“Do you think she’ll do it?”
“There’s only one way to find out.” Mercedes pulled her cell phone from her back pocket. “I think she’s workin’ today. I want to ask her in person.” Mercedes shifted her gaze. “Do you mind if she stops by later? I know you got all the kids coming over.”
“Sure. The more, the merrier. Invite her for pizza,” Carlita said.
“Thanks Ma.” Mercedes had started to slip her phone into her pocket and it beeped. “She’s fast. Yep. She said no prob-lemo.” Mercedes shifted her gaze. “I didn’t mean to interrupt you and Gina’s chat.”
“I think she was glad you interrupted. She’s probably out on the deck smoking.”
“Gina started smokin’ again? I wonder what Paulie thinks.”
“I dunno,” Carlita said. “She’s been sneakin’ out onto the balcony while Paulie and the kids aren’t around.”
The women wandered out of the bedroom and made their way back to the empty living room.
Tap. Tap. Gina was out on the deck, tapping on the glass.
Carlita hurried across the room and unlocked the door. “You got locked out again?”
“Yeah.” Gina stepped back inside; the lingering smell of cigarette smoke followed her in. “This time I heard it latch. I figured you’d be back in a minute, so no biggie. You better have it checked out before someone ends up stuck out there.”
“I don’t understand.” Carlita flipped the lock back and forth. “We’ve never had a problem with it before. I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay.” Gina glanced at her watch. “I’m sure the kids are up by now, and bouncing off the walls of the small apartment. If I was Tony, I’d go stir crazy in such a small space.”
Carlita walked Gina to the door. “He doesn’t spend a lot of time there. You still have to meet Shelby and Violet.”
“Tony must really like her. I never heard him talk about a woman before.” Gina shook her head. “Everything is Shelby this and Violet that. I wouldn’t be surprised if he decides to step it up a notch.”
“Propose?” Carlita asked.
“No. Shack up.”
“Not on my watch,” Carlita said. “If Tony wants to live with Shelby…”
“He’s gonna have to spring for a ring,” Mercedes joked.
“Exactly. You took the words right out of my mouth.”
“I’ll be back in a coupla hours with the kids.” Gina impulsively hugged Carlita. “Thanks for takin’ the kids and for takin’ Paulie in. I think the time he’s spent down here has been good for him.” She wagged her finger. “But don’t be gettin’ no ideas about us movin’ down here.”
“I had hoped you would consider it,” Carlita confessed. “Of course, it would have to be you and Paulie’s decision.” She waited until Gina was downstairs before slowly closing the door behind her. “I guess that settles it.”
“I think you should work on Vinnie instead,” Mercedes said. “He’s the one who still has both feet in the family business.”
“True.”
“I’m gonna log onto the computer to work on my book draft unless you need me for somethin’ else.”
“Nah. Bob Lowman sent a rough estimate for repairs to the restaurant. I haven’t had a chance to go over it yet.” Carlita settled in at the small desk while Mercedes returned to her room.
She worked on balancing her checkbook and then checked her email. Carlita’s mind drifted to her husband, Vinnie, who had died in the early spring. There were times it seemed like yesterday and at other times, it seemed like eons ago. So much had happened since then.
During the days and weeks right after Vinnie first passed away, Carlita felt his presence, as if he was there with her all of the time, but now the feeling was starting to fade. Maybe it was because there were so many other things to occupy her mind and quiet moments were few and far between. Still, in those quiet moments, she could hear his deep voice and smell his cologne.
Carlita’s eyes watered and she swallowed hard. In a way, Vinnie had helped her deal with his unexpected death when he made her promise to get their sons out of the “family business.” Her promise kept her going, kept her moving, kept her pushing on.
That and the fact that she had something to prove to herself. When Vinnie was alive, she never had to worry about balancing a checkbook or budget for living expenses, let alone run a family business, which would soon be three family businesses.
She’d even learned how to drive, thanks to Mercedes mercilessly hounding her. Carlita had no idea what she would’ve done if her daughter hadn’t been by her side. Mercedes’ life had been almost as sheltered as Carlita’s, but in their defense, it had been the only life they’d ever known.
The last thing she wanted to do was to have her daughter feel obligated to hang around and take care of her. No, Carlita was determined to prove to herself and her daughter that the Garlucci women could not only take care of themselves but also thrive, to enjoy life, to embrace new experiences.
Secretly, Carlita was thrilled Mercedes had started “non-dating” as she liked to call it, and how she had joined an author group on her own. Mercedes was starting to spread her wings, just like her mother.
A loud rap on the door pulled Carlita from her musings. “Must be Paulie and the kids.” She hurried to the door and flung it open, coming face-to-face with Elvira, who was covered in a thick layer of gray dust.
“I’m glad you’re home.” Elvira shoved past Carlita and stepped into the living room. “There was a small fire in my back bedroom, but there’s
