Family Feud in Savannah: A Garlucci Family Saga (Made in Savannah Mystery Series Book 16) by Hope Callaghan (read with me txt) 📗

Elvira began sifting through the noses. “This might work.” She placed one of them on Carlita’s face. “Too small. You have a big schnoz.” She tried a second, this one large enough to cover half of Carlita’s upper lip. “Surprisingly, this one is too big.”

She rummaged around in one of the drawers. “Ah. This should do the trick.” She pressed a crooked nose on top of Carlita’s and nodded approvingly.

Mercedes burst out laughing.

“We’ll need to add a few wrinkles to the ones you already have.” Elvira set some silver tubes next to the wig. She finished assembling her collection by adding a bristle brush and an array of sponge applicators.

“How long is this gonna take?” Carlita watched as Elvira smeared a sizable amount of flesh-colored cream onto a sponge.

“Not long. I’ve got it down to half an hour, tops. Of course, this is one of the simpler disguises I’ve been working on.”

Carlita was curious. “What do you consider a more detailed disguise?”

She didn’t miss Dernice’s wicked grin. “What is it?”

“The winsome widow.”

“Enough.” Elvira shot her sister a warning look. She finished the makeup application, and Carlita resisted the urge to touch her face. Although not itching, it was tickling. “My skin feels a little taut.”

“That’s the drying compound. A word of warning, whatever you do, try not to scratch your face.” Elvira reached for the wig and motioned to Mercedes. “Help me get the wig on.”

Mercedes smoothed Carlita’s hair, twisting it into a knot in the back. There was some tugging and hair pulling. “Ouch.”

“It’s a tight fit. I can’t help it if you have a melon head.” Elvira dusted her hands and took a step back to inspect her handiwork.

Carlita winced. “It feels like you wrapped a rubber band around my head.”

“You’ll get used to it.”

Dernice joined Mercedes and Elvira. The trio stood staring at Carlita. “Well?” she asked.

“It’s incredible. You look like an old man,” Mercedes said.

Dernice gave her sister a hearty whack on the back. “I gotta hand it to you, I never would’ve guessed this was Carlita.”

Carlita scooched forward. “Can I see?”

Dernice snatched a mirror off the table and handed it to her. She nearly dropped it when she caught a glimpse of the face staring back at her.

She turned her head from side to side. “I must admit, I’m surprised by how good of a job you did. Thank you, Elvira.”

“You’re welcome.” Elvira began putting the products back inside the box. “This is what I call my Cinderella makeover. You’ll turn into a pumpkin in a few hours if you leave the makeup on for too long. Try not to sweat. If you do, your wrinkles will run.”

“Which means we need to head over to the restaurant as soon as possible.” Mercedes grabbed her mother’s hand and pulled her from the chair.

“You’re in luck. Today is their first BOGO day – buy one, get the second half off. I recommend the ribs.” Elvira trailed behind mother and daughter as they made their way to the front door. “You can return the clothes later. Try to let Mercedes do the talking, unless you think you can pull off an old man's voice.”

Carlita hadn’t given a thought to disguising her voice. “I’ll have a slab of ribs with a side of beans and cornbread.”

“Nope.” Elvira gave her a thumbs down. “Try again.”

“I’ll have your special and a sweet tea.”

Dernice cast Carlita a sympathetic look. “I would stick to having Mercedes do the talking.”

Elvira consulted her watch. “Luigi is starting his afternoon shift in ten minutes. I would be curious to find out if he recognizes you.”

Carlita thanked her again, and she and Mercedes stepped out onto the sidewalk.

Elvira yanked the door open. “Slow down. Remember, you’re an elderly man.”

“Right.”

“These might come in handy.” Elvira handed her a handful of tissues.

“Thanks.

Mercedes offered her mother her arm as they made their way along the sidewalk. They reached the corner and waited for traffic to clear before crossing the street.

Sandy Sue’s parking lot was half full. The restaurant’s dining room was larger than Carlita remembered. She followed Mercedes inside where the hostess greeted them. “Table for two?”

“Yes.” Mercedes said.

The woman led them to a table near the front.

“I was wondering if you could seat us near the back,” Carlita croaked.

The hostess shot her a puzzled look. “Sure. Yes.” She picked up the menus and led the way to the back. She set them on a table one away from the kitchen.

Carlita clutched her throat. “Can we have that table?”

“Right next to the kitchen?”

“Yes. My muh…I mean, we love to smell food cooking,” Mercedes said.

“I see.” The hostess cleared her throat. “Your server will be right with you.”

“Thanks.” Mercedes waited until she walked away. “Sorry, Ma. I wasn’t thinking.”

“It’s okay,” Carlita whispered back. “Maybe you should order for me.”

While perusing the menu, Carlita paid close attention to pricing. She had to admit, Sandy Sue’s prices weren’t bad and in line for the area.

A woman approached. Carlita studied her nametag, Angel.

“Welcome to Sandy Sue’s. Is this your first time dining with us?” she cheerily greeted them.

“It is,” Mercedes said. “You just opened?”

“This week.” Angel placed two sets of wrapped silverware on the table. “We’re offering BOGOs today. Buy one, get half off your second meal.”

“What do you recommend?” Mercedes flipped the menu over.

The woman rattled off several options.

“Everything sounds tempting. We’ll take a two-meat meal, the ribs and barbecue chicken.”

“And to drink?”

“Sweet tea.”

“I’ll get your order right in.” Angel finished jotting down the order and headed to the back. She returned a short time later with not only their sweet tea, but a basket of cornbread.

Carlita reached inside and removed a