image courtesy of Maurice Benard Connection

a Sonny & Brenda Story
by scullysboy

Chapter 2

"Thank you for this opportunity," Brenda said as Sonny walked with her around the restaurant. "My pleasure," he replied. "Actually, it was a no-brainer decision. You're a friend of Robin's, and she's got great instincts about people." Brenda giggled, "you wouldn't just be saying that because she likes you, would you?" Sonny smiled, and Brenda's heart skipped a beat. "You caught me," he said; "I was thinking of myself. But also, Stone and Jason." Brenda nodded her head, "yeah, she told me all about Stone. You must really miss him." Sonny stopped walking and stared at her. "Yes I do. That was nice of you to say." Brenda replied, "I'm sure it's hard for you; Robin said you were like brothers." Sonny nodded his head, "we were...are...brothers, in every way that counts. Just because he's gone, that doesn't mean that stops you know." "Right. When you really love someone, it goes on forever." Sonny studied her eyes, searching for the memory of a past love there. When he didn't see it, he kept walking, and Brenda followed. She had plenty of boyfriends in Europe; a couple who were quite serious about her. But no one had ever been more than a casual thing for her; she'd just never met the right guy. She looked Sonny over from the back as he stopped to open the door to the office for her. He cut quite a figure in his obviously expensive suit. Sonny could feel her eyes on him, and smiled briefly. Then, he stepped aside and guided her into the office with his hand on the small of her back. She shivered at his touch, and hoped it went unnoticed. It didn't. There wasn't much that got by Sonny Corinthos. "Have a seat," he told her, and she sat in the chair in front of his desk. "Would you like a drink?" Brenda looked at him; he was pouring himself a glass of an amber liquid. She couldn't help but glance at her watch; it was 2:30 in the afternoon. "Just some water please," she replied. Sonny poured her water and handed it to her. Then, he picked up his previously poured scotch and walked around to his chair behind the desk. He spent a lot of time in the restaurant office; it was his home away from home. There was always something to deal with there, managing the restaurant, or dealing with his other business.

"We're open Wednesday through Sunday evenings, so you'd have Monday and Tuesday off. But of course, you'll get paid a full week's wages." "OK; sounds great," Brenda replied. "What will you expect me to do?" Sonny took a sip of his drink, then answered her. "You saw the hostess station near the door; that's your command post. You're to greet customers and seat them; take reservations...which are required by the way; make sure tables are cleared and set up promptly...that means you'll manage the busboys...which I'm sure they'll love." Brenda giggled, and Sonny smiled and continued. "Deal with deliveries and make sure everything's set up before we open for the night." "So what time would I start?" "3:00...and please be more prompt than you were today." Brenda blushed with embarrassment, but didn't respond. Sonny laughed, "good, you're not gonna hand me the line that Robin did." "No, it was my fault; it won't happen again." Sonny's eyes drifted over her face, "well, I understand. I'm sure it takes time to look so incredible. Robin tells me you're also a model?" Brenda let his comment go by, and answered, "yes; the face of Deception." "I hope not," Sonny dryly replied. "It's the name of the company...Deception Cosmetics," Brenda quickly informed him. "Ah yes, right. Lucy Coe's company." "Oh, you know Lucy?" "Sure. I know everyone that needs to be known." "I bet you do," Brenda retorted. Sonny took another sip of his drink, then leaned forward on the desk. "About deception...this is important...I expect loyalty from my employees." Brenda was confused, "I don't understand." "What goes on here...what gets discussed here...stays here. You get my meaning?" "Oh, you don't want people sharing things with other restaurants," Brenda said, not entirely sure that was what he meant. Sonny smiled, "right; or anyone else." "OK."

The phone rang, and Sonny excused himself before answering it. "Yeah?" He listened for a minute while his accountant Benny informed him of a problem that needed immediate attention. Benny was much more than an accountant though; he kept the books for the restaurant, but also for the other rackets, which required double books. He also was an all around go-to-guy who did background checks and other research for Sonny. Hearing his voice reminded Sonny that he'd better check into Brenda's past; just in case. "Benny, hang on a minute." He covered the mouthpiece with his hand and addressed Brenda again. "I need to take this call. Can you start tomorrow?" Brenda nodded her head, "sure. I'll be here at 3:00." She got up to leave and Sonny nodded at her. When she reached the door, she turned around. "Oh, what should I wear?" Sonny couldn't stop his eyes from drifting over her sexy body. Then, he looked her in the eyes again, "I'm sure whatever you wear...you'll be beautiful." Brenda smiled and said goodbye. She closed the door behind her and leaned back on it, letting everything sink in. Sonny made her feel uneasy, but she wasn't sure why. Was it the vague air of mystery and danger she sensed around him? Or was it because he had to be the sexiest man she'd ever met? She took a deep breath and headed out into the restaurant where Robin was waiting for her to finish her "interview." In the office, Sonny got back to the call with Benny. "OK, I'll have Jason take care of our friend there Benny. I doubt he'll be difficult after that visit. Now, I have a job for you. I need a background check on Brenda Barrett; two r's, two t's. She's new to Port Charles; works for Lucy Coe at Deception Cosmetics as a model; and, I just hired her as a hostess here. Let me know if there's anything I need to know about." Benny acknowledged his orders and they hung up. Sonny hit the intercom, which connected to the bar in the restaurant, and spoke. "Jason; get in here." Jason got up from the bar stool he had taken a seat on while waiting with Robin. Brenda and Robin watched him walk away. "Boy, he jumps when Sonny says 'jump', huh?" Brenda commented. Robin shrugged, "he works for him, so he does what Sonny wants." "What exactly does he do for Sonny?" "Helps run this place; does errands and stuff." "Errands? That's his job, doing errands? Isn't that a little strange?" Robin smiled, "no. Sonny's a busy man, and Jason helps him. That's all. Come on, let's go." The two women left the restaurant and hailed a cab outside.

Jason entered the office and plopped down across from Sonny. "So, what'd you think of her?" he asked. "She's nice," Sonny replied; "I hired her." "I know you hired her, you said that much out front. Do you like her?" "What are you asking me Jason? Do I find her attractive? Of course I do; she's a knockout." Jason smiled, "good." Sonny shook his head, "oh no, don't be playing matchmaker for me Jason. You've got more important things to do." "More important that helping you find what Robin and I have? I don't think so," Jason replied. Sonny frowned, "I'm glad you and Robin found each other, but that doesn't mean that everyone is going to find it. I'd rather just concentrate on business; Benny called. There's a situation you need to deal with..."

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