The more Amber Ale bashed the audience, the more they loved it. She made her rounds, insulting clothing, makeup choices, and even the features of some of the pretty guests in attendance.
She paused at Kaiden, sized him up, then puckered her lips and blew a kiss.
That was probably the most complimentary experience of Kaiden’s life. He could call it a night and a win at this rate.
“Bitch, what are you?” Amber Ale sized Rus up the same way she had Kaiden a moment ago. “Is that a duck?”
She pointed to the pink, purple, and blue bird tattoo on his neck.
“Goose.”
“Duck, duck, goose motherfucker,” Amber Ale shouted. “Why? Why a bisexual goose?”
“’Cause I’m a bisexual dude.”
“That doesn’t answer my question.”
“Then you weren’t listening, hun.”
“Oooooh, mouthy,” Amber Ale said, drawing the crowd’s laughter. “I like it. So, are you here with your girlfriend looking for a boyfriend, or here with your boyfriend eyeing all the girl candy?”
“Just here with my friends,” Rus said into the mic, a bit breathy as he laughed.
“Hmm. I’m gonna come back to you, sweetie. Can’t tell if you’re a hot mess or a hot bless me Father for I have sinned.” Amber Ale pointed a finger at Rus, letting the spotlight hit him and the whole group, much to Kaiden’s dismay. “But I’ll get my answer, best believe it, sweetie.”
With that, Amber Ale continued her rounds, mocking audience members on the front lines and then introducing a performer. The queen came out, dancing to 80s pop.
During the second performance, Kaiden caught a glimpse of the guy from the bar. He stood alone, nervously sipping his drink, as he eyed the crowd. Kaiden dug into his pocket and fiddled with the lighter Rus had loaned him. It was a waste of time. There was no way that guy was actually flirting with Kaiden. He knew that. Still, he longed for a little flattery, hoped for butterflies of excitement, and wondered if maybe he was wrong and this was an opportunity.
“I’m going to go, um, you know…” Kaiden nodded across the way.
Dylan eyed the guy and turned to Kaiden.
“Okay, okay, have fun,” Dylan said. “But be sure to let me know if you need an out. I can be a total menace if needed.”
“Me too,” Rus chimed in, scowling with a tiny smile. “I’ll go all agro.”
“I can also offer an out.” Daysha pointed a finger at Kaiden, then steered her pointed hand toward the crowded bathrooms at the other side of the club. “But only after I take a piss. Those goddamn cranberry vodkas.”
Kaiden made his way through the crowd, politely squeezing between people, and over to the guy from the bar.
“Hey.”
The guy nodded.
“Ever find that lighter?”
He shook his head.
“Well, you’re in luck.” Kaiden held up the lighter. “Maybe we can step out after the show.”
“Sure.”
They stayed and watched the drag performers come out one by one and lip-sync to a brilliantly choreographed dance number. Amber Ale undermined every queen who came out, reminding the audience she was the only one worth worshipping. Everyone laughed at her caustic comments, grateful not to be on the wrong end of her barbs.
“I’m Kaiden, by the way,” he said during a lull between performances.
“James,” the guy replied, keeping his eyes fixed on the empty stage and avoiding eye contact.
