“Elvira,” Dernice punched her sister in the arm, “you mean to tell me we weren’t invited?”
“Technically…no.”
“Then, I’m not staying. That’s just plain rude.” Dernice nudged her sister in the back. “Let’s go. I can’t believe you did this.”
“I’m sorry, Pete,” Luigi apologized. “Dernice and I thought we were invited.”
“Wait.” Pete held up a hand. “Please. Stay. You’re already here. Elvira is right. Three more people aren’t going to make a difference.”
“I dunno,” Dernice hung her head. “Something doesn’t seem right about crashing a friend’s party. I mean, it would be one thing to crash a stranger’s party, but to crash a friend’s or acquaintance’s is ill-mannered.”
“That’s never stopped Elvira before,” Carlita joked.
“I’m with Dernice,” Luigi said. “We didn’t mean to invite ourselves. At least, Dernice and I didn’t.”
“Good grief,” Elvira snorted. “Don’t get all prissy on me. We got an invite. There’s food, friends, entertainment. I’m staying.”
“You’re already here,” Pete pointed out. “I think you should stay.”
Dernice shot Carlita a questioning look, and she nodded. “If Pete wants you to stay, then I think you should.”
“Okay,” Dernice offered them a small smile. “Thank you, and you can trust me when I say this won’t ever happen again. Next time, I’ll call to confirm.”
“You’re such a goody-two-shoes sometimes. Let’s go grab some grub.” Elvira propelled her sister forward.
“Hey!” A woman’s voice stopped Elvira in her tracks.
“Great,” Luigi muttered under his breath. “Look who’s coming.”
Roxy hustled up the gangway. “Well, well, well. If it isn’t Luigi Baruzzo. Been a long time.”
“Roxy,” Luigi grimaced. “You haven’t changed a bit.”
“I’ll take that as a compliment. I’m surprised to see you here. I thought this party was by invitation only.”
“It is,” Pete interrupted. “Luigi is my guest.”
“Huh.” Roxy gave Luigi the once-over before turning her attention to Elvira and Dernice. “Who are you?” she rudely asked.
“More of my guests,” Pete said. “And it’s none of your business.”
Dernice’s jaw dropped at Pete’s brusque rebuttal.
“It is my business,” Roxy argued. “I’m in charge of security, and I’ve made it my business.”
The word “security” caught Elvira’s attention, and Carlita could see a storm brewing. If anyone took security seriously, it was Elvira Cobb.
“We’ll tell you who we are if and when, we’re good and ready, Roxy,” Elvira taunted. “Now, if you’ll excuse us, these guests are going to enjoy the party while the hired help gets back to work.”
“I suggest you tone it down, Ms. Ciccone,” Pete pointed at Roxy after they left. “You’re treading on thin ice. I don’t appreciate you badgering my guests.”
“I’m doing my job,” Roxy insisted. “It’s my job to know who’s around the family at all times, to protect Brittney and Vito’s grandchild.”
“Then, what are you doing down here harassing people instead of protecting her?”
Pete’s logic was too much for the woman. Roxy mumbled under her breath before storming off.
“I thought Elvira was going to punch her,” Pete shook his head.
“I was thinking along the same lines,” Carlita said. “The night is young. Something tells me there will be a few more fireworks before it’s all over. And with that in mind, I’ll apologize now for Roxy’s behavior.”
“I’m going to focus on the positive and believe she won’t go around and cause more trouble.” Pete offered Carlita his arm. “Shall we join the others?”
“That sounds like a wonderful idea.”
Cool Bones and his band started playing as Pete’s staff made their way behind the food tables and began serving the buffet-style dinner.
There were fried chicken tenders with separate sauces, Swedish and sweet and sour meatballs, a sushi section, veggie trays, deviled eggs, meat and cheese kabobs and fresh fruit salads. There was a second table devoted to desserts. Not only was there a chocolate fountain and fruit for dipping, but a cheesecake sampler platter, and cookies galore, then there were cakes…carrot cake, chocolate cake, layered cakes.
Carlita’s stomach grumbled as she perused the offerings. “Everything looks delicious.”
Pete slipped in next to her. “I know it’s not Italian, but I figured a nice variety of treats would satisfy even the pickiest of eaters.”
“Are you suggesting I’m picky?” Carlita joked.
“You picked me, didn’t you?”
“I think we picked each other,” Carlita touched his arm. “Thank you for inviting my family and me.” She smiled at Santa, who was seated in a chair near the stairs. Gracie was perched on his knee. Noel was on one side, while PJ stared at Santa in awe, his eyes round as saucers. “You thought of everything.”
“I tried. I figured between Violet and the other wee ones, we couldn’t be part of a Santa parade without him making an appearance.” Pete lowered his voice. “It’s Mark Fox. He volunteered to be Santa. Do you see Mrs. Claus?”
Carlita squinted her eyes and noticed a petite Mrs. Claus standing directly behind Santa. “Glenda is Mrs. Claus?”
“The one and only.”
The couple made their way along the buffet table, filling their plates with food. After finishing, they found an empty table for two in the corner where they settled in to watch the others.
Cool Bones and his band, keeping with the Christmas theme, had all donned Santa hats and were belting out a snappy version of Santa Slid Down the Chimney.
After they finished eating, Carlita let Pete talk her into sampling a cup of eggnog. They joined the children, who were still gathered around Santa, watching as he made balloon animals for each of them.
Carlita leaned in to have a word with Mrs. Claus. “Glenda Claus, I never would have guessed it was you if Pete hadn’t told me.”
Glenda gave her friend a quick hug and then patted her curly white wig topped with a ruffled red cap. “When Pete told us
