“For someone who lives alone, Elvira sure seems to have a lot of company,” Mercedes said.
“You noticed too?” Carlita had wondered about the guests who visited Elvira’s new digs at all hours of the day and night. The only reason she knew they were coming and going at all hours was because Elvira had installed a motion detector floodlight. The light illuminated not only the entire alley but also Carlita’s living room, kitchen, dining room and deck with bright, fluorescent lights.
Carlita had cornered her former tenant the previous day when she ran into her in the alley. Elvira told her the people she’d seen were customers of hers, along with two new employees she’d hired. According to Elvira, the new employees had no place to go and were temporarily bunking at her place.
Elvira’s generosity only went so far, and Carlita suspected there was some benefit to her for allowing the new employees to stay there.
“Tony and I were talking about it and we don’t mind skipping the fuss this year,” Mercedes said. “I think between Thanksgiving and Christmas, both holidays will be too much for us.”
Vinnie’s sudden death had been hard on all of them. Life had changed dramatically for not only Carlita, but her children too. Sudden tears welled in the back of Carlita’s eyes and she blinked hard. “I don’t want you to miss out on my account.”
Mercedes slowly stood and wrapped an arm around her mother. “We won’t be missing out. Like I said, Tony and I don’t mind keeping Thanksgiving low key this year. Maybe we can head out to a local restaurant and let someone else do the cooking for a change.”
Relief flooded Carlita’s body, and it felt as if a weight had been lifted off her shoulders. “If you’re sure.”
“Positive.” Mercedes released her grip and shook her finger at her mother. “But we’re gonna be all in for Christmas. We’re puttin’ up a tree and decorating it with lots of lights…enough lights to give Elvira and her spotlights a run for their money.”
Carlita chuckled. “It’s a deal.” She waved the invitation from Tori. “I’ve been meaning to get with Tony to do a little digging around on a pawnshop up in Hilton Head.”
She told her daughter about her conversation with Tori, how she’d sold a few of her gems at a pawnshop in Hilton Head and right after, her home had been broken into and her gate busted up. “Tony has been busy and I didn’t want to bother him.”
“Why can’t we go check it out?” Mercedes asked.
“I suppose we could. We are part owners of the pawnshop.”
“Let’s go tomorrow. We ain’t got nothing else pressing.”
“I’ve never been to Hilton Head and heard it’s very nice,” Carlita said. “Now that the tourist season is over, it would be the perfect time to check it out and have a look around.”
“And scope out the competition,” Mercedes pointed out.
“Yeah. I like your idea. In the meantime, I think a masquerade ball sounds exciting. I’ve never been to a ball. I remember Victoria telling me she used to host the ball every year, but stopped a few years back.”
“Well, maybe if we behave ourselves, she’ll invite us back next year.” Mercedes frowned. “Or maybe I’m not invited, just you, Ma.”
Carlita flipped the invitation over and studied the address. “Nope. It’s addressed to the Garlucci family. I hope she knows what she’s getting herself into.”
“I’m sure she does. If not, she’s about to find out. We’ll need to go shopping for some new duds and masks.” Mercedes spun the chair around and plopped down. “I might even be able to find some cool masks online. I’m not sure how many costume stores there are in the Savannah area, plus we don’t have much time.”
Carlita patted her daughter’s shoulder. “I’ll let you handle it. In the meantime, I’m gonna run downstairs to see if Tony needs some extra help in the pawnshop.”
Mercedes had already started her research and absentmindedly nodded at her mother, who quietly tiptoed out of the room and headed downstairs.
The pawnshop was busy for a Saturday afternoon, and although Josh, their part-time employee, was working, she could see they could use another hand.
She spent the rest of the afternoon helping customers, straightening store shelves, ringing up purchases and finally, there was a lull in the crowd. She approached her son, who was locking the gun case. “We should think about hiring someone full time, at least through the holiday season.”
Tony checked to make sure the case was locked before slipping the keys in his pocket. “I was thinkin’ the same thing. This place has been nuts all day. I had no idea it was gonna be like this.”
“This is our first year,” Carlita pointed out. “Maybe you can check with Josh to see if he would like more hours through the rest of the year.”
“I will,” Tony promised. “Mercedes talk to you about Thanksgiving?”
“Yeah. I was planning to cook a big dinner, but she kinda talked me into eating out this year. We’ll do a big Christmas instead,” Carlita promised. She told her son about the Merry Masquerade party invitation. “It sounds like fun. You wanna go with us?”
“Maybe.” Tony shrugged. “I would feel bad about going without Shelby and then we’d have to bring Violet.”
“I hadn’t thought of that,” Carlita said. “I think this is an adults-only party, but I’ll double check.” She glanced at the clock on the wall. “I need to run upstairs and start making dinner. You wanna eat with us?”
“Sure. Shelby is working extra hours at the post office, what with
