Chatter in the Halls

By Maria Gorman

Promoted to Fashion Director at one of New York City’s most exclusive department stores, Giulia DiAntonio is living her dream until a night of innocent fun nearly lands her in jail.
Betrayed by self-confidence, she abruptly resigns from her job and moves back home, leaving behind her dreams and ‘best friend’, Jonathan Gold. The tranquil Inner Harbor in Baltimore replaces the fast-paced life on Fifth Avenue. But is it enough to keep her motivated?
Challenged with a new city and a new job as an elementary school principal, a young seminarian unexpectedly enters her life, only to complicate things further.
Giulia and the dysfunctional staff at St. Alphonso’s Catholic School struggle through an emotional year full of tears and laughter.
What has she done? Can Giulia easily give up her dreams in New York City and the man who really loves her?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Maria Gorman
• Release date: Mar 14, 2017
• ISBN: 9781370709724

Maria Gorman

Hello, my name is Maria Gorman. I was born to Italian immigrant parents and I grew up in Baltimore, MD. We were a typical Italian family, we spoke Italian in the house, ate Italian meals every day, and celebrated most holidays with a fabulous, fun group of Italians who came over to the US with my parents. They all had kids my age, so we had a great time growing up in this crazy Italian lifestyle. I found a passion for reading while in elementary school, which probably helped me with my English, since I spoke only Italian as a child. Reading opened my mind to imagination and with that I always found myself creating stories in my head. I guess you could call me a closet writer. I had and still have journals and notebooks filled with stories, pieces of stories, diary entries, poems...so many things. I loved to write. Fast forward to last year when I self-published my first book "Chatter in the Halls." Today, an empty nester, I live in Mt. Airy, MD with my husband Tom.

Book preview

CHATTER IN THE HALLS

By

Maria Gorman

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, events, and incidents are either products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

CHATTER IN THE HALLS

Copyright © 2014 by Maria Gorman.

All rights reserved

Written by Maria Gorman

Smashwords Edition

Cover design: Sarah Canivez & Alex Gorman

This book is also available in print at most online retailers

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

Thank you for downloading this eBook. This book remains the copyrighted property of the author, and may not be redistributed to others for commercial or non-commercial purposes. If you enjoyed this book, please encourage your friends to download their own copy from their favorite authorized retailer. Thank you for your support.

Dedications

I dedicate this book to my family...My husband Tom and our three wonderful sons Alexander, Patrick and Matthew...but especially to you Alexander who believed in this story.

We laughed and created such fun characters and storylines together. You are my creative genius and always will be!

Love you always, ma

Contents

Chapter 1 - June

Chapter 2- July

Chapter 3 - August

Chapter 4 - September

Chapter 5 - October

Chapter 6 - November

Chapter 7 - December

Chapter 8 - January

Chapter 9 - February

Chapter 10 - March

Chapter 11 - April

Chapter 12 - May

Chapter 13 - June

Chapter 14

Chapter 1 June

New York City. The streets, alive with a steady flow of traffic. Corner vendors set out their goods on crippled tables ready for another day, only trying to make a living. Sidewalks steaming with heat as shop owners open their doors for business.

At approximately ten fifteen, Giulia DiAntonio stormed out of the New York City courthouse. A black, stretch limousine parked among a file of yellow cabs waited at the curb. Her Louis Vuitton luggage packed and stored in the trunk. She took off her navy blue Chanel suit jacket and carefully folded it over her arm while walking to the car.

A picture of sophistication, from her porcelain skin to her perfectly contoured lips, the sleek hair, designer purse and outrageously expensive shoes, Giulia portrayed elegance and professionalism even on this day in court. The judge had no apparent reason to charge her with anything other than being with the wrong man at the wrong time. Having given her testimony as a witness to a drug deal gone bad, the case was quickly over and she was free to leave.

