“Ah well, I suppose she doesn’t like the idea of her little girl growing up and asking such questions. No mother wants their baby to grow up.”

Ruth walked toward the high heels and stared at the shiny patent leather pair on the end. “Does it hurt to wear these?”

“It can. But I’ve worn those so much they don’t bother me anymore.”

A gust of wind rushed through the screens on the sleeping porch through the house. “Mama says we’re going to have a storm later tonight. I never know how she knows, but she always gets the weather just right.”

“I’ve heard of people who can feel the weather changing. I never had a talent for it.”

“I do a little,” Ruth said. “But not like Mama.”

“I’ll be sure to close up the windows before tonight’s show.”

“What are you going to sing?”

“I have several ideas. Not sure yet, but I’ll be different than last night.”

“I’m sure it’ll be good.”

“Are there any songs that you would like to hear?”

“I don’t know. Everything sounded real good last night. But I liked the ones about the eyes.”

“‘Them There Eyes’?”

“That’s right,” Ruth said. She liked the way Carlotta had closed her eyes and poured her feelings into the song.

“It was made famous by Billie Holiday. She’s one of my favorite singers. I’ll be sure to sing that one again tonight.”

“Really? Thanks.”

“It’s the least I can do, seeing as you brought me lunch today. You’re a very kind person, Ruth.”

“Lunch was no big deal. Just the right thing to do.”

Carlotta drew in a breath, her smile softening. “Can I take your picture?”

“Yeah, sure.”

Carlotta reached for a silver camera and held it up. Ruth grinned. The camera clicked once.

“Can I take your picture?” Ruth asked.

Carlotta chuckled. “Once I have my makeup on.”

“You look fine to me.”

“The world does not need a reminder of my plain face.”

“That’s not true.”

Carlotta eyed her closely. “Keep drawing. Something tells me you’re very talented.”

“I didn’t have a teacher or fancy art schooling.”

“Self-taught? I like that. I taught myself how to sing, and then when I wanted to improve my techniques, I paid attention to those better than me.”

“You didn’t just start singing like you do from the start?”

“Have your drawings improved over time?”

“Yeah. Sure.”

“You and I aren’t so different.” Carlotta smiled. “Now I have to rest, Ruth. I’ll see you later tonight.”

She didn’t want to leave. “Okay. See you later.”

Outside, she felt lighter, more buoyant, as she thought about Carlotta and the way she’d looked right at her. It was like she recognized the sameness in them.