A Woman’s Touch
A WOMAN’S TOUCH
“Drinking alone?”
I climbed onto my usual stool at the bar. Spectrum had an ebb and flow to it. Tonight, it appeared as if the waters had rescinded. There was only one other person at the far end of the bar, nursing his beer. No DJ. No queens. If I didn’t know better, I’d say it was another hole in the wall.
“Yeah. Jason’s watching his kid, and Amanda is busy having phone sex.”
Patrick froze in mid-shake, the tumbler high above his head. His eyebrow inched up his forehead. “Just because I’m your bartender doesn’t mean you need to share everything with me.”
“ That’s where you draw the line?”
Patrick smirked as he continued mixing my cocktail. The man’s body vibrated as he shook the silver cups like his arch-nemesis. When he finished, he cracked them open, pouring the clear liquid into a martini glass. With an orange wedge hanging off the side, he slid it in front of me.
He had always been handsome. The straight bartender in a predominantly gay establishment had a certain mystique to it. It didn’t help that he’d frequently show up in a leather harness or chaps. Unlike me, he had a firm stomach, still bearish, but it was obvious one of us did sit-ups. It certainly wasn’t me.
Patrick leaned back, his eyes fixated on me. “Something’s going on.”
I looked down, not understanding the statement. “Nothing’s going on.”
He reached for a white cloth, slinging it over his shoulder. “You know what this means?” He pointed to it as if the answer should be obvious. “This is the official bartender code for ‘Spill your problems.’”
“I’m fine.” Even I wasn’t convinced by my statement.
“The towel knows . You can resist all you want, but I will get the truth out of you. Nobody can outrun the towel.”
I almost laughed, but he crossed his arms, face dead serious. Was he relying on a stereotype, or did Patrick have some supernatural ability to coax the truth from his patrons? I wouldn’t be shocked to find out he was a superhero masquerading as a bartender. By the thickness of his biceps, it might be closer to the truth than I imagined.
“Fine!” I blurted out.
“Nobody resists.” He winked. The towel had won.
“Firefly is supposed to have a carnival, but all our volunteers are going to a baseball game in Boston. Without them… I stupidly told everybody I’d figure out a solution.”
“It’s just a carnival.” I could see the confusion on his face. It took a moment before he leaned forward, resting his forearms on the counter. “It’s not just a carnival, is it? Does this have to do with a…” I must have given it away. “The guy from my bathroom?”
The heat in my cheeks had me drowning myself in my cocktail. Patrick’s superpowers were impressive indeed.
“His name is Tyler. I met him twenty years ago. We had a kiss under the fireworks and?—”
“You want the reunion to be epic. Now, I’m understanding. Can’t the people in Firefly help?”
“It’s a small town. There aren’t really enough people.”
Patrick’s lips pursed to the side. I don’t think he quite understood how much the men frequenting Spectrum wanted to feel that beard scratch their nether regions. His looks intensified as he brainstormed.
To my side, somebody pulled out a stool and took a seat. I glanced over to see a muscular man with short-cropped hair. I couldn’t put my finger on it, but something about him looked familiar. The eyebrows? Something about them… I don’t think I had ever admired another man’s eyebrows before.
“Scotch on the rocks.” A deep tenor. He knew exactly what he wanted.
“I know you’ve become a small-town country boy,” Patrick said. “But you know plenty of people outside of Firefly.” His eyes drifted to the new gentleman as he dropped a sphere of ice into a glass. Pouring, the man next to me put his finger on the back of the bottle, raising it until the glass filled.
“Good boy.”
“It’s not like I can ask the designers at work. A carnival run by corporate artists? Not exactly a riveting time.”
“I’m offended,” the man said.
Patrick smirked.
The gentleman to my side turned toward me, his glass lifted in the air. “Darling.” Wait. He knew— Oh. My. God. “This is what fairy godmothers are for.”
“Mabel?” I had never seen him out of drag. Without the sequins, accentuated cheekbones, and lashes long enough to create a windstorm, I hadn’t recognized him.
“Always.”
He… they … could have been the cover model for Rugged Weekly . My mind applied the makeup, the wig, the dangerously long fingernails. How could I have not seen it? Gender didn’t matter to Mabel. Either way, they were a stunning human.
