Page 10 of Family Ties and Alibis

The woman’s face turned beet red. “And your point is?”

“There’s no point, only to say Luigi and Vinnie are friends and have other family obligations as well.”

Francesca’s shoulders slumped. “I’ll stay here for the holidays all by myself.”

“You can go with us,” Brittney offered. “I’m sure Luigi won’t mind.”

“Not at all, Mrs. Castellini,” Luigi graciously replied.

“I had hoped for a quiet holiday at home,” Francesca moped. “Oh, well.”

“I’m sure it wasn’t Luigi’s plan to ruin your holiday.”

“It’s always about the Garluccis.” She tossed her napkin onto the table. “Thanksgiving and now New Year’s.”

“Good heavens.” Carlita threw her hands in the air. “You make it sound like it’s the end of the world, spending the holidays with us in Savannah.”

Francesca muttered under her breath, something she couldn’t hear but Vinnie did.

Her son abruptly stood. “We can discuss this later…calmly…at our place.”

“There’s no need.” Francesca slowly stood. “I’m not feeling well. I think I’ll head to my room to lie down.”

Brittney slid out of her chair. “I’ll go with you.”

“Don’t bother. I feel the onset of a migraine.” Francesca turned on her heel and stalked off.

Her daughter hung her head and picked at her food, looking more miserable by the minute.

Carlita, feeling partly responsible for the conflict, frowned. “I’m sorry if I upset your mother and ruined dinner.”

“Ma didn’t mean to sound selfish,” she said in a small voice. “The holidays are hard with Daddy being gone and all.”

“I’m sure they are, and shame on me for not showing more grace. When you see your mother, please tell her I’m sorry and we would love for her to spend New Year’s celebrating with us.”

“Maybe we can spend Christmas with Ma and New Year’s at Luigi and Dernice’s wedding,” Brittney said.

Carlita patted her hand. “It sounds like the perfect compromise. If your mother changes her mind, she’s welcome to join us in Savannah.”

“Thank you.” Brittney sucked in a breath. “I had better get going. I’ll pass along your offer and apology.”

Vinnie met his wife near the edge of the table. They talked in low voices, and then Brittney left.

Carlita waited until he returned to the table. “I’m sorry, Son.”

“It’s not your fault, Ma. Like I mentioned earlier, Francesca is…” His voice trailed off.

“Vito spoiled Francesca and Brittney their whole lives,” Luigi said. “To be honest, I kind of hope she doesn’t come down for the wedding.”

“Me too, brother,” Vinnie sighed. “Me too.”

Chapter 4

“What’s on our Atlantic City agenda today?” Pete leaned in and nuzzled his wife’s neck.

“Breakfast is on the way. I have a surprise for you after we’re done eating.”

“You ordered room service?”