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THIS HAD TO be Carolina’s last encore, right? Sage sighed. He wanted Carolina to get the accolades she deserved, but he also wanted to celebrate her success—one-on-one.
“She’s incredible.” Abby came up behind him.
“Amazing.”
Abby ducked under the bar pass-through and grabbed bottles of prosecco. “Once she and Ella are done, come join the family upstairs. I want to celebrate her success.”
He wanted to hustle Carolina out of the building. Instead he pasted on a smile. “Sure.”
Up on the balcony, the Fitzgerald sisters and their men leaned over the railing watching Carolina sing “Stormy Weather.”
When the song ended, the entire group and most of the diners on the main floor gave her a standing ovation. Sage stood, too.
Carolina did a goodbye patter that included pimping the restaurant and bar. She was smiling as she headed over to the bar. To him.
He cupped her face and brushed her lips with his. “You’re incredible.”
“Thank you.” Her eyes sparkled. “I feel…fabulous.”
“That was the best.” Ella came up and did a small booty dance.
Abby waved from the balcony in a come-here gesture.
“Your boss wants us to celebrate with the family.” Sage hoped she would say no, but wouldn’t keep her from a party in her honor.
“Really?” Carolina did her own little butt wiggle.
Sage had to hold in a groan. Looked like they wouldn’t be alone for a while. Damn.
“Let’s go.” Ella headed to the staircase.
He took Carolina’s hand.
“Thank you for bringing Mamá.” She bumped his shoulder with hers. “I know she’s challenging.”
“I just want you happy.” They turned the corner at the top of the stairs.
“Congratulations!” Abby popped the cork on a bottle. Daniel and Gray did the same. “You were spectacular.”
“Thank you.” Carolina accepted the first glass poured.
“We had the best night ever,” Abby added.
“The kitchen hasn’t been that busy since we opened,” Cheryl said. “We need to expand the dessert menu. People lingered while she sang. And they ordered more food.”
“And drinks,” Abby said.
He pulled out chairs for Carolina and Ella and then helped hand out wineglasses. Once everyone had a glass, they held them up to Carolina and Ella. “Congratulations!”
Everyone laughed, talked and complimented them. Carolina fit right in like she was part of the Fitzgerald family.
“Thank you.” Carolina took a sip and grinned. “You’re all great.”
“You were wonderful.” Sage rubbed her back.
“I don’t think you’ve met my mother.” Abby tugged Carolina out of her chair, dragging her to the opposite end of the table. “Mamma lives in Atlanta. I’m so happy she arrived in time to hear your last set.”
Carolina stumbled and her face paled.
Sage followed her to the end of the table, worried. She’d been running on adrenaline for days.
Abby waved a hand at Carolina. “Mamma, I’d like to introduce you to our star.”
Abby’s mother held out her hand, but she was frowning.
“My mother, Mamie Fitzgerald Robbins. Mamma, this is Carolina Castillo.”
“Castillo?” Abby’s mother stepped away from Carolina, her hand dropping to her side.
“Yes.” Carolina’s voice was barely a whisper.
Something was wrong. Sage stepped next to Carolina, wrapping a hand around her waist.
“Who is your mother?” Mamie’s voice drilled through the noise like the squeal of a freshly branded steer.
“Rosa.” Carolina’s face turned red. “Rosa Castillo.”
“Did your mother enjoy dinner and your music?” Abby asked, her gaze bouncing between her mother and Carolina.
“She loved it.” Carolina swallowed. “Thank you for…for treating her so well.”
“Your mother was here?” Mamie’s voice grew loud. “At Fitzgerald House?”
“Mamma?” Abby frowned.
“Your conniving whore of mother was here. How dare she!” Mamie pointed a finger at Carolina. “How dare you! You shouldn’t be here.”
“Mamma!” Abby slapped a hand over her mouth.
“What’s wrong?” Bess hurried to her mother. Dolley was right behind her.
Sage tightened his arm around Carolina’s waist, needing to protect her.
“Get out!” Mamie shrieked. “Get out!”
Carolina moaned and curled into his chest.
Ella stepped next to Carolina.
What the hell is going on?
“She can’t work here. She shouldn’t be here.” Abby’s mother shook her head, her hair flying. “Make her leave.”
