New York City is a big place but [ MARCO RICCI ], a [ 42 ] year-old [ CIS MAN ] has made it their home in [ THE UPPER EAST SIDE, MANHATTAN ]. In this city you can be anything you want to be and [ HE ] is the [ OWNER & HEAD CHEF OF RICCI’S ]. Described by loved ones as [ PASSIONATE, DETERMINED, AND CREATIVE ] but those wanting to bring them down might say they are [ FLIGHTY, UNTRUSTING, AND HOT-HEADED ] but I guess that is up to everyone else to decide! You never know who you’re going to meet around here, but weirdly they look like [ BRADLEY COOPER ] - what are the odds?
tw: cancer, death
ABOUT.
Name: Marco Andrea Ricci
Age: Forty-two.
DoB: December 31st 1979.
Occupation: Owner and Head Chef at Ricci’s.
Sexual/romantic orientation: Bisexual/biromantic.
Birthplace: Santa Barbara, California.
Current Location: The Upper East Side, Manhattan, New York.
Time in New York: 6 months in 1997, returned March 2006.
Face-claim: Bradley Cooper
Born and raised in Santa Barbara to a very Italian father and a not so Italian mother.
His entire family was completely obsessed with food, that’s literally how his parents met.
Marco, much to his father’s dismay, wasn’t interested when he was a kid and was in love with the ocean.
He spent every day on the beach, started surfing as soon as he was old enough to, and took a keen interest in the local marine life.
His family up and moved to New York 6 months before his high school graduation to open a restaurant in Little Italy, to say Marco was pissed was an understatement. He basically refused to make an effort and got to know literally no one during that time.
Went to California State to study marine biology. Some bitch broke his heart while he was there and he’s had commitment issues ever since.
Next was San Diego and a job at Seaworld for 5 years, which is when he became Henry Roth from 50 First Dates ofc.
Got called back to New York by his mom to take over the running of the family restaurant ‘cause his dad was sick and his siblings were too young to. Didn’t want to but couldn’t say no to the most important woman in his life sobbing down the phone. Did that for around 6 months.
Took a job at an aquarium in Brooklyn for a year.
Realised he actually was interested in cooking after all and his dad basically became his mentor for several years. He did some business management courses at community college while his dad was teaching him everything he knew, fully intent on opening his own place.
In around 2014 he opened Ricci’s in the Upper East Side, a high end Italian restaurant, and basically put his entire life into the place.
Attempted and failed rather epicly to have a relationship again, so gave up again pretty quickly.
In 2017 Ricci’s was awarded a Michelin star.
Early 2019 his dad got sick again, but this time there was nothing that could be done. Cancer, caught much too late that resulted in his death around 8 months later.
Marco’s currently trying to put the whole family back together again… while working himself into the ground because he doesn’t know how to do anything else. He’s been determined to earn another star, but family issues are definitely getting in the way of any kind of momentum to work toward that.
WANTED CONNECTIONS.
Younger Siblings (0/2): Between 28 and 35.
Cousins: [Bluebell Madonna Ricci.]
The college girlfriend AKA the bitch that ruined him:
𝐁𝐋𝐔𝐄𝐁𝐄𝐋𝐋 𝐓𝐎𝐎𝐊 gulped her drink and refilled, and back to eat slowly, politely with posture; once she swallowed her food down her throat, and cleaned her rosy lips on the napkin. ❛ I’ll stay like two days over there. Probably, I’ll go within 2 or 3 days. I have to check with papa.❜ She sighs deeply. Bluebell had told to herself when she moved to America months ago she wouldn’t travel to Italy with frequency, but she was wrong. Her parents always needed her, and they have an abusive relationship with her which she isn’t aware and thinks it’s normal. Only a few family members could noticed there’s something off with her relationship with her parents for outsiders and the Italians, they’re perfect family. ❛ I have a wedding papa wants me to attend. I don’t plan to stay long, because Klaus might need my help, I don’t know… He’s helping me with the Christmas fair. I’m raising money for charity. Also, I need to ask something to him…❜ The Italian blonde spoke casually and she began to eat slowly, as her cheeks were slightly blushed when she mentioned Klaus. Enzo Ricci, Blue’s father didn’t like the closeness she has with Klaus, especially after the video. Regardless, her father never liked anyone his daughter loved. He only wants her to stay with somebody it’s a benefit for him, and he is old-fashioned… ❛ I’m going to meet his children. ❜ She added.
