If I don’t see you when I get back, I’ll see you soon.

As soon as he left, Brooklyn said, See what I mean. He likes you. You’re just being stupid not acting on the flirt.

I know. But my friendship with him means more.

Before we get into that conversation again, I want to hear about your date. We keep getting sidetracked.

I know…

What can I get for you? the waiter interrupted.

Lynn and Brooklyn looked at each other and broke out in hysterics.

Don’t mind us, Brooklyn said. We aren’t laughing at you.

I know. He grinned. You two are always giggling about something.

Lynn opened and closed her menu. I’ll have the eggplant parmigiana with a side of ziti.

Filet of Sole Francaise with a house salad, Brooklyn ordered handing him her menu. Now tell me about your date.

Dinner was great. He did everything right until he brought me back to his apartment.

Can’t say I’m surprised.

Shut up, let me finish. She took a piece of bread and popped it into her mouth.

I don’t know why you always go home with them. Brooklyn tapped her fingertips on the table.

Why not? After being stuck in a loveless, let me emphasize, she pushed up her breasts, "sexless marriage for over ten years, I think I’m entitled to go