Destiny’S Gamble

By Jenn Shell

Destiny Moretti is, by all standards, a lucky woman. Born into a family who possesses both great wealth and power, she is loved and has the world at her feet. She knows how to get what she wants from life, and many consider her to be blessed. But what Destiny desires most is to be able to spend her life with the man she loves. If only she had been allowed to marry him.

On Thanksgiving Day in 1941, the Moretti and Rossi families gather to share a splendid holiday feast. Snow dances outside, but inside, even the crackling fire cannot banish the chill from Destinys peace of mind. Terrible things are just out of sight; she just knows it.

Destiny promises herself that she will not allow her growing anxiety to consume her joy on this festive night. Out of love and respect for her parents, she vows to make a sincere effort to be happy. But in the pit of her stomach, fear of the darkest magnitude has settled in.

She has also recently learned the reasons behind her fathers lifelong despair. If she can find the strength to perform one simple but gigantic deed, she will have the power to resolve his problem. Destiny must now make some big decisions. Will she find the strength to change her own fate? Can she do the unthinkable and leave her wealthy husband? And what will happen if she gambles with her own heart?

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Mar 29, 2013
• ISBN: 9781475982077

Jenn Shell

JENN SHELL is the author of Wet Confetti, Purple Gold, and Destiny’s Gamble and has published in The National Library of Poetry. Her lifelong passion for books and history is the catalyst that embarked her on the journey of writing. Originally from Pennsylvania, an avid golfer, she now calls Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, home.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Thanksgiving Day, 1941, found the Moretti and Rossi families gathered around the Rossi dining room table about to partake of a succulent feast. Hosted, as in previous years, by the young couple, the guests were filled with anticipated delight. Justly so, as Louis Rossi and his wife, Destiny (nee) Moretti Rossi, were noted for their entertaining hospitality.

It was a picture perfect Thanksgiving Day. Autumn’s paint brush of amazing colors had given way to the hush of a white, glistening, quiet world. Outdoors, it was snowing. Indoors, the dancing flames of the hickory log in the huge, stone fireplace crackled with its contribution of aromatic warmth. Yes, Destiny had put endless work into orchestrating the harmony of this special day and, nothing, she determined, nothing, was going to shatter its outcome. Most especially, she was not going to give the dark cloud that lately loomed in the back of everyone’s mind, a chance to pour out its fearful anxieties.

So unlike the self-centered Destiny, she had even requested anonymity upon presentation of a generous gift to the church’s annual Thanksgiving Day Food Baskets project that provided holiday meals to the less fortunate in the community. Ordinarily, this check was presented with much fanfare and she relished being center stage. But now, reminders of local poverty-stricken people and, worse yet, the possibility of pending world-wide gloom and doom had no business being here. Right now, all she wanted stored in the warehouse of her mind were happy events ready to be drawn upon in less than pleasant times. For in the pit of her stomach and lately, on a continuing basis, fear of a pending disaster of the darkest magnitude had taken up residency. All this maddening talk about impending war was, to say the least, nerve-racking. Mostly, it was downright scary. Today, as she looked about the room, she reflected upon her good fortune. She had loving, always supportive parents, two dear, protective brothers, her precious son, sincere friends and all the material treasures one could ever want. Yes, she had much for which to be grateful. Yet, it was only when her wandering thoughts and eyes landed on Louis, that the stark realization hit her. In all of her mental prized inventory, her husband had not been included. She simply had left him out. Oh, of course she thought well of him and was glad for his ability to provide the elegant life style to which she had grown accustomed. Yes, she respected this man, her husband, the pinnacle of high society, but he did not fit into her nostalgic category of genuine blessings. No, not really. In fact, at this point in her life, simply put, he was but a necessity.

