Page 36 of Family Ties and Alibis

“Would you rather I called you reliable?”

Carlita could tell by the look on her son’s face that he was on the verge of snapping back at her. Not because Francesca didn’t deserve it, but it would definitely put a damper on the holiday meal.

“You’re a good mother to Brittney and a doting grandmother to little Vin.”

“Doting sounds much better.” Mollified by Vinnie’s updated description of her, Francesca sipped her sparkling water and leaned back in her chair.

Vinnie reached for the knife. “Let’s get this turkey carved.” Despite his injured thumb, Carlita’s eldest son expertly carved thick slices of tender white meat, placing pieces on the plates Brittney passed around.

Aunt Mercedes jumped in to help, filling plates for her nieces and nephews—baked macaroni and cheese, savory sweet rolls, a scoop of both sweet potatoes and sour cream mashed potatoes, buttery mini corn on the cobs, savory stuffing. Slices of turkey filled the remaining empty spots.

“Thank you, Aunt Mercedes.” PJ batted his eyes at his aunt, holding his roll in one hand and a cup of fruit juice in the other.

“You’re welcome, bud.” Mercedes ruffled his hair. “Maybe later we’ll sneak down to the Boardwalk to see if we can find seagulls.”

His eyes lit. “And feed them leftovers?”

“I don’t think we should give them leftovers.”

“We’re not allowed to feed the birds,” Uncle Vinnie told him.

“Bummer.”

“But we can see if the arcade is open,” Mercedes said. “All the kids.”

The children chattered excitedly about their aunt’s invitation while she returned to the adult table.

A lively discussion about what to do after partaking of the celebratory meal ensued. Some suggested a nap while others planned to stretch their legs and get some fresh air.

The meal drifted along. Easy conversation. Laughter. Family memories from way back. Carlita couldn’t have planned a better get-together if she’d arranged it herself.

She lightly tapped her spoon on the side of her goblet. “I would like to propose a toast.”

The others lifted their glasses.

“To our wonderful hosts, Brittney, Francesca, and Vinnie.”

“Here. Here.”

The guests clinked their glasses, adding their appreciation for the holiday meal.

Carlita felt a light tug on her shirt sleeve and found Violet standing next to her. “When can we have dessert, Nana?”

“You ate all your food?”

Violet solemnly nodded.

“I’ll go grab them.” Brittney set her napkin aside.

Carlita stopped her. “You stay put. I’ll serve dessert.”

“I’ll help, Nana.”

With Violet’s assistance, Carlita delivered the chilled tiramisu and pumpkin cannoli to the table. Each dessert sat on its own mini plate, adorned with edible festive fall foliage.

Serving the youngest guests first, Carlita and Violet made their way around the table, distributing a variety of sweet treats.

Violet, eager to try each, carried two plates to her spot while Carlita did the same. “The tiramisu looks delish.”