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The flats were going to give him a blister at the sides and at the back on his heel. He wanted to wash his face to remove the layers of makeup they’d used. He carried the little kit Doreen had lovingly created for him.
“I’m not going to be able to wear the makeup. I don’t even know why she is sending me home with it.”
“Then I’ll do it. It might save your life. Most people will leave you alone.”
“I’m worried about the ones who don’t,” Dimitri answered.
“Come on. You’re doing great. No way would I ever recognize you. We’ll get you a big pair of sunglasses here if we can find them.”
“So I’ll look like Elton John.”
“No. You don’t have the hair, and he doesn’t have the curves.”
A group of Italian youths whistled across the road before they tucked themselves between two rows of houses. This was not anything he expected. It was impossible to concentrate with all the makeup and hairspray.
They found a camera shop open and purchased a matching floppy hat for him and some large bug-eyed sunglasses. The shopkeeper didn’t even seem to notice Dimitri’s attire.
“So how long have you known that crew?” he asked after they left.
“I’ve known Doreen since I was little. Others grew up here, but I didn’t know them. Most are new, or transient, traveling through. I think the world of them, and they’ll keep your secret.”
“What secret?”
“That you’re a cross-dresser.”
“Shut up!” He ran after her, and she managed to remain a few feet away from him, as she squealed and tried not to get caught. His red flats were giving him a problem.
They purchased groceries and panini sandwiches, some half-and-half, yogurt, and good strong espresso coffee for the French press. This time, the little shopkeeper couldn’t help staring at Dimitri.
At last, they arrived close to home. He began to recognize the district and the side streets now.
“Who lives here normally?”
“The family owns it. I told them I had a friend coming. It’s like an overflow. Everybody uses it. Tomorrow, I’d like to introduce you to my parents, my brother, and my sister. We’ve been invited to a family gathering.”
“When did this happen?”
“While you were getting your makeover done, silly. My mother called me.”
“Oh great. I get to meet them with rainbow hair.”
“I will tell them later. But I need to get word at least to my mother about what we’re working on.”
“I’ll finish that now. Can’t wait to hear what you say. Something like ‘that big guy over there with the rainbow hair is going to rescue all of us.’”
She stopped for a minute. “But these friends have endured sometimes great hardship, Dimitri. Many of them have been abused, even by their own families. They know what a rescue is all about, trust me. They’ve even saved lives. Some served in the Italian forces overseas. Just because someone has colorful hair and wears a dress doesn’t make them less of a patriot, so be careful there.”
He got the point and made a note to be more charitable in his public comments.
Once inside the apartment, Moira stopped him before he could tear off his clothes and jump into the shower. She took a picture of his outfit and then a couple closeups of the makeup so they’d be able to recreate it later.
“Do you really think I need to wear all this when I meet your parents?”
“It just adds to the danger. It’s your choice, but I think it’s dumb. Why take unnecessary risks? You never know who is watching.”
“Can we compromise? Do I have to go all out gay-looking?”
“Compromise, as in what?” she said, drawing close to him. “I will admit it’s a little distracting to kiss you this way, but it’s for your own protection.”
