John Grisham - 2007 - Playing for Pizza.pdf - fuyuhoshikim

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ody needs, but food would be welcome." "I have just the place. It's an old trattoria owned by two brothers. Carlo runs the kitchen and does the cooking. Nino handles the front and makes sure everyone is well fed. Nino is also your center, and don't be surprised when you meet him. Your center in high school was probably bigger, but he's tough on the field, and his idea of a good time is knocking people around for two hours once a week. He's also the offensive translator. You call the plays in English, then Nino does a quick version in Italian, then you break huddle. As you walk to die line, you pray that Nino got the translation right. Most of the Italians can understand the basics in English, and they're quick to go with their first impulse. Often they don't wait for Nino. On some plays the entire team breaks in different directions and you have no idea what's going on." "So what do I do?" "Run like hell." "This should be fun." "It can be. But these guys take it serious, especially in the heat of the battle. They love to hit, both before the whistle and after. They cuss and fight, then they hug and go drink together. A player by the name of Paolo might join us for dinner. His English is very good. And there might be one or two others. They're anxious to meet you. Nino will take care of the food and wine, so don't worry with the menu. It will be delicious, trust me."
CHAPTER 6 They drove near the university and parked on one of the endless narrow streets. It was dark now, and packs of students drifted by in noisy conversations. Rick was subdued, so Sam handled the dialogue. "A trattoria, by definition, is an unassuming family-owned place with great local dishes and wines, generous portions, not too expensive. Are you listening to me?" "Yes." They were walking quickly along a sidewalk. "Are you going to feed me or talk me to death?" "I'm trying to ease you into Italian culture." "Just find me a pizza." "Where was I?" "A trattoria." "Yes, as opposed to a restaurant, which is usually more elegant and expensive. Then there's the osteria, which traditionally was a dining room in an inn but now can mean almost anything. And the bar, which we've covered. And the enoteca, which usually doubles as a wine shop and offers snacks and smaller dishes. I think that covers it all." "So no one goes hungry in Italy." "Are you kidding?" A small sign for Cafe Montana hung over the door. Through the front window they could see a long room with empty tables, all covered with starched and pressed white cloths and adorned with blue plates, linens, and massive wine goblets. "We're a bit early," Sam said. "The place gets busy around eight. But Nino is waiting." "Montana?" Rick said. "Yes, after Joe. The quarterback." "No." "Dead serious. These guys love their football. Carlo played years ago but ruined a knee. Now he just cooks. Legend has it that he holds all kinds of records for personal fouls." They stepped inside, and whatever Carlo was preparing back in the kitchen hit them hard. The aroma of garlic and rich meat sauces and frying pork hung like smoke over the front room, and Rick was ready to eat. A fire was burning in a wall pit halfway back. >From a side door, Nino bounded into the room and began kissing Sam. A mighty embrace, then a manly, noisy peck somewhere near the right cheek, same for the left, then he grabbed Rick's right hand with both of his and said, "Rick, my quarterback, welcome to Parma." Rick shook hands firmly but was prepared to step backward if the kissing continued. It did not. The accent was thick, but the words were clear. Rick was more like Reek. "My pleasure," Rick said. "I am center," Nino announced proudly. "But be careful with your hands. My wife, she is jealous." At which Nino and Sam doubled over in horse laughter, and Rick awkwardly followed suit. Nino was less than six feet tall, diick and fit, probably around 210 pounds. As he laughed at his own humor, Rick quickly sized him up and realized it could be a very long season. A five-foot-ten center? Nor was he a youngster. Nino had wavy dark hair with the first shades of gray at the temples. He was in his mid-thirties. But there was a strong chin and a definite glow of wildness, a man who loved to brawl. I'll have to scramble for my life, Rick thought to himself. Carlo rumbled in from the kitchen in his starched white apron and chef's hat. Now, here is the center. Six feet two, at least 250 pounds, broad shoulders. But a slight limp. He greeted Rick warmly, a quick embrace, no kissing. His English was far below Nino's, and after a few words he ditched it and switched to Italian, leaving Rick to tread water. Sam was quick to step in. "He says welcome to Parma and to their restaurant. They have never been so excited to have a real American Super Bowl hero playing for the Panthers. And he hopes you will eat and drink many times at their little cafe." "Thank you," Rick said to Carlo. Their hands were still entangled. Carlo resumed his chatter and Sam was ready. "He says the owner of the team is his friend and often eats at Cafe Montana. And that all of Parma is thrilled to have the great Rick Dockery wearing the black and silver." Pause. Rick said thanks again, smiled as warmly as possible, and repeated to himself the words "Super Bowl." Carlo finally released him and began yelling at the kitchen. As Nino led them to their table, Rick whispered to Sam, "Super Bowl. Where did that come from?" "I don't know. Maybe I didn't get the translation right." "Great. You said you're fluent." "Most of the time." "All of Parma? The great Rick Dockery? What have you been telling these people?" "The Italians exaggerate everything."
