“Let’s just take this one step at a time. Let’s focus on tonight.”

And we did. Charlie put on his full Cher costume, complete with false eyelashes, enough makeup for ten women, and fake-diamond bangle bracelets over his elbow-length gloves. The dress was pretty simple, a long gown of black jersey knit shot through all over with tiny black jets that shimmered. It was the wig that did me in. When Charlie put the wig on, he was more Cher than Cher. After we practiced his routine four times at his apartment, we went to the club.

“I’m nervous,” he said.

“Listen, make your nervous energy work for you and keep your eyes on me.”

“Okay.”

I took a seat in the audience and watched: Cher, Cher, Judy Garland, Judy Garland, Diana Ross, Barbra Streisand, Gaga, Gaga, several Bette Midlers, and ten more Barbras. Finally, my Cher came on. “Gypsys, Tramps & Thieves” was a great choice because it had more soul than a lot of Cher’s other hits. And Charlie had everyone on their feet clapping and whistling by the time he was done. I gave him a thumbs-up from the audience and he blew me a kiss.

It was another Cher who took the prize that night lip-syncing “Believe,” which was perhaps more of a crowd-pleaser, but Charlie came away with a thousand-dollar prize for best new talent.

“What did you think?” he said, hungry for praise.

“I think you’ve got a whole new life in front of you, Charlie, and I love you and only wish every good thing in the world for you, but . . .”

“You’re going back to Charleston.”

“Yes. Yes, I am.”

“There’s only one queen bee in each hive,” I said.

“How come?” Hunter said.

“Because somebody has to be in charge.”

Chapter Twenty

Wigged Out

I knew it was the boys’ last day of school. How did I know? I knew because I paid attention, that’s why. Was Sharon there to help the boys clean out their lockers and cubbies? Of course not. Did she ask me to go help? Nope. Was every other parent or nanny there to help them? With little gifts for the teachers, and taking pictures, and bringing treats for the end-of-year class parties? Of course! So when Sharon got a call from the school that she was remiss in her duties, she had to leave her office and go. According to Tyler, she wasn’t too happy.