Page 39 of Survival Game

Mango stood up, a wide grin on his face, and gave a stately bow. He sat down, his gesture having everyone in fits of laughter, interspersed with ribald comments about what he was doing with Delilah’s arse.

Sitting beside him was a tall, statuesque black man who said something to Mango. He burst into laughter. Kyle grinned. He’d met Brook Hunter, Laverne’s boyfriend, only a few times and had really enjoyed his company.

“In my considerable absence”—an icy stare was once again thrown Mango’s way—“my right-hand man, Kyle Tripper, has been running our club.”

Kyle noticed the slight emphasis on “our” and his body flushed with warmth at the acknowledgment of his part. Eric squeezed Kyle’s hand and looked at him with affection.

“He is my greatest asset, other than these.” Delilah cupped her breasts to the support of laughter and jeers. “And I’m fortunate to have him. I’d like to say a huge thank you, my love, for organising tonight and making it such a success, despite the whinges from the bitches backstage. I think we owe this young man a round of applause. He already has my eternal thanks for keeping Club Delish going while I was otherwise indisposed.”

Kyle’s face heated up as everyone clapped and hooted, and Mango nodded thanks and gave him a thumbs-up.

When the merriment was over, Delilah turned to face the stage wings. She curtsied and as she did so, another queen made her entrance.

Laverne was clad in a slinky black ensemble with grey sleeves resembling bat wings. She glided in on ten-inch heels and the audience erupted into catcalls.

Delilah sported a wide grin as the two women air-kissed, the sound of smacking lips exaggerated before Delilah said, “The delightful Laverne and her assistant Leslie Scott will now announce her designs and the next models. I wish you a wonderful night right through until the end of the show. I’ll be back soon, sweethearts. I promise. Just got a little rough and tumble to go take care of.” She made a lewd and lascivious gesture to Mango who shook his head in amusement.

Laverne took centre stage. Kyle perked up when a figure he knew quite well swished in next to Laverne. Willowy and black haired, Leslie Scott was the epitome of style in a hand-cut lilac suit crossed with a dove-grey shirt and a darker grey waistcoat. He was a delicious sight to behold, although Kyle knew Leslie’s boyfriend, Oliver, would have his guts for garters if he’d ever made a move on him. Besides, he had his own man now.

“Bitches,” Laverne shrieked as she surveyed the crowd. “Let’s get the party started. The gorgeous Leslie here is going to accompany the models on their way down the catwalk and add a little bit of glam to the proceedings. Because they sure as fuck need it with the bunch of queens we’ve got down here.” She smirked and batted her long eyelashes at the audience.

“Looks like the models are ready for us. First up in an ensemble of violet taffeta and silk bronze trim, designed by me of course, world-famous fashion icon, Laverne Debussy-Smith. And here is the oh-so-edible and charming Calypso Cockbottom.”

Laverne flourished a hand toward the woman currently mincing onto the stage as she resumed speaking. Leslie walked over to Calypso, holding out his elbow.

“All these dresses are available to purchase at extremely affordable prices, with all the proceeds going to Club Delish’s chosen charity, Going Grey, which supports the work being done on research into brain tumours. Buy a dress for you, your wife, your mistress, your boy, your boyfriend, your favourite drag queen…we thank you for any support you can give us.”

Eric laughed beside Kyle. “My God, this place is a hoot tonight. I’m loving all the cattiness.”

A voice shouted Kyle’s name, and he turned to see his new friend Louis, who looked resplendent in a charcoal grey suit, wine silk shirt and a white and burgundy spotted tie.

Despite being happy to see Louis, Kyle was also a little apprehensive. He hadn’t told Eric about his new friend yet. I hope they get on with each other. Louis can be a bit—intense.

Kyle stood up to greet Louis, and as he did, he was pulled into a hug and a smacking kiss was planted onto his cheek.

“Hello there, my gorgeous man. This place looks amazing. Those queens look fantastic in those outfits. I may have to invest in one. Perhaps I will wear it out next time we go to dinner.” Kyle was enveloped in another hug fragranced with Paco Rabanne and the faint smell of cigars.

“Hi, Louis. It’s good to see you too. You’re looking as handsome as usual.”

Louis finally let him go and Kyle looked over at Eric, whose face was filled with what looked like astonishment and, he hoped, perhaps a tinge of jealousy.

He hastened to introduce the two men. “Louis, I need you to meet Eric. Eric, this is my friend Louis. We met while you were away.”

Louis held out a hand to Eric, who took it. “So, you are the man he talks nonstop about. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” He stepped back and waved a hand toward Kyle. “At the time we met, I was trying to talk him into having a drink with me with an intention to perhaps enjoy a little more of his company. He politely declined. I can see why now. You look enticing in that ensemble. I had no idea black chinos and a grey wool blazer could look so alluring on a man. And I love the black oxfords. Very chic.” He grinned, showing white teeth. Kyle stifled a chuckle at the dumbfounded expression on Eric’s face, not having been able to get a word in edgeways.

“Babe, Louis will grow on you. He tends to have no filter so he spews stuff out at an alarming rate without even knowing he’s doing it. And you know what, I don’t think I told you how hot you look tonight. Because you do look sexy as fuck.”

Eric blinked and then slowly nodded. “Yeah, thanks, to both of you. So, you two have been seeing each other then?” His gaze landed on Kyle. “You hadn’t mentioned it before.”

Kyle shrugged. “What with everything going on, it slipped my mind.” He turned to Louis. “I reserved you a seat down the front. It has your name on it. Grab yourself a drink and enjoy the rest of the show. I’ll catch up with you later.”

Louis reached over to hug Kyle again. “Indeed, we will. Do not leave without saying goodbye.”

Kyle and Eric watched Louis plunge his way through the crowd. Kyle sat down and reached over to take Eric’s hand. “So, what do you think? He’s great, isn’t he?”

Eric shifted uncomfortably. “I don’t know him well enough yet. If you like him, then I guess he must be. He’s a bit—handsy, isn’t he?”

Kyle made a sound suspiciously like a man giggle and then clapped a hand over his mouth. That sound surely hadn’t come out of his mouth, had it?