Page 19 of Takedown in Savannah
The perfect person for her daughter was somewhere out there. A special person who could not only learn to love her headstrong daughter, but also handle the baggage that went along with the Garlucci family.
Chapter 9
During Pete and Carlita’s soup and sandwich late lunch break at home, she filled him in on her busy morning. “The bottom line is Luigi is helping at the pawn shop until Elvira hires him back, and Sam is moving out.”
“How is Mercedes taking it?”
“To be honest, she seems relieved they’re no longer in a back-and-forth relationship. It kind of ended with a fizzle.”
“A fizzle is better than a big blowout.”
“Especially when the Garlucci family is involved,” Carlita joked. “The right person is out there for Mercedes. He’s gonna have to be made of some pretty tough stuff.”
“Kind of like me.” Pete sneaked a kiss. “We scoundrels have a way of sneaking into a beautiful mobster woman’s life.”
“You got any extended family members living in the area who fit the criteria?” she teased.
“Not that I can think of right off the top of my head. Maybe it would be best to let Mercedes find a man on her own.”
“I was kidding. She doesn’t need her mother interfering with her love life.” Carlita reminded him about Violet and Melody spending the night. “Shelby mentioned Violet has fun cooking in the kitchen and helping her. I have an old family recipe I was thinking about making.”
Pete polished off his minestrone and carried their empty soup bowls to the sink. “What is it?”
“A surprise.”
“I like surprises.” He reached past her and grabbed her empty plate. “I think I’ll captain this evening’s pirate cruise while you lovely ladies take over in the kitchen.”
Carlita slid off the barstool. “I don’t want to drive you away.”
“You won’t be. It’s been a while since I’ve worked an evening cruise. Knowing you’ll be busy I won’t feel bad about leaving you here by yourself.” Pete’s cell phone chimed. “It’s time for my weekly staff meeting. I should be home around nine.”
“The girls and I plan to camp out on the living room floor.”
“And I’ll be quiet as a mouse in case the little ones are sleeping.”
As soon as Pete left, Carlita tracked down the Garlucci family cookbook, passed down through the generations starting with her great-grandmother.
Humming under her breath, she began flipping through the pages. “Here it is.” Carlita placed the cookbook on her bookstand and sifted through the cupboards, making sure she had all the ingredients.
After finishing, she gathered up the sleeping bags, a battery-powered lantern, their domed tent and every extra pillow she could find, creating a cozy indoor campsite she knew Violet would love.
Carlita was still working on the final touches when the doorbell rang. With a quick check to confirm her special guests had arrived, she ran downstairs. A beaming Violet stood next to Shelby, who was holding baby Melody’s carrier.
“You’re right on time. I was putting the finishing touches on our fun time with Nana.”
Violet patted her backpack. “I brought my painting supplies.”
“Wonderful. I need a bright and cheery work of art for the guest bathroom. Do you think you can create something special for me?”
“Of course, Nana.” Violet twirled around in a circle. “And I won’t even charge you for it.”
Carlita chuckled. “How about if I pay you in pizza?”
“We’re having pizza?”
“Not only are we eating pizza, but we’re making it.” Carlita ruffled her hair. “I have an even bigger surprise for you tomorrow morning.”
“Are we going to the beach? I didn’t bring my swimsuit.”
