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“Mamá, I’m so glad you’re here.” Carolina slipped next to the table and kissed her mother’s cheek. She smiled at Courtney and Kaden. And set her hand on Sage’s shoulder and squeezed.
“There’s my baby. There’s my girl.” Rosa’s voice was loud enough to have people’s heads turning. “Isn’t she beautiful?”
“Hush, Mamá. How’s your dinner?” Carolina asked. The black dress she wore clung to her body, the fabric shimmering in the lights.
He wanted a chance to strip the clingy dress off her tonight.
“Good.” Rosa shrugged. “I like having the Fitzgeralds serving me.”
“Mamá.” Carolina shook her head.
Sage was hoping for a kiss, but they were in a packed restaurant. “Looks like your debut is pulling in the crowds.”
“Abby’s food is doing the work. But I get to benefit.”
Abby came up beside them in her chef whites. “Are you ready to wow them?”
Carolina inhaled. “You bet.”
“You must be Rosa,” Abby said. “I’m so glad you were well enough to come tonight.”
“I wouldn’t miss it.” Rosa smiled. But when Abby turned to say something to Carolina, Rosa stuck out her tongue. At Abby? What beef did Rosa have with the Fitzgeralds?
“I’ll introduce you. At least for tonight.” Abby touched Carolina’s hand. “Ready?”
“Absolutely.”
Sage caught her hand. “You don’t need it, but good luck.”
“Thank you.” She bent and brushed a kiss on his lips.
His heart expanded.
Abby headed up the stairs to the small stage. Ella ended the song she was playing and did a little fanfare music before Abby flipped on the microphone. “Welcome to Southern Comforts. I’m Abby Fitzgerald and I hope you’re enjoying your meals.”
Most of the dinner crowd clapped.
“I want to welcome you to our first night of entertainment. Carolina Castillo grew up on Tybee Island, but comes to us via Nashville. She’s become part of the Fitzgerald House family. I want you to give her a warm welcome.” Abby held out her arm. “Carolina Castillo.”
Sage felt like his face would crack as he smiled. He sat back to enjoy the evening.
* * *
CAROLINA WANTED TO push on the butterflies dancing in her belly, but everyone was watching. Abby had introduced her as part of the Fitzgerald House family. Abby had no clue how true that was.
She’d sung in front of crowds hundreds of times. She shouldn’t be nervous. But she’d never sung to her boyfriend or her mother at the same time.
Ella grinned and gave her a nod.
“I hope you’re all having a good time. Please enjoy Abby’s wonderful food and a glass of wine or one of the great beers Abby has on tap. Naomi can make you the perfect cocktail. Sit back, relax and enjoy your evening. And if you’re looking for something fun—why don’t you try the Southern Comforts Tea? Just make sure you have a designated driver.”
People laughed.
It was worth giving Abby a plug. They were symbiotic, right?
She nodded at Ella and pulled the microphone from the stand. “I thought I would start with a local songwriter. So here’s a song from the legendary Johnny Mercer.”
“This is ‘Moon River.’” She took deep breaths as Ella played the intro. Tightening her diaphragm, she let the column of air carry the notes.
As she sang, a smile broke across her mother’s face. Sage grinned and the audience—okay, diners—smiled or rocked with the music.
She and Ella worked through their set.
“This one’s for my beautiful mamá. She taught me how to sing.” Carolina touched her lips, sending her mother a kiss. “And she or my yaya sang this lullaby as they tucked me into bed.”
“‘A dormir va la rosa de los rosales.
y a dormir va mi niño porque ya es tarde.
Este niño chiquito no tiene cuna.
Su padre es carpintero le va a hacer una.’”
Even though the small spotlight partially blinded her, Carolina saw the tears streaming down her mother’s face. She fought to keep her throat from closing and stopping the music inside her. She’d meant this to be a good memory for her mother. Not a sad one.
But her mother would never have a chance to sing a lullaby to a grandchild. Carolina’s hand shook as it clutched the microphone.
Ella raised her eyebrows.
Carolina focused on the back wall. She would finish this song.
She held the last note. Thank goodness it was the last song in this set. She needed to settle. Needed to hug her mother.
She bowed as the dinner guests applauded. Waving, she said, “Don’t forget the fabulous Ella Blade on the piano.”
