Page 3 of Family Ties and Alibis

“I bet. With Vito gone, she’s probably lonely and bored.”

“Not anymore. She spends most of her time at our house, giving us her two cents about whatever she feels like.” Vinnie’s phone chimed. “Brit and her mother are in the lobby, waiting to say hello.”

The trio followed Vinnie to the main lobby, an impressive grand entrance sporting soaring ceilings and exposed teak wood beams. Terracotta pots, filled with an array of tropical greenery, were clustered throughout.

Smiling jack-o’-lanterns sat on top of bales of hay. A whimsical turkey with his plume of feathers fanned out, towered over a lavish display of cornucopia, as if getting ready to “gobble” it up, while the fragrant aroma of cinnamon mingled with nutmeg wafted in the air.

Carlita breathed in the holiday scent. “I love the Thanksgiving décor. It even smells like fall.”

“It was Brittney’s idea. She’s been decorating for the seasons. You should see what she has planned for Christmas.” Vinnie nodded his head. “There she is now.”

Brittney, wearing a cashmere sweater, form-fitting designer jeans, and her standard stiletto heels, hurried over. She air-kissed Carlita’s cheek. “Vinnie mentioned you took a tumble but said you were going to be okay. What a cute scooter.”

“Thanks.” Carlita patted the handle. “You can’t miss this hot pink gem, which is probably a good thing seeing how I’ve already had one collision and several near misses. Vinnie told us you were in charge of the decorating. It looks nice…very festive.”

“Thank you. I’ve had fun arranging the settings.” Brittney grasped her mother’s arm and pulled her closer. “You remember my mom.”

“Francesca.” Carlita shook her hand. “It’s nice to see you again.”

She grunted what could have been close to “same,” although it was hard to tell for sure. She greeted Mercedes and Pete in a similar manner.

Carlita shot her son a side glance, noting the guarded expression on his face.

Little Vin, Carlita’s grandson, clung to his mother’s leg, silently staring at them.

“You remember Grandma Carlita.” Brittney coaxed her son forward.

“Hello, sweetie,” Carlita cooed. “You’re getting to be such a big boy.”

He tightened his grip, wary of the visitors.

“Do you remember Violet?”

He nodded.

“She’s in the arcade with Uncle Tony.”

“You’ll get to see her a little later, down at Camp Cove,” Vinnie said.

“I heard Vinnie put you up in a swanky suite,” Francesca said.

“More like a luxurious mini apartment. To be honest, we could be staying at the mom ‘n pop motel down the street and I would be happy. Being with family is what matters most.”

“We’re looking forward to hosting the holiday dinner,” Brittney said. “It will be an Italian Thanksgiving feast.”

“I told Brit that seeing how she’s a terrible cook, she should order the food from the restaurant,” Francesca said.

“She might not be whipping up gourmet meals every night, but she’s a great mother,” Vinnie said.

“Brought up by the best,” her mother bragged. “Now that I’m living here, I’m gonna make sure you don’t spoil little Vin rotten.”

“I don’t think…”

Brittney’s cell phone beeped. “We had better get going or we’ll be late for our spa appointments. See you at dinner.” She grabbed her son’s hand and hurried off with Francesca following behind.

Carlita waited until they were gone. “I see what you mean about Francesca getting up in your business.”

“She’s a good woman, and Brittney loves her mother. She feels sorry for her, being lonely and all.”