Page 2 of Family Ties and Alibis

Opposite the tables was Sprinkles, the resort’s ice cream shop.

“Ice cream.” Violet darted across the atrium only to come to a quick stop when she realized it was closed.

“Sprinkles opens at five on weekdays,” Vinnie said.

“We just ate lunch,” Shelby reminded her daughter. “By the time they open, we’ll be ready for a sweet treat.”

The young girl hung her head. “No fair.”

“I know another spot you might like,” her uncle said. “Follow me.”

The family exited the tropical oasis and continued their tour. They passed by the check-in lobby before reaching a long hallway with soft lighting. Double doors lined both sides, each marked with a different name.

Mercedes read them as they passed by. “Diamond, emerald, ruby, pearl. You stuck with the treasure theme.”

“By design. We did some renovations last year, spiffing up our meeting rooms. We also added a spot that has been popular with our younger guests.”

Carlita lagged behind the others, taking note of the guest laundry facility as well as a state-of-the-art fitness center.

Vinnie stopped in front of a set of double sliding doors. “Although this isn’t as big as the arcade down the street, you’ll be happy to know it’s open twenty-four hours.”

Violet tiptoed toward the door, her eyes round as saucers as she gazed at the arcade’s flashing lights. “Can we go in?”

“We sure can, in a minute,” Tony said.

Baby Melody started to fuss. “Somebody is ready for a nap,” Shelby said.

“The tour is almost over.” Vinnie checked his watch. “Don’t forget I made seven o’clock reservations for us at Ember Steakhouse.”

Shelby bounced the fussy baby on her hip. “Melody won’t make it through a sit-down dinner. You mentioned a place for the kids.”

“Camp Cove. Brittney will be dropping little Vin off around six-thirty.”

“Perfect. I’ll meet her there.”

“Violet and I can hang out here in the arcade while you put the baby down for a nap,” Tony offered. “Where’s Camp Cove?”

Vinnie briefly explained how to find the children’s activity center. He waited for the couple to part ways and wrapped up the remainder of the tour for his mother, Pete, and Mercedes, returning to their original starting point near the casino gaming floor. “We didn’t stop by the pool area, but when you get a chance, I highly recommend checking it out. Although the pool is closed for the season, we have lounge chairs and tables for guests to relax and escape the crowds.”

“We will, Son.” Carlita thanked him again for inviting the family to spend Thanksgiving with them. “When are Paulie, Gina, and the kids supposed to be here?”

“Today is the last day of school before the holiday break. They’re driving down first thing tomorrow morning, which means they’ll be here sometime later in the afternoon,” Vinnie said.

Carlita rubbed her palms together. “We’re gonna have a great time.”

“I’m not sure if I mentioned it, but Brittney’s mother, Mrs. Castellini, is here for the holidays, too.”

“The more the merrier,” Mercedes quipped.

“I hope so.”

“Is there a problem with Francesca?” Although not a huge fan of the woman, Francesca was her son’s mother-in-law, which meant regardless of how bossy the woman could be, Carlita vowed to try to get along. Was there a possibility that close contact with the woman would be challenging? Yes, but not impossible.

“Did I tell you she sold her place in New York and is buying a condo here in Atlantic City?”

“No.” Carlita studied her son’s face. “How’s it working out?”

He tipped his hand back and forth. “Some days are better than others.”