| |
Tilly and Dusty had just returned from a vacation to Italy. Dusty had a vineyard there, and they always made a point of bringing a special wine from their collection to their friend, Carlos. He was known to enjoy a glass of wine every now and then. They went looking for him, but he wasn't at his usual station. Tilly and Dusty inquired and were informed Carlos's job was terminated by building management two months ago. Dusty and Tilly were furious. What transpired? Why weren't they informed? They addressed the building manager, who told Tilly and Dusty there was nothing he could do. Building management had made the decision.
"We kept Carlos as long as possible. We understand how important he was to you and the tenants, but times have changed. We must embrace technological advancements, such as the installation of cutting-edge elevators."
Tilly sighed. "Sweetheart, there must be something we can do for Carlos. He's a dear friend of ours."
"Don't worry, sweetheart. We'll think of something," Dusty said.
In the elevator, they ran into Edith, who was carrying grocery bags. Dusty helped her by taking the bags from her hands. Edith smiled and nodded in gratitude. They greeted each other and pushed their floor buttons.
"It appears you're cooking for an army," Tilly remarked.
"No, just me. I expected my son and grandchildren to arrive tonight, but he called me while I was in a taxi and said they couldn't make it."
“It’s too bad. I’m sorry to hear that, Edith,” Tilly said.
“If you and Dusty have nothing planned, how about supper with me tonight? I'm making my specialty, Alfredo Fettuccine. I could use some company. How about 6:00 p.m.?" Edith inquired.
"We'd love to come," Tilly said. "We'll bring the champagne."
"Oh, that's wonderful."
"Edith, do you mind if we bring one more person?"
"Sure, there will be enough food for everyone. The more the merrier,” Edith replied as she exited the elevator. "I'll see you both tonight."
When Dusty and his wife were alone in the elevator, he locked his gaze on her.
"What?" Tilly asked when she noticed her husband gazing.
"Sweetheart, I know what you're trying to do," Dusty said as they walked to their apartment.
"What do you mean?" she asked. "I'm not doing anything."
"Are you going to play matchmaker again, Mrs. Bonaventura?"
"Me? I'm not sure what you're talking about."
Dusty grinned flirtatiously as he pinched the tip of her nose. Tilly burst into laughter.
At six o’clock, Dusty heard a tap on the door. He peeked through the peephole and grinned when he saw Carlos, dressed in jeans and a red polo shirt.
"Welcome back, sir," Carlos greeted. "I got your message to come over tonight."
"Yes, Carlos," Dusty said. "We got you something from our vacation. This wine comes from our vineyard and is made specifically for you."
"And this is from me," Tilly added, as she handed him a basket of Italian chocolate from Amedei Porcelana.
"Oh, you two. This is just too much. Thank you," Carlos remarked.
“Don’t mention it,” Dusty said.
There was a long pause between them. Dusty broke the silence.
"We heard you lost your job, Carlos. How are you doing?"
"I must admit I fell into a deep depression. I've had that job for as long as I can remember. The tenants here are my family, especially you and Tilly."
"I know Carlos. We deeply regret it.”
“It’s been two months since I lost my job. There’s a delay in getting my unemployment benefits. I looked for work, but no one was hiring right now. Other than that, I’m good,” Carlos explained.
“Are you available tonight, Carlos?" Tilly asked.
"It appears like I am not going anywhere in my present situation. I have all the time in the world to do whatever I want."
"Edith has invited us to dinner, and we'd like to invite you," Tilly said.
Carlos' heart beat a little faster. It overjoyed him to see Edith again. He never got to say goodbye to her. "I have nothing planned for tonight, so yes. I'd be delighted to accompany you," said Carlos.
Dusty could tell when Tilly was up to something by the way she looked at him. She had that deceptive smile. He couldn't help but chuckle and shake his head. Dusty knew she was again playing matchmaker. On the other hand, her instincts had never failed her before.
Tilly's intuition was right. Carlos and Edith, two lonely people, struck up an instant connection based on their same interests. They found solace in each other's company, sharing stories and making plans to see a Broadway show tomorrow night, courtesy of Tilly and Dusty, of course.
Tilly wanted to do something special for Carlos. Since they moved into the building, he had always been cheery, pleasant, and a wonderful friend to them. He assumed the position of a father figure for them. Tilly could not think of anything they could do for him.
"How about we send him to our vineyard in Italy?" Dusty expressed his thoughts. "Carlos told me he had never been home since moving to America. It's a great time to travel. It's grape harvest season, which means it's time to celebrate. He'll have a fantastic time there. Luke and Angie will look after him." Dusty's Italian cousin was Luke, while Tilly's oldest American friend was Angie. They met in Italy and fell in love immediately. They'd been married a year and were about to have their first child.
Tilly concurred, saying, "That's not such a bad idea. I'd like to go back to Italy."
"I'm referring to sending Carlos to Italy on his own. We just got here, honey. Are you positive you want to go back?"
"The next several weeks will be quiet for us as far as scheduled meetings go. Italy will always hold a special place in my heart. Let me tell you, I'll eat spaghetti all day long till I'm completely exhausted." Tilly chuckled. “On the other hand, Edith's Alfredo fettuccine is unbeatable.
Suddenly, a huge smile sprang on her face. Dusty gave her a look. He could see she was working on a new scheme, and this time he could tell it was wicked!
"I’m afraid I will not like what I’m about to hear,” he said.
"You know, I think the world of you, sweetheart, don't you?"
"Uh-oh. Here it comes."
"I need your help."
Dusty chuckled. “I knew it. So, what is it exactly?”
"Don't you think Edith could benefit from a vacation? Could you arrange for the two of them to stay at the villa?"