Honestly, the way that his cousin put things, it made it sound complicated and unnecessary. Yes, she was visiting home, yet it didn’t sound like it would be joyous, not in the slightest. He couldn’t have dealt with that. At least his own visits back to Santa Barbara to see his mom’s side of the family usually filled everyone with happiness. Marco knew the relationship Blue had with her own family sounded unhealthy, but what exactly could he do? He wasn’t there, he rarely ever went to Italy these days, he didn’t really know what was going on. “I’d definitely advise not staying long, get out of there as soon as you can,” he said thoughtfully. “And call me if you need anything.” It wouldn’t help, but he wanted to put that out there. “You’re meeting Klaus’s children? Sounds like things are getting serious.”
“I’m the female version of Peter Pan, am I not? A Tinkerbell, really,” she started laughing at herself, even more at the whole conversation, but it was exactly how her Sunday mornings with Marco usually were.. full of laughter. “What does? The idea of running away? And I mean that in the best way possible,” she stuck out her tongue at him while turning around to grab a cup of coffee he brought her to earlier. “You know,” it dawned to her, “if you do that, that could lead you to a TV show. It’s a great overture,” taking a sip of her coffee, she continued. “Even better, we could actually do a show on the boat. You travel the world on the boat, you experience the local cuisine, you cook,” she could already see it, “you’re obviously hot, so the ratings would be off the charts.”
"What? You’ll never grow up? Not a bad thing necessarily.” At least Marco had never seen it as a bad thing, he had much the same frame of mind, had done for a very, very long time. At her question, he let his shoulders rise and fall in a shrug, expression thoughtful. It didn’t really require that much thought, but he had to at least sit on it for a minute or two, not completely abandon the idea the second it had come up. “Running away when you’re our age,” he countered with a gentle laugh. “Easier in your twenties.” And it really had been, his escape across the country had solved a lot of his problems... he’d thought so at the time anyway. “It’s an idea...” he mused for a moment, smile appearing on his features. “Excuse for you to travel the world, too.”
The manner in which Marco answered her question and the use of the past tense had her eyes tender with empathy not pity. “Marco…I…I didn’t know. I’m so sorry…” Her voice was tight with regret that she had unknowingly brought up the subject. One the one hand, Amelia tried to comfort herself by thinking that there was no way she could have known but then again, if she stopped leaving as she did, she might have. “You’re lucky. You had a dad who knew you like a good parent would. He would’ve loved this place and be proud of all you’ve achieved, I just know it. Only thing better than one Ricci’s would be two.” She could not help but attempt to inject some levity into their conversation, a bad trait she got from James. “Ah~ so you can tell me what we’re eating! Whatever it is, it smells amazing. I can’t tell you how much I’ve missed your cooking.” The nurse enthused, her eyes roaming the favorites Marco pointed out with obvious excitement. “Hmm…I always go with red. Maybe white…no let’s try a rose today! I’ll save harder stuff for dessert.”
Amelia’s response took him slightly by surprise, but Marco didn’t react to that, merely shook his head and attempted to shrug off her words. There was absolutely no need for anyone to be sorry, it had been years after all, even if it did all still feel a little too raw. He put that down the fact it was only since reaching his late twenties that he’d made an effort with his father, so many years lost through mere annoyance. “Really, it’s fine,” he answered softly, meeting her gaze for the briefest of moments. “It’s been a couple or years now.” A brief pause, and then he added, “Thankfully he did see this place before it happened. I had a few years of him criticising everything about it.” He laughed, and then when she settled upon a drink, he glanced to the bartender, asking for his favourite of the rosé’s on offer. “I could tell you, but that doesn’t actually mean I will until it comes out,” he told her with a gentle laugh.
Nico put the espresso cup back on the table. “It happens more often than you think. It’s fucked up that we mostly get screwed over by people who have money, not the other way around.” His phone vibrated on the table, but Nico barely acknowledged it. It was either his assistant or a client. He’d get them back in a couple of minutes. “Can’t I?” Rubbing his beard with his hand, Nico had nothing much to say really. “I ran into Kara the other night. She still looks good.” Not that it was a surprise. The woman was a goddess. “I don’t know, I’ve been just thinking how I maybe should have been better to her that night. I was kind of a pig.” Kara didn’t deserve such a behavior from him. Not after he cheated on her.
Marco’s brows lifted a moment, though his expression was amused. What Nico had to say was exactly right, but that was just how things had always been, those with the most money seemed to think they had a right to fuck everyone else around. “It’s fucked up, but I can’t see anything changing anytime soon...” He chuckled lightly. “You can’t,” he responded. “All I do is work, I need other people to fill me in on what’s going on out there.” He knew how depressing that was. “Really? You’re only just realising that, huh?” he mused lightly, a slight smile curving onto his lips.
