“You want me to send a group text asking the others if they’re interested?”
Thunk.A dull thunk shook the wall, followed by loud voices coming from the hall.
“I was thinking more along the lines of a family meeting. Pizza and planning,” Carlita said. “Sounds like the move might be getting a little hairy next door. Let’s have it at Pete’s and my place.”
Chapter 13
“Got some fresh pies from Ravello’s.” Carlita carried the pizza boxes into the kitchen and set them on the bar. “Pepperoni for Violet, a deluxe with a little of everything, an all-meat and even a veggie only.”
“And I brought the drinks.” Mercedes followed her mother inside, carrying liter bottles of soda. “Where’s Luigi?”
“He’s on his way,” Dernice said. “Elvira sent him over to check on a City Market store. The burglar alarm got tripped.”
“He was closest,” Elvira said. “I told the owner they either get a new alarm system or I’m gonna start charging them every time we have to make a special trip over there.”
Violet hugged Carlita. “Thanks for bringing pizza, Nana. I’m hungry.”
“So am I.” Carlita placed a light kiss on top of her head. “How was school today?”
“Boring.”
Shelby shook her head. “It was not. You told me you made a new friend.”
“Remy. She moved here from the North Pole.”
“Where Santa lives?” Mercedes asked.
“Fairbanks, Alaska,” Tony said.
“By the North Pole,” Violet insisted. “She’s been there.”
“To visit Santa?” Pete ruffled her hair. “Lucky girl.”
“Maybe someday I can go to the North Pole.” Violet chattered on, entertaining them with snippets about her “boring” day at school.
The door creaked open, and Luigi rushed inside. “Sorry if I’m late.”
“No worries. Violet has been filling us in on her day.” Carlita took baby Melody and bounced her on her hip. “Thank you all for coming here on such short notice. I have some important news.”
“But food first.” Pete set the paper plates on the counter and began pouring drinks. “Dig in before the pizza gets cold.”
Violet was first in line, placing a slice of pepperoni pizza on her plate and grabbing a cup of Sprite. “Where do you want us to sit, Nana?”
“It’s such a beautiful night, I figured we could eat out on the terrace.” Carlita took a slice of pizza loaded with a little of everything. Balancing the baby on one hip and holding her plate with her free hand, she and Melody followed Tony and Violet outside.
When the whole family, plus Luigi, Dernice and Elvira, had gathered, she explained the reason for the meeting.
“The bottom line is Vinnie invited the family plus you three to New Jersey for Thanksgiving,” Carlita summarized.
“Josh can handle the pawn shop for a coupla days,” Tony said.
Elvira plucked a piece of pepperoni from her pizza. “As much as I would love a little vacay, if Dernice and Luigi go, who will run my EC businesses?”
“Shut the place down,” Dernice suggested. “Give everyone a holiday break.”
Her eyes widened in horror. “Bite your tongue. How can I tell someone whose business needs protecting…sorry, pal…you’re out of luck?”
“Surely, you have someone other than Luigi and Dernice who can handle things for a couple of days,” Pete said.
