Chapter Text
“The West Coast is exactly where we want it.”
“But the East Coast operation leaves much to be desired, and they say it's all due to supply.”
“That’s because it's year-round, not seasonal.”
“We're struggling to secure enough wheat and essential milling components.”
“Industry experts talk about potential breakthroughs, but nothing that we can use in our lifetime.”
“So what do we do in the meantime?”
“There's nothing we can do except pray for a miracle.”
“Provided we still have a business by then.” Destiny mutters, but she’s so caught up in writing her notes, she doesn’t realize all the men in the room are staring at her.
“You got something to say, del Vecchio?” one of them demands.
“If we wait, we’re gonna lose everything.” Destiny points out.
“And what could you possibly have in mind?” one man sneers.
“Acquiring supply?” Destiny asks, like she’s not sure.
“Elaborate.”
Bolder, Destiny goes on, “We can't control our supply of wheat if we can't control the supplier. So let's become the supplier.”
“By doing what? Buying Northwestern Consolidated?
This makes the other men laugh, but Destiny doesn’t back down.
“No, by going for the little guys. Acquiring local grain mills. Digging through universities for agricultural talent. We've got a few of those in New York.”
“More than a few.” A man concedes.
Destiny doesn’t stop, “We get our own technicians, experts. Build our own chain and become our own suppliers. We already turn wheat into flour, so let’s turn flour into products. Let's sell the products, too. Conglomerate.”
“We need a line of credit, first and foremost.”
“And we need to call our guys here on the East Coast, give them a heads-up.”
“On it.”
Destiny looks at Mrs. Santoro, who gives her a thumbs up.
“I still can’t believe your children are turning 5.” Peach says as she helps Luigi and Amy put together gift bags. “Almost time to put them in school, isn’t it?”
“And then they go away to college, get married, have their own babies.” Amy adds.
“Wait wait.” Luigi looks into a bag. “This one has racecars. I’m doing racecars.”
“You said you were doing marbles.” Amy recalls.
“And Peach, you’re putting dinosaurs in the girls’ bags.” Luigi adds.
“See, this is why the bags should be color coded!” Peach says.
“You’re too loud.” Giovanni complains, bursting out of his office.
“Sorry, dad.” Luigi apologizes.
“What’re you doing out here, anyway?” Giovanni demands.
“MJ and Desi’s birthday party.” Luigi tells him.
“Don’t you think you’re spoiling them?” Giovanni points out.
“It’s not for them, it’s for the guests.” Luigi corrects. “Less screaming, more fun.”
“More fun, no life lessons.” Giovanni shakes his head in disapproval.
“They’re kids, Dad.” Luigi shrugs. “Let the real world do it for them.”
“Mr. Mario, did you need us for something?” Amy asks.
“I need you to tone it down because I can hear everything.” Giovanni says. “Luigi, Rosie…other Rosie. Shush.”, then retreats back into his office.
“Who’s Rosie?” Amy asks.
“Someone I knew as a kid.” Luigi shrugs. “He uses it for women that aren't Destiny.”
He checks another bag, “Why is a bubblegum cigar in here?”
“I did that one.” Amy says.
“I’m doing bubblegum cigars.” Luigi says.
“I thought you were doing saltwater taffy.” Peach says.
Luigi sighs, then empties the bag. “Let’s try this again.”
As they start over, Peach says, “So, who’s on the guest list?”
“Same as the year before.” Luigi says, not getting the significance.
“You sure?”
“What’s wrong, Rosies?” Luigi jokes.
“Is Destiny still allowed to come?” Peach asks.
“Why wouldn’t she?” Luigi says. “They’re his kids.”
“Is she bringing a plus one?” Amy asks.
“Only if she wants to be kicked out prematurely.” Luigi replies.
“Then we need to see how much everyone knows.” Peach decides. “I’ve lost track. What have you been telling everyone, anyway?”
“I don’t know either.” Luigi confesses. “I started off lying, then started with taking a break, but still talking.”
“Your neighbors?” Peach pushes.
“Think Destiny’s on a trip with her parents.” Luigi says. “What about the friends in your neck of the woods, Amy?”
“Know you’re separated, and that Destiny doesn’t live with you anymore. They already knew before I said anything.” Amy explains. “But they don’t know she went to live with Jordan.”
“She’s not there anymore.” Luigi tells them.
“What?” Peach exclaims.
“When did that happen?” Amy demands.
“Mrs. Santoro, Destiny’s assistant, told me.” Luigi explains. “She called me to give me her new number. Apparently she moved back in with her parents.”
“Why?” Peach asks, still shocked.
“No clue.” Luigi admits.
Meanwhile, as Luigi and the girls keep talking, Giovanni’s listening in on every word in his office, a thoughtful look on his face.
Mario walks into the barber, carefully lifting towels off of faces, then replacing them when he doesn’t see who he’s looking for.
In all fairness, there seems to be a lot of Kongs in here today, so it’s just his luck he finds Cranky, who’s not too happy about being disturbed.
“Mario!” He protests.
“Cranky, I gotta talk to you.” Mario says.
“So get a phone and call me.” Cranky snaps.
“Weren’t you the one to tell me to always talk in person when It can be helped?” Mario reminds him, reaching out to mess with his beard. “Wow, so soft and fluffy!”
“Fine!” Cranky shoves him away. “Just tell me what you’re doing here so I can make you go away.”
“It’s the comedian I told you about. My only client?” Mario says.
“Your brother?” Cranky scratches his chin.
“My brother.” Mario confirms. “Every night at Boo’s Lantern has been successful.”
“What did you say his name was?” Cranky asks.
“I didn’t. It’s Jude Lemmings.” Mario lies.
“Hate it.” Cranky decides.
“Stage name. But amazingly talented.” Mario promises. “I think he’s ready to open for Dimentio!”
“Are you serious?” Cranky scoffs. “Dimentio’s my star client! Where do you get the nerve to ask me for anything, let alone that?”
“I’m not asking for the Boom Boom, Cranky.” Mario assures.
“Then what are you asking for?” Cranky asks.
“Dimentio plays in those dumps when he’s testing out new lines.” Mario explains. “Let my brother do it there.”
“Are you sure?” Cranky asks, now suspicious.
“Absolutely.” Mario nods.
“Dimentio himself hates going there.” Cranky tries to dissuade.
“I know.” Mario agrees.
“The audience wants to see Dimentio. The opener barely makes it through their act before they’re booed off.” Cranky warns.
“Promise?” Mario shrugs with a smile.
“Tell me the name of 5 comics that opened for Dimentio in the last 10 years.” Cranky challenges.
“Uh…” Mario falters, biting his lip. “Okay, I see what you’re saying.”
“You want that to happen to your brother? Cause that’s exactly what’s gonna happen.” Cranky says.
“I don’t care! Do it!” Mario begs.
“I can’t do that until I see his act for myself.” Cranky says.
“He’s already got a tight ten.” Mario says with a smile. “Name the night, he’ll be there.”
“Not at Boo’s Lantern.” Cranky shakes his head.
“Why not?”
“I won't go to the human world anymore if I can help it.” Cranky says. “Here they respect me because I have a vault full of coins they could never hope to have. You want me to see him, it’s gotta be in New Donk.”
“Name the place.” Mario says. “But Boo’s Lantern is his home away from home.”
Cranky sighs. “There are few gigs that are as bad as this one.”
Mario laughs, “He’s gonna bomb so hard.”
