“Ladies and gentlemen.” The microphone squealed, forcing Mama to tap it a few times. “I have a rare treat for you this week.” The guests’ chatter continued a beat before thinning to silence. “Any minute now, the very talented Miss Carlotta DiSalvo is going to sing for you. She’s the headliner on the Maisy Adams, currently dry-docked in Coinjock. If any of you have had the chance to see a show on the Maisy Adams, then you know the treat that’s in store for you tonight.”

The side door leading to the lobby opened, and out stepped Carlotta as if she had just arrived on a grand stage in front of thousands of people. Didn’t seem to matter that the stage was made of reclaimed wood and there were only about twenty people gathered around the pool.

Her dress was emerald green, and when she moved, her flared skirt sparkled slightly as the fabric floated around her swaying hips. The dress nipped a narrow waist and molded her full breasts displayed by a low neckline. The few men there stood taller, and the women shifted a little uncomfortably. Even Bonnie, Dora, and Jessie seemed to notice they’d been outbreasted by Miss Carlotta DiSalvo.

Carlotta had teased her blonde hair and twisted the ends into a chignon, displaying diamonds dangling from her ears. High-heeled shoes glinted. Cherry-red lips widened into a grin, flashing white teeth that were slightly crooked. The imperfection didn’t detract from her glamour but only added to it. She wasn’t shy about her flaws.

Ruth ran her tongue over her teeth, noting the slight twist of her front tooth.

“Good evening, ladies and gentlemen,” Carlotta said. Her voice was clear and bright and silenced the remaining chatter. She wasn’t the kind of woman anyone ignored. Men liked the look of her, and a part of all the women wondered how different their lives would be if only they were her.

A smile tugged at the edges of Carlotta’s lips, as if she knew a naughty secret no one else did. She lowered her hand to her side, and she began to snap her fingers as her hips gently rocked to an orchestra only she could hear.

Billie Holiday’s “It Had to Be You” glided easily over her lips.

Many in the crowd clapped, each recognizing the song.

She looked left, then right, her grin widening before she began to sing.

Her voice was as smooth as the ocean on a windless day and effortlessly slid over the notes. She began to clap, encouraging the audience to follow along. The men remained entranced, and the women who’d initially looked a bit green eyed started smiling.

Ruth glanced over at a grinning Talley. “She’s amazing.”

“She’s right out of a storybook,” Talley said.

Mama had been so certain that Ruth’s figure would bloom and blossom, suggesting that one day she would be more exciting than the mainland girls. As she watched Carlotta sing, a kernel of knowing sprouted in her belly. Was her mama trying to tell her something?