How did this happen, she asked herself? But, of course, she knew the answer and suddenly, in this crowded room, she felt very alone. For deep in her heart, she was aware that she lacked the one essential ingredient in life’s blessings; true love between a man and a woman. Without it, despite all her wealth, she was destitute. She tried to stop this cruel deduction, but her mind raced on. If war breaks out, which she desperately opposes, with its arrival, she would have even more to lose. Frightened, fear and depression took advantage of their vulnerable prey. Seizing her mind, they filled it with dark thoughts of loneliness, death, and destruction. Shivering, as goose-bumps invaded her arms nervously, she pondered as to what was happening to her carefully planned marvelous day?

The sound of Louis’s voice intervened and rescued her as his announcement jolted her back to the festive tones of the day.

Ladies and gentlemen, my beautiful wife and I would like you to join us in a toast. Standing and in a clear voice, he continued. There is something remarkable and unique about Thanksgiving. It is a reflective time when our own personal joys tend to revolve around a bountiful season expressing gratitude for the beneficial outcome of perhaps a potpourri of past events and challenges. It is a time to celebrate family, friends and good health. It is our holiday that features its main purpose in its title. It is truly a day that inspires us to count our blessings. We, all of us, have much for which to be thankful. For a second, Louis hesitated. Then, in a softer tone, while raising his glass, he added, And now we drink to a continuing safe future.

All guests made direct eye contact with the host. Lifting their glasses high, in unison, they concurred with the toast in a strong voice. Salut.

Louis’s toast, although rather short, was to the point. There was no need to elaborate on the troublesome time that was on everyone’s mind.

Shaking the dread of her thoughts, Destiny pulled herself together and was reminded of her intention of this day as she surveyed her efforts. The table was lovely with its cornucopia centerpiece overflowing with fresh fruit and nuts and long sprigs of wheat. A large, orange pumpkin flanked it on the right side while two white candles in elegant, sterling silver candlestick holders graced both sides of the entire stunning arrangement. An abundance of inviting food served in silver and crystal serving pieces was set on a pure Irish linen cloth.

Filled with exotic and seasonal flowers, the formal dining room added to the elegance. Silently critiquing her menu choices, Destiny’s spirits were beginning to lift. She gave further positive thought to her bountiful harvest and credit to her decorative talent. The ease of their presentation gave no hint of the hours she had spent in seeking perfection. Starting with raw oysters and boiled rockfish, the banquet included roasted turkey, stuffing, giblet gravy, mashed potatoes, molded spinach, venison pastry, ham baked in cider, mince pies, pumpkin pies, fruit and, of course, prized Madeira from Louis’s elaborate wine cellar.

All that planning over and now, so quickly, so was Thanksgiving. Bidding the last of the guests’ goodnight, Destiny flopped down in her easy chair. Watching the hypnotic flames dancing about in the large fireplace, it didn’t take long. The warmth from the fire and perhaps the warmth from her last glass of wine lured her into a relaxed state. Dozing in and out of sleep, Destiny indulged in the replaying of the successful events of the day.

It was his gentle touch to her shoulder that fully awakened her. Destiny, I want to thank you for today. I know you put your heart into its making and I just want you to know that I appreciate all that you did. It meant a lot to me. Thank you.

No need, Louis, I enjoyed it just as much as you did. I like when the family gets together. We don’t get to see them often enough. I’m glad that it went well.

I am, too. And now I’m tired. I think I’m going to head up to bed. Are you coming?

In a minute, Louis. I would like to unwind just a tad longer. You start up, she encouraged him. I’ll be there shortly. Okay?

Good night, then, and barely brushed his wife’s lips with his kiss.

Her heart sunk like a cold stone and he hadn’t gone up more than four steps before his action triggered her mind into action. It always happened this way. His lack-luster kisses chased her down memory lane. She walked over to the large, gold-edged mirror hanging on the wall and stared deeply into her reflection.