"Why, Mrs. Bonaventura? I thought you would not do any more matchmaking? What do you call this?"
"There's nothing wrong with inviting two wonderful friends to join us in Italy. I just thought Carlos and Edith needed to be cheered up. What's wrong with that?" Tilly queried, a big smile on her face.
"Actually, it’s a brilliant idea." Dusty grinned.
***
TILLY AND THE TENANTS planned and executed a lavish farewell party for Carlos. They glittered up the vast ballroom of the apartment building and hung a large banner with the words "Thank you, Carlos!” from the ceiling. There were plenty of drinks and food. The building management was also present to give Carlos a warm send-off.
When Carlos entered the building, Juanita, his supervisor, greeted him in the lobby. He had no clue what was about to happen. When Juanita called him to pick up a few things he had left in his locker, Carlos was confused. He was sure he had taken everything with him the day they let him go.
"You’ve arrived just in time," Juanita remarked.
"Time for what? I thought I was only going to pick up something I had left in my locker," Carlos explained.
"Yes, Carlos. I mean, you arrived on time since I had an appointment."
"So, where is it? Just give it to me so I can be on my way?" Carlos didn't want to be there any longer than necessary. Seeing his previous workplace hurt him.
"I put your belongings in storage. Come with me, and I’ll give it to you. I’d like you to sign a piece of paper showing that you picked it up."
"Sure, of course. Lead the way."
Carlos followed Juanita down a long hallway. He frowned when he realized they were heading to the grand ballroom.
"Juanita, where are we going?" he asked.
"I didn’t know where to put your belongings, and the ballroom was the only place available."
Carlos nodded. He didn't notice anything out of the ordinary. When they entered the room, it was dark.
"Carlos, do you remember where the light switch is?"
"Yes, I think so," he answered, feeling around the room until he found the light switch, which he flipped on.
"Here it is," Carlos said.
"Surprise!" everyone said as the lights turned on. Carlos glanced around and grinned as he saw all his friends. Everyone in the building began embracing and shaking his hand. Carlos was in tears and couldn’t say a word.
Tilly and Dusty ascended the stage and thanked everyone for their participation. They then asked Carlos to join them. Carlos was overcome with emotion and could not stop crying.
"Friends, it’s been forty years since I walked into this building and rode the elevator for the first time. You do not know how much I appreciate all you’ve done for me," he remarked.
"Carlos, the day isn’t over yet,” Tilly said. “In appreciation for all your years of dedication and hard work, as well as for being a friend to us all, Dusty and I are taking you on a month-long vacation to our villa in Italy in your honor. I know you’ve been longing to return home. We’ll fly you on our private plane, and all you’ll have to do is relax, eat, drink wine, and have fun."
"Oh, Tilly and Dusty!" he sobbed. "You are correct. I’ve been thinking of returning to Italy to see my family. You must have read my mind."
“I'm scheduled for a series of meetings this month," Dusty explained. "It might take us a while, but as soon as my calendar clears, we'll go on our trip right away."
Everyone cheered and congratulated Carlos. They had a fantastic time eating, drinking, and laughing. When the party was over, the tenants asked Carlos to take them up to their floors one last time. Carlos agreed.
"C’mon, let’s take a ride to the moon," he said.
Edith, Mr. and Mrs. Jefferson, Tilly, and Dusty got into the elevator. Carlos was behind them. He pressed the buttons, and the elevator moved. Suddenly, several of them felt a weird feeling in the pit of their stomachs—no, it wasn’t from the food they had eaten at the party, nor from the elevator ride, although it seemed like the longest ride ever. There was a jolt on the floor, followed by a succession of shocks. Everyone screamed.
"What’s going on?" Mrs. Jefferson asked.
As soon as she said those words, the electricity went out, leaving them in complete darkness. It trapped them between the ninth and tenth floors, with nowhere else to go. Everyone reacted differently, but in the end, they all panicked.
"Get me out of here," Mrs. Jefferson said, banging on the elevator door and walls.
"Calm down, Mrs. Jefferson," Carlos murmured, pulling out a tiny flashlight from his back pocket and sweeping the beam of light around, revealing that it trapped them between floors.
"We’re going to die," remarked Mr. Jefferson.
"Not today, Mr. Jefferson," Carlos stated flatly. "Everyone, please pay attention to what I’m saying. We need to calm down. It’s pointless to shout, since the sound will merely bounce off the walls."
"Carlos, may I borrow your flashlight?" Dusty asked.
Carlos handed it to him.
Dusty called the emergency phone, which connected to the security desk.
"Hello? Security?"
"Yes, this is security."
"This is Mr. Bonaventura from the 20th floor. I’m stuck here in the elevator with other tenants. The electricity has gone out. Is there an emergency light you could turn on?"
"I’m sorry, sir, but they have informed us that the emergency power generator has refused to start. There are sporadic power outages around the city. We’ve already called 9-1-1, and the firefighters are on route."
"That’s great. As soon as you see them, please notify them that there are people trapped in the elevator," Dusty added.
"Yes, sir," the man said.
"Oh, my goodness, I need to get out of here!" Edith stated. She was experiencing a panic attack.
"Don’t worry, Edith. Everything will be OK," Carlos assured her as he wrapped his arms around her. It made Edith feel better.
The electricity was restored moments later. The firefighters arrived and saved them. Everyone cheered as they made it safely to their floors. Edith expressed her gratitude to Carlos for his comfort.
"You’re one of a kind, Carlos," she remarked. "You are my dazzling knight."
Tilly gave Dusty a wink as they watched Edith and Carlos’ magical moment. They knew it was the beginning of a wonderful friendship.
