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As soon as they were seated, Reese pulled back onto the street. “Thanks for inviting me to Steve’s fundraiser. I ran into so many people I haven’t seen in ages. It was like a reunion.”

“A great group of locals coming together to help one of their own. And thank you for persuading your boss to let us raffle off a month of free rides on the trolley,” Carlita said. “I’m sure it was popular.”

“It was,” Mercedes said. “Actually, all of them were awesome raffle goodies.”

“Too bad it ended on a grim note.”

Reese shot Carlita a puzzled look in the rearview mirror. “Ended on a grim note? What happened?”

“Two burglars tried breaking into the pawn shop. The same pair broke into Elvira’s business. They also stole some stuff from Colby’s Corner Store.”

“Last night?”

“Yeah. During the fundraiser or right after it ended.”

“That’s odd and sort of interesting,” Reese said.

“Why?”

“Because I ran into Russell Sterling at the fundraiser. He mentioned his place had been broken into a few weeks ago.”

Carlita’s heart skipped a beat. “No kidding. Did they steal anything?”

“No, but they messed the place up pretty good. He said he caught them on his surveillance camera.” Reese described the burglars to a “t.” “Dark clothes, athletic yet klutzy. He said they somehow managed to disable his alarm system.”

“So maybe they’re not as bumbling as they appear to be.” Mercedes and her mother exchanged a quick glance. “This sounds like the same two.”

“Sterling,” Carlita said. “Why does his name sound familiar?”

“Russell Sterling owns Sterling Automotive Group. I’m sure you’ve seen his commercials.”

“You’re right. I have. I guess we never met,” Carlita said.

“I’m not sure how Steve knows him. Or maybe he doesn’t. Maybe someone else invited him or told him about the event,” Reese said.

The conversation paused when they reached their next stop. Several riders got off while a few more boarded. In between stops, they threw out theories about who might be behind the break-ins. Carlita’s gut told her Sterling’s incident could be related to theirs, but how?

The ride flew by, and before they knew it, they were back in Walton Square. It took a little finagling to gather up all of their stuff and drag the damaged stroller down the steps.

“Call Tony and tell him to come help,” Mercedes said.

“Good idea.” Carlita dialed her son’s cell phone number and waved goodbye to Reese as the trolley rumbled off.

“Hey, Ma.”

“Hey, Son. We had a little accident during our picnic. We’re near the trolley stop. Can you come help?”

“Is everyone okay?”

“We’re fine but we need a hand carrying the stuff.”

“I’m on my way.” Tony hurried out of the building and caught up with them. “What happened?”

“Rambo bumped the stroller. We forgot to lock the wheels. It took off down the hill, hit a cement post and the frame got bent.” Carlita tightened her grip on the baby. “Thank goodness I was holding Melody when it happened.”

“Unfortunately, we’re not sure if it can be fixed,” Mercedes said.

Tony grabbed the handle and tested it out. “Yeah. I can fix it. I forgot to mention the stroller is an easy glide.”

“Almost too easy.” Carlita swiped at her forehead. “We were on our way back when we ran into Reese and the trolley. She gave us a ride.”

“Thanks for taking the girls,” Tony said. “Shelby stopped by the pawn shop a few minutes ago. She took a nap, ran an errand, and is back home now.”

“We’ll drop Melody and Violet off.”

Tony picked up the damaged stroller. “Do you need help?”

“Thanks, but I think we can handle it.”

Taking the shortcut along the side of the pawn shop, Carlita and Melody waited outside while Violet and Mercedes went upstairs to the apartment to pack Violet’s art supplies and the baby’s bag.

They returned in a flash and made their way to the family’s home at the other end of the alley. Shelby appeared moments later, looking rested and relaxed. “I was getting ready to send you a text that I was up from my nap and home.”

“We ran into Tony on our way here.” Carlita told her about the runaway stroller. “I’m sorry to say it will need some repairs.”

“It’s an easy glide,” Shelby said. “It’s almost too easy of a glide. You need to make sure you lock the wheels when you’re stopped.”

“Thank goodness I had the baby when Rambo bumped it.”

The women chatted for a few minutes, with Shelby thanking them multiple times for offering to watch the children.

Carlita made her promise to let her know the next time she needed a break before she and Mercedes backtracked to her apartment.

“I don’t know about you, but those kids wore me out,” Mercedes sighed.

“Violet is a busy bee. I’m glad we could help Shelby and give both girls some undivided attention. And even got some fresh air, isn’t that right, Rambo?” Carlita playfully fluffed her pup’s ears.

“What do you think about what Reese said about the Sterling guy?”

“I’m not sure. I guess it wouldn’t hurt to talk to Steve to find out how he knows him.” Carlita lingered when they reached the alley’s rear entrance. “Maybe I’ll swing by there again and ask him about it.”

Mercedes reached for the doorknob. Her mother stopped her. “I’ve been meaning to ask…how is it going?”

“How’s what going?”

“You and Sam. The romantic getaway to Hilton Head.”

Sam had tracked Mercedes down during a recent community service punishment, handed down by a local judge. She’d spent the day picking up trash in downtown Savannah. He had not only tracked her down but also humiliated her in front of his tour group.

Quickly realizing the error of his ways, he sent her a beautiful bouquet of roses and booked a romantic getaway at an upscale resort in nearby Hilton Head. It was a much-needed break for the couple and when they returned, they both seemed to have enjoyed the trip.

Although Carlita had been dying to know how it went, yet not wanting to pry, she decided to wait for Mercedes to bring it up. A few weeks had already passed and yet neither had uttered a peep about it.

Mercedes shrugged. “It was nice.”

“Nice to get away? Nice to spend time alone with Sam? Nice to go somewhere new?”

“All the above.”

“I understand,” Carlita said. “It’s none of my business and you don’t want to talk about it.”

“There’s nothing to talk about. We had a good time. Sam and I both work a lot. It was cool to just chill out and enjoy each other’s company.”

“So.” Carlita gave her a thumbs up. “Everything is good between you two?”

“Status quo, Ma.”

It was clear Mercedes wasn’t in the mood to discuss the trip or her relationship and let it drop. “I love you, Mercedes. All I want is for you to be happy.”

“I am happy.” Her daughter impulsively hugged her. “Thanks for always being here for me. For all of us.”

“You’re welcome.” Carlita hugged her back. “I think I’ll run by Steve’s to see what’s up with this Sterling guy.”

During the trek to the tattoo shop, she mulled over her conversation with Mercedes. Because Carlita was married and no longer residing under the same roof, she wasn’t involved in her daughter’s day-to-day life. Which was probably a good thing. Something told her that her youngest child was still finding her way, still testing out her wings and enjoying her freedom.

Carlita didn’t blame her. In fact, if she was in her shoes, she would probably do the same thing. Sam was a good guy, a great guy, but was he the perfect person for Mercedes? Only time would tell.