Liza and Beverly both looked at each other in mutual agreement for the first time in a while: they needed to get that fool down. They both rushed over, but security was quicker and escorted Maurice firmly off the stage. Bev wound up her hand and smacked the back of his head loudly. Now everyone really did turn. Liza wanted to melt into a puddle. The Bennetts were really showing their asses tonight. Liza pulled at her brother’s arm.

“If you get back on that stage, I will murder you. Do you hear me? You will be dead. Do not do it again, Maurice. This is for Janae and Granny. Look at the time they are having. Stop trying to turn it into the damn Maurice show.”

“Oh, you salty because Prince Charming stood you up?”

“Grow up, Maurice.”

“You shouldn’t feel bad. I see Money Bags has been whispering in your ear.”

“What?”

“Oh, you think little brother don’t see, but I do, and ol’ boy has had his eye on you all night.”

“Maurice, you think you know something, but you don’t. Could you sit down somewhere?”

“You fight Ma all the time, but you’re just like her. You’re destined for side-chick status, big sis. A man looks at you like that for one reason, and it ain’t to plan the wedding.”

“Seriously, Maurice, you are the worst. Please sit and don’t get up again, or I will plan your funeral.” Maurice’s mouth popped shut.

Liza shuffled across the floor. The night was ruined. She was completely deflated. Guilt already ate at her for shouting at her brother. Was she so pissed because his words had a pang of truth to them? She was not naïve enough to ascribe anything innocent to the way that man looked at her. Was she setting herself up to be hidden away? As his secret shameful desire?

She yelped when Chicho tapped her shoulder.

“Uh, chill.” Chicho laughed. “What’s up with your sister?”

“Oh god, which one now?”

“Janae.” Chicho shoved the canapés on her plate into a Ziploc bag.

“Janae is fine. She looks great.”

“She doesn’t seem that interested in David,” Chicho said.

“Well, she is,” Liza said, annoyed. Liza made her way over to the food table as well, intent on filling her own Ziploc bag with hors d’oeuvres. Chicho always thought the only way around something was straight through it. She was mostly right, but her ruthless practicality could make her very black and white in a gray world.

When Liza returned to the table, she continued. “You know how shy Janae is, and she’s not a public-display-of-affection type of person.”

“She needs to display something, because she’s looking real sometimey right now.”

“Chicho, you know—”

“I know, and you know, but does David know?”