How rapidly the years have gone by and with the same speed, I have changed, she thought. The only difference is that I didn’t notice how cleverly nature took my sixteen-year-old features and molded them into this thirty-seven-year-old woman staring back at me in this mirror today. Turning half-way to the left, observing her assets then turning half-way to the right to check them out from that view, changes were evident.

Gosh, I remember when I wore my hair straight and it was so long that it fell down well past my shoulders. Now, sporting this new rolled bob of the day really gives me a mature look. Mature? Hmm? Maybe the word is old. Perhaps I should think about getting a different more youthful style. Well, at least it stayed black I don’t see even a trace of grey.

Gently rubbing her cheeks, she was pleased as she assured herself, I don’t have signs of old lady frown lines. Best of all, I still have a button-nose as Papa refers to it. If I had inherited his huge, Roman nose, I would be in a pickle. His seems to grow, ever so slowly, but just the same, it is growing. That would be an awful fate most especially for a female, namely, me. That thought brought a smile. Now as far as my figure goes, well, she turned to the side again, I can see a definite change. I used to be quite proud of my tiny waistline. I’m afraid it has grown by at least an inch. Oh dear, I hate to admit it, but I’ve gained a few pounds. Chuckling, she remembered Theresa telling her so in a way that only Theresa could, and get away with it.

Doesn’t matter. I’m still a beauty in anyone’s book and I did pull off a fantastic Thanksgiving dinner. Even Louis acknowledged its success. It’s hard to believe how my life has evolved to this point. I wonder where I would be today had I chosen a different direction? Squaring her shoulders, she stared deeply into her reflection in the mirror. Clearly, she could see the memories of how she had first met the two men in her life.

Chapter 2

It began at her sixteenth birthday party. The preparations had been in motion for weeks.

She remembered and cherished how Papa always made sure his little Destiny had the best. Now that she was approaching her sweet sixteenth birthday, his plans were set for a grand party.

Destiny, about your party, if I have missed anybody you would like to attend, let me know. I know you have invited all your school friends. Of course, I have sent invitations to your cousins and relatives, all of them including the older ones.

That’s terrific, Papa. I don’t get to see my relatives very often. It will be fun. Beside my school friends, I can’t think of anyone else we should invite. Oh, Papa, sixteen. I can hardly wait. I’m so excited.

Sitting at his huge, roll top desk, Destiny’s father was busy checking off the list. He could see the sparkle in her eyes and that always delighted him.

Drumming the list with his fingers and with a slight smirk on his face, he teased.

What’s this? We missed one. How could that have happened?

Who in the world could that be? Intrigued, she asked, Let me see.

Oh, no, he was enjoying toying with her now. You’ll just have to wait for your birthday.

I can’t wait. Please. she begged. Won’t you tell me who this mystery person is? At least tell me a little something about whoever it is. That’s seems fair, don’t you think so, Papa? Just a little hint? No matter her plea, he didn’t budge, not for long anyway. Then he caved.

Here’s what I’ll do. I’ll provide you with one or two clues. Just shout out who the person is, when you figure it out. Now, that’s fair, right?

Destiny knew her wonderful father well and that his clues would leave her clueless. He always finished their guessing games with a wink of the eye and assurances that she would find out whatever she was seeking soon enough.

Destiny never could understand why waiting for wonderful events, the days seemed to drag by so slowly. Then once here, the days ended almost before they began. She surmised that it was a grown-up mystery to be solved by grown-ups and maybe, someday, she would. Excitement was in the air. Finally, her special birthday arrived.

Standing there staring into the wall mirror, Destiny remembered that day of long ago as though it had happened just yesterday. Everybody went about in a hustle-bustle way making festive preparations. The cook was putting on the finishing touches to the out-of-sight four tiered birthday cake. Chocolate, of course, Destiny’s favorite. The theme concentrated on ‘Sweet Sixteen’ and two, large, white candles, one in the form of the number one and the other a number six, topped the white frosted cake dotted with tiny, pale, yellow, pink, and blue sugar flowers surrounded by green sugar leaves.

