A patron called out, “Excuse me,” so she hurried off.
“Ready to head out?” Carrera asked his grandmother.
“I need to stop by Luciano’s on my way home.”
As he stood, Carrera dropped the coupon card on the table.
“You’re going to break that girl’s heart,” G-ma said. “She seemed like a sweet person.”
“That’s why sheshouldn’tbe hanging with me.”
He guided her outside, then stopped on the sidewalk. “I had to park out back. Do you want to wait here?”
“I’m fine. Amanda May holds my hand, so I don’t fall.”
Carrera clasped her hand.
“Did you stop by last night and see her?” G-ma asked.
“I did.”
“You’re a good boy.”
“She threatened to knee me in the groin.”
G-ma laughed. “What did you do to deserve that?”
“I thought about kissing her.”
“Can’t blame you, honey. She was a catch all those years ago and she’s double the catch now.”
Carrera released a growl.
Frustration festered as he brought G-ma to his truck, then helped her climb in. After closing the truck door, he got in beside her.
“Does Russell have family?” G-ma asked.
“He’s got a sister who lives in Washington state. His mom died while he was in Boston and his dad passed several years ago.”
“That was an exciting announcement. Why don’t you help him with his campaign?”
“I’m too busy. I had to let Jazz go, so I’ve got to put in extra hours at the cruise line.”
“What did she do?”
“Not work,” he replied.
“I’m surprised she didn’t stop by to see me.”
“She will when she runs out of money.”
G-ma chuckled. “Probably tomorrow.”
A short ride later, he pulled up to Luciano’s gated entrance. “Carrera and Elsa Santini.”
The guard made a call, then opened the gate. “Mr. Santini is expecting you.”
As Carrera drove forward, G-ma said, “It’s like we’re entering the gates of heaven.”
