Seeing that Annibale had finished his glass, Frankie poured Annibale another glass.

"My parents told me that it was better than what they had growing up. The economy industry is thriving but only in northwest Italy, and largely left the rest behind." He was aware this was the last of the wine. "Rome may be the political capital, but if you want to take advantage of any economic opportunity you need to go to Milan or Turin."  

That was what he used to think. He went for the wine bottle realizing that it was empty. 

That was the last of the wine, Frankie realized as he took a look at the now-empty glass. “Ah, I see. So what did you do in Milan and Turin? What sort of economic opportunities did you take advantage of?” He tapped a few fingers on the table, curious to learn more. Was there something he could work with Annibale on? If Annibale was interested in doing some cross-Atlantic trade, this could be a way to pay off his family’s debts.

Annibale glanced, knowing an eager person when he saw it. "Banking, mostly. But most of the deals I do are centered on the Mediterranean and Africa." 

Frankie raised his eyebrows again. “Wow, that’s impressive. So you know a lot of bankers? Or some of your family are bankers?” 

"Some are, but they are also quite varied. I have a few cousins who worked with shipping. I worked since most of my cousins were called up to fight in the Great War and there was barely anyone left to deal with the family business." He sighed then, glad that there wasn't anymore. "But things aren't as easy there. It's been quite hard actually, if I haven't already made the connections through the war I don't think I would have found anything much." 

He wouldn't have wanted to tell anyone. But with a fellow Italian, he was willing to share.

Frankie lowered his gaze and looked thoughtfully at the ground. “The Great War was tough on a lot of people. A number of families we knew had to send their kids over for the war. Conscription, you know. Fortunately I was too young at that time to have been conscripted. I was 16 - the minimum age was 18, so I was glad I was born a bit too late for that.”

He paused, gulped, and then returned Annibale’s gaze.

“I see. I think it’s been tough for a lot of people since the War, especially in the Old World. Here, it’s a bit better, since we weren’t that affected by the Great War, but I know the Old Country and the Old World in general was quite badly affected by it. My condolences.”

"I was too young but I would have fought if the war lasted for one more year. And that's kind of why I decided to come. Mostly investing in the stocks or bonds here because they're obviously a lot better than whatever we have there," he said. "The British have nothing but a ton of debt. France is the same, maybe Germany but they're now pretty much the most hated nation on the continent, Russia is still in revolution." 

Frankie nodded. “That’s right. I think America has what you’re seeking - stability and tons of opportunity. Even my friend, Sam, is planning to make a living as an actor and ghost writer, and he’s already doing the latter part-time. Who knows, he might make something of himself…! Anyways, where will you be staying? The Lower East Side…?” His voice trailed off somewhat hopefully - he would enjoy seeing this elegant young man more often.