Renzo Giovanni (Jan 26, 2011 9:20:27 PM)
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Chiara Giovanni (Jan 26, 2011 9:20:52 PM)
(This user has entered 54 Marquis Terrace) (IP = 71.92.152.252)

Renzo Giovanni (Jan 26, 2011 9:24:50 PM)
Renzo would have asked Chiara to arrive at a particular time. As it was, when Chiara arrived there would already be two vehicles parked alongside the curb of Renzo's three bedroom brick with mediterranean flair. One car was a brown station wagon and the other a sporty red Kia. Lights were on inside the house. The door would be left unlocked but shut.

Chiara Giovanni (Jan 26, 2011 9:27:08 PM)
*Chiara was still somewhat dubious a bout the idea, but determined to handle it gracefully and make a good presentation. She'd step at the car and gaze up at the three bedroom brick and walked up. A pause and a light knock on the door.*

Renzo Giovanni (Jan 26, 2011 9:31:56 PM)
There would be a brief bit of laughter from a couple of voices. The sound of easy steps taken to the door before it was flung open. "Chiara! My second cousin twice removed!" A curious announcement to make. He leaned in close to kiss her on the cheek. Lips lingered a little longer than might be expected as he whispered. "You look magnificent as usual." And he stepped aside to let her in. "The other guests are in the dining. Second door on your right down the hall, Chiara." Door shutting behind her once she walks inside.

Chiara Giovanni (Jan 26, 2011 9:34:52 PM)
*A brow quirked gently at the introductio, though she'd return the kiss, her's being more of an air one. She flashed him a discreet, if appreciative look at that. She'd become anal about her clothing, not because of vanity, but because it helped with her courage. She wore a dark grey, high necked sheath. Very presentable, if 'quiet'.*

Renzo Giovanni (Jan 26, 2011 9:35:33 PM)
(high necked, nice!)

Renzo Giovanni (Jan 26, 2011 9:35:43 PM)
(keep Renzo's mind off of bad thoughts lol)

Chiara Giovanni (Jan 26, 2011 9:36:46 PM)
*lol* not turtle neck, but still probably helps. Poor Renzo. <3 )

Renzo Giovanni (Jan 26, 2011 9:47:17 PM)
At the dining room table were two people, though perhaps not entirely strangers to Chiara. She had most certainly seen them before, if only in passing. The woman: of larger physique wearing a casual white blouse and long black dress. Her hair was pulled up and draped about her cheeks with a kind of wild grace. Across from her and nearest to Chiara was a man who promptly turned around as she entered, smiling with a surprising amount of joy. Chiara would have felt Renzo behind her, the scent of a subtle aftershave lingering. He immediately gave introductions. "Chiara Giovanni. This is Mary LaRue and Father Charles Jones." Then a smile to his other guests as he motioned to them. "Clergy of the Saint Louis Cathedral, meet Chiara Giovanni."

Chiara Giovanni (Jan 26, 2011 9:52:18 PM)
...*Shock had temporarily rendered her speechless. Chiara had been expecting relatives of some sort, quite possibly grandma and it took her a few seconds to try and adjust. She blinked, then autopilot seemed to take over. The smile was sweet, if still faintly startled.* I'm very pleased to meet both of you.

Chiara Giovanni (Jan 26, 2011 9:52:57 PM)
*She would take hands if any were offered, otherwise nodding gently to the two.*

Renzo Giovanni (Jan 26, 2011 9:54:05 PM)
"Finally we get to meet you respectably." The Father said to Chiara, beaming. He wore his priestly garb that evening. "Mr. Giovanni was telling us so many good things about you that I feel ashamed for not having said hello sooner." The Father was of medium height though waifish in build, a slight of a man, almost sickly. His hair was short, buzzed in fact. Though his vigor left little to be desired. He was clearly abound with energy as he returned to eating the dish Renzo had provided that evening. Renzo chimed in then. "I took the liberty of making you up a gyro, Chiara. Greek style. You know how much we Italians love to borrow from our neighbors." There would be polite laughter as both the Father and Mary offer their hands to Chiara.

Chiara Giovanni (Jan 26, 2011 9:56:30 PM)
Mr. Giovanni may be biased, but I will do my best to live up to my reputation, Father. I've heard about you as well. Your Parish seems very proud of you. *That delivered more easily as the shock faded, the warm smile quick to surface. His hand first, then Ms. LaRue's.* I'd love one, thank you, Renzo.

