“So you were looking for a fresh start.”
Vinnie’s last words echoed in Carlita’s head.Promise…get them out. Get my sons out.She had kept her husband’s deathbed promise to leave Queens, New York and start life over hundreds of miles away.
For the most part she’d succeeded, except for her oldest son, Vinnie, who was still deeply entrenched in the “family.” Not only entrenched, but had married into it when he wed Brittney Castellini, “The Godfather’s” daughter.
“You summed it up perfectly. My children and I were lookin’ for a fresh start.” She leaned her hip against the doorway. “Have you lived in Savannah long?”
“Only about a year. My ex-girlfriend, the one who packed up and moved to Amsterdam, convinced me to move here.”
“I’m sorry things didn’t work out,” Carlita said.
“I’ve had my share of unfair shakes in life,” Bubba said. “But for the first time in a long time, things are starting to turn around for me. I transferred from another location and took a different job working downtown. I’ll be able to walk to work.”
“I looked at your application but don’t remember what you do.”
“I’m an underground mechanic, and work on anything below the Earth’s surface.”
“What an interesting occupation.”
He shrugged. “It has pluses and minuses. Like I said, I finally feel like I’m settling in.”
“I hope it works out for you, Bubba. I hope this is the best move you’ve ever made,” she said softly. “I may be biased, but in my opinion, you could not have picked a better place to put down roots.”
Chapter 19
Carlita thought about her conversation with Bubba all the way home. Reading between the lines and based on what he’d hinted at, times had been tough for her new tenant.
She’d experienced her own share of grief, heartache, and setbacks, all of which had made her stronger, more resilient. With grit and determination to create a better, safer life for her children, Carlita was proud of all she’d accomplished.
Perhaps Bubba was in desperate need of a fresh start. If so, she hoped Walton Square and his new home would give him what he needed.
Back at her own place, she tracked down Bubba’s rental application, specifically searching for the copy of the pay stub he’d provided.
Curious to find out exactly what Bubba’s official duties entailed, she switched computer screens and typedSouthern Subterranean Group,the name of the company he worked for, in the search bar.
Clicking on a link to the company’s website, she found a photograph of a modern building, an oddity in Savannah, which typically featured historic structures oozing old-world southern charm. She scrolled down and read the brief blurb about the company.
Bang.The apartment door slammed. Pete strolled into the living room. “Hello, dear. Did you get my message?”
“No.” Carlita reached for her phone, noticing she’d missed his message plus one from Tony. “I had my volume down.”
“I wondered if I might be able to persuade you to join me for lunch today. The weather is fabulous and I’m in the mood for a picnic in the park.”
Carlita perked up. “A picnic?” She reached down and patted Rambo’s head. “Did you hear that? Pete invited us on a picnic.”
“I’ll take that as a yes and have the kitchen staff prepare a light lunch for us.” Pete, with his phone in hand, disappeared down the hall, returning moments later, a triumphant gleam in his eye. “Whenever you and Rambo are ready, we can grab our food and head out.”
“Let me freshen up.” Carlita darted to the bathroom before catching up with Pete, who was in the living room waiting for her. “I could use a mental break, especially after the morning I’ve had.”
“I called the restaurant and spoke to Arnie. He told me about the surprise inspection and slew of cancellations.”
“It’s depressing.”
“I didn’t mean to bring it up. Lunch is our break. No shop talk. No bad news, merely a chance to sneak out and enjoy the day.”
Carlita bounced on the tips of her toes and kissed his cheek. “Have I told you that you’re the best husband a woman could ask for?”
“Yes, and I never tire of hearing about how awesome I am,” he teased.