Page 2 and 3: c Century London Published by Centu
Page 4 and 5: Playing for Pizza
Page 6 and 7: calling to warn me not to call them
Page 8 and 9: never heard anything like it. A cou
Page 10 and 11: CHAPTER 2 It was snowing and Arnie
Page 12 and 13: The Bologna Warriors were in the It
Page 14 and 15: and they will offer a contract righ
Page 16 and 17: Give me some time stateside to asse
Page 18 and 19: CHAPTER 4 Coach Russo read the Gazz
Page 20 and 21: finally continued: "Most Italian ci
Page 22 and 23: CHAPTER 5 The Stadio Lanfranchi is
Page 26 and 27: Their table was near the fireplace.
Page 28 and 29: Panthers!" Paolo said with a laugh.
Page 30 and 31: points with these guys, and help th
Page 32 and 33: like the Steelers? I love the Steel
Page 34 and 35: Sure, Coach. A thousand plays. No p
Page 36 and 37: "I mean, the last time I saw you, y
Page 38 and 39: He strutted up and down the lines o
Page 40 and 41: take up the sport, especially ex--s
Page 42 and 43: time, and the Fiat was dead. His la
Page 44 and 45: license plates, then the rear. The
Page 46 and 47: surgeon, and Rick thanked him. "Ver
Page 48 and 49: CHAPTER 12 On a beautiful Saturday
Page 50 and 51: By halftime, he had two more touchd
Page 52 and 53: Sam stayed at his elbow, anxious to
Page 54 and 55: CHAPTER 14 Monday's practice was a
Page 56 and 57: start his Fiat, shift it quickly in
Page 58 and 59: it, especially when you were onstag
Page 60 and 61: un. He selected a place called Quat
Page 62 and 63: and raced sixty-five yards for an e
Page 64 and 65: audience as well. She reluctantly e
Page 66 and 67: CHAPTER 17 At 18:00 Monday evening,
Page 68 and 69: at two thousand euros a month." "Tw
Page 70 and 71: CHAPTER 18 Rick and Sam waited like
Page 72 and 73: ones. There would be no problems. H
Page 74 and 75:
CHAPTER 19 The bus rolled into the
Page 76 and 77:
CHAPTER 20 Sleep, though, was impos
Page 78 and 79:
Interesting question with a complic
Page 80 and 81:
CHAPTER 21 "It's five o'clock in th
Page 82 and 83:
was really once again in Cleveland,
Page 84 and 85:
traveling alone on weekends because
Page 86 and 87:
two. Tell him to sue me and I'll fi
Page 88 and 89:
with each vault. His runs were beco
Page 90 and 91:
CHAPTER 24 Such less beer was consu
Page 92 and 93:
dinner." "Why not?" "I'm doing a ro
Page 94 and 95:
CHAPTER 25 Dergamo traveled well. T
Page 96 and 97:
The Panthers scored late in the fir
Page 98 and 99:
CHAPTER 26 They slept till noon in
Page 100 and 101:
CHAPTER 27 The oldest Panther was T
Page 102 and 103:
In their first meeting, Trey Colby
Page 104 and 105:
CHAPTER 28 In the early hours of Mo
Page 106 and 107:
curiosity inspired him to use his b
Page 108 and 109:
CHAPTER 29 The sound was vaguely fa
Page 110 and 111:
CHAPTER 30 Last-minute wrangling wi
Page 112 and 113:
as Maschi hit him low. A perfect op
Page 114 and 115:
CHAPTER 31 They gathered triumphant
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John Grisham - 2007 - Playing for Pizza.pdf - fuyuhoshikim

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