Page 58 of Pining for You

“Anyway,” Audra says. “I’m sorry to ask, I just… didn’t know what else to do.”

“Nonsense! Happy to help,” Johnna says. “We just so happen to be headed in your direction.”

“You’re going to a gig with the storm?” Diya asks.

“Christmas comes but once a year!” Johnna laughs. “And a good blizzard even less. Besides, people still love to polka in the snow. Maybe especially in the snow! Anyway. The van is better than a Vegas dressing room and more stable than a false eyelash on a humid day—not to mention your average Lyft or New York taxi. So! If you don’t mind squeezing in with some brass and brassy ladies, we’re at your service.”

“Well, we really appreciate it,” Izaac says.

“Especially since it’s in the name of love.” Audra winks at me, and I instantly feel my cheeks flush.

“Excuse me? Love? Now I’m going to need you to get in that van and say more!” Johnna says.

Ten minutes later, we’re piled into the back of a van loaded with gear: two accordions, a trumpet, a trombone, an acoustic guitar, and a xylophone. There’s even a small box in the corner with harmonicas and plastic kazoos.

A string of lights runs the perimeter of the cab, illuminating a Christmas tree, a menorah, and a rack of costumes, almost all of which are covered in various shades of sequins. Literal sparkles everywhere.

The van itself is obviously a custom job. It has a row of seating along one side, across from a sink, a set of cabinets, and even an induction burner. The Kickers must do a lot of living on the road. Who knew a life like this even existed?

Which reminds me…

“Excuse me, Johnna, would you mind being on camera?” I raise my camcorder, and in return, Johnna raises a perfectly arched brow, questioning. I take a breath and clarify. “It’s just for a little personal project. I promise it won’t be, like, all over social or anything.”

“Well, as long as you don’t give away any behind-the-scenes secrets of this illustrious operation,” Johnna says, gesturing around at the van and piles of equipment. “We don’t want to spoil the magic.” She winks.

“Preserving magic is basically Bennie’s life’s work,” Diya says.

“Well then, you have come to the right place! We are committed to preservation. In our case, of the time-honored traditional treasure known as polka,” Johnna proclaims. “Who here is a fan?”

I’m trying to think how to answer politely, but before anyone can respond, Cash literally gasps.

“Oh my god, is this Gabriella Slade?” He points to a photo posted on one of the walls in the van. In it, Johnna stands smiling and towering over a woman with a middle-parted bob and round glasses, holding a Tony Award.

“Good eye!” Johnna says. “She’s a doll.”

“Are you friends with Gabriella Slade?” Cash asks, and I am legit worried he’s going to burst into glittery flames.

“Well, on my good days we’re friends, but there are probably times that she’d consider me more of a pain in the brass.” Johnna cackles and it’s delightful.

I assume this is polka humor, but Cash stares wide-eyed, so I’m confused.

“She’s a famous Broadway costume designer,” Diya mutters to me.

“You’re such a small human,” Izaac says. “Where do you store all this information?”

“Anyway, that’s a story for another time,” Johnna says, not registering our exchange and continuing, although Cash looks like he’d prefer that time be right now. “I wanna know your story. Y’all don’t seem like you’re New Yorkers, forgive me for saying.”

“I don’t know. Cash was initiated by way of rodent invasion just today,” Diya says.

“Well, that’s a story I don’t know about,” Audra says, “but they’re visiting for the day.”

“In the middle of the Polar Quasar? That takes some steel snowballs.” Johnna laughs and slaps her knee. “Also, Polar Quasar should be someone’s drag name.”

“I nominate Cash,” I say, and he smiles.

“Ohhh, I like it,” he says. “I’m seeing a very blue-and-white arctic kind of number, lots of fur and sequins that glitter like snow in the winter sun.”

I love when he gets like this—all dreamy and grand. I make sure I’m getting his creative process in action.