Page 34 of A Straight Line

“Oh, yeah?”

“She took me over to A Straight Line—back in the room where they get gussied up for the shows?” Katie said. “She did my makeup, my hair, put me in a new outfit—it was a little ostentatious, but better than what I had—and took me back to the library. We were sitting out in the car, outside of the library, and I just didn’t know if marching back in there after being told to get lost was such a good idea. Bang Bang just looked at me and said: Honey, where there’s a drag queen, there’s a way. Then she walked up to that counter with me, spoke to the librarian on my behalf, and presented me like I was a prize sheep at the county fair!”

Katie laughed.

“I was so nervous!” Katie gasped. “I just knew Bang Bang was going to get us into trouble!”

“I can imagine.” I chuckled.

“But Mrs. Johnson,” Katie said,” you know, the librarian? She hired me on the spot just at Bang Bang’s word. Well, and the fact that she showed I could clean up nicely. I had a job! I tell you, I was completely bowled over.”

“That’s amazing.”

“I know, right?” Katie absolutely glowed with happiness at the memory. “Then, when I was falling on hard times and not making ends meet while trying to get my divorce—Bang Bang presented me to your uncles. They found me some side work. At Bethany’s restaurant? Bussing tables and waitressing in the evenings? Helped me pay for my lawyer.”

“Wow.”

“If it weren’t for Bang Bang and your uncles, I don’t know where I’d be right now,” Katie said. “They knew I was in a bad spot, but they trusted that I was the kind of person who didn’t mind hard work to get out of a bad spot. I got out of the shelter, out from under that shit ex-husband—they saved my life.”

I just stared at her.

“Two years ago,” Katie held up her ring adorned finger, “your uncle Vic introduced me to a guy he knew who worked over at Lamont’s Auto Yard. Joe and I just celebrated our first anniversary. He’s outside enjoying the free drinks. My kids just adore him. They don’t even miss their worthless ass daddy who hasn’t paid one bit of his child support. Not that we need it anymore. I just—I can’t believe that Harry and Vic won’t be down at A Straight Line anymore. Or that I might never get to see Bang Bang perform again. I had to be here tonight so I could thank them one last time. Just in case our paths don’t cross again.”

For a few moments, I just stared at Katie, unsure of what to say.

“You never know,” I said finally, “Bang Bang might still do a show from time to time. The new owners would be stupid not to invite her in every now and again.”

“Ain’t that the truth?” Katie laughed as she swatted at my arm. “They’d have to be downright stupid.”

I smiled. “And Harry and Vic are always here. I know they’d love having any of their friends stop by to catch up.”

“You know,” Katie said, “I guess you’re right. I was getting worked up over nothing.”

“But,” I said, “if you wait around, I’m sure you’ll be able to talk to them. Maybe even catch Bang Bang’s performance. Just tell your sitter how important tonight is to you. They’ll understand.”

“You’re right about that, too!” Katie exclaimed. “And what’s a few more dollars for a sitter if I get the opportunity, right?”

I gave her a smile and a nod. Katie patted my arm and headed towards the back door.

“You know,” She said, turning to look at me, “I still don’t know why Bang Bang took a chance on me—or your uncles for that matter—but I’m sure glad they did.”

“That’s just what they do,” Denny said, still focusing on the trays.

I looked over at him.

“Sorry?” Katie said.

“They sprinkle a little queer magic dust everywhere they go,” Denny responded, still not looking up from the trays.

Katie laughed. “Well, I’m glad they had a handful for me. God knows I needed it.”

Then, with a smile powered by the memories she had shared, Katie turned on heel and marched outside. To call her sitter, I imagined.

God, I hope Bang Bang shows up soon.

“Do you ever stop eating?” I teased Denny.

“Talking and eating are what I do best.” He shrugged.