The house was chock full of delicious smells; combinations of fried chicken, another of her favorites, and baked goods. The decorated parlor was a young girl’s fantasy. Pink and white crepe paper twisted together hung from one corner wall to the other and crisscrossed at the center of the ceiling. From this focal point, hung a huge sign with the birthday greeting and on either side of the sign hung oodles of colorful balloons and streamers. Extra chairs were placed around the room to accommodate the many expected guests and to top it off, as if on cue, the sun filled the room with its radiant brightness.

Hurry, Destiny, her mother requested, the guests will be here soon. Here, let me help you put on your birthday frock. Naturally, it was brand new. It was a beauty too, white with long sleeves, it had a large pink bow at the low-lined waist. With it, Destiny wore white stockings and white patent-leather shoes.

Mama, she took a deep breath, I’m nervous.

Anxious to comfort her almost grown-up daughter, her mother asked, Why dear?

It’s Papa’s mystery guest. Do you know who it is? What if it’s somebody that I know and don’t like? What then? What will I do? I don’t want to ruin my party.

I’m afraid dear I don’t know who it might be. You know your father. When he gets an idea into his head, it’s hard to get him to part with it. But I do know that it’s your special day no matter who comes to your party. Now, smile. With those words of encouraging wisdom, Destiny’s mother hugged her tightly. And, young lady, you know what?

No. What?

Your beautiful face has a natural glow but I think you are now old enough for a little make-up? What do you think?

Destiny was almost beside herself. Wow, Mama, make-up? With that, her mother added just a touch of Vaseline to Destiny’s lips for a glossy luster.

There you are.

Thank you. Now I really do feel beautiful. And you know what else? Now I’m ready for Papa’s mystery guest. With that air of added confidence, they headed off to the party.

After playing Blind Man’s Bluff, everybody settled down to a good game of charades. One of Destiny’s favorite games, she excelled at it. Maybe it was because she always did have a flare for the dramatic. So involved, she didn’t hear the doorbell ring. But, Papa did and when he returned, it was with the most handsome man that Destiny had ever seen. He got her attention now and right in the middle of her turn, she stopped abruptly. Obviously, she was taken by this visitor. Destiny could feel everybody’s eyes on her. She felt her cheeks getting warm. So, she thought, this is Papa’s surprise. Immediately, she recognized Louis Rossi. Who wouldn’t? And here at her party. Caught off guard, she did her best to act nonchalant.

To her, Louis Rossi was a celebrity providing almost daily fodder for the newspaper mostly with his connections with charity works and with his business successes. Always appearing in custom made suits or tuxedos surrounded with a bevy of beautiful women, he was something special, all right. Even a sixteen-year-old knew that.

But, the truth be known, quickly surmising the situation, Destiny felt a twinge of disappointment. Indeed, Mr. Rossi was handsome, charming and made heads turn. Why he even brought her a lovely corsage of pink, baby roses which she would, of course, save as a memento of her birthday occasion. But, she concluded. He really didn’t belong here. If she was to hazard a guess, it would be that her father moved too far out of the box on this one. Whatever was her father thinking? He had invited an old man to her one and only sweet sixteen party.

Destiny, my dear, I would like you to meet Mr. Louis Rossi. Her father was almost beside himself. Isn’t it thoughtful of him to come to your party? Mr. Rossi, this is Destiny, the birthday girl.

With the introductions and corsage presentation out of the way, when he asked Destiny to dance, she was confused. If she was going to dance with an older man, her choice would be her father. No wonder she felt disappointment. Louis Rossi had to be at least in his mid-twenties and, not only that, there was something about the way he held her as they danced that annoyed her. She couldn’t quite put her finger on it. Anyway, the expectation of meeting this built-up mystery person surely was much greater than the actual event. Yet, when she glanced over at Papa and saw him beaming from ear to ear, she felt a pang of guilt. Chiding herself for being so unappreciative of Papa’s efforts, she danced almost every dance with his prize.

