Chapter 32

Chapter

Thirty-Two

Olivia

T he dressing room of The Queen Bee was a whirlwind of glitter, feathers, and the sharp scent of hairspray. I perched on the edge of a vanity, careful not to disturb the organized chaos of makeup brushes and false eyelashes strewn across its surface. The mirror in front of me reflected a kaleidoscope of color as drag queens flitted back and forth, putting the finishing touches on their looks for the Sunday brunch performance.

"Honey, hand me that rhinestone necklace, would you?" Carl called out, his voice muffled as he hung upside down from the waist and fluffed his wig.

I grabbed the glittering necklace and passed it to him. I’d come here hoping that the general chaos and low-level breakdowns would distract me, but it wasn’t working as well as I’d hoped.

"Thanks, doll.” Carl stood up and flipped his platinum hair into place before fastening the necklace around his neck. He paused, studying his reflection in the mirror and then shifting his gaze to me. “This is your third time at the club in as many days.”

I shrugged, picking at a loose thread on my sweater. “You don’t like my help?”

Carl spun and adjusted his silver column gown that was intended to make him look like a giant icicle, emphasis on the giant. “You know we all love having you around, don’t we girls?”

“Love it!” Rhoda bellowed from a nearby vanity where she was adjusting the bells on her elf shoes.

I grinned as she hurried from the room, her belled shoes making her sound like a team of reindeer.

Carl put his hands on his hips and raised an expertly drawn eyebrow. "Spill it, honey. What's really going on?"

I sighed, the weight of everything finally catching up to me. “I shouldn’t have agreed to stay in Caroline’s apartment. Don't get me wrong, I love having my own space instead of sharing with my bitchy roommates, and I love having you across the hall. But everything about Caroline’s apartment makes me miss her more.”

Carl's expression softened, and he wrapped me in a hug, careful not to smudge his makeup. The scent of his perfume enveloped me, a comforting mix of jasmine and vanilla. “Why didn't you say something sooner? I was on the verge of getting you your own vanity and making you dance in the show.”

Before I could respond, Ida Slapter swept in, a vision in sequins and feathers that made her look like a living snowflake. "Ladies and tramps, you will not believe the eye candy out there tonight. I swear, half the men in that audience look like they just stepped off a runway."

“As in, they’re wearing stilettos?” I asked as I pulled away from Carl’s embrace.

Ida shot me a look. “Very funny, sweetie. From the looks of it, these are all straight men—unfortunately.”

"Ooh, maybe our Olivia could find a man tonight,” Robyn Banks said as she sashayed into the room behind her.

I forced a smile, but it felt hollow. "Maybe.”

Carl gave me a knowing look. “Too soon after Ruune?”

“It’s going to be hard to find someone to measure up to Big Blue. “ Ida winked at me with her impossibly long, fake lashes. “Literally."

The rest of the queens at their vanities giggled and snapped their fingers.

I rolled my eyes but couldn't help the small smile that tugged at my lips. "You're terrible.”

Ida blew me a kiss. “I think you mean fabulous.”

The muffled music from the stage overhead thumped and there was the faint sound of cheering and clapping. More queens swept in, bringing with them a cacophony of chatter and the tapping of high heels.

Carl gave himself a final look in the mirror. “It’s okay to miss her, sweetie—and him.”

“I know," I sighed. "I just wish I could move on. They’re gone, and I feel like I'm waiting for something that's never going to happen."

"Well, darling," Rhoda misted herself in a cloud of hairspray and then waved it away with one hand, "the best way to get over someone is to get under someone else.”

I couldn't help but laugh at that. “I’ve used that technique before, but I’m not sure if that will work this time.”

"No?" Her brightly painted eyes went wide. "Well, I'm all out of ideas then. Unless…”

“Unless what?" I asked, even though I should have known better.

Rhoda grinned. "Unless you decide to broaden your horizons again. After all, there's a whole universe out there, honey. Why limit yourself to the men of Earth when you've already had an alien.”

I started to shake my head and dismiss her words, but then I stopped. “Rhoda, you’re a genius.”

“Well, obviously," she preened, patting her bright-green wig.

Carl looked skeptical. “Why is she a genius?”

I squared my shoulders, feeling a burst of energy. "I'm going to reactivate my Tribute Bride application!"

The dressing room erupted in a chorus of excited squeals and clapping.

Rhoda hopped on her heels. “Yes, girl, yes! Live that intergalactic fantasy!"

Ida gave me a quick hug and kiss as she headed back to the stage. “Good for you for getting back on the horse again, or in this case, alien.”

As the excitement died down and the queens vacated the dressing room, Carl grabbed my hand. "Are you sure about this, honey? Reactivating your application is a big step."

I drew in a deep breath, trying to dispel all hesitation. “If you’re not moving forward you’re moving back.”

This was the right decision, I told myself. It had to be.