☆ﾟ*·ﾟBREATHING QUIETLY, KIANNA tried to calm herself down. She didn’t want this day to get any worse, and wasn’t going to let anything more get her down. “It seems so. I’d just like to rest of the day to be better,” she explained softly. While she hadn’t planned on going into work, the wonder of possibly being around her kitchen and food would actually put her in a better mood. “It does, I just wish it didn’t happen on my days off. Those are meant to be for relaxation,” Kianna explained, before she chuckled as she tried to corral the groceries into one spot, so she could carry the bag easier. “Is it bad that I want to go into work to ease this bad day?”
Marco’s expression softened a little and he continued to help her however her could —- which admittedly wasn’t much, seeing as she seemed to have it all in hand. “Relaxation? What’s that?” he mused very lightly. “I don’t think I’ve relaxed in ten years.” Which was sadly a little too true. At the mention of work, he found himself laughing. “God no, I think that’s probably the only place I’m actually sane.”
𝐁𝐋𝐔𝐄𝐁𝐄𝐋𝐋 looked at her cousin, chewing her inner cheek just to smooth a threatening giggles from her throat. And she began to eat delicately, and posture while delight in the flavor of the food. ❛ Lucky you! ❜ She picked her glass, and filled with water as she began to drink since she was thirsty, she didn’t know if her thirsty was from jäggerbombs she had in the last night or the drugs or the mixture of both, or the mixture between work and her chaotic personally though she picked to be more busy so she wouldn’t have to worry about her non-existent personal life. ❛ I’ll fly to Italy briefly again, is there anything you want from there? ❜
The whole conversation was a ridiculous one, but it made Marco smile and there were some days he didn’t do that enough —- members of his family were the ones who saw it most frequently. At her question, he thought on it for a moment, expression becoming thoughtful. “When are you going? Can I get back to you on that one?” It was a question that needed some serious thought. “How long you planning on heading back for?”
“It’s unpractical as hell, but come on, is it practical to live here when we dream of something else?” More of a rhetorical question, she pulled up the sheet a bit more to herself. “Grow up? I don’t think you should grow up,” offering him a soft smile, she brought her hand up to his arm, slowly tracing the seeing veins, “I like you the way you are. Otherwise, if you grow up, what should I do then? Grow up as well?” Not in a million chances.. there was a hidden truth to her friendship with Marco throughout all of these years - it was he who kept her from turning into a living ghost. Of course, there was her job, but Marco added a different touch to her life.. or the remains of it. “Really?” Sitting up, she was holding the sheet against her chest as her eyes were excitingly questioning Marco. “If you do that, tell me I can join you for at least some time? A month?”
“It’s practical when I have a business to run.” Marco laughed softly, knowing how ridiculous that was considering the business could pretty much run itself without any need for him. These days he mostly oversaw things or spent early mornings making pasta or creating desserts. His sous chef did most of the work in the kitchen. “You? Grow up? I don’t know about that...” More laughter and he shook his head. “All sounds ridiculously far-fetched, doesn’t it?” Forty-three and no chance of actually acting anything like an adult when it came to his private life. Her interest made him smile and he nodded. “I could do the whole chef on a boat thing, write a book maybe.” He’d never once considered that, but the ocean was inspiring like that, it always had been.
The smile that graced Amelia’s face was one of gratefulness. Usually she would not let so much slip about her father but when someone else knew him, it was difficult not to. The entire situation was strange really and it would take time for her to fully adjust. “Sometimes all it takes is one person to believe in your dream. And you’re a hard worker too. I’m sure must be happy with how far you’ve come?” Some people radiated a certain kind of aura - one in which you could just tell they would go far in life. Marco was one of them. For a moment, the older man’s reply was left hanging in the air as Amelia took in the bar. It was distinct from the rest of the restaurant but no less tasteful. Slipping into one of the bar chairs, Mia peered at Marco. “I always say wine but this is a special occasion! Hmm..what’s popular here? Wait - I get a custom menu? I hope you know this is my favorite place already.”
