Chapter 6
“Negotiate?” Elvira lifted her chin. “Either you’re interested in me turning this into an apartment or you’re not.”
“The fact of the matter is…I know you, and I also know you have a reason for everything you do,” Dernice said. “In other words, there are strings attached.”
Her sister mustered up her best offended look. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“I love you, but you aren’t going to sink money into an apartment without having an ulterior motive.”
“I can’t do something nice because I want to?”
“Sure, you can. Anyone can, but it’s not in your DNA.”
Carlita covered her mouth to hide her grin. Dernice was onto Elvira, putting her on the spot. Negotiating at its finest, at least as far as the conniving woman was concerned.
“Fine. Maybe I figured I could have a nice little income stream. There’s a lot of space up here and I could easily turn this into a three-bedroom, two-bath unit.”
“Three two,” Luigi repeated. “So it’s gonna be a lot more expensive than what Carlita charges me for my efficiency.”
“Real estate is at a premium, especially here in Savannah’s historic district. You’ll still be close to work, close to shopping, restaurants, not to mention public transportation. Everything is right here at your fingertips. You’ll have your own space yet be close to all the action.”
“You sound like a commercial,” Tony joshed. “Selling your own sister on your project.”
“I could leave it like it is,” Elvira said. “But it seems like a missed opportunity and a waste of valuable space.”
“So you don’t have some other secret agenda?” Her sister eyed her suspiciously.
“Nope, only to give you and Luigi a nice place to live close to everything you love.” Elvira listed a reasonable monthly rental rate, at least it sounded reasonable to Carlita based on what she charged her tenants directly across the alley.
Dernice tapped her foot on the floor. “I have to say, it sounds like a pretty sweet deal. Still, I’ll need to think about it. What about you, Luigi?”
“Are you positive there isn’t a catch?”
Elvira made an “x” across her chest. “Scout’s honor.”
“I agree with Dernice. We need to think about it.”
“The bid I got is only good for thirty days,” Elvira said. “If you wait too long, the price might go up.”
“We’ll have two incomes to put toward the rent. More space would be pretty epic.” Luigi scratched his forehead. “I hate to leave Carlita in a bind, trying to find another tenant.”
“Don’t worry about me. Bubba Benton, the new tenant who is renting Sam’s old place, has the keys and will be moving in soon. I shouldn’t have any trouble finding someone. It’s reasonably priced for a downtown location.”
“You haven’t even asked about the layout.” Elvira pulled a crumpled piece of paper from her pocket. “I figured a large, open living area facing the street with the bedrooms and bathrooms in the back where it’s quiet would work best.”
Despite Carlita’s initial skepticism, her former neighbor appeared to be genuinely trying to help Luigi and Dernice move into a more spacious place to start their new lives together. “Tick-tock. The clock is ticking.”
“We’ll discuss it and get back with you.” Dernice impulsively hugged her. “I gotta admit, I’m pleasantly surprised by your generosity.”
“I should be offended, but I’ll take it as a compliment.”
The group returned downstairs and gathered in the alley.
“Thanks again for the awesome surprise engagement party,” Luigi said. “The food was delicious.”
“None of you are feeling ill?” Carlita asked.
“Nope. I’m thinking Sonny must’ve eaten something bad before he got to the party,” Elvira said. “Maybe even Yvonne.”
“But two people having similar food poisoning symptoms?” Mercedes asked. “I hope you’re right, and I hope Sonny makes a full recovery.”
“I’m gonna swing by the hospital to check on him.” Elvira tapped Carlita’s shoulder. “What time do you want me to pick you up?”
“Pick me up for what?”
“To go see Sonny. I figure I can be ready within the hour.”
“I don’t…”
“Don’t want to go?” Elvira’s eyes widened. “You’re the reason he’s in the hospital.”
“You just said he could’ve eaten something bad before he got to the party.”
“He also could’ve eaten tainted food from Ravello’s. Sonny needs to believe you’re concerned about his well-being.”
“I am concerned.”
Elvira rubbed her thumb against her middle finger.
“In case he decides to sue me?” Carlita heaved a heavy sigh. “Let no good deed go unpunished. Pete and I will run home and take Rambo out. I can be ready in an hour.”
“I figured you might change your mind. I’ll text you when I’m on my way.” Elvira slipped back inside her building.
Mercedes watched the door close behind her. “She seriously digs Sonny.”
“A crush to beat all crushes,” Dernice said. “He’s not a bad-looking guy, but I’m not sure he’s my sister’s type.”
“Does Elvira have a type? I couldn’t even begin to figure out what it might be,” Carlita joked.
Tony and Shelby, along with their girls, left first. Mercedes headed home while Luigi and Dernice returned to his apartment to sort through the gifts they’d received, leaving Carlita and Pete alone.
She grasped her husband’s arm and strolled to Pete’s truck, parked in the lot at the end of the alley. “It was a nice party, except for the part where Sonny and Yvonne got sick.”
“But no one else got ill,” he pointed out.
“That we know of.” She crossed her fingers. “I’m praying he makes a complete recovery. Elvira has a valid point. I need to make an appearance, plus I would like to see for myself that Sonny is going to be okay.”
“What will you do with the leftovers?”
“I hate to have anyone eat them on the off chance something was bad. I guess I’ll have to toss the food in the trash.”
Back home, Carlita and Pete took Rambo for a long walk. Fall in South Georgia meant gorgeous sunny days with moderate temperatures…perfect for leisurely strolls along the river.