You look lovely, Destiny. Her dance partner was sincere. Perhaps, you would like something cool to drink?

Thank you and yes, Mr. Rossi. I would.

It’s Louis, Destiny. Please call me Louis. Now, if you will excuse me, I’ll get the drinks.

Nodding, Destiny felt relieved. Calling him Mr. made him seem even older to her. At least, she thought, it’s a step in the right direction. Like a guilty school girl, she further reasoned, after all, there wasn’t a Mr. in any of her other group of friends.

Dancing left her parched and warm. Waiting for her drink, she thought, I need some air and stepped outside for a few minutes. Standing on the large porch off the kitchen, she caught sight of her brothers and somebody she didn’t recognize at first, gathered around a marble ring. Obviously, involved in the game, there were shouts of knuckle down and no hunching. She could see that her brother Carmine, who was a pro at marbles, using his favorite shooter and his expertise was winning him Rainbows and Japanese Cat’s Eyes at every turn. She couldn’t believe her eyes. How could they?

With her feet firmly planted, her hands on her hips, and her eyes glaring with a look of defiance, she was about to blow a gasket. Shouting, she gave her thoughtless brothers a deserved tongue-lashing.

Carmine, Vincent. What the heck are you two doing? How dare you get down on the dirt to play marbles on my birthday?

We were just shooting marbles, Destiny. That’s all. We’ll be in for your cake, we promise.

Oh no, you don’t. Stop right now. Put those marbles away. Get cleaned off and come back to the party. There were times, she concluded when boys could be so dumb and down-right rude. Imagine, playing in the dirt on my day.

More than a bit perturbed, and in the midst of her tirade, she got a closer glimpse of the unrecognizable player in their group. Of all people, wouldn’t you know it? she said under her breath. It was the delivery boy from Zappa’s Grocery Store. Yup, it was that rough neck, alright. Dardano Falcone. The nerve of him and he probably was the guilty one who started it all. Here her brothers all dressed in their Sunday clothes were supposed to be at her birthday party and here he got them into a game of marbles. She was sure of it. He’s always hanging around here. Such a pain.

Destiny felt the blood rush to her head as this time she threw a hissy fit. Stomping her foot on the porch, she went tearing down the three steps straight to the marble circle. Furious, she lifted her foot and was about to kick the remaining marbles when her brothers stopped her. Okay, so she couldn’t kick the marbles away. That would have ruined her new shoes anyway. But she still could read them the riot act and she did.

Why, I have half a notion not to let you have any of my birthday cake. Now, brush yourself off best you can, and go join my party. Be quick about it. Do it now, before I change my mind.

Okay, Destiny, okay. Both brothers, acknowledging their guilt, apologized to their little sister. She was, after all, the baby of the family, and as such was the prima donna of the household.

We’re sorry, Destiny. We don’t want to ruin your party. Okay? They apologized. As always, when something went wrong, the brothers always apologized to their little sister Princess. That’s just the way they were raised. Brushing the dirt from their pants, they headed to the party shouting over their shoulders to their friend. Good game, Danny. See ya, tomorrow.

Destiny was furious, but no longer with her brothers. Her anger was directed at this brash Danny Falcone who totally ignored her. While she was setting her brothers straight, he just threw his head back and let out one loud laugh after another. And, in between her yelling, when he could get a word in, he accused her of costing him the loss of his best Cat’s Eye. Like she cared?

To make matters worse, he yelled at the top of his lungs. Do you know how beautiful the red glow on your cheeks and the fire in your eyes are when you scream?

Livid, she cringed. How embarrassing! Get out of here, Danny Falcone, right this minute or do you want me to call my father?

No, that’s okay. I’m leaving. Dusting his pants off with his cap, on his way out, he turned and shouted. But, it’s true. You really are beautiful. Laughing, he ran down the street.