Dark, oversized sunglasses concealed any emotion she might be experiencing. Standing at five foot eight in her three-inch heels, her composure was that of complete confidence, an image she portrayed daily as Fashion Director at a luxury department store in the city.

Are you sure you want to do this Giulia? Jonathan’s deep voice edged with concern asked as he walked next to her.

Shoulders back and head held high, Giulia took off her sunglasses and turned to look at Jonathan Gold, her lawyer and best friend.

I’m positive. This was too close. I never want to be in this kind of situation again.

Jonathan recognized not only the determination in her voice, but also the fear. She was serious. Giulia stopped and looked at her loyal friend feeling the pain of missing him already. His handsome good looks, firm, sculpted body and warm personality made him a woman’s dream. Taking a deep breath, she stared aimlessly down the familiar city streets before turning back to Jonathan.

Look, I’m thirty-five years old and I’ve been living in this city for the past thirteen years. It’s fun, it’s fast, and it’s glamorous but I think this entire incident is telling me to get the hell out of here. I’m ready to slow down.

She paused pensively. I was scared, her shaky voice whispered to no one in particular, while twisting the sleeve of her jacket in a nervous gesture. I was so scared.

I know you were, but it all worked out didn’t it?

He looked at Giulia’s slightly aging face. It wasn’t the fresh, tight complexion of a twenty-year-old but a more experienced face with only a slight sign of her thirty-five years. She had probably aged five years this past month alone from worry and anxiety.

Yes, it all worked out, she repeated, resting her head on his chest, but it still makes me shudder to think of how badly this could have turned out. She straightened, I could have been put in jail, Jonathan. And for nothing. I could have spent time in jail for just being in the wrong place at the wrong time with the wrong person. Do you understand that? Jail!

Okay, okay. I get it. Keep your voice down.

Looking around Jonathan loosened his silk Brooks Brothers tie and unbuttoned the top button of his crisp white shirt as rays of hot sun danced on the sidewalk. Looking into her deep, brown eyes, he took her hands in his. You knew I’d get you out of this didn’t you?

Quickly changing the mood, he teased her, Besides, that’s what you get for going out with some bozo your so-called friends fixed you up with. How many times do I have to tell you, I’m the only one for you? A Catholic and a Jew, we could make it work. She smiled at his boyish grin.

And your family would disown you.

I heard that.

Jonathan Gold had walked into the Marriott Marquis ballroom two years ago on Christmas Eve with the company CEO and was introduced as the new member of their legal team. Jonathan was stepping into the unique and bizarre, the glamorous and materialistic world of fashion. He was joining the team of one of the most luxurious department stores on Fifth Avenue in New York City.

The black Tom Ford tuxedo he wore complemented his body perfectly. His calm composure masked his rattling nerves. Curious looks shot at him from every direction. Then he saw her; across the room, talking, laughing, mingling…she looked up and met his gaze. Someone pulled her away, yet she looked back at the man she had yet to meet.

Jonathan sat at the corporate table. Dinner served, casual conversation ensued and the introduction finally made. He stood politely at the applause then sat again avoiding any speeches or welcoming words. He took a silent breath, easing his nerves just a bit. The orchestra began playing and the mood became relaxed and festive. Elegant bodies began moving and mingling. Expensive perfumes lingered in the air. He rose and made his way to the bar where she stood waiting for a drink. She turned and came face to face with him. He flashed a bright smile and held out his hand.

Nice to meet you; Jonathan Gold.

Her eyes never left his.

Giulia DiAntonio, nice to meet you Jonathan. And welcome.

She put her hand in his and they shook to a newly found friendship.

Just a few years older than Giulia and wanting to break away from his father’s law firm, Jonathan found his passion in New York City and decided to call it home. Intimidated by his social background and religious differences, Giulia somehow managed to keep their friendship from becoming anything more.

Outside the courthouse on that warm June morning, they stood together one last time, their future together uncertain.

Jonathan squeezed her hand and winked. Keep in touch sweetie and don’t corrupt too many young minds.

