Chrysalis Part 2--Chapter 9
This story is about a young man's quest to fix a major birth defect--he was born without a penis. On his quest he meets his soul mate and many other soon to be friends.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, and events are the product of the author's imagination, or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to any real person is coincidental.
The story depicts procedures and practices common for gender reassignment; however, this story does not claim to be a medical treatise, and information is primarily for the purpose of the story and not medical advice. This story is written for adults with adult themes. If you are underage or live in a location where references to gay relationships or transgender people is forbidden, please log out of the story or move.
This work is copyrighted by Boethiuscell@gmail.com © 2023
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Chapter 9--Jazzabel's Place
After the door closed, Chris asked, "When do we need to be at the Jazzabel's?"
"The show starts at 11:00, but Jazzabel is expecting us a little before. If we leave at 10, we should be cool."
"Thanks for your help today." Chris was feeling a little overwhelmed by having good friends. Screw Chet.
"I had a blast; this is what I love doing. Maybe not this technical stuff, but computers and web pages. I love spending time with you. You are comfortable. I can be nerdy, and you like it, don't understand it, but let me be a nerd." Juan patted the sofa next to him. "Sit and I'll start showing you how to using everything."
After twenty minutes, Chris's brain was fried like an egg on the sidewalk. "Break." Chris firmly closed the laptop. "No more, please."
"Sorry, I just get carried away."
"I really do appreciate the help, but my brain can take no more. Besides, we need to get ready to go. Jazzabel would be disappointed if we were late."
"Right. I need to go home shower, primp and slutify myself." Juan shoved two fingers under each eye and pulled up.
"You look slutty now, so how do you become more slutty." Juan threw a pillow at Chris.
"You'll see," Juan stated as he left Chris's apartment.
At 9:30, Juan returned wearing fuchsia skinny jeans so tight that Chris thought everyone could count pubic hairs, except Juan shaved. The pants were secured with a wide black belt with a large silver buckle that faintly resembled a penis. The belt was too long and hung like an arrow toward the bulge in the jeans. The shirt was a tropical paisley combining mesh and fabric. As Juan moved, each nipple played peek-a-boo. The black eye liner reminded Chris of Jack Sparrow; Juan's eyes, dark, now smoldered, and his hair had a lite dash of glitter. Chris felt almost puritanical in his faded and ripped jeans, half boots, and pink silk shirt. "If I don't get hit on by at least ten guys," Juan declared. "I shall retire to a monastery, eat beans and wear sack cloth and ashes."
"Let's move," Chris said pulling Juan to the door, "before you cut off circulation to your pleasure park."
They stepped out of the cab to a small crowd milling about in a line to get in. The marquee said "Jazzabel's Place". "Fuck," said Chris, "I didn't know Jazzabel owned the place. Hence the invite."
"Yeah, bought it about fifteen or so years ago. Turned a dive into one of the hottest gay venues in Brooklyn."
"Fifteen years, I never took her for that old."
"She invited you?" Juan said with surprise.
"Yeah, last Sunday. She asked me to see her show tonight. Why do you think I suggested it?"
"Horny, want to get out, horny, needed to smell the gay, horny."
"Maybe, you, but." A young black man with blond hair, wearing a tuxedo, pointed at Chris and Juan and said "Come."
"Shit," whined a young man behind Chris, "we'll never get in. Some people have all the luck."
"That's okay Louis, it's not luck; just looks. We'll just come at eight instead of nine."
Chris turned and grabbed the one man's arm, who was not Louis and called to the scout, "They are with us." The man looked over his should quickly appraising the other two men and merely said, "follow me."
"Thanks man, appreciate this. I'm Louis and this Ollie."
"Why are you doing this?" Ollie was suspicious.
"Sometimes, it is luck over looks." Chris's smile was open and broad. That brought a laugh to Ollie. "I'm Chris and this handsome man in fuchsia is Juan."
They walked and chatted pretending to be old friends, which was not hard because bother Louis and Ollie were catty funny as only some gay men can be.
Guarding the door like shi shi lions where two bouncers, all in capital letters. Louis and Ollie were carded and stamped. "Find as a spot," yelled Chris over the music bleeding out the door. "Will do Chris."
Juan was carded and his hand stamped. Chris handed the door attendant his ID. He looked at the card, then a list, and back at the card. He stamped Chris's hand, but didn't let go. "Sorry, kid, not twenty-one need to wear one of these." He attached a glow bracelet to Chris's wrist. "No booze. If I find you with booze, you will be ejected with extreme prejudice. Understand?" Chris gulped and nodded, "Good." Then bouncer smiled sweetly, "Jerome, escort these two gentlemen to the VIP area. Take Chris and his date to see Miss J." The Miss was prounounced with several z sounds.
Jerome led Chris and Juan down a corridor that seemed to run around the perimeter of the building. He stopped at a door with an oversize star with a J inside. Jerome rapped twice on the door, "Miss J, you have two visitors." He opened the door for Chris and Juan, "I will be here when you are done to escort you to your seats." Chris said thank you with a small bow, and Juan and he walked in.
The dressing room was sort of what Chris expected a drag queen's dressing room to be: forty or fifty pairs of shoes, a three dozen or more wigs, two walls of dresses, all glittery, and a mile or more of boas. What was not expected was Miss J. Sitting at the dressing mirror was a middle-aged man, wear sweats and no shirt. His very short hair was covered by a mesh cap. What was most incongruent was the metallic peacock blue eyeliner. Jazzabel's eyes light up as he saw Chris reflected in the mirror. "I wasn't sure you would come tonight."
"I would be a veritable cad if I did not honor the request of a beautiful lady."
Jazzabel laughed, it was a rich baritone, definitely at odds with the make-up. "Please, sit." Chris and Juan looked around but the few chairs were covered with garments, shoes and feathers. "Jus shove the stuff off, hon, and sit." Juan looked doubtful, "You won't hurt them, Juan, jus sit your ass down. You're making me nervous."
"You know my name," Juan blurted. "I mean we only met once and that briefly."
"Remembering names is part of one's business skills."
"I did not realize that you owned your own place, Jazzabel."
"Oh please, call me Ralph." Chris blinked trying to find sense. "Out there," Ralph pointed to the door, "I'm Jazzabel professionally, Jazza to friends, and Miss Z to staff. To my family and close friends, I'm Ralph. