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"We just have to act natural," Cisco motioned formally in front of him towards the crowd of sophisticated criminals all around us.
"I think we're doing just fine so far," I whispered as we walked by a waiter holding a tray filled with small crab cakes. The man held his platter out towards up and we each took one, trying to eat delicate bites as we started walking again.
"This is really underwhelming," Cisco made a disgusted face and craned his neck from side to side. "Where's the nearest trash can?"
"You have to finish the rest," I whispered fiercely. "No crime boss refuses to finish an hors d'oeuvre because they don't like it."
"I guess you're right," He sighed and pushed the remaining appetizer into his mouth, scowling as it hit his tongue. I gave him a stink eye as a bit fell out of the corner of his lips. He smiled, his cheeks still full of crab cake, and wiped his chin with a handkerchief he brandished from his tuxedo jacket.
Watch it, Caity. There's a scary-looking man at four o'clock. He's heading your way.
"Act natural," I hissed at Cisco before spinning him around. Before he could respond, Cisco's eyes widened as they landed on the man fast approaching us. A gold chain dangled from his belt loop and his bowtie was perfectly center. He gave us a passive-aggressive smile as he reached arm's length and shook Cisco's hand.
"Hello there," His voice was deep and bitter, and I could tell he was suspicious of us. "I don't think we've met before. My name is Charles Sonnenshein. I own this property, as well as a number of others all across Central City." He motioned to the scene around us with a flourish of his wrist.
"Hello, Charles," Cisco spoke before I could, and I could feel his elbow squeeze my arm as it rested there. It was a secret code: I've got this. "It's wonderful to finally meet. I'm Diego Chestnut and this is my wife, Katerina." He motioned to me with his free hand and I gave Charles a tight-lipped smile.
"So, what brings you to Central City?" Charles put one hand in his pocket and held a glass of champagne with the other.
"Well, my husband and I were originally here solely for tonight's event, but we've been enjoying the city more than we expected." I interrupted before Cisco responded. "We might be sticking around for a while. Isn't that right, honey?" I could feel my face flush a bit as I realized I had just used a nickname, but Cisco didn't skip a beat.
"Absolutely. We might come back here for our honeymoon." He turned to me and gave me a syrupy-sweet smile. The butterflies in my stomach erupted for god-knows-what reason.
"How fortunate," Charles' eyes darted between us, and I placed my toes next to Cisco's to signal another code: we've got to get a move on. "Hopefully, we can meet again soon."
"It was lovely to see you, Charles, but Diego and I need to mingle with some more old friends," I gave him a small wave. "Have an amazing night."
"You too, dear," Charles turned and disappeared into the crowd as Cisco and I gave a joint sigh of relief.