“Mostly I believe it was a dream of his,” Marco answered, his shrug very casual. “He wanted this for me. I think he knew me better than I knew myself.” And it was for this very reason it hurt so much every time he thought of the older man. Three years on and things were still raw... a little at least. Without his father and everything that had happened to him, he never would have ended up where he was —- there was absolutely no way. As they reached the bar, he cast a glance back to her for a moment, and then gestured to one of the stools. “A custom menu? Not quite,” he said with a chuckle. “Just trying to establish what you wanted to drink.” He chuckled softly, plucking out the wine list and pointing out a couple of the favourites.
𝐁𝐋𝐔𝐄𝐁𝐄𝐋𝐋 was smirking at his reaction, chewing her inner cheeks to smooth the threatening cackles from the back of her throat. ❛ Always! All we have to do is make our math. ❜ She teases him when he said there’s always an option, and a brow rose at his reaction. The fact she gets along more with her cousin than her own brother… Her brother always suffocates her just as much as her own parents that are crazy per say. The Italian blonde sat and picked a bit of food and put on her dish, and began to eat slowly. She loved everything her cousin makes. ❛ This sauce is delicious! Makes me feel like I’m with nonna again. ❜ The younger blonde was really super close to her grandmother since her parents were too busy.
"I can be inventive,” was Marco’s response, a playful smile crossing his features. He had plenty of things to fall back on that wouldn’t be that, but it didn’t ever hurt to mull over the idea, to get a little laugh out of it. Worse things could happen. Once Bluebell had helped herself, he took a seat, sinking down into the chair and grabbing something for himself —- he could never say no to something his pastry chef had cooked, she was ridiculously talented at what she did. “Yeah... got that one pretty spot on,” he answered lightly.
It didn’t take Jamie long to fill up the room with her laugh - Marco was right.. it was both because of him and his bed she slept so well. But it was the same old patterns, the two of them just enjoying the easiness of a Sunday morning together.. talking and laughing, and that was all she needed. It was easy, but how wouldn’t be when he was a part of her life for more than four years now? “And you have no desire to repeat that?” Turning aside, she was resting her head on the palm of her hand as her eyes were curiously scanning Marco’s. Jamie had an interesting life & she had traveled a lot, but Marco.. she was nothing compared to him. The experiences he had, the life he had led.. it was another level. “Not thinking about becoming the next Anthony Bourdain, huh?”
When Jamie laughed it echoed off the walls, infectious and guaranteed to bring a smile to Marco’s face no matter what was going on. Considering what had happened with his father three years ago, it made sense in a way that he’d been drawn to her. repeatedly after their first rendezvous. People like Jamie were few and far between in his life. As the conversation turned relatively serious, he let the expression on his face soften. “Always have some kind of desire to repeat it, just have no idea how practical that is,” he told her. “People keep telling me I need to make more of an effort to actually grow up sometime in the not too distant future.” Not the easiest thing as far as he was concerned. The question ‘caused him to raise his brows, clearly thinking it over for a moment or two. “It’s a possibility. Might head out on a boat, take in the world, do a little cooking.”
☆ﾟ*·ﾟLIFTING HER HEAD, Kianna looked up to meet his eyes and sighed. She knew that this wouldn’t solve any problems, but that didn’t stop her from feeling completely frustrated. It was one of those days, and every little thing was bugging her. “It’s been one of those days, you know, where nothing goes right, at all.” She moved from her position, trying to gather as many of the food items she could. In an attempt to carry everything, she turned the paper bags into a bindle sack of some kind. “Ever had a day like that?”
Marco stayed crouched to the ground, helping her collect together her groceries until she had them all back where they belonged. "I know them well,” he answered her with a slight nod of his head. “Happens to the best of us, right?” Better to try and remain positive at the very least. “I’ve probably lost count of how many times it’s happened.” In his younger years anyway. These days they were less frequent, but he put that down to the face he’d had enough bad luck to last a lifetime in the last five years or so.
Nico laughed. “You know me too well. I do come for pasta.” Rubbing his face, Marco made the most similar pasta to the one his grandmother was making back in Italy. Italy wasn’t close, but Ricci’s was. “I see, still working and fucking around.” Nico grinned; it takes one to know one. It was the same lifestyle Nico led and he had no intentions on changing it anytime soon. “The fuck I know. He owes me money and I am not doing any more work for him until I see that money on my account.” The guy was practically a billionaire, but was acting like he had no cent. “I’m good.” Suddenly he remembered the confrontation he had with Kara the other night. He hated she was still on his mind. He couldn’t shake it off. “Almost got killed by my ex. The usual fun stuff.”