“Are you done having a meltdown?”
“I just— I’ve never?—”
“Being fabulous is a curse,” they said. They sipped their whisky, eyes closed as they savored the amber liquid. “What is this I hear about a carnival?”
I filled them in on the details. They nodded along, taking sips as I explained the dilemma. Of course, Patrick added in the details about the fine piece of beef we had all seen at the bar. That’s when Mabel leaned in, taking interest in all the juicy—and naked—details.
“That’s all? Child, please.”
Mabel set the empty glass on the counter, giving it a little shake. Patrick rolled his eyes before adding two fingers of whisky. “Uh huh, dear. Keep pouring. This dilemma is going to require a little extra bite.” They snapped their teeth in my direction. I loved Mabel’s tenacity.
“If this were a fairy tale, you’d be a damsel in distress. Your fairy godmother would swoop and sing a little ditty.” They held up a finger, taking another swig of alcohol. “The woodland creatures would come together and solve all the poor princesses’s problems.”
“Life isn’t a fairy?—”
Mabel pushed a finger pushed against my lips. “Neither of you fine gentlemen could handle Mabel breaking out her magic wand.” Was that a euphemism? “Deary, you best be thankful I’m feeling downright energized right now.”
“Also known as intoxication,” Patrick said.
“Hush, nay-sayer. Your negative vibes aren’t welcome in the queen’s court.”
Mabel set down the drink and reached into their pocket. When the cell phone came out, a single click was made, and they held it to their ear. I’m pretty sure I witnessed a hairless hair flip. You might take Mabel out of the drag, but never the drag out of Mabel.
“We have an emergency.” They eyed me. “A tragic emergency. ”
Patrick snickered. Without another word, Mabel set the phone on the table. They returned to sipping their drink, ignoring both me and Patrick. After a minute, I wasn’t sure what was supposed to happen.
“Am I missing something?”
“Shh. You can’t expect miracles without giving them time to tuck.”
Tuck?
The tapping started in the back of the bar by the stage. For a moment, I thought the DJ equipment had turned on. It turned into clicking, loud enough to fill Spectrum, but it was the vibration that stood out. Within seconds, I watched the liquid in my drink rippling as if a dinosaur were about to jump out.
“Situations like this require more than one fairy godmother.”
From the door leading to the back of the bar, I spotted a man striking a pose. As he approached, I spotted the stiletto heels. He… they were part of Mabel’s entourage. One turned into two, and then a half-dozen drag queens without makeup or wigs sat at the bar.
“Glitterati Guild, up for a little charity work?”
“Only if this one’s name is charity.” The person on my other side hooked a finger under my chin. I blushed at the compliment. Mabel was sweet, but six drag queens wouldn’t be enough to fill all the volunteer slots. Though, the thought of Mabel and their sisters manning the volunteer table left me smiling. Firefly barely knew what to do with Mabel… six queens in carnival outfits? Their heads would explode.
“I appreciate it, Mabel. I do. But you’re just?—”
“Just what?” Mabel’s tone didn’t leave room for objects. “Ladies, our adorable man-cub needs a little fairy godmother magic for his carnival. Think we can raise an army?” Mabel took a sip of their drink, giving a quick eyebrow waggle.
“Activate the Glitterati.”
It had been a setup. Each of Mabel’s friends pulled out a cell phone. They didn’t just pull them out; they did it in a sequence. This was another well-rehearsed routine for them. I couldn’t help but chuckle. Mabel wouldn’t waste an opportunity for a dramatic reveal.
Fingernails clacked against screens at lightning speed. Mabel raised their phone, clicking a single button. Holding it to their ear, I couldn’t help but smile as their lips pursed. Between the attitude and mannerisms, there was no doubt who I watched. Mabel wasn’t the alter-ego. This was their authentic self.
“Ivy, it’s Mabel. Yes, that Mabel! How many Mabels do you know, girl?” I could hear screeching on the other end. “Remember when I did that thing for you that time?” I wish I could hear the other side of this conversation. “Ivy, I’m calling in my favor.” There were drag shows throughout Portland, and the performers were well-connected. I didn’t expect our Mabel to have pull.
“Thank you,” I mouthed.