Exasperated, Destiny turned sharply on her heel. With fists and teeth clenched, she stormed back into the house with Danny Falcone’s laugh haunting her still. I never want to see that horrible person again, she told herself. It took a few years but, see him again, she did, and that was just a month before her wedding.

Chapter 3

Louis Rossi, the tall, impeccably dressed, dignified man whose very presence commanded respect, would be a catch, indeed. Not only were his curly black hair and dark blue eyes appealing to females but, they found his personality fascinating and charm irresistible. Then there was his wide range of interests that invited comfortable conversations on just about any topic. He was into the arts and gave competent critiques on the latest novels.

He valued, too, the traditions of both his Italian and his American heritage. Having expanded his father’s textile company, his business savvy catapulted him into the world of the very rich. He was, perhaps, the richest man in town. To top it off, at this point, he was not yet married. This eligible bachelor found himself forever surrounded by hopeful women.

As he grew older, his foresight enabled him to diversify in business to include the manufacture of many commodities and he pushed forward into the printing and publishing world. Additionally, his leading pet project was in the manufacturing of airplanes and components. Aviation, he was sure, was the forthcoming answer to quickly connecting large cities with his products. Envied by a few of his peers, he was, by the same token, considered by some as a legend in his time.

Everyone knew of Louis Rossi but no one knew Louis Rossi. Indeed, he was wealthy and possessed fine attributes. Indeed, he was a serious yet indulgent gentleman and a very clever one. Indeed, he kept the true Louis secretly locked and guarded deep within himself.

Born to Italian immigrants, America, as being the land of opportunity, was repeatedly impressed upon him. The story, no matter when told, of his father’s first sighting of the Statue of Liberty at Ellis Island was filled with emotion. A sense of freedom, and a reinforcement of America’s greatness and willingness to let a man start from the bottom and work his way up to make his fortune. The United States was the ticket to free enterprise. With hard work, faith in the Lord and in this great land, man was free to operate a private business strictly for profit. It was this America that gave his father refuge and allowed the Rossi Empire its beginnings. Added to the mix, ingredients of his father’s determination and textile knowledge and, before long this proud citizen achieved unparalleled wealth. Eventually, when the time was right, it was passed onto his son.

Louis liked to think of himself as, to a degree, a carbon copy of his father. He inherited his father’s work ethic and his ability to make some good happen in some poor situations. Even during the devastating Great Depression, Louis remembered his father expressing his strong belief in the principle on which the United States was founded. This powerful principle that all men have a right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness was revered. Knowing the entitlement also required work on his part, his father’s prevailing inner convictions enabled him to survive through difficult times while presenting his son with a firm, energetic, role model.

The Depression was a fierce foe. It was his father’s fortitude, diligence and ability to invest wisely that put him at a financial advantage over his colleagues. He did not panic. Panic, he believed, was the culprit which brought financial ruin and misery. Although the time was of great financial tragedy for many, Louis never forgot his father’s ability to think ahead to capitalize on the most profitable moves. He remembered, too, the monies his father freely loaned or gave outright to those in need.

Louis, like his father, is also a philanthropist; however, his motives differed from that of his benevolent father. Louis’s generosity is not solely shared to help his fellow man in need. Rather, it is an ego building crutch which he desperately needs to lean on and basically, this is where the carbon copy line is drawn.

Louis is a rather complex man. The security and love provided by both his parents ironically, with their demise, produces an opposite effect on him. The tragic train accident that so quickly took their lives also took Louis’s confidence. He guards his secret well. On the outside, he is the man to be envied. On the inside, he harbors the fear of a failure. His stability, to say the least, is tottering and creates a need to find the perfect someone to afford him the now lost love of his deceased parents. This explained the endless procession of beautiful women and why he is still a bachelor.

Until Destiny, he felt his unfulfilled search was almost in vain. Finally, she is the