Page 22 of Family Ties and Alibis

“Do you like it better than Ravello’s?” Mercedes asked.

“It has a little something extra mine is missing.” Carlita took another bite, paying close attention to the tangy sauce.

The siblings took turns guessing what the secret ingredient might be.

Carlita’s eyes lit. “I figured it out. It’s a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.”

Tony reached for another slice of Sicilian. He folded it in half and bit into it. “I think you’re right.”

Gracie and Noel, who had finished eating before the others, began arguing over a stuffed bear. Paulie Jr. intervened, snatching the toy from his sister and scampering off.

Noel threw herself at her mother, whining about her brother’s antics.

“PJ…do not take your sisters’ toys. I think it’s time to head back to our room.” Gina, using her firm, no-nonsense tone, ushered her children to the door while Paulie gathered up their toys.

“We’ll catch up tomorrow.” Carlita followed behind. “I’m sure Vinnie is eager to see you and wishes he could be here too.”

Paulie gave his mother a goodbye hug. “I know you’re worried about him, but big bro can take care of himself.”

“We’re gonna skedaddle.” Tony and his young family left, thanking them for dinner on the way out.

Mercedes finished clearing the table and stifled a yawn. “I’m heading to my room. We have a busy day planned for tomorrow.”

“A full day of AC fun.” Carlita checked her watch for the umpteenth time, growing even more concerned at not having heard from her oldest son. She started to comment when a text from Vinnie popped up on her phone, letting her know he was home and would see her in the morning.

Carlita: Get some rest, Son.

Vinnie: Thanks, Ma. It’s been an interesting day.

Mercedes peeked over her shoulder. “What did he say?”

“That it has been an interesting day.”

“I’m sure it has been, and not in a good way. Speaking of interesting, have you heard from Elvira?”

“I checked in to see how Rambo was doing. She said he was fine.” Carlita’s eyelids started to droop. “If I don’t hear from her tomorrow, I’ll give her a call, but for now I think I’ll call it a day and hit the hay, too.”

Chapter 9

“You can sit in Dernice’s spot.” Elvira placed a soft mat on top of the recliner and patted it.

Rambo hesitated for a fraction of a second before leaping into the chair. He did a full rotation and plopped down, placing his paws in front of him while giving Elvira a look of pure adoration.

Dernice placed her hands on her hips and shook her head. “You’re spoiling Carlita’s dog rotten.”

“I believe a more accurate term would be showering him with privileges. He’s extremely well-behaved, listens to commands, and doesn’t beg for treats. Therefore, I believe in rewarding Rambo for good behavior.” Elvira placed a small bowl of plain popped popcorn on the TV tray. “Don’t dig in yet,” she warned. “We have to wait until our movie starts.”

She settled into her seat next to Rambo, grabbed her jumbo bowl of extra-buttery popcorn, and reached for the remote. “We’ll have to watch a few commercials, but it will be worth it.”

Rambo looked longingly at his bowl of popcorn, patiently waiting for Elvira to give him the command.

“What are you and Rambo watching?”

“First Blood, the original Rambo movie.”

Dernice cracked a smile. “Rambo watching Rambo.”

“He likes action shows, along with some dog videos I found.”