“Do the Ladies of Misfortune still have their Halloween costumes from 2017?” Not only was Mabel connected, but they knew the wardrobe of them all. “Good. I’ll text you the details. Consider it a favor repaid.”
When Mabel lowered their phone, each of the Glitterati Guild followed suit. Had they sat around and practiced this? Or were they so tight-knit that they intuitively knew how to put on a performance?
“Girls?” Mabel said.
Phones vibrated and dinged. None of them spoke, instead leaning forward on the bar with smiles stretched across their faces. Mabel waved their hand about as if they held a wand. It ended with them holding my chin.
“Never doubt your fairy godmothers.”
It might have been an act of goodwill on their behalf, but it left me choking on my feelings. Yay, we saved the carnival, but it was Patrick’s words that struck a nerve. I had been worried that moving to Firefly would uproot my life and leave something behind. Mabel proved that the good things in my life would follow. I couldn’t speak my thanks, so I slid off my stool, throwing my arms around their neck.
“Girl, don’t spill my drink!”
I didn’t care. After a moment, Mabel returned the hug. Seconds later, I could feel arms all over me as the Glitterati closed their ranks. The last bit of hesitation melted away. I could have it all. Those I called family would meet me halfway, and when I needed them to go the distance, they’d do it.
“Okay. Okay. Okay.” Mabel pushed everybody away. “ Patrick, get our Cinderella a drink. Group hugs are over. We need to talk logistics.”
It was going to be a long but fabulous night.
Tyler: I found your drawing.
Tyler: It’s amazing.
Tyler: You’re amazing.
“You did it,” I whispered.
Standing on the porch, I let out a long sigh. The anxiety had vanished, leaving me almost euphoric. I bit my lips as the smile formed. Firefly, a tight-knit community, came together when one of their own needed it. However, I existed on the fringe, and Mabel and the Glitterati Guild made it clear that my tribe continued to expand. These friends… this family , would follow no matter where I called home.
I opened the door, careful to avoid a loud groan. At two in the morning, I didn’t want to wake Evie. I needed to avoid steps two, six, seven, nine… and maybe twelve. A house this old came with its own security system and it’d take a skilled cat burglar to make it out undetected.
As I stepped inside, my arm caught on the coat rack. As it fell, I tried catching it. My foot hit the door, slamming it shut, and the rack smacked against the floor. All attempts at discretion were dashed, and I’m certain I had woken up the neighbors .
“Jonny?”
Peeking into the living room, I found Evie sitting on the couch, her screen lit up from her laptop screen. At least I didn’t have to worry about waking her.
“Mister, do you know what time it is?”
“Past your bedtime,” I shot back.
She folded her legs, patting the cushion next to her. Since she admitted to wanting to turn Mimi’s house into a bed-and-breakfast, it seemed as if she had shaken a weight from her shoulders. I couldn’t be happier for her… for us. Knowing Mimi had brought us together warmed my heart.
I took the seat on the far end of the couch, legs folded underneath me so I could face her. Reaching behind her head, she flipped the switch on the light, and we both winced at the brightness.
“I’ve been making a list of all the things I need to do for the house.” She turned her computer around. Scrolling, her list had reached the fourth page. “This is going to be a lot.”
“I believe in you.” It was the truth. She held the hotel together at her previous job. At least here, she wouldn’t have bosses telling her no. If anybody could make this work, it’d be Evie.
“I’m glad one of us thinks so.”
I jabbed her leg with my foot. “Stop it. You’ve always made things work. Besides, when has my sister ever backed down from a challenge?”
“It’s a lot. At least at the hotel, I had help.”
“What are you talking about? All of Firefly wants to pitch in. You’ll be annoyed with how much help you get. ”
“That’s different.” She closed the laptop, setting it on the floor. “The owners might have been a pain, but at least I could bounce ideas off them. We never agreed, but they were like a safety net.”
“You have me! I’ll scoff at all your ideas. Give me a chance to work on my disapproving face.” I straightened upright, pursing my lips and shooting her a dirty look. “It’ll take practice, but I’ll get it.”
“I say this with all the love and support I can muster.” Tensing, I prepared for the right hook that followed. “I’m glad we’re in a good place. It’s nice having my brother in my life again. But you’re leaving.”
