“But I was invited last year. You weren’t planning on inviting me?” Elvira’s expression was incredulous.
“I figured I didn’t need the extra aggravation.”
“Are you trying to tell me I’m aggravating?” Elvira’s eyebrows furrowed. “We’re like family…not the family, but you know. We’ve been through a lot together.”
“I can’t argue the point.”
“Gremlin is in rough shape. Do you mind if I invite him too?”
“Are you divorced?” Carlita answered the question with one of her own.
“Finally.” Elvira swiped her palms together. “I spent a small fortune in lawyers’ fees, but our divorce is final. Maybe we can repair our relationship now that we’re officially exes and can commiserate over our woes. So, we’ll see you at six?”
Carlita closed her eyes. “Fine. Yes. I’ll see you at six Thursday.”
“Great. I’ll bring a big pot of natto.”
“I can hardly wait.”
Chapter 27
The next few days flew by as Carlita geared up for her Thanksgiving Day feast. Not only was she serving two large turkeys and her version of her mother-in-law’s eggplant parmesan, but she also planned to make a family favorite – homemade Italian stuffing. There would also be candied yams, smashed potatoes, corn on the cob, sweet butter rolls, pumpkin pie and an array of decadent desserts.
When the big day arrived, Carlita spent part of it working in the restaurant. It was the first big holiday for Ravello’s, and she wasn’t sure what to expect. The crowds were steady, but not overwhelming.
After the last guest left and they closed for the day, she helped the kitchen staff clean up.
Her children arrived a short time later – Tony, Shelby and Mercedes, along with her granddaughter, Violet. Since Carlita had prepped most of the food early that morning and the turkeys were already roasting, it didn’t take long for them to finish preparing the feast.
Sam and Cool Bones were the first to arrive. The men sprang into action and began sliding the tables together. Autumn, her brother Steve, and his girlfriend, Paisley, were next. Luigi was right behind them. Tori Montgomery, Byron, Annie Dowton and Reese followed him in.
Elvira, along with her sister, wandered into the kitchen, each of them carrying a large bowl.
“Do you want us to put our dishes on the table?” Elvira asked.
Carlita wrinkled her nose. “Did you bring your natto?”
“Yes.” Elvira cradled the dish. “And don’t turn your nose up. This is not only delicious and nutritious, but it’s also good for your digestive system.”
“I’m sure someone will try it,” Carlita said diplomatically. “Put it anywhere on the table where you can find an empty spot.”
“I brought my homemade cabbage and noodles,” Dernice said.
“Now that I will most definitely have to try.” Carlita juggled the baskets of fresh dinner rolls and rushed through the kitchen doors, nearly colliding with Pete, who was the last to arrive and bearing a bouquet of fall flowers.
“Let me help.” He grabbed one of the baskets and followed Carlita to the table.
“Thank you.” Carlita placed the rolls on the table and eyed the flowers. “Flowers again? You’re going to spoil me.”
“You’re onto my secret plan.” Pete sneaked in a quick kiss. “You’ve got quite a crowd.”
“I do. Isn’t it wonderful?”
Annie Dowton cornered Pete to discuss the sale of his ranch. Carlita’s other guests gathered in small groups, chatting while Tony and Shelby made their rounds greeting everyone and offering them beverages.
Satisfied everything was ready to go, Carlita slipped back into the dining room and stood watching from the doorway. Her throat clogged as she gazed around the room at her family and friends.
A feeling of melancholy filled her as she thought about her husband, Vinnie, and her other children and grandchildren who weren’t there.
Pete caught her eye and wandered over. He leaned in and squeezed her hand. “Everything looks lovely, lass. You outdid yourself.”
“Thanks. I…it was a labor of love. I’m so glad everyone could make it.” Her eyes drifted to Elvira, who was talking with Cool Bones. “Even Elvira, I suppose.”
“She considers you family.”
“She said as much.”
“I was shocked to hear her daughter killed the Tybee Island woman.”
“I was too. I’m still shaking my head over that one.”
“Luigi told me he likes his job working for EC Security Services, that they’re keeping him on.”
“Yes. Much to Elvira’s dismay. For some reason, the two of them are like oil and water, constantly butting heads.”
“Perhaps they’re too much alike,” Pete guessed.
“Could be. They’re both bullheaded and impulsive.”
“It sounds like a match made in heaven.”
“Doesn’t it?”
Carlita enlisted the help of her children, who followed her into the kitchen. They each grabbed a dish or tray of food and carried them into the dining room.
Byron joined them. “Let me help.”
“Then, you get the honor of carrying the turkeys.” Violet, who began following Byron around from the moment he arrived, tagged along behind him.
Tray after tray of food was carried to the long L-shaped dinner table until there wasn’t an empty spot left.
Carlita motioned to Pete. “I need to get everyone’s attention.”
“Can I do the honors?” Pete asked.
“Yes. Of course.”
Pete lifted a glass and lightly tapped the side with a fork. “Attention, everyone.”
The room grew quiet.
“Thank you to the Garlucci family for inviting us to this Thanksgiving Day celebration. We all have so much to be thankful for – for God’s blessing and to live in this beautiful City of Savannah.”
“We most certainly do,” Carlita’s eyes burned as she blinked back sudden tears.
Tony lifted his goblet of water. “Here’s to family and friends.”
Carlita lifted her glass. “To family and friends,” she echoed. “Now, let’s eat.”
The end.
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Eggplant Parmesan Recipe
(Shared by Barbara Tooley)
Ingredients:
3 eggplants, peeled and thinly sliced
2 eggs, beaten
4 cups Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
6 cups spaghetti sauce, divided
1 - 16-ounce package mozzarella cheese, shredded and divided
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
½ teaspoon dried basil
Directions:
-Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
-Dip eggplant slices in egg, then in breadcrumbs. Place in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake in preheated oven for 5 minutes on each side.
-In a 9x13 inch baking dish spread spaghetti sauce to cover the bottom.
-Place a layer of eggplant slices in the sauce.
-Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
-Repeat with remaining ingredients, ending with the cheeses.
-Sprinkle basil on top.
-Bake in preheated oven for 35 minutes, or until golden brown.
Hot Milk Sponge Cake Recipe
(Shared by Rita McDonnell)
Ingredients:
4 eggs
2 cups sugar
2 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 cup hot whole milk
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Blend flour and baking powder in medium size mixing bowl. Set aside.
- Place eggs in separate (larger) bowl.
- Using mixer, beat eggs.
- After eggs are beaten, add sugar and continue beating until blended.
- Gradually add dry mixture to eggs and sugar while continuing to beat.
- Add vanilla. Blend thoroughly.
- Add hot milk to mixture last and beat one final time.
- After all of the ingredients are blended, pour into ungreased tube pan.
- Bake for about one hour.
*Serve with fruit.
Exes and Woes: A Garlucci Family Saga Novel (Made in Savannah Mystery Series Book 14) Page 17
