Page 99 - The Jazzsipper Novel

98

THE JAZZ SIPPER

euros, which is about $1,200.00 to $1,500.00 U.S. dollars. Vance took a deep
breath and then exhaled and said what, they do not sell any Brioni shirts.
Francesca and Larry started laughing hysterically and Vance turned to leave
with Larry close behind. Francesca said no they do not, but you can order a
Luigi Borrelli shirt to wear with your Brioni Suits, they cost between 141 euros
to 199 euros, that’s about $195.00 to $275.00 U.S. dollars Francesca yelled
out as Vance and Larry was almost out of sight.

Once Vance and Larry got into the cab they pulled out their pocket size
English to Italian translation guide and pointed to the word hotel. The driver
nodded like he understood and took off driving through the streets of Naples,
Italy. Vance and Larry just laid back and took in the sights as they were
whisked through the city. Vance could not help but feel a sort of kinship being
from New Orleans and having dealt with Italians who owned various
businesses in his old neighborhood. Vance was also struck by how the city
had lots of the same characteristics of U.S. cities. About 20 minutes later
they were entering the hotel. The Saint’ Angelo Naples which was located in
the heart of Naples, surrounded by all types of shops and restaurants as far
as the eye could see. After checking into the hotel and getting directions on
how to make an international call Vance told Larry that he would meet him at
his room within an hour. He wanted to make a telephone call back home.

When Aunt Jessie heard Vance voice she screamed out loud, thank you
Jesus, she said. Vance asked how she and Uncle Frank had been doing. We
are doing fine Aunt Jessie said, then she asked Vance where was he calling
from, Naples Italy he said, what time is it there, around 2:00 pm Vance said,
it’s about 8:00 am here, Aunt Jessie said. Are you behaving yourself, Aunt