“We plan to have a heart-to-heart talk with Shelby, to see if there’s anything we can do to help.” Crowley extended his hand, and Tony shook it. There were tears in Tony’s eyes as he gave Violet a hug goodbye.
Violet started to cry, and Aunt Ginny quickly whisked her into the car.
“I’m sorry.” Jerry quickly slid behind the wheel, and they sped off down the alley.
Carlita’s throat clogged when she saw Violet’s head pop up. She stared at them through the rear window until the car turned onto the street.
She swiped at a tear as she sucked in a breath. “That was awful.”
“The other half of me just got ripped out of my arms.” Tony’s voice was raw. “I’m still tryin’ to figure out how things got to this point, why Shelby thought it was so bad she had to leave, to run away.”
“The Garluccis are a tough bunch. We’re gonna get through this.” Carlita gave her son a hug and then slipped her arm through his, gently guiding him toward the apartment. “I trust Ginny and Jerry to talk to Shelby, to see what is really goin’ on.”
Carlita promised to check in with him later and then asked if he still planned to head down to the Thirsty Crow with Cool Bones.
“Yeah.” Tony offered his mother a sad smile. “Why not? I ain’t got nothin’ else to do except go home and stare at the four walls.”
“It’s gonna be okay, Son.” Even to her own ears, the words rang hollow. There was no guarantee it would be all right. More than anything, she wished she could talk to Shelby, to get a feel for what she was thinking.
Tony was still weighing heavily on her mind as Carlita finished getting ready for her dinner date. With time to spare, she headed to the pawn shop. It was empty, and her son was alone.
“Why don’t you change out of your work clothes while I close up for the day?”
“You sure?” Tony asked.
“Absolutely.” After he left, Carlita ran the numbers. Spring sales had broken records, and summer sales were shaping up to do the same. Even Ravello’s was holding its own.
Last, but not least, Carlita had wonderful tenants in place. If not for Tony and Shelby’s current situation, life was everything she could have ever hoped for.
Carlita thought about her husband, Vinnie. He’d been gone for three years now. There were times it felt like just yesterday she’d been sitting by his bedside as he took his last breath.
So much of life had changed for Carlita Garlucci. Her oldest, Vinnie, was married and had a son. Tony had married. Mercedes and Sam were dating. She was dating. Paulie and Gina’s kids were growing like weeds. Looking back, there were moments she had wondered how she would survive.
Vincent Garlucci would be proud of his wife. Proud she had taken what he’d left for her and carved out a new life for their children and families. If someone had told Carlita even five years ago, she would be living in Savannah, Georgia, running multiple businesses – successfully at that – she would’ve laughed in their face.
But not now. Carlita was in charge of her destiny, making decisions about her future. For so many years, she’d let her husband handle the finances.
It was almost unbelievable to think that when Vinnie was alive; she hadn’t even driven a car, hadn’t needed to.
She quickly reminded herself it wasn’t all sunshine and roses. She still had regrets, still had promises not kept, namely her vow on Vinnie’s deathbed to get their sons out of the “family.”
Now, it seemed an impossible task, a promise she could never keep. Vinnie, her eldest, was deeply entrenched in the family.
She thought about the upcoming cruise. At first, she’d been hesitant about taking the cruise with not only her family, but the Castellini family.
She’d since changed her mind and was looking forward to seeing with her own eyes how deeply her son was entangled in the “family” business.
Something told her Vinnie would be a part of the “family” until the day he died. Her only prayer was that he lived to a ripe, old age.
Tony returned and did a quick check, making sure everything was taken care of. They chatted in the downstairs hall until Cool Bones arrived.
Carlita teased her tenant about his snappy suit and alluring cologne. “You better not let Elvira catch sight of you. She’ll follow you down to the club.”
“She already does. Elvira is a regular.” Cool Bones ran a light finger along the rim of his fedora. “You ready to hit the town, my friend?”
“As ready as I’ll ever be.”
After they left, Carlita ran upstairs to change. She’d decided on a floral print dress. Mercedes had talked her into the purchase, insisting the cinched waist and flared skirt flattered Carlita’s curvy figure.
It sported a pale purple quarter sleeve and included a lightweight jacket, perfect for Savannah’s warm, summer nights.
Pete arrived promptly at seven, dressed for their casual date night in a pair of fitted slacks and a silk shirt that accentuated his tanned and toned arms. “You’re a sight for sore eyes.” Pete leaned in and kissed Carlita before handing her a bouquet of roses. “These are for you.”
“They’re beautiful.”
“They’re from Gunner and me. It’s our way of thanking you for taking such good care of him.”
“He was no trouble at all,” Carlita said. “Although as I mentioned, he almost got me in trouble with the cop.”
“Gunner has a way with words.”
Carlita admired them, savoring their fragrant scent before returning upstairs to place them in water. When she returned, Dernice was in the alley chatting with Pete.
“How’s the rash? Elvira said you looked like you had a