She meant it as a matter of fact, but it came with a hint of sorrow. I had walked out on her once before. I originally thought I’d bear that regret for the rest of my life. After tonight, I decided to?—
“About that.” I flashed her a smile.
“Jonny.” She leaned forward. “Does that mean…”
Leave it to a group of drag queens and a sassy bartender to change my perspective. I realized I had nothing to lose and everything to gain by moving. My ties to the city and the people I call friends wouldn’t vanish if I uprooted my life. Instead, I’d be surrounded by my family, blood, and chosen.
“You’re not doing this alone.”
“Jonny.” It came out in a gasp. “I can’t let you throw away your life to help me.”
I shook my head. “It’s an adventure.”
To anybody else, it might have sounded like a hollow justification. After cleaning out a dozen rooms with Evie, we uncovered countless moments when Mimi chose adventure over tedium. Those words were anything but empty. They honored our grandmother’s legacy and came like a mid-life rally.
Evie understood the intention. She sprung across the couch like a feral cat, wrapping me in a hug. Two months ago, this moment would have been impossible. We had been strangers who shared a bloodline. Every night since she arrived, I debated if this was Mimi’s goal all along.
“She played us,” Evie said, pulling back. I hadn’t allowed myself to imagine the possibility of us rekindling our relationship. Even in death, Mimi had set out on one last adventure. “She’s diabolical. But are you sure? I don’t want you doing this just for me.”
I nodded. “My family is here.” I had to fight back the surge of emotion as my heart reached capacity. “You. Jason. Amanda. The guys. The bed-and-breakfast. Everything is here. I can work remotely. At first, I was worried about what I’d be losing. Now…” Tears. I wiped my face. “I’m thinking of all the things I’d gain.”
“Jonny…” Her hand rested on my calf. “If this is the adventure you need, you know I’ll support you.”
“Good. Do you know where I can rent a room?”
She snickered. “It’ll cost you.”
“Family discount?”
“Whoa, now.” She held up her hands, halting me. “I don’t think we’re there yet.”
We both chuckled. I’m glad she recognized we still had a ways to go. The bridge had been built. We had found a way back to one another. Right now, that tie remained delicate, almost fragile. I was ready to put in the work. In time, we would be the Olsen siblings again.
“I noticed you didn’t mention a certain somebody.”
I let my cheeks turn red. There was no point in hiding it. I know she expected me to gush, but truth be told, I didn’t make the decision because of Tyler. Had he been a consideration? Absolutely. But my well-being didn’t rest on his shoulders.
“Mimi opened the door,” I admitted. “I want to live a life so full that when people sift through my belongings, they’ll be surprised.”
“I mean?—”
Evie froze when I shot her a look. “I want to regret the things I did, not the things I didn’t. I got comfortable in that rut. Then Tyler walks into my life, shaking things. I think about the possibilities with him. But it wasn’t until Mabel Syrup came to my rescue with the Glitterati Guild?—”
“You’re making this up.”
“We’ll circle back to that.” I couldn’t wait to see her jaw drop. “My friends will find me wherever I am. But I have a family here. Why wouldn’t I want to chase the best things in my life?”
“You’re such a sap.” She chucked a throw pillow at my head. “I’m proud of you, Jonny. It’s about time you spiced up your life.”
“Did you ever think we’d wind up here? That Firefly Valley would be our spicy ? ”
“Oh, that reminds me—” She spun about on the couch, grabbing a sheet of paper off the coffee table. “—a handsome gentleman dropped this off for you.”
Evie handed me the page, and I flipped it over. It took a moment to process the scratchy marks. Stick figures? Were they hugging? Wrestling? “Oh.” They were kissing while sitting on a table. Above them, there were bursts… fireworks. There was no point in holding back the tears. When I spotted the little hearts around the figure’s heads, I didn’t need an explanation. Tyler’s intention far surpassed his horrible artistry. Maybe he was more than a little responsible for my wanting to stay.
“He’s a keeper,” she said.
Staring at the drawing, I couldn’t help but wonder if the thumping in my chest was what others felt when they found my drawings. Was this the result of radical love? More importantly, were these stickers from twenty years ago, or were they a prophecy yet to come true?
Both. Definitely both.
“So what’s this about a Glitter Gang?”
I chuckled. “Okay, it started with the carnival committee…”