Page 31 of Takedown in Savannah
“Melody is a busy little baby.”
Violet waltzed in behind them, beaming from ear to ear. “Beebs and Mrs. O’Brien took us all the way around the property. We even saw an alligator.”
“You met Gary the Gator?” Tori asked.
“Yep. He was sleeping in the sun,” Violet said. “Beebs made sure we didn’t get too close.”
“I promised Violet I would show her the music room.”
“Mrs. O’Brien is going to teach me how to play the piano.”
“Or maybe a few keys, which is the extent of my musical abilities.”
Carlita glanced at her watch. “We have about another half an hour before we need to get going.”
“We’ll meet you out front.” Beebs, the cook and Violet disappeared, leaving Carlita, Tori and the baby alone.
Tori’s hand shook as she reached for Melody. “She has the cutest little dimples. And those chubby cheeks. What a precious child.”
“I may be biased, but I think so too.” Carlita gently lifted the baby out of her carrier and placed Melody in Tori’s arms.
A look of wistfulness filled the woman’s face. “You’re blessed to have such a close and loving family, Carlita.” A whisper of regret echoed in Tori’s voice. On several occasions, she’d hinted at tragedies in her past.
Despite the opulence of the stunning estate, it felt cold and impersonal, the complete opposite of Carlita’s home and life. Granted, there were days she felt like she lived in too close of quarters, not to mention there always seemed to be some sort of crisis, but there was also a lot of love.
“I am. I count my blessings every day, even when my past pops up and everything seems chaotic and out of control.” Carlita took the baby from her and placed her back inside the carrier.
The friends chatted about fall, the upcoming holiday season and Tori’s plans to travel, which was a surprise, at least to Carlita. For the most part, her friend was a recluse, never wandering too far from home.
“Beebs, Wentworth, Mrs. O’Brien and I will explore Europe via riverboat next month.”
“How exciting. You’ll have to let me know how it goes.”
Tori filled her in on a few of the details, what promised to be an exciting adventure.
“I wish you safe travels, my friend.” Carlita gave her a gentle hug, feeling a slight tremble, similar to what she’d noticed when she’d picked up the baby, and it made her wonder if her friend was ill. “Send me pictures if you get a chance.”
Tori promised she would. Wentworth, her longtime employee and friend, appeared in the doorway.
Carlita lingered for a moment, sensing an unsteadiness in Tori she’d never seen before. She followed Wentworth down the long hall to the front foyer, praying Tori was all right.
During the ride home, Violet talked nonstop about Beebs, Gary the Gator, and learning to play piano with Mrs. O’Brien.
All too soon they arrived in Walton Square. Carlita parked alongside Luigi’s fancy new set of wheels. She remembered her conversation with Tori and couldn’t help but wonder how he could afford the car. Despite being a tightwad, she was certain Elvira paid her employees a decent salary but not nearly enough to splurge on an expensive sports car.
She turned the engine off and texted Dernice, letting her know she was dropping the girls off and asked if she still wanted to meet.
Dernice:I’m in the courtyard out front.
Carlita:I’ll catch up with you in a few.
Because Carlita had given Shelby a heads up, as soon as she opened the driver’s side door, her daughter-in-law emerged from their apartment and ran over to help unload. “How did it go?”
“We had the best time ever,” Violet said. “We painted pictures, made pizza, roasted marshmallows. Nana, Melody and I slept in a tent. We went to visit Beebs. Mrs. O’Brien taught me how to play the piano.”
“Nana must be exhausted.” Shelby gave her daughter a hug before unbuckling Melody’s car seat.
“We had a blast. I promised Violet we’ll have another sleepover soon.”
