You’re probably what I’m doing hanging around with this cast of characters? I’ve wondered the same thing many times. It’s one of those questions without an answer. I’ve tried to escape, but each time I’m sucked back into their lives by an external force. Enough of my problems. We left off with poor Carmela who has a thing with TT being coerced to “test drive” O’Leary for a week. Carmela is in love with TT a former writer for Dr. Phil who is now Big Carmen’s family manager. Big Carmen sent TT off to New Orleans to meet with family (aka other mob members). Let’s see how it plays out.
Carmela eyes are filled with tears. She’s biting her lower lip. Her face is flushed. O’Leary looks away from his pizza and turns toward Carmela. He stares at her. Then he said, “Dat’s a good look.”
La Flor nudges LC, “It’s working. O’Leary falling for Carmela.”
I overheard her comment. I whispered to La Flor, “What about Carmela?”
“Look at her, Ray. Just look at her. She’s falling crazy in love with O’Leary. She’s filled with joy.”
“She’s about to cry, La Flor.”
“They are tears of joy. She’ll finally be free of TT. Oh, La Flor you are brilliant. And, such a good person,” La Flor likes both first and third person.
“LC talk some sense into La Flor,” I pleaded.
“You talkin small change? I can talk McKinley, Franklin, and Cleveland. But I ain’t gonna talk cents.”
“Why don’t you too love birds sit on the sofa. Ray will bring your food and drinks over. O’Leary, help Carmela out of her seat and escort her over,” said La Flor sounding more like a drill sergeant than hostess.
La Flor grabbed hold of LC’s arm and pulled him to the sofa. They sit down before O’Leary can take one more bite of pizza.
With La Flor and LC on the sofa, there is only enough room on the sofa for a tight squeeze for two ultra thin people. Carmela may have to sit on O’Leary’s lap. It’s called the donut effect in medical circles.
O’Leary stands, walks behind Carmela’s chair. Carmela hasn’t budged. “You da shy type. I can sees dis. Me? I’m more of da opposite. Likes they say opposites detract.”
“Just look at Carmela, LC. Her mascara is streaking down her face she’s so happy. I hope they hook up tonight. Let’s encourage them,” said La Flor.
“You’ve gone too far, La Flor. I’m not going to put this in the blog,” I spoke in a low firm tone.
“Too late, Ray. We’re live streaming.”
“Huh?”
“Since use is too shy to helps me. I will slides use out and carries use over to da sofa, chair and all,” said O’Leary pulling Carmela out. Carmela holds on to the edge of the table with a jaws of life grip. O’Leary tugged. Carmela tugged back.
“LC go and pry Carmela’s fingers loose. We can’t let her shyness block true love,” said La Flor.
I tried a different tact, “O’Leary, here’s a cream filled powered donut you missed. If you don’t get it, someone else might.”
O’Leary let go of Carmela’s chair. I stood on the opposite side of the table. The donut sat on a small paper plate.
“Hand it over, Ray,” said O’Leary in a cop voice.
“You have to come around the table and get it.”
“We can do this the hard way or the easy way,” said O’Leary.
“What’s the hard way?” I asked.
“I’ll book use for withholding evidence from a crime scene,” said O’Leary.
“What crime scene?” I asked.
“The one where somebody reports you’ve been mugged for a donut,” said O’Leary taking a swipe across the table at the donut.
I heard a car door close. Not a slam so I knew it wasn’t one of LC’s relatives. My doorbell rang. I knew it wasn’t Big Carmen. It rang again.
“LC please get the door. It could be important.”
“Whoever it is send them away from this love nest,” said La Flor.
I was doing my best to avoid O’Leary’s increasing aggressive swipes. He was leaning over the table. His belly resting on two slices of pepperoni pizza. I heard LC open the door.
“Is my darling here? I’m back early from New Orleans sweetie.”
Carmela jumped up from her chair, rushed past O’Leary, avoided the blocking hands of LC and did her version of the leap, knocking TT to the floor. TT lie prone on his back. Carmela straddling his stomach showering TT with kisses and mascara.
I tossed the donut to O’Leary. He caught it in his right hand and brought it in one motion to his mouth. When he finished, he wiped his mouth on the back of his hand and said, “Tanks for doing it the easy way.”
“I know better than to mess with the city’s toughest detective,” I said.
“You just ruined love, Ray. If only you were more romantic,” said La Flor.
“Like you and LC?”
“Exactly.”
