Conversation with Johnny gives us Nicholas, Johnny, Lefty, and Don Pippo. His affair with Lefty - a redheaded, left-handed, cross-eyed, and married woman - in shambles, Nicholas travels to the old neighborhood seeking the counsel and wisdom that only Johnny, the don, can give him. When Johnny encourages Nicholas to tell him his troubles, out tumbles a series of sly, hilarious, and touching stories. Like Lefty's need for Nicholas to be a Button Man, her Button Man. Like Nicholas's allergy to wheat so he can't eat pasta. Like the story of Don Pippo, the last godfather.