A King's Life, Chapter Two

In the dressing room at the bar, Joe changed into a cowboy ensemble for his first number. It seemed almost required that a king had to do country. Joe wasn’t sure if it was because lesbians liked country music, cowboys or because that style of dress was so manly but it always went over well.

Even the kings who did western badly looked good in their cowpoke gear.

Molly was helping another king tape down. The one time it was totally ok for his girl to touch another girl’s breasts. The kings’ girlfriends were often very supportive. Taping down required two people to pull off. Kings either had their girlfriends assist or assisted one another and, sometimes, allowed girlfriends to assist. They sometimes even helped the queens tape down their unmentionables.

For a couple, drag was often a couple hobby. They shopped together for costumes, helped with makeup and dress. Your girlfriend was also often the person taking care of your music for your numbers. Molly was popular with most of the kings because she never hesitated to pitch in when someone needed help. Joe was ridiculously proud of her.

Joe got the crowd going with Johnny Cash’s “Burning Ring of Fire.” He danced around the stage in tight black jeans, shiny black boots and a big black hat. It was the perfect tribute to the Man in Black.

He was pumped but started trying to focus himself for the second number. He was going to do Bobby Darin’s “Mack the Knife.” He slipped into a suit and Spectator shoes. He capped the whole thing off with a smart fedora.
Joe was the last number in the show, the owners of the bar always trusted him to bring the house down with his last number. The music started and Joe strutted on stage pointing and winking at the gals in the front row.

When lip syncing it’s important to overplay your stage presence. You’re there to perform and entertain. Joe always made certain he knew the words to every song he performed. He was creating the illusion of being a country singer, a crooner or a rocker. But none-the-less you had to sell your act on stage. . He danced, gestured and played to the crowd. It kept them happy and earned him lots of tips.

Joe glided over to the edge of the stage to acknowledge the tip line that had formed. He gave each of the tippers a little wink as they handed over a dollar, but his heart lurched when the last woman walked up. Jenny.

Jenny was a woman who worked in Artisan’s accounting department. Ruth frequently saw her coming and going from the building. Ruth only knew who she was by seeing her employee of the month photo on the break room wall. Ruth never suspected the petite brunette was gay. Jenny was always wearing sweater sets and heels. But as she reflected on it, Ruth chided herself. Not all lesbians fit the stereotype of short hair and mannish clothing. Molly was proof of that.

Joe forced himself back away from Ruth’s thoughts, trying to pull it together. He took Jenny’s dollar and backed away a little quicker than normal. He ended the number without his trademark soft shoe and quickly ducked off stage when the music ended. His mind was reeling.

Molly met him backstage, “Are you ok? You look like you’ve seen a ghost!”

“Jenny Gillespie was out there!”

“Who?”

“A woman I work with,” Joe put his head in his hands.

Molly walked over and put her arm around him, “If she’s here, baby, your secret is likely safe. I’ll bet she’s got the same secret.”

Joe nodded, “I know. But it still makes me really nervous.”

“Why don’t you go talk to her when you work the room?” Molly said smiling.

Joe always worked the room after a show. He went around to thank everyone for coming. Joe figured if the crowd knew you appreciated them, they’d keep coming back. Molly and her friend Linda always joked that Joe was running for office.

Joe kissed Molly’s cheek and headed back out into the bar. After thanking some of the regulars and taking a beer from Linda, Joe spied Jenny sitting with some other women back by the pool tables. He took a good pull of his beer and walked over.

Joe mustered his best crooner persona as he approached their table, “Hello ladies. I wanted to thank you all for comin’ out to the show tonight. We all appreciate new fans in the crowd.” Joe looked directly at Jenny.

Jenny smiled, “I recognize you. I know I’m not supposed to say anything as long as you’re in character.”

Joe laughed and blushed. “I didn’t realize …” he waved a hand dismissively.

Jenny giggled, “That I’m gay? I get that a lot. But where we work I guess I play that up a bit. You’re braver than I am.”

Joe gaped, “You think I’m obvious?”

“Nah. No one’s paying that close attention. I just happen to have gaydar.”

Joe laughed. They talked a little more about feeling stifled at work. Joe groaned about all the straight folk always talking about their spouses and never feeling like he could bring Molly’s name up. He dreaded the company picnic and Christmas party because he couldn’t bring her.

Jenny nodded. “But it’s a good problem to have. I just got out of a relationship a few months ago. This is the first time I’ve been out in ages. Meeting people is so hard.”

Just then, Molly and Linda walked up. “Oh, Jenny this is my partner Molly and our friend Linda.”

Jenny shook Molly’s hand and then Linda’s. Joe noticed their handshake lasted a little longer. He bit back a laugh, Linda was smiling that smile. Linda had been single a bit too. Molly had been trying for months to fix her up with someone. Now someone had possibly fallen right into their laps.

“You’re the president of the Gay Community Center aren’t you?” Jenny asked Linda.

Linda nodded, “Didn’t I see you at Pride a couple of weeks ago?”

Molly grabbed Joe’s elbow, “C’mon,” she said with a wink.

They walked away giggling. “How long is it before Linda notices we left,” Joe asked.

“She won’t,” Molly said with a wink. “Still worried about work?”

“Nah. If anything I feel good. I have someone at the office I can talk about you with now.”

Molly laughed, “And a potential love interest for Linda. Who knew tonight would be so successful?”

“Yeah. Who knew?”