They passed by the Flying Gunner, Pete’s pirate ship, getting ready to set sail for the late afternoon cruise and pirate show.
“You mentioned your new tenant is moving in,” he prompted.
“On paper, Bubba appears to be the ideal tenant. His rent record is clean as a whistle not to mention I got a glowing recommendation from his former landlord. I still miss Sam.”
“Mercedes isn’t sad about Sam moving out?”
Carlita contemplated his question. “I think they drifted apart, and the inevitable happened. Mercedes seems content being single.”
“At least she has Autumn living across the hall to do things with.”
“She’s still young with plenty of time to figure out if she wants a man in her life. I would rather she be alone than be with the wrong person.”
Tink. Carlita’s cell phone chimed.
Elvira: Leaving now.
Carlita: I’ll meet you in the parking lot.
“Elvira is on her way.”
“Would you like me to go with you?”
“Nah. We won’t be long. We’ll probably only stay for half an hour or so.”
“And if Elvira decides to sit by his bed to nurse him back to health?”
“I can always hitch a ride on the trolley. There’s a pickup spot in front of the hospital.” Back home, Carlita ran inside to grab her purse and made it down to the parking lot only seconds before Elvira arrived. She swung the compact car around and tapped the horn.
Carlita eased the passenger side door open. “What was the horn for? I was standing right there.”
“In case you didn’t recognize my vehicle. I hardly ever drive this thing. The engine didn’t want to turn over. I think the battery is dying.”
“Thanks for the lift and for suggesting I go with you. I’m gonna ask Sonny what he ate right before he got sick.”
“Food poisoning sometimes takes a few hours to kick in.”
“True.” Carlita mentally calculated the time between when the food was served and Sonny started showing symptoms. “It might be tight, but it is possible he got sick from something he ate at the party.”
Less than ten minutes later, they arrived at the downtown hospital. The receptionist directed them to the bank of elevators after giving them Sonny’s room number.
Reaching the upper floor, the doors opened onto a bustling lobby. To the right was a nurse’s station.
“I see the nurse’s station.”
Reaching the counter, Carlita let Elvira do the talking. “We’re here to see Sonny Skidz. The front desk told us he was in room 8212.”
“He is.”
“Thanks.” Elvira and Carlita turned to go.
The woman stopped them. “He’s only allowed two visitors at a time. You’ll have to wait your turn.”
“He has someone in his room?”
“He’s a very popular person.” The clerk directed the women to empty chairs in the waiting room and promised to let them know when it was their turn.
“I should use the restroom.” Carlita pivoted. “Too much coffee and tea during the party.”
“I think I saw a sign for it down the hall.”
“Thanks.” She strolled past the nurse’s station, making her way in the general direction Elvira had indicated. She somehow got turned around and ended up in a wing of patient’s rooms.
She stopped a hospital worker, who told her how to find the nearest restroom, tucked away in the corner, only steps from where she and Elvira were told to wait.
Backtracking, she walked past Elvira.
“Where are you going?”
“To the bathroom. It’s down here and around the corner.”
“So, you didn’t go?”
“No. I’ve been wandering around and finally had to ask someone.”
The desk clerk stepped over. “Mr. Skidz is ready for his next visitors.”
“I have to…”
“It can wait.” Elvira grasped Carlita’s arm and propelled her forward. “I don’t want to miss our turn. We won’t be long.”
The woman stopped in front of an open door. “This is his room. He has more visitors, so I suggest you limit your visit to fifteen minutes.”
“Thanks.” Elvira marched into the hospital room while Carlita trailed behind.
As they drew closer, she noticed a pale Sonny lying in the bed, an IV tube hooked up to his arm.
“Hey, Sonny.” Elvira gave him a friendly wave. “You’re looking much better.”
“Thanks.” The man offered Carlita a hesitant smile. “Hello.”
“You remember Carlita.” Elvira nudged her forward. “She’s the owner of Ravello’s.”
“I’m sorry about what happened,” Carlita apologized. “Thank goodness a paramedic was on hand and able to help figure out what was wrong.”
“One minute I’m fine, chowing down on fettuccine and breadsticks.” Sonny made a diving motion with his hands. “The next I’m on the bathroom floor puking my guts out.”
“But you’re recovering,” Elvira insisted.
“I thought I was, but I’m feeling nauseous again, like I did when I first got sick.
” Sonny reached for the large fountain drink sitting on his bedside stand, the kind purchased from convenience stores.
“I’m also feeling a little woozy. My friend brought a drink. Hopefully, it’s not spiked with booze.”
“Spiking your drink would be a terrible trick to play on you.” Carlita noticed the clear container was almost empty. “I’m sure you’re dehydrated.”
“Do you want me to call a nurse?” Elvira asked.
Sonny briefly closed his eyes. “I’ve had a lot of visitors. Maybe you should go.”
“Okay.” Elvira patted his arm. “Take care and get well soon.”
He clutched his bedsheet, pulling it tighter. “Yeah. Call the nurse. I’m not feeling so good.”
Carlita ran into the hall and jogged to the nurse’s station. “Mr. Skidz is feeling ill.”
“We’ll send someone to his room.”
Elvira appeared, a pensive expression on her face. “Sonny isn’t looking too hot. They got a bunch of people running into his room.”
The overhead speakers blared, Code Blue 8212.
Things moved fast as a group of hospital workers swarmed the hallway, all running into Sonny’s room.
A chill ran down Carlita’s back. “What does Code Blue mean?”
The woman seated behind the desk lowered her voice. “It means a critical, life-threatening emergency.”