Renzo Giovanni (Jan 26, 2011 9:59:30 PM)
Renzo would move to pull out Chiara's chair so she might sit, before returning to his place at the other end. His gaze lingering on her clothing before attention was diverted to handing Chiara over a plate of the open sandwich. "I suggest a fork darling. The sauce made the meat a touch tender and I daresay it almost slid out of my sandwich and got all over my clothes!" The vampire was in thought when Mary said. "I'm Father Jones' secretary. I listened in on one of your choir practices, I wish I could hit those notes. Too busy getting Charlie's checkbook in order."

Renzo Giovanni (Jan 26, 2011 10:03:28 PM)
The Father shook his head with a polite denial. "I put a lot of the Church's charity expense on my own account. Keeps me honest." A laugh. "As honest as a good Christian man can be gobbling up those delicious chocolates you sent to us." The Father looked at Chiara.

Renzo Giovanni (Jan 26, 2011 10:05:03 PM)
"Yes, I tried one. I need that recipe, Ms. Giovanni." She laughed. "But hey what girl doesn't love a batch of home made dark chocolate."

Chiara Giovanni (Jan 26, 2011 10:06:44 PM)
Chiara murmured a thank you and sat. She'd take the plate, nodding gently at the suggestion. If the others had started,s he'd cut neatly into hers, though her eyes flicked from face to face. The compliment taken mostly in stride, Chiara slowly learning to weather them better!* Thank you. I credit most of it to voice lessons, but appreciate the praise all the same. And there's that. *A smile at the woman, before Chiara glanced apologetically at the priest. She was beginning to put two and two together and only smiled.* There's nothing wrong with taking a moment to enjoy life, Father and I'm sure that can be managed, Ms. LaRue. All good things should be shared.

Renzo Giovanni (Jan 26, 2011 10:09:40 PM)
In front of each guest there was a dish of the authetic foriegn cuisine. Clearly they had been there for more than a few minutes by the few bites taken out of each. Candles in the center of the table danced gently in the stillness of the air. A brief moment of silence before Mary answered. "That's what the good book says. What was the passage about sharing, Father?" She asked the padre.

Chiara Giovanni (Jan 26, 2011 10:12:11 PM)
*As the question was directed to the priest, Chiara took that moment to enjoy a small bite, listening attentively. When a pause allowed, Renzo would a grateful smile, aimed just at him.*

Renzo Giovanni (Jan 26, 2011 10:14:38 PM)
"Deuteronomy 16..." The Father frowned and then as the answer came to him he smiled. "16:17. Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the Lord thy God which he hath given thee." There was a twinkle in the Father's eye. Clearly the man enjoyed his scripture. Then he added, a touch of concern returning to the fine wrinkles and crows feet about his eyes. "You know who used to say that all the time Mary?" The Father's gaze would drift to a place set to the right of Chiara. A wine glass had been filled though the place remained untouched. The Father and secretary shared a look before Renzo broke the silence. "A bit of bad news Chiara." Renzo covered his mouth and cleared his throat as if to pay proper respect to the unsaid.

Renzo Giovanni (Jan 26, 2011 10:15:32 PM)
"Sister Marguerite has gone missing." Renzo finished.

Renzo Giovanni (Jan 26, 2011 10:16:48 PM)
Mary looked over at Chiara and continued the story. "A neighbor had called the police last night, heard screams. She's gone missing."

Chiara Giovanni (Jan 26, 2011 10:17:08 PM)
...That's horrible. They have no idea where she may have gone..? *Chiara couldn't bring herself to voice anything more sinister, especially with the quiet hints of sadness at the table.*

Chiara Giovanni (Jan 26, 2011 10:17:51 PM)
*A blink, the frown deepening as she slowly nodded.*

Chiara Giovanni (Jan 26, 2011 10:18:27 PM)
I will her and both fo you in my prayers.

Chiara Giovanni (Jan 26, 2011 10:18:29 PM)
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Chiara Giovanni (Jan 26, 2011 10:18:50 PM)
(This user has entered 54 Marquis Terrace) (IP = 71.92.152.252)

Chiara Giovanni (Jan 26, 2011 10:18:58 PM)
ack. I questioned you and the chat rejected me!)

Renzo Giovanni (Jan 26, 2011 10:19:16 PM)
(lol)

Chiara Giovanni (Jan 26, 2011 10:19:32 PM)
did my post about keeping them in her prayers go through>(

Renzo Giovanni (Jan 26, 2011 10:21:14 PM)
Renzo nods and answers Chiara. "I told the Father I'd have our cousin Vitale take a look into it." A prideful smile. "He's one of the best CSI's on the force. If anyone can do it, it's him. As handsome and regal as he is efficient. Logical to a fault that one." He patted Mary's hand with a sense of comfort.

Chiara Giovanni (Jan 26, 2011 10:22:25 PM)
He is just the man. *Chiara nodded solemnly. She would smile at them after a moment, but there was enough sadness in it to sober it up and match the mood of the table.*

Renzo Giovanni (Jan 26, 2011 10:23:43 PM)
"I had set a place for the Sister this evening, Chiara. She was to be my third guest this evening." There was a genuine sense of lamentation in his voice.

Renzo Giovanni (Jan 26, 2011 10:27:26 PM)
The Father added. "But, the good Lord says we must press on and to keep our chin up. Speaking of which..." The Father Charles Jones took a drink of the sweet red wine and looked at Chiara. "Sister Marguerite, as you of course know, was leading the night choir. I declare that woman could get a smoker of fifteen years singing soprano." The Father digressed but then caught himself. "In any regard, Chiara. We need someone to take over leading her choir in the evenings." Then at that Renzo chimed in. "The dear Father had mentioned it earlier but I told him I didn't know if you might have time in the evenings, what with your biblical language studies."

Chiara Giovanni (Jan 26, 2011 10:28:01 PM)
back.)

Renzo Giovanni (Jan 26, 2011 10:31:07 PM)
Mary nodded in silent agreement, cutting off another piece of the gyro and listening while she enjoyed the meal.

Chiara Giovanni (Jan 26, 2011 10:32:02 PM)
*Chiara nodded, easily reassured by what she read as sorrow. She'd give him a sympathetic glance, before looking seriously back to the priest. She'd nod slightly in agreement, almost subconciously straightening her shoulders ta the gentle nudge back to stoicism. A quick, startled blink as she looked first to Renzo, then preach.* ..I'd be glad to help however I can, considering. I can easily make time, if it would help. I do enjoy the choir.

Renzo Giovanni (Jan 26, 2011 10:36:36 PM)
Renzo clapped his hands together once as if in an attempt to dispel the taciturn mood that had befallen them. "Excellent! Splendid. Would anyone like dessert? It's chocolate!" He announced with a smile all three in turn, his skin the warm olive shade it gets when he makes an effort to look presentably life like.

Chiara Giovanni (Jan 26, 2011 10:37:04 PM)
I think chocolate would be wonderful, thank you. Do you need any help..?

Renzo Giovanni (Jan 26, 2011 10:43:16 PM)
Mary would be the first to exclaim. "Oh I'd love some, especially if it's more of that Italian home cooking." The Father would initially decline with a. "Well, I really shouldn't. Gluttony and all. But...I must declare I haven't had a single solitary sweet in two days. I think a little bit of a taste wouldn't bother the man upstairs." Renzo nodded and his focus turned on Chiara, gaze attentive upon her eyes. "You are my guest, darling. Please allow me to serve you for once." The careful way he said those words was matched by the memories of tasting Chiara that taunted him mercilessly. At this point Renzo was thankful for her modest attire with an eye for vampiric propriety. "I'll be just a jiffy. Please enjoy each other's company." And he stood, quickly leaving the three to the silence of the grandfather clock that ticked methodically away in the far corner.

Chiara Giovanni (Jan 26, 2011 10:44:45 PM)
I don't think that the Lord minds occasionally dessert, especially if we've done our duty to the church and the poor. *Chiara would gaze at Renzo a moment and smile softly, nodding once. Her thoughts far different.* We should exchange recipes, Ms. LaRue. American for Italian.

Renzo Giovanni (Jan 26, 2011 10:47:00 PM)
Mary nods excitedly. "Of course! My mother makes a mean cheeseburger. As many onions as you can stuff into it! Dad loves it. I swear that man is your classic french aristocrat. Wine, cheese and as much bread as you can throw at him." She laughs, a full, unhindered sound that was gentle on the ears.

Renzo Giovanni (Jan 26, 2011 10:49:09 PM)
The Father responds to Chiara in his faint southern accent. "I do say you hit the nail right there on the head. We should do another charity sometime. What do you think, Mary? How does our budget look after that Orphan Christmas event we held?" He asked curiously of his secretary who immediately looked up as numbers and quick calculations danced through her head. "I...think...we have enough to do something small. A raffle maybe?" She offered an idea.

Chiara Giovanni (Jan 26, 2011 10:50:46 PM)
You'll have to introduce me to those. I've only had an Italian version, which I doubt is accurate. *Chiara was softer, a little more serious, but the hints of warmth in the smile and that shone out of green eyes seemed entirely genuinely. There was no hint of falseness or hardness to marr it. Mary's mood seemed contagious and Chiara smiled more widely as she laughed.* What sort of fundraisers do you usually do, if I can ask?

Renzo Giovanni (Jan 26, 2011 10:54:53 PM)
"Bake sales. Of course a lot of the tithing goes to right back into food for the poor. It's hard to get a nice fundraiser going. Everyone thinks just because we have the oldest Cathedral in New Orleans that we're made of money." Mary shakes her head with a rueful smile. "It just doesn't work like that."

Renzo Giovanni (Jan 26, 2011 10:56:31 PM)
"Oh Mary, modesty is nice but don't pretend you haven't put on a great fundraiser before!" The Father adds. "Remember that little circus and petting zoo we put on during Madi Gras. That couldn't have been done without you."

Chiara Giovanni (Jan 26, 2011 10:56:48 PM)
I might lag for oooone second after this post.)

Renzo Giovanni (Jan 26, 2011 10:56:53 PM)
(kk)

Chiara Giovanni (Jan 26, 2011 10:57:42 PM)
Hm. Do you ever have auctions, parties the community can attend or some of those things? I was actually trying to think of things the woman's Bible study might enjoy throwing or being involved in, as well as a bake sale.

Renzo Giovanni (Jan 26, 2011 11:02:13 PM)
"Auctions! That's a wonderful idea. Parties are a little more difficult..." Mary said with a bit of an embarrassed smile on her face before Father Jones interjected. "Brother Jessup had a little too much of the good lord's brew and quite enjoyed singing every verse of the Songs of Solomon. That man tries so hard, god bless him, heart in the right place. He just takes everything overboard. But Mary's right an Auction would be a great idea." The Father nods, turning his head at the scent of baking chocolate that had wafted into the room.

Renzo Giovanni (Jan 26, 2011 11:02:47 PM)
Mary continued the story. "Ever since that fundraising party getting the clergy to agree on the beverages has been a nightmare."

Chiara Giovanni (Jan 26, 2011 11:06:03 PM)
*A blink as she tried to grasp -that- mental picture, nodding slowly with Mary. * Why don't we do lunch some time and brain storm? You can tell me more about what worked well and what you'd like to see and maybe I can help as well?

Chiara Giovanni (Jan 26, 2011 11:06:34 PM)
..*A glance to the kitchen, just to see if Renzo had gotten any 'bright ideas; from that story, as she did not put it past him, especially if he stopped to read it.*

Renzo Giovanni (Jan 26, 2011 11:10:01 PM)
"That'd be awesome." She said, her vernacular betraying her youthful age. "I know this great local place with great gumbo. If you like sea food I mean." It was about then that Renzo arrived, three plates in tow. "Here we are, warm and gooey. Dear mother used to make them like this when I was just a boy." A plate is set before each of them. "I had a drizzle of maple syrup left but only enough for two. It cuts a bit of the sweet chocolate. Something Gemma told me. Chiara, I hope you'll forgive me leaving you out this time." In front of her he set a plate with a fresh brownie and fork. Father and Mary got the dessert with the not-so-sweet maple.

Chiara Giovanni (Jan 26, 2011 11:12:12 PM)
My Nonna was Venetian, I grew up on seafood and I'd love to try gumbo. *Mary even got a bright smile at that, some of Chiara's own age shining very briefly. Her pleased gaze would switch to Renzo, nodding gently.* Of course. They are the guests.

Renzo Giovanni (Jan 26, 2011 11:17:55 PM)
"Then it's a date!" Mary answered, thanking Renzo for the dessert and picking up the fork for a first bite. Father Jones also went to trying the dessert while Renzo returned to his seat. None for him that evening, unsurpring. Chiara might notice the olive color to Renzo's skin had faded into an ashen hue and his eyes appeared a touch more gaunt and severe in expression.

Renzo Giovanni (Jan 26, 2011 11:18:08 PM)
(unsurprising rather)

Chiara Giovanni (Jan 26, 2011 11:19:04 PM)
*Chiara nibbled at her dessert, studying Renzo for the few seconds discretion allowed and back to the mortal guests so muchly enjoying the chocolate.*

Renzo Giovanni (Jan 26, 2011 11:26:10 PM)
Miss LaRue and Father Charles ate their food with polite, careful bites at first, fitting for guests in the home of a gracious host. By the third or fourth bite the two were taking less care with the speed of their eating, so delicious apparently was the treat. Napkins would be used to catch smears of chocolate on hungry lips. Renzo smiled faintly and rested his hands gently upon the dining table. "Aldo and Vitale seem to be doing well, Chiara. I saw them not two evenings ago."

Chiara Giovanni (Jan 26, 2011 11:29:28 PM)
I'm relieved to hear it. I'm behind on news. Sadly behind. *Despite the deliciousness, Chiara still ate slowly, with small, graceful bites. She'd pause to smile at a pleasantry or not a comment, keeping her side conversation with Renzo to the polite minimum.* Thank you again for having all of us.

Renzo Giovanni (Jan 26, 2011 11:33:59 PM)
"Of course! I should take up no more of your time Father Jones and Ms. Mary LaRue." Renzo stands up. "If you'll forgive me I'm going to make sure none of that lamb has damaged my wardrobe or my ego beyond repair." A polite parting laugh as the other two guests stood. Mary said to Chiara. "It was such a pleasure to meet you. I look forward to hearing your choir practices." To which the Father included. "Your first recital is tomorrow, Ms. Giovanni. Six o'clock. I'll do a quick flier and..." The Father looked down sadly a moment. "And tell the flock about our dear Sister."

Renzo Giovanni (Jan 26, 2011 11:35:50 PM)
"Mary could you get a format for me, something respectable but not too dreary? We must be strong for everyone." Mary would nod her head. "I think I can do that." Efficient, simple. Renzo would offer his condolences and walk them to the door.

Chiara Giovanni (Jan 26, 2011 11:37:33 PM)
*Chiara stood as well, reaching out to gently shake either hand. A faint wince at the priest's words. She collected herself enough to offer a solemn nod, sadness bleeding over into green eyes.* I enjoyed meeting you both, though I wish it could have been under other circumstances. I'll be there early Father and if there is anything I can do, please let me know.

Renzo Giovanni (Jan 26, 2011 11:42:00 PM)
"I will. Thank you for being here in our time of need." The Father adds. "Mr. Giovanni, thank you for the dinner." And Renzo would nod, closing the door behind them as the two guests went to their vehicles. There was no sigh of relief as he scarcely needed to keep up the appearances of a living man. At least for the moment. He glanced at Chiara and gave her a telling smile, sheepish with pallor but still clearly pleased with himself.

Chiara Giovanni (Jan 26, 2011 11:45:13 PM)
*And he'd find himself promptly enfolded in a hug, an impulse kiss pressed to his cheek. Perhaps his mouth if he moved slightly, the intent there either way. Pleasure briefly surpassing her usual inhibitions.*

Renzo Giovanni (Jan 26, 2011 11:48:46 PM)
Without a doubt Renzo would try to catch her lips in a kiss if she gave him opportunity. His arms encircling her as he closed his eyes and savored her warm mortal touch. He revelled in those kisses as he did everything else with the abandon of a man driven by his senses. Pulling away enough to look at her face, blinking slowly as he tried to get an idea of her mood. (Auspex 2!)

Renzo Giovanni (Jan 26, 2011 11:49:05 PM)
(reveled rather and rolling!)

Chiara Giovanni (Jan 26, 2011 11:52:35 PM)
*An easy opportunity, considering her arms around him and chin tilted up towards his face. It was not the same for mortal senses, but Chiara was still concious of the feel of his suit beneath her fingers, the broad frame that felt so different from her own. Not to mention the feel of his mouth. She was hardly hurried, but woudl ease back as he did, smiling up at him.*

Renzo Giovanni (Jan 26, 2011 11:55:20 PM)
Renzo would lift a hand to gently touch the soft skin of her cheek his gaze lingering on her lips a moment longer before he turns away. The dinner jacket came off as he walked into the familiar sitting room she had met him in the first time she came to visit. A seat was taken in the wicker chair by the empty fire place.