Page 74 of After 5

The man whispered to Ace. “Is that you, Ace baby?”

“You recognized me,” Ace sulked.

“Only because you told me you might be in disguise. Very cunning and that dress is so versatile.” He kissed Ace on both cheeks.

“How are things going?” Ace asked him.

“Great, sugar. Can you believe the luck? The wedding of the century and I had to pull it off in three weeks.”

The guy had done a fantastic job. Elegant and sophisticated, exactly the style I would have chosen. My hatred for Satan’s bitch escalated a few notches.

Ace chatted up the wedding planner while I scoped out the venue.

Tall crystal urns shot arrangements of lilies and roses six feet tall. The house was over the top in silken draperies and white floral arrangements with just a touch of pink.

“I heard the rumors. Can it be true Mahlia has found the man of her dreams?” Ace asked Marvin.

I stiffened next to him. He interlocked his arm with mine, and I relaxed a little.

“I believe the cat has caught her canary,” Marvin said. “Wait until you meet him, he’s dishy.”

I huffed next to Ace, and he patted my arm.

“Marvin, this is Joe. He’s a friend.”

Marvin sized me up. I extended my hand, and he shook it delicately.

“Go on in, I’ll vouch for you and…your guest. We’ll catch up later.” Marvin waved at another guest and was gone.

“Did I hear a tinge of jealousy in Marvin’s voice?” I asked Ace.

“Don’t be silly, hon.” Ace paused, considered. “Do you think he sounded jealous?”

We found seats toward the back. I estimated the crowd around a hundred people. Small for a Mafuso shindig. Noted more seats were available on the groom’s side. Not many people showed for Caiyan. No family or cousins. Only a handful of clients from his art gallery, his partner, and a couple of girls from the office. People who would come in contact with Mahlia.

Ace twisted strands of his long black wig. He had arranged for the disguises and chosen full drag for himself. I must say he made a pretty girl. He had the nose for it—turned up a little on the end—and slim hips. His flawless makeup hid his five o’clock shadow.

“Your makeup looks awesome,” I told him.

“Thanks, doll.”

I, on the other hand, was dressed in a dark striped suit. My breasts were taped down so tight I could barely breathe, and I had a thick mustache. We looked a little like Sonny and Cher. The hair piece I wore had a built-in side part, and Ace fixed my makeup like a pro.

An elderly lady to my right nudged me. “I heard the bride is pregnant?”

“I don’t think so,” I said. If she was, there would be hell to pay.

“Darn, I have a bet going with the ladies at my bridge club.”

Her voice singsonged with a slight Brooklyn accent. “I was Caiyan’s piano teacher,” she said proudly. “When he lived with his aunt in Cobble Hill. Before she moved to Florida.” She said Florida out of the side of her mouth like it was a dirty word. “He had such potential. When I read he was finally tying the knot, I took the train in.”

“That’s so sweet of you. I didn’t know he could play the piano.”

“He didn’t like to practice, but I saw the talent in him. How’d you know him?”

I’m in love with him.“From work.”

“That’s nice, dear.”

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