Giulia wrapped her arms around his neck, intoxicated by his sexy, masculine scent. How many times were they so close to being more than just friends?

Thanks for everything, she whispered into his ear. And don’t worry, she closed her eyes trying to silence the voice in her head screaming, what are you doing Giulia? I’ll be around for weekends and holidays.

Jonathan helped her into the car and closed the door. He watched the tail lights mingle into the city traffic. Ignoring the sick feeling in his stomach, he shook his head and laughed aloud thinking Giulia DiAntonio, an elementary school principal? She’ll be back!"

Giulia Mary DiAntonio was leaving behind the fast-paced life of New York City that she loved so well. All things happen for a reason was her premise and it was too coincidental that this horrible incident occurred shortly after a family visit to Maryland.

It was only a few weeks ago she recalled, staring blankly out the window as the car sped south toward Baltimore on the New Jersey turnpike.

Your Uncle Paulie is being transferred to a parish in Baltimore! We haven’t seen him for over a year. Can you make it to the welcome home party?

Giulia smiled at her Aunt Clara’s thick Baltimore accent and her dramatic announcement. Paulie Scasino, both a beloved son and disappointment to the family, chose to become a Catholic priest. His mother was not at all pleased but accepted his profession as best she could. With her only son becoming a priest, dreams for lots of grandchildren were shot to hell.

Sure, Aunt Clara, I’ll be there. It’ll be nice to see the family again, and dad.

Having lost her mother at an early age, Giulia spent many days in the care of her Aunt Clara. She clicked off her cell phone and gave Nikki the piece of paper with the information she needed to book her train for the trip to Baltimore and back.

And Nikki, make sure it’s the Acela. I know it’s expensive but I need to get there and back as quickly as possible. It’s such a busy time of year around here.

Got it.

Nikki, her assistant was efficient and reliable and somehow always knew what was going on. Giulia returned to her own office and walked over to the large glass window overlooking Fifth Avenue. She smiled as she always did, reminding herself just how lucky she was to be working and living in New York City.

They could smell the robust aromas of an Italian dinner from the street as Giulia and her father walked up the front steps of the split-level house in Baltimore County. Aunt Clara greeted them at the door with her loud and happy voice.

Giulia, it’s been so long. You look beautiful. Joe, nice to see you again, too. We never get together anymore. Everybody’s busy all the time.

Clara’s hands gestured the frustration she felt about everyone’s busy life. Her salt and pepper hair was neatly teased and sprayed, styled as she wore it for most of her adult life. She quickly untied the apron from around her waist as she ushered them into her house.

Come on in, make yourselves at home. Sophie, come take their coats. Sit, sit. Get comfortable. Everybody should be here soon.

Clara got busy, setting out appetizers and getting drinks. Sophia, her daughter, said hello and quietly took their coats without making much small talk.

Soon Clara’s other son and his girlfriend who had picked up Nonna Lina arrived and soon after that Paulie, the honored guest arrived as well.

Sheer white nylon curtains swayed against an open window as a gentle breeze whistled through the crack. The French provincial dining room table was dressed with a pale yellow tablecloth and matching napkins. The old, now chipped, traditional white china trimmed in scalloped gold sat regally on the table and an array of water and wine glasses topped each place setting. The family sat down to an elaborate meal of lasagna, roasted chicken and potatoes, broccolini, salad and, of course, good red wine. The afternoon was spent casually sitting around the dining room table catching up on gossip while sipping strong espresso and eating homemade cookies and Italian rum cake that Giulia brought back from the famous Ferrara Café in New York City. The celebration quickly became a question and answer session. Sophia caught bits and pieces of the conversation as she busied herself clearing off the table and bringing things back into the kitchen.

… And the best part of this, Uncle Paulie was informing everyone, quite excited about the move, is that the parish has an elementary school.

They were stunned by this new announcement, unsure whether to be happy for him or to pity him.

