Alessio paces back and forth on what was once the main dance floor of the Banshee. Now, underfoot, it is merely cold, hard concrete. The floors are being replaced, as is the vast majority of the club; everything save the foundation, structural supports and exterior walls. He idly gazes around, lost in his vision of what this place would become. The stone masons would arrive from Italy on Thursday. He still had yet to decide on the house entertainment, but his options had been greatly narrowed. Management was another priority, but he was planning on having his first congresso with Kira later this evening. It will be the first time he's seen her since the unfortunate incident with her tongue. He still has it in his pocket, in a small plastic bag. It helps motivate him.

Checking the time, he suspects his future business partner will be arriving any moment.  

--Last edited by Alessio Giovanni on 2009-02-15 01:27:39 --

 I pull up in my Lotus Exige, the engine purring as I shift and pull the parking brake. I look around at the construction and decide to pull around a bit more before parking it. You never know when something might happen and my car is important. I lock it up, after tossing my gloves and driving glasses into the seat. I head toward the club, Bellisa sure would be hot over the changes.

Entering through what I think is the door, I spot Allesio looking at his watch. I casually approach making some noise as I get closer. It lets people know you are coming.

"Hey, place is really looking good"

"Grazie."

I make my way towards Valentine, clasping his hand in greeting. Truly, I am thankful to have found an associate of class in this backwoods hell of a town. I thought, surely, I was doomed for lack of decent company.

"The remodeling will begin next week. Right now, its a simple matter of tearing it all down and envisioning what is to replace it. Honestly, though, I find a hollowed out warehouse much more enjoyable than the previous design."

He barks a short laugh, rather amused by himself. He seems to be in rather good spirits. He gestures towards a table set up in the corner and starts to lead the way.

"Would you care for a drink?"  

--Last edited by Alessio Giovanni on 2009-02-15 14:38:05 --

 "Certainly," with a slight grin, he never had to be asked twice. He walks over to the table and nods as he glances about the construction.

"So what do you have planned for the place?" knowing a few kindred had asked. They had also been wondering about the previous owner and her recent absence, but that might be a delicate question. He had liked this stylish man and his dealings with the Giovanni had been mostly in Italy. Those few times were just small meeting, not really anything more then standing and watching. This was his first real one on one and he must admit they had a certain charm.

"The last place was a reflection of the owner. I think she read too much Anne Rice and watched way too many bad movies," with a sharp laugh.

"Poor Bellisa..."

Alessio shakes his head with a sigh, his eyes downcast and a faint smile upon his lips. After a moment, he breaks his silent contemplation, glancing up at Valentine.

"Truth be told, I am home sick. Like many of our kind, I yearn for a time and place that I can never return to."

He pauses, gesturing with an upraised arm.

"This place shall be an attempt to ease that pain. I intend the atmosphere to be exceedingly traditional."

 "That should definitely be a change of pace," in an amused manner. Kindred and their obsessions never seemed to amaze him. He was also from Italy, but he had a feeling Allesio could easily have predated him by a century at least.

"I can certainly understand your love, it has been many years since I have returned. Night flights after the concord was scrapped are a bit too close for my tastes," having thought about it a few times, but ultimately deciding against it.

"So what of this store, I have been thinking about it for so long that I can hardly imagine finally have it."

"Ah yes, the store..."

Alessio idly waves his hand, signaling one of the staff, who quickly vanishes backstage.

"I had been thinking much on it, myself. The financial aspects are all but taken care of. Only a few papers need signing at this point. I'm not sure how you wish to handle things of this nature, but i prefer to bury my involvement beneath a mountain of paperwork. We still need to discuss a location... and a name... Though, I feel that I may have already ascertained the latter..."

Leaning back in his chair, he grins across the table at Valentine.

"Chi nasce asino non può morire cavallo... No?"  

--Last edited by Alessio Giovanni on 2009-02-23 14:28:01 --

 "The dead horse huh," with a distinct smile on his lips. "I like that. As far as the business goes I would easily be willing to split ownership down the middle, just so we are both benefiting. I think the topic of our day to day affairs could be handled by either of us, do you have someone in mind to manage the store?"

I figure he does, but I know a few that would do the job accurately. I think the idea of either of us having too much influence upon the owner would turn both of us off. We can appreciate a store that does well because of its success alone, not its owners. Capitalism runs in both our veins and the idea of it being a leech upon us both is absolutely abhorrent.

I have a few contacts amongst the fashion designers in Italy as well, though I assume the same about you. You are too snappy a dresser not to have that sort of connection."

"Actually, I'd hoped that you could handle that... All of my trusted servants are currently occupied by other business."

A man appears, placing two glasses on the table, as well as a bottle of wine and a crystal flask filled with a dark liquid.

"The only thing they had to drink here was piss... So I had a crate of my best stuff dug up and sent over."

He opens the bottle, filling both glasses half way. Uncorking the flask, he tops off either drink. Taking his up in hand, he swirls the content and sniffs the glass.

"A wonderful '21 Abruzzo Sangiovese, enriched with the flavor of unbaptized child... I have heard it is good luck."

He grins across the table at Valentine, raising his glass in toast.

"Cento anni di prosperità!"  

--Last edited by Alessio Giovanni on 2009-03-04 16:19:12 --

 "Così mi piace!" in a jovial tone, taking the offered glass and sipping from it.

"I have just the person in mind for the job, she is gorgeous, smart, and very loyal. I'll put make certain she begins walking through all the details very shortly. I am certainly glad I met you, there are so few of the others that understand the nicer things in life and that immortality is squandered if its unappreciated," with a wry smile. Yes, this business arrangement will be perfect indeed.

Alessio takes a long draught of the rich, dark wine, savoring its archaic flavors. They don't make them like they use to. He grins across the table at his business partner, nodding in agreement.

"We two are truly diamonds among the pig slop."

After a moment of private musing, Alessio sets his glass aside and retrieves his briefcase. Removing a packet of documents, he slides them to Valentine.

"You will need to sign and initial at the bottom of every page."

He reclaims his exquisite vintage, swirling it gently in hand while giving his associate a moment to go over the fine print.

 After taking a long sip and allowing its vintage to be properly enjoyed, he sets down the glass and begins overlooking the paperwork. He might have certainly written things up a bit differently, but he was truly impressed by the man's business acumen. He begins signing, a flowery scrïpt more appropriate for the declaration of Independence then a simple business arrangement.

"I must say, your attention to detail rivals my own, I'm certainly glad that we had similar passions. I would hate to have you on the other side of a deal," a debonair look upon his face.

"I could only wish we all had such style and attention. I doubt we would get along any easier, but at least we would be well dressed doing it," as he finishes the signatures. "I'll need a copy for my records, just send them over at your convenience."

Picking up his glass he raises it in a toast,"Cin Cin, Salute"