“You’re telling me,” Mercedes whispered back. “I feel like I’m on the set of the Sopranos with a supporting cast from the Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome movie.”
The guests mixed and mingled while her wait staff made their rounds, offering drinks. The crowd grew, and finally the newcomers slowed to a trickle.
Thinking most had arrived, she sent a text to Elvira telling her the coast was clear.
Elvira promptly replied,on our way.
Carlita flashed the lights. “Luigi and Dernice are on the way.” She turned the lights off, and it grew quiet. Long seconds ticked past. Five…ten…thirty, a full minute.
She reached for her cell phone, thinking something must’ve happened when the front door opened. Elvira breezed in, closely followed by the guests of honor.
At the precise second they crossed the threshold, Carlita flipped the lights on.
SURPRISE!!Loud voices echoed.
Luigi and Dernice stopped dead in their tracks, a look of confusion on their faces.
“What the…”
Elvira, grinning from ear to ear, slapped them on the back. “It’s a surprise engagement party.”
Dernice clutched Luigi’s arm. “For us?”
“No, for me and my non-existent boyfriend,” Elvira joked. “Of course, for you, silly.”
Everyone started talking at once, gathering around the couple to congratulate them. Meanwhile, Carlita snapped pictures of the guests, the newly engaged couple, the food table, the gift table, and the yummy custom cake she’d helped make—red velvet with whipped cream frosting.
The couple posed for several photos, and Carlita couldn’t help but notice Dernice appeared nervous.
Arnie, the restaurant’s manager, tapped her on the shoulder. “Setup is done.”
“Perfect.” Carlita flashed the lights again. “The food is ready, folks. You’ll find plates and silverware near the far end of the table. Help yourself to an Italian feast, Ravello’s style.”
From across the room, she glimpsed Dernice pulling Elvira aside and whispering in her ear. The sisters skirted the crowd and began making their way toward the bathroom.
The hair on Carlita’s neck prickled. Something was up. Determined to find out what it was, she followed behind. Reaching the restroom, she attempted to ease the door open only to discover something was blocking it.
Using a little more force, she pushed hard. It refused to budge.
“Elvira! Dernice!” Carlita pounded on the door. “Let me in.”
Elvira appeared. “What do you want?”
“Why are you blocking the door?”
“Dernice and I are having a private conversation.”
“About what?” Carlita caught Dernice’s muffled reply. “What did she say?”
The door opened. “Fine. You might as well come in.”
“Thank you. It is my restaurant, after all.” Carlita wagged her finger at the guest of honor. “For someone who is attending their own engagement party, you sure don’t look happy. Are you and Luigi fighting?”
“No. We’re getting along like a house on fire.”
“Then what’s wrong?” Carlita caught a look passing between them. “You didn’t want us to throw a party for you?”
“The surprise party is great. It’s just…”
