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Mercedes placed an arm around her shoulders. “It’s okay to accept help.”
Tears streamed down her cheeks. “I’m sorry. It’s been a tough…rough stretch. I’ve been trying hard to find a job, but nobody wants me.”
“We want you. If you are serious, plan on working every day during the festival. Ravello’s has a great staff. We’re good people. I guarantee you’ll get along with everyone.”
“Thank you, Mercedes. I don’t know what to say,” she whispered.
“I’m glad you confided in me, so we can try to help. I’ll let Ma know right now.” Mercedes sent a quick text to her mother, letting her know Paisley was doing a great job and asking her to add the woman to the rest of the music festival’s work schedule.
Carlita’s response was fast. “Wonderful. Tell her welcome to the Garlucci family empire.”
Mercedes chuckled at her mother’s reply.
“What did she say?”
“She said welcome to the Garlucci family empire.”
“This is the best day I’ve had in a very long time. And you’re the best.”
“You’re not so bad yourself.” Mercedes gave her a quick hug, noticing a group of hungry customers heading their way. “It’s time to get back to business. Let’s work on racking up some more tips for you.”
Chapter 28
Carlita dusted her hands. “It’s safe to say we averted shutting down the food truck. I need to run a couple of errands before my shift starts.” She parted ways with Arnie in the alley, heading back to the pawn shop where she found both her sons inside.
She noticed Vinnie standing at the gun case, helping a customer. Curious to find out what he was saying, Carlita slipped in behind him.
“…so if you’re lookin’ for a gun with fast firing, this Glock 18 with a built-in compensator is the one for you. It comes with an extended 19 round magazine.”
The potential customer took the gun from Vinnie and aimed it toward the ground. “Do you have any idea what kind of speed this’ll give me?”
Vinnie leaned his elbow on the counter. “I’m gonna guess it can fire off twenty rounds per second.”
“That’s dope. How much is it?”
“Let me ask the manager.” Vinnie turned. He caught his mother’s eye and winked before strolling over to where Tony stood helping a man, who was perusing a stack of old comic books.
After a brief word, he returned. “The Glock 18 is three hundred bucks. Trust me, it’s a steal.”
“I’ll take it. Do you offer credit?”
To Carlita, the clean-cut customer couldn’t have been more than nineteen. Of course, everyone looked much younger these days.
“Sorry, man.” Vinnie shook his head. “We don’t.”
“I want the gun.” The potential customer told him he would try to scrape together the cash and left.
Carlita folded her arms, watching Vinnie place the gun back inside the case. “I knew it.”
“Knew what?”
“You could slide right into a job here at the pawn shop without batting an eye.”
Vinnie laughed. “I already have a job.”
“But maybe someday, when you’re tired of dealing with thugs and mobsters.”
“Ma.”