“Mrs. Taylor.” For a man of his size, he moved quickly, crossing the alley in a few measured steps. “I hope it’s okay if Ipark here. I was unloading a few boxes and figured I could do it a lot quicker instead of lugging them from the parking lot.”
“No worries.” She motioned to Elvira’s building. “We share the alley with Elvira Cobb, who lives and runs her businesses over there. I’m sure you’ll meet her soon enough.”
“Is she a short lady with gray hair and a nasally voice?”
“Yes. Although I would describe it more along the lines of a whiny voice,” Carlita joked.
“That’s the one. She asked me a bunch of questions. Who I was, if I was friends with someone who lived in the building, if I had a girlfriend. She didn’t outright ask me if I was moving in, so I didn’t volunteer the information.”
“She’s already hitting on your new tenant,” Pete whispered in a loud voice.
“She didn’t strike me as flirting.” Bubba shrugged. “But then, maybe I read her wrong.”
“She owns a security and investigative services business, so you’ll see a slew of her vehicles traveling in and out.” Carlita changed the subject. “When is your official move-in date?”
“Tomorrow. I rented a box truck. A few friends are gonna help me with the big stuff.”
“Wonderful. Welcome to Walton Square.” Carlita introduced Pete. “This is my husband, Pete Taylor.”
“Pete Taylor.” Bubba repeated his name. “Your name sounds familiar.”
“I own the Parrot House Restaurant and The Flying Gunner.”
“The pirate ship docked on the river.”
“Correct.”
“You also own Ravello’s?” Bubba asked.
“I do,” Carlita said. “Plus the pawn shop next door.”
He let out a loud whistle. “Sounds like you two have your own commercial empire.”
“Along with loads of work. I left a sheet on the kitchen counter, listing the utility companies, the cable and internet providers. You’ll also find the trolley route’s schedule. There’s a pickup spot across the street from Ravello’s.”
“I found it. Thank you.” Bubba reached across the passenger seat and pulled out a big box. “Mercedes stopped by to check on me too.”
“She’ll be your primary point of contact. However, if she’s unable to help you, my cell phone number is also listed on the information sheet.”
“Can I help you with any of the boxes?” Pete asked.
“I appreciate the offer, but I only have one more.”
“I can grab it.” Pete slid the box off the bench seat and followed Bubba up the stairs with Carlita trailing a few steps behind. The door to his apartment was wide open, revealing a living room filled with brown moving boxes.
“Pete and I will be across the hall chatting with Mercedes if you need anything else.”
“Thank you, ma’am.” Bubba tipped his ball cap. “I’ll be moving my truck now.” He took off down the stairs. The alley door slammed, and it grew quiet.
“He’s very polite,” Pete remarked. “I detect an authentic southern drawl.”
“It’s charming.”
“What does Mercedes think about him?”
“She hasn’t really said. Speaking of Mercedes.” Carlita rapped on her daughter’s door.
It flew open, and Mercedes appeared. “Hey Ma, Pete.”
