Page 73 of This Time Around
“Really?” Andy asked hopefully.
“Yes, but that dancing pepper wallpaper must go, Andy. I’m not even playing right now.”
“You have my word.”
“Kiss me then,” I told him. “I need to finish my shift and then I need to get to Queen City Divas to get ready for the big event. I can’t wait for you to meet Archie.”
“The guys and I will be there as soon as our meeting is over,” Andy said. “You’re not going to give Ollie a boner again are you?”
“Not on purpose,” I replied sassily. “Kiss me.”
And he did. Not some little peck on the lips but a full on I-can’t-wait-to-get-you-home-tonight kind of kiss with tongues and feelings. It made me want to be late returning to work, but Andy shooed me out the door so he could get back to removing the tacky-ass wallpaper.
I couldn’t keep the grin off my face when I drove away from the house on Lover’s Lane. I snorted at the name of the street. The only thing cornier would’ve been if Blissville had an Easy Street.
“I wonder what Andy will think about this outfit?” I asked Archie.
“I don’t think he’ll be able to do much thinking at all with the way your ass looks in those shorty shorts and those fishnet stockings making your legs look a mile long. Damn, Peach, how many squats does it take to get an ass like that?” Archie swatted my butt for emphasis. “That little peekaboo cleavage you got popping out of your lacy corset is perfect. This drag mother is so damn proud of you.”
“I miss Dame Alotta Bang Bang,” I told him. “Are you sure you don’t want to reprise that role?”
“Baby doll, my drag days are behind me.”
“You’re thirty-five not ninety-five,” I argued. “So start acting like it.”
“I just don’t have the time anymore, evenifI was interested. I have a new calling in life, one that I’m so proud of.” Archie had hung up his stilettos after his best friend died of AIDS. He spent all his time running a transition home that provided people with HIV and AIDS a safe place to live, recuperative care, and even hospice in a compassionate environment. “With the latest cuts to the HOPWA federal grants, I’m not even sure if I’m going to be able to keep Ryan’s Place open much longer.”
“I have an idea,” I said. “Why not hold a charity event here where a percentage of the money goes to Ryan’s Place? The ownership adores you and the crowds still ask for you.”
“I don’t know, Peach. I’m so out of practice.”
“This isn’t the confident person I know and love. Sometimes you just gotta tuck and strut until you feel that confidence return. Come on, Arch. Let’s ask around and see if we can set something up.”
“Okay, Peach. Don’t get your hopes up.”
“Peach, you’re up in five,” Tony said.
“Please don’t run off before I can introduce you to Andy.”
“I wouldn’t miss it, Peach.”
That night, I performed “Lady Marmalade” with a group of queens. Of course, we did the P!nk, Christina, Lil’ Kim, and Mya version. I felt Andy’s eyes on me as I worked the stage and sang my heart out. I loved performing, but it meant even more to me knowing that Andy not only tolerated it but encouraged me to be myself. Hell, he would randomly send me clips of songs he thought I should perform. That was an amazing gift, and I vowed never to take it for granted.
After I changed into my street clothes and removed my makeup, Archie followed me out to the VIP section where my guy and his friends sat.
Brent, Adam, Tyler, and Keeton stared at me like they still couldn’t believe it had been me up on that stage. “I know, boys. I was amazing tonight.”
“You sure were,” Andy said, greeting me with a possessive kiss.
“Andy, I want you to meet Archie. He’s my dear friend and used to be my drag mother extraordinaire.”
“It’s so good to meet you, Andy.” Archie kissed both of his cheeks. “I’ve heard so much about you that I feel like I know you already.”
“Uh oh,” Andy said. “Only believe the good stuff.”
“Of course, sugar. I know what a drama drag queen this one,” Archie pointed at me, “can be.” Archie wrapped his arm around my neck and said, “Introduce me to the rest of your friends, darling.”
I introduced the frat boys and Keeton first, saving the best for last. I don’t know how I knew, but I just had a feeling that Archie needed someone like Ollie in his life. I noticed the way Ollie’s eyes widened and Archie’s lips lingered on the pastor’s cheeks. I sighed happily and plopped down in Andy’s lap.