“You think so?” Anita kicked up a six inch heel studded with rhinestones. She grabbed a makeup palate. “Close your eyes for me, sugar.”
Everly did as Anita asked. “When did you know you were a queen?”
“Probably when I was about your age. My mama, god rest her soul, sang in a swanky jazz club in New Orleans. She wore dresses that sparkled from here to the heavens. One night, when she was at the club, I went into her closet and tried on one of her dresses and too-big heels. Mama walked in when I was preening in the mirror. Her eyes went so wide, I thought they were going to fall out of her head. She said, “Marc Anthony, what in hell do you think you’re doing, matchingthatdress withthoseshoes?” Anita laughed at the memory. “Mama was the one who taught me how to style my wigs and do my make up. She threw the first dollar tip onto the stage at the club. She was my biggest fan.”
“Mama June still is, Anita! She’s standing behind you now, telling you not to use so much of the dark purple eyeshadow. That child is gonna look like she lost a fist fight to an alley cat.”
Anita laughed. “That sounds like Mama, alright. When did you know you could talk to spirits?”
“When I was really little.”
“Excuse me? Youarereally little!” Anita booped Everly’s nose.
Everly giggled. “I’ve been able to do it as long as I can remember. My Dad can too. He uses his gift to help solve crimes.”
“I’m not so sure about that.” Anita shook her head. “I mean that shirt with those sandals. Oh, honey, no. Just no. Someone needs to call the fashion police who can prosecute your Dad for crimes against fashion.”
“Did someone need the police?” Ronan asked, from behind Anita, who turned around to look at him.
“Please tell me you brought your handcuffs, officer. I’ve been a bad,badgirl.” Anita winked at him.
Ronan snorted.
“Hi, Daddy! What do you think of my make up?” Everly batted her eyes.
“You look absolutely stunning.” Ronan shook his head as if he couldn’t believe his eyes.
“He’syour other Daddy?” Anita asked.
“Yup. He’s a cold case detective. Isn’t he a dish?” Everly giggled.
“A dish?” Ronan asked.
“That’s my Mama talking through you again, huh? She loved men in uniform, but not as much as she loved themoutof uniform.” Anita grabbed a hand mirror. “Okay, Everly, are you ready to see yourself as a drag queen?”
“Yup!” Everly rubbed her hands together.
Anita turned the mirror. Everly gasped. “Ohh! Emm! Geee! I’m gorgeous and I love the little diamonds!” She turned her head from side to side.
Ten’s eyes had been shut while the queen with the workstation next to Anita’s did his makeup. He couldn’t believe the change in his daughter, not just the purple makeup and sparkling gems, but in her attitude toward herself. “Wow, honey! I almost don’t recognize you. You’re stunning. Absolutely stunning.”
“Daddy, what do you think?”
Ronan sniffled. “I think you’re growing up too fast.That’swhat I think. Seeing you made up like this is like looking into the future. One minute you’re my little girl and the next you’re turning heads and dating the drummer in some rock band.”
Everly laughed. “I’m not gonna date a drummer, Daddy.”
“Oh, thank goodness.” Ronan set a hand over his heart in obvious relief.
“I’m gonna date the lead singer.”
“Of course you are, sugar!” Anita stood back admiring her work. “How about we take some pictures?”
Ronan pulled out his phone and started snapping pics of Ten and Everly with Anita.
“No, stud.” Anita waved a finger toward Ronan. “I meant pictures with you and me!”
Ronan handed his camera to Ten and moved to stand beside Anita, who bent over and gave him a smacking kiss on the cheek, leaving a perfect, deep red lip print. “I’ll never wash my face again!” He pulled out his wallet and handed several bills to Anita.
