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Jean was regretting his life choices by 8pm on Friday. Cat had invited him out for drinks with her and her girlfriend. Innocently, he’d accepted. New to California, and new on the whole “friends” thing. Jean thought it would be a good opportunity to get to know his coworker better.
He siddled up to the bar at 7:30 and immediately regretted accepting the invitation. It was a loud and flashy place. Unlike most bars that he had been to. He found Cat and her girlfriend in the large crowd gathered outside. He could barely hear her introduce her partner, Layla over the din.
“Catalina, what have you invited me to?” he asked incredulously as he scanned the throngs of people.
Cat replied, “Come on, I know I didn’t misread the vibes. I’ve seen the way you watch Kevin’s ass in the break room. I thought a gay bar would be your thing!”
Jean paled at being called out so brazenly. Sure, he appreciated the male form, but he never was the bold type.
Cat continued, patting him on the arm, “It’ll be good for you to loosen up! And maybe meet some new people!”
“I doubt I will meet anyone worthwhile in this chaotic drunken place.” he glowered.
“Don’t count it out too soon, plus Layla has a friend that is performing tonight and we told him we would come and support!” She wrapped her arms around her girlfriend and planted a kiss on her cheek.
“Merde, maybe then I will be free from crashing your date. Let’s go then.” he sighed as he gave in. Cat squealed and grabbed his hand, practically dragging him towards the bar entrance. She babbled on about the upcoming performance, Jean only half listening as he tried to weave through the crowd.
Eventually they found a quiet corner to sit. Layla went to order drinks and Jean took in the space. The bar was dimly lit, with shaded lamps providing pools of light above each table. There was a stage prominently set up in the front of the hall, and behind the bar, a pride flag hung illuminated, the brightest thing in the space.
He spotted Layla making her way through the busy floor, precariously carrying three drinks. She sighed as she set them on the table top.
“Jer told me that it gets crazy on Fridays, but it’s different to see it with my own eyes! He was so modest about it, but he’s one of the most popular performers here! Look at how packed it is!”
Indeed, the bar was filled to capacity. People even lined the walls and the room was buzzing with anticipation.
“What kind of performance is this?” Jean asked absentmindedly as he sipped his drink. Layla opened her mouth to respond but was cut off by mic feedback. People around them quieted down.
“Welcome to Grind’s Friday Dragstravaganza!” cheers and whoops followed. “We have a great line-up for you tonight! LA’s finest queens at LA’s finest bar! I’m your humble MC, Cody! Without further ado let’s give it up for our first performer. She’s glitzy, she’s glamorous, she’s a ray of absolute sunshine! It’s Knoxon Wood!”
The lights dimmed as Cody stepped off stage. For a moment the bar was quiet, then the lights flashed suddenly, illuminating the shadow of the first performer. Britney Spear’s Circus began. The opening notes of the song were staggered, and with each beat out of the speakers, the lights flashed showing just the outline of the queen.
As the first notes of the verse sounded, the lights came up fully, and Jean’s breath caught. He has never seen such a captivating performer before. She stood proud and tall, in a golden leotard with jewels that sparkled under the spotlights. A long flowing cape wrapped around her. Her legs were long, tan, and freckled. She sauntered in strappy heels that wrapped around her calves and highlighted her bulging muscles.
Jean tracked his eyes up her curves to her face. She was radiant as she mouthed along to the seductive song. Blond bouncing curls framed her heart shaped face. Plump pink lips, big brown doe eyes that shimmered with shadow and caught the light when she blinked. Light freckles dusted her cheekbones. And her smile… it was radiant, lighting up the room more than any lights could. He was immediately taken by her.
His drink forgotten and arms hanging limply at his sides, Jean watched entranced. Knoxon Wood flipped and dipped across the platform, dancing, showing off her plentiful curves, and Jean was tempted to look away when she dipped low into a splits, accentuating her round ass.
She was a sight to behold up on stage, always in motion, just a flurry of shimmering flowing fabric, long blond ringlets, and lithe limbs. Never, did Jean think, was there a more natural performer. She was in her element, winking at the crowd as she wove through, plucking ones out of outstretched hands.
Jean felt his chest constrict as she wove her way closer. They had sat in the back, at Jean’s request. He had been hoping to avoid this very moment. Yet, as the enchantress sauntered closer, he felt butterflies in his stomach. He felt a nudge and looked down to see Cat holding out a crumpled bill for him, grinning slyly. He took it with a barely concealed shake.
Looking up again put him in direct eyesight with the queen. She was swaying hypnotically to the beat and spun to a stop in front of their table.
“Thanks sugar” she murmured just for him as their hands brushed and she took the bill. His eyes met big brown irises and she winked at him before spinning away. Jean was left blinking and staring after her, only breaking out of his stupor when he heard Cat clear her throat.
She was smirking at him. He knew he must be flushing deeply, so he turned to his drink and grumbled something about the temperature of the crowded bar. Cat and Layla shared a knowing look but thankfully didn’t press further.
The song meandered to a close, and the crowd erupted in cheers. The queen blew kisses as she exited stage left and the Cody’s voice could be heard over the speaker. “And that was Knoxon Wood everyone! LA’s local sweetheart!”