Page 114 of Wicked

The entire family are in.

To convince my conservative parents, who are as old money as many in the Hamptons, Ineed numbers.

I also need the backing of every family member I can gather.

As Raven, Tito, and I greet my aunt, uncle, my fashion designer cousin, my grandmother, and my equestrian hotshot sister, Bianca, we pool around the table.

After small talk in the chamber with coffees and pastries, it’s time for business.

As they take seats and face the screen, I prepare my pitch.

My cutting-edge laptop will present a PowerPoint that Raven and I have put together. It is full of images and, of all things, Italian.

It’s focused on the castle and the areas we think will draw tourists in to generate revenue and respectfully build Italy as a brand.

We are doing it with a classy tone and style. We are not scrounging for dollars. Everything will also be done at an impeccable level.

After thanking everyone for coming, I explain I know the elders have equal shares in the castle, along with my parents. Ithen make it clear, I’m aware the financial pressure on everyone is exhausting.

Next, I explain Raven came up with a brilliant idea to save the castle, and I propose we implement it.

My eyes roam their faces as chins are rubbed, and people prepare to consider. I explain we will show them a montage of the feel, style, and tone of the contained theme park we propose. A theme park to bring in revenue, to celebrate Tuscany, and Italy, while not being a hotel. No accommodations, and everything but… accommodation.

After pausing to let that sink in, I push on.

I’ve pitched to sophisticated investors, fund heads, and global banks for years. Also, designers and the world’s best modelling agents.

I talk to my relatives slowly, and I explain my aim is to get one to two hundred people in the gates daily, and that after a while, we turn a profit.

The theme park would include a grand Italian banquet, an unforgettable sit-down lunch.

A large section of the castle would be focused on Italian fashion. Another large section on Italian history. Another section would focus on Italian wines and wine making. And Tuscan adventures on horse and in Italian sports cars. Wine tasting, vineyard visits and some of the world’s best roads would play part of that.

“By showcasing some of the most famous wine country in the world,” I say, “we should be able to own the market.”

In time, it should, and I pause for effect.

“As we celebrate all things Italian, it will be the best in the country and likely Europe. It will also be something for Mom, Dad, the kids. Our Italian traditions, and our Italian designs, for an example, Prada, Ferrari, Gucci, Dior, Fiat, Lamborghini, are known around the world. Our Italian culture has contributedto the world like no other, and it has made a richer and more dynamic planet. We are considered more sophisticated than many in the world, and we are humble.”

I pause as people laugh and clap, getting my bad joke.

I wrap up my pitch and I step back as the three-minute presentation with old Italian music begins.

Several minutes later, it comes to an end, and my passionate relatives cheer and clap yelling, “Bravo” and “Viva Italia.”

I pace in front of them, and I explain each one of them have unique gifts and interests we can use. I step closer, and I look them in the eyes, one by one.

“And each one of you, can teach, hold lectures, or give stand-alone speeches to global visitors in areas you already love. You will find more fans and fanatics like yourselves. Of Italian cuisine, of Italian fashion, of Italian wines, and of Italian history. You will finally be able to give your rare knowledge to the world, and do it from here, home, and you will even help the local villages. Yes, we will benefit, yes, Italy will benefit, but every small business owner within a hundred miles will, too. That is the kicker. Everybody wins!”

As I step back, Raven winks at me. I put my hands in my trouser pockets and give them a moment. “Well, what do you say?” I ask.

“Bravo! A wonderful idea. Where do we start?” my uncle says, standing and pulling a bottle of rare wine from his old leather bag.

“Tomorrow,” I say, eyeing Raven.

As my aunt stands, she finishes her coffee and helps pour the wine in the glasses. People cheer and smile, and it looks like we’re good to go.

Amongst the chaos, my sister promises horses for the tours, and my fashion designing cousin promises to teach Italian fashion history and fashion designing in the castle.

---