“Nah. I’d say you’re predictable, but everyone comes for the pasta.” Marco chuckled softly. “At least, that’s what I’m told. For all I know they could all be lying. Personally I come for the wine.” Nico’s words caused a frown to form on his features, but only because of how right the other man was. “Sums it up...” he answered. He was sure by now he didn’t know how to do anything else. His mother kept on at him how things would change one day, but as yet, he couldn’t see it or how that could be. “That’s fair. Gotta love when people fuck you around.” A rather frequent reoccurrence with suppliers. A silence fell for a moment and he exhaled slowly, a brow lifting. “Do tell,” he commented lightly. “You can’t leave it there.”
There was a notable sag in Mia’s shoulders the longer she spent inside the restaurant - not out of disappointment but clear relaxation the nurse was unused to as of late. It was something she learned over the years of having her own kitchen in various cities and states; that these places were as sacred and unique as the people who cooked in them. Ricci’s felt very much like an extension of Marco and who he was a person. It made sense the restaurant was so successful. “Trust me…kindness isn’t his forte.” Amelia teased. It was true, to an extent but she realized the elder Bennett could be generous when the situation called for it. “When it comes to Italian food, he’s a tyrant. He constantly tells me this is the best he’s found outside of Italy in a very long time.” Having only been to Milano with Bluebell in September, it took that experience to realize how right he had been. “She’s amazing! It’s very tasteful. We eat with our eyes and that goes for our surroundings too. Hmm…I could use a drink and I’d love to see your bar. What’s on the menu?”
Marco wasn’t entirely sure how to respond to her words, despite knowing how some peoples families could be. He’d never experienced it himself, aside from the expectations anyway, those were never going to go away... even now his father was gone. “Well, whatever it is, I appreciate it,” he finally stated with a light shrug of his shoulders. “Oh, well, I can’t possibly complain about that. My father is to thank for that, though, without him I wouldn't have got anywhere.” Despite the blatant differences in their craft, which had become more and more apparent over the years. At her response, he nodded, leading her through to the bar. “That would depend entirely what you’re in the mood for,” he responded with a smile. “Then I can narrow it down a little for you.”
𝐖𝐇𝐄𝐍 𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐂𝐎 said he was aware of that social media she referred, she rose a brow with an amused expression. ❛ It’s okay my lovely Marco. But the real social media trending is OnlyFans. You should too. Make millions in a week. ❜ She was just teasing her cousin. The truth part on her statement is that it’s real when she says people makes million in a week. ❛ I guess it runs in our blood. ❜ She points out as she kept on his side looking what he got. She likes to keep herself busy so she wouldn’t be drown to the unquiet dark thoughts.
❛ Yummy! Can I have a slice? ❜ As sugar tooth herself, and her weakness for sweet the thought of it already made her mouth watered.
His eyes narrowed very playful toward his cousin at her words, laughter coming out several moments later. “Yeah, now that I do know,” he responded. How could he not? He hadn’t exactly been living under a rock. “If times turn hard, it’s always an option,” he added with a raised brow. As for the whole making millions in a week, that was a pipe dream, even for him. “Unfortunately it does. We’re all the same, every single one of us.” A Ricci curse really.
“Knock yourself out, Blue,” he responded with a nod. “There’s plenty for everyone.” Himself included as he reached out to remove the cover and pick one out.
Slowly turning her eyes from the ceiling to Marco, Jamie pulled up the corners of her lips into a soft smile upon feeling his weight shifting in the bed. He was right, she did sleep well - she always does when she’s with him. They were not just friends with benefits, they were friends. And how does one succeed in sleeping together for more than four years while their friendship stays untouched, is beyond her. Yet, they did. And the feeling of safety & understanding Marco provided, it was more than just friendship. It was such a trust she had in him, and she didn’t even know how to explain it. “I don’t know if I should thank the bed for or it or its owner,” Jamie huskily replied knowing both knew the answer to that question. “Don’t you just sometimes wish you could run away from everything and spend your days on some island in the middle of ocean? On the beach? Doing nothing but sunbathing?”
It would always benefit the situation, that they were friends above anything else —- although there was always a chance of things going wrong, too, in that situation. Marco had known it happen to friends time and time again, although he seemed to have avoided it, so far at least. Perhaps it was his reluctance to art like he actually cared about anyone but his family. Something like that. “You’re welcome to thank both, I feel like we both had a hand in it after all,” he commented with a smile, head tilting to the side for a moment. As she continued, he found himself humming lightly in thought and nodding his head. “Spent my twenties trying to do that,” he answered her with a light smile. “Not sure how people would feel if I went and did it again.”