My first assignment when I get there next month is to hire a new principal for the school.

What happened to the one who was there? Giulia asked, amused by the conversation.

Elementary school was not a subject she spoke of often. She herself had gone to a Catholic elementary school, and now that she thought about it, she remembered only negative things about it. Did anyone really have warm memories of elementary school? Anywhere?

Well, I’m not quite sure, Paulie continued. They didn’t tell me much. All I know is that I need to hire a new principal and hopefully that person will be able to hire the rest of the staff.

What? The family said in unison.

No staff? Where exactly are they sending you? Clara bellowed. And why is there no staff?

Sophia stepped out of the kitchen momentarily to see what all the commotion was about.

Uncle Paulie smiled meekly, downing the last bit of wine in his glass. Well, there is some staff but I was told that a few teachers resigned after last year. Like I said I don’t have all the facts. They didn’t give me many details.

Paulie was a quiet man. He stood at average height with dark brown, wavy hair and warm auburn eyes. He had a friendly smile and a gentle nature about him. He loved to help people and found his calling at a young age. He became an altar boy as soon as he was old enough to sign- up and dedicated much of his free time to helping with church functions. His mother encouraged him to date when he was in his teens, but the social life never interested Paulie much. He enjoyed helping out in the church hall, setting up bingo on Saturday nights rather than going out on dates. Paulie made a great priest. Now, at the age of 58, his passion and dedication, respected by the Archdiocese, made him a valued community leader.

They said they needed someone strong and experienced to bring the parish back together and that I was the person that could do that. Nonna Lina smiled and patted Paulie’s hand gently.

The family continued with questions and opinions, everyone having to put in their own two cents, the only way an Italian family knew how. At the end of the day, Giulia hugged and kissed Uncle Paulie goodbye.

Good luck with your move. I wish you all the best at the new parish and the school.

Thank you, Giulia. He kissed her cheek. You be careful in that big city, you hear.

I will Uncle Paulie, I will.

She kissed her aunt and said good-bye to the rest of the family. At the station she kissed and hugged her father. Don’t work too hard, poppa. Remember you’re an artist, she told him. He laughed at his daughter’s concern. Don’t you worry about me. I’m the only one that should be doing the worrying in this family. Be careful Giulia, I love you.

Love you too.

Riding the Acela train back to New York, Giulia took the opportunity to do some work on her laptop. Fashion Week was only a few months away, an event that made her job both challenging and exciting. There were designers to contact, celebrities to invite, shows to book, parties to attend. Fashion Week was ‘the’ event of each season, and after her recent promotion to Fashion Director, this season she had more responsibilities than ever.

Everything was going well for Giulia until that dreadful night when she reluctantly agreed to go out on a blind date with a man her friend swore was a great guy.

Please, please, please, Christine had begged her. He’s a really great guy and you’ll really like him. We’ll all have a good time".

When Giulia confided to Jonathan about the date, he only shook his head and laughed at her unsuccessful attempts to find a man. You haven’t figured out that I’m the only one that can put up with you, he teased.

Giulia ignored his comment but deep inside she knew he was serious. How much longer would Jonathan put up with her uncommitted attitude? Although he was her constant companion, he was not her ‘boyfriend’. She didn’t quite understand what she had with Jonathan so from time to time, when the opportunity called, she would venture out with friends and an occasional date. But sadly nothing ever came from it. It was always Jonathan that she could depend on.

David Winston, the blind date, had impressed her when he showed up promptly at seven. He was a very handsome man, tall and lean with wavy blond hair and eyes the color of jade. He said he was a runway model, although Giulia found it strange that she had never heard of his name in the business. He wore a dark Armani suit tailored to his body, a crisp grey shirt and an expensive silk tie. He was polite and funny.

After dinner, they were driven to a trendy nightclub in Chelsea where he was an invited guest at the private party inside. Christine was there as promised. The conversation was loud and the music even louder. With