She’d asked for the couple’s input for the menu. Both insisted they wanted her to make the final decision.
Carlita finished taste testing the appetizers, giving them her seal of approval before returning to the courtyard to join her children.
Pirate Pete and Victoria “Tori” Montgomery stood outside the gate. She also spotted Glenda and Mark Fox. Autumn, a family friend, was also nearby. Autumn’s brother, Steve, stood talking to Cool Bones.
The Walton Square neighbors were in attendance, as were the pawnshop employees, several of Tony’s associates, Mercedes’ group of author friends and many more familiar faces.
Carlita had also invited several of the local restaurant owners, a few she’d gotten to know since joining the Savannah Area Restaurant Association. Pirate Pete Taylor was also a member.
A beaming Tony and his beautiful bride, along with Violet, made their way into the restaurant. Carlita trailed behind, passing by a couple of servers who were making their rounds, offering drinks and goodies to the guests milling about.
Elvira, clad in a crisp, navy blue security uniform, stood near the restaurant entrance. She slipped something into her pocket as Carlita approached.
“What was that?”
“What was what?”
“In your pocket. I saw you slip something into your pocket.”
“It was nothing.”
Carlita held out her hand. “Let me see nothing.”
“All right.” Elvira reluctantly reached into her pocket. She pulled out a stack of business cards and dropped one of them into Carlita’s hand.
“What’s this?”
“What does it look like?”
“Business cards.” Carlita flipped it over. “EC Security Services. No job too big or too small.” She waved the card in Elvira’s face. “You’re handing out business cards to the wedding guests?”
“Sort of.”
“How do you ‘sort of’ hand out cards?” Carlita asked. “Either you are, or you aren’t.”
“I am. You didn’t tell me I couldn’t. Besides, I’m doing this gig for free when I could be out making money somewhere else.”
“Oh, brother.” Carlita cast her eyes skyward. “Why am I surprised?” She leveled her gaze. “This is tacky.”
“Tacky schmacky. I’ve already got a handful of interested parties.”
A couple approached, someone Carlita didn’t recognize. “Welcome. I’m Carlita Garlucci. You’re friends of Shelby?”
“We’re friends of both Shelby and Tony,” the woman replied. “Unfortunately, we’re running a little behind and missed the wedding ceremony.”
“The couple is inside greeting guests,” Carlita said.
Elvira held out a card. “EC Security Services is handling the wedding security. We’re on call twenty-four hours a day. There’s no job too big or too small for EC Security.”
The man gave Elvira an odd look. He dropped the card in his pocket and followed the woman inside.
“Elvira,” Carlita hissed. “That’s enough.”
“Fine. I’m running out of cards anyways. You got more people at this shindig than I thought you would. I didn’t know you knew that many people.”
“Well, I do. Now try to behave yourself. I’ll ask one of the servers to swing by with some hors d’ oeuvres.” Carlita glanced behind her. “Where is Dernice?”
“She’s covering the other side,” Elvira said. “Don’t forget the champagne.”
“I’ll have them bring some goodies to Dernice, too.” Carlita eased past Elvira.
“Wait.” Elvira stopped her. “Who are the two goons hanging around? I saw one of them camped out on your back step last night and again this morning. A few minutes ago, I saw the other one pacing up and down the block, like he was casing the joint.”
“They’re…friends of my son, Vinnie,” Carlita said. “They won’t bother you. Just don’t try to give them a business card.”
“Too late. The one with the weird white hat looked at me like I had two heads.” Elvira lowered her voice. “They’re mafia, aren’t they? I can peg a mobster a mile away.”
“Unbelievable,” Carlita muttered under her breath. “I’ll go track down a server.”
“Don’t forget the champagne,” Elvira hollered.
“No drinking on the job.” Carlita stepped back inside and nearly collided with one of the servers, stationed near the door. “Could you please take some goodies to the security guards?”
“Elvira Cobb?” The woman grinned.
“Don’t tell me…she gave you a business card, too.”
The woman chuckled and patted her pocket. “No worries. I’m headed outside since a number of guests are mingling out in the courtyard, enjoying this beautiful summer day.”
She headed to the exit with her tray full of goodies.
Carlita scanned the crowd, searching for the bride and groom, and found them near the head table, talking to Pirate Pete.
The DJ, a man Steve Winter recommended, began to speak. Carlita half-listened as he announced the bride, groom and Violet, telling everyone dinner would begin shortly.
“Am I late?” Carlita spun around to find her new friend and trolley driver, Reese, standing behind her.
“Not at all. We’re still in the midst of the pre-meal festivities.” Carlita led Reese to one of the servers, who loaded a small plate with tempting treats.
“These look delish.” Reese picked up a chicken parmesan stick and nibbled the end. “Oh, man. This is good stuff.” She took a big bite. “Well? How was the ceremony? Did you bawl your eyes out? I know when my son got married I bawled like a baby.”
“No, I did get teary-eyed. We love Shelby and are excited to have her as a part of our family, and of course Violet.” Carlita nodded toward the entrance. “Did you see Elvira?”
“You can’t miss her. She tried to give me a business card and then when she realized it was me, she snatched it right out of my hand.” Reese laughed. “I told you about the time we had a run in, didn’t I?”
“Yes, and I don’t doubt it for a minute.” Carlita placed a light hand under Reese’s elbow. “Have you met my son, Tony? I don’t think he’s ever been on the Big Peach.”
The women crossed the room, and Carlita waited until Tony was free before
