“Speaking of entertaining,” Mercedes said. “Elvira is going on our cruise.”
Pete made a choking sound. “Elvira?”
“She booked a cabin for her and Dernice.”
“Without our knowledge. Are you sure you can’t go with us?” Carlita asked hopefully.
“I’m sorry, love. I’ve booked a large group for a pirate ship, treasure hunting excursion that week. They’re paying me handsomely. No matter how much I would love to join you, I can’t cancel now.”
“Maybe we should’ve told Elvira about it. She would’ve chosen to search for lost treasure over a cruise any day.” Carlita sighed heavily.
Pete squeezed her hand. “It will be all right.”
“Elvira’s a dirty bird,” Gunner said.
“She’s something all right.” Mercedes offered to clear the table while Carlita walked Pete out. He stopped in the alley, pulling her into his arms. “I wish you could go to Atlanta with me.”
“Who would watch Gunner?” Carlita flicked a loose strand of hair from Pete’s face. “I’ll miss you.”
“I’ll miss you too.” Pete kissed her…a long and tender kiss. “Perhaps if you enjoy your cruise, we’ll sneak off on one by ourselves.”
“We’ll see how this one shakes out first.”
“We could have the captain marry us.” Pete’s eyes twinkled with mischief.
“Hmm. Now, wouldn’t that be something?”
“It’s a thought.” Pete kissed her again and then reluctantly pulled away. “I’ve got to hit the road if I’m going to make it to Atlanta before rush hour gridlock.”
“Drive carefully. Good luck.”
“I’ll be back before you know it.”
Carlita lingered on the step, watching as Pete strolled off. When he reached the sidewalk, he blew her a kiss and gave a small wave before rounding the corner.
She turned to go inside, nearly colliding with her tenant, Luigi, who was also Elvira’s employee.
They both took a quick step back. “Hey, Luigi.”
“Hello, Carlita. How’s it going?”
“Not so good. I had a run in with Sandy Sue and found out Elvira and Dernice are joining us for our family cruise.”
“She told me about it a couple weeks ago. She made me promise not to say anything. Elvira wanted to surprise you.”
“Actually, it was more like shocked.”
“I guess it’s good news for me. Elvira trusts me enough to let me run the businesses while she’s gone.”
“That is good news. I’m happy for you. Savannah suits you.”
“It does.” Luigi rocked back on his heels. “Ricco’s goin’.”
“On the cruise?”
“Yep. He’s the only one who will be on board guarding Brittney. He said Brittney’s been going through bodyguards like crazy.”
Although Carlita loved her daughter-in-law, she had long suspected Brittney’s father indulged her every whim. Vinnie did the same. What Brittney wanted, Brittney got. Motherhood had matured her to a degree, but it was more of a work in progress. “I’m sorry to hear that.”
“He don’t seem to mind.” Luigi glanced at his watch. “I better get goin’. I’m workin’ a security gig down by the river.”
The rest of the afternoon flew by with Gunner chattering incessantly while Carlita worked on Ravello’s books, checked inventory, and crunched some numbers, making note of what she would need for the upcoming month.
Mercedes, who had spent most of her afternoon holed up in her room working on her latest crime novel, joined her.
“You’re a hottie,” Gunner told her.
“You’re such a flirt.” Mercedes tapped the cage. “Flirty bird.”
“Don’t let the pirates steal your booty.”
“Don’t encourage him,” Carlita said. “That’s his every third phrase. We need to work on expanding his vocabulary.”
“How about, ‘Polly wants a cracker,’” Mercedes said.
Gunner cocked his head. “Dummy.”
Carlita started laughing.
“Gunner is smart.”
“I’m heading out. Sam and I are meeting downtown for dinner.” Mercedes shoved her phone in her pocket. “What are you doing for dinner?”
“Gunner and I will figure something out. Maybe I’ll call Reese to see what she’s up to.” Carlita had been promising her friend, a local trolley driver, that they would get together soon to catch up.
Since her trolley route only ran until dusk, she sent Reese a text. Reese promptly called back. “Hey, Carlita.”
“Hey, Reese. I’m looking for a dinner date.”
“I’m your gal. I’m finishing my last round and can pick you up.”
“I was thinking I could grab something from the restaurant, and we can enjoy a leisurely dinner in my courtyard.”
“Sounds great. I’ll meet you there.”
After ending the call, Carlita fed Gunner. Feeling a tinge of guilt for leaving him alone in a strange house, she turned the television on for background noise before heading out.
Her first stop was Ravello’s where she grabbed dinner for two before stepping onto the sidewalk.
Clang. Clang. Reese and her trolley, the Big Peach, pulled alongside the curb. She gave Carlita a quick wave before darting down the steps. “Sorry if I’m late. Traffic has been a nightmare lately.”
“You’re right on time. I just picked up our food.” Carlita handed the containers to Reese. She unlocked the courtyard gate and then led her friend inside.
“This place looks great.” Reese admired the blooming pink and yellow roses.
“Thanks. I’ve been working on sprucing it up. Let’s eat over here.” Carlita set the food on a bistro table near the back, nestled among the dogwood’s crisp white blossoms. “I guess I don’t have to ask if you’re staying busy.”
“It’s been crazy.” Reese slid into an empty chair. “Trolley tours are selling out by noon.”
During dinner, the friends chatted about the upcoming Fourth of July festivities, and then the conversation drifted to Carlita’s new neighbor as she filled her in on the confrontation. Reese offered a sympathetic ear and attempted to give advice.
“I guess I need to accept the fact that I can’t always control what goes on around me.”
“Keep your chin up.” Reese finished the rest of her sweet tea and reluctantly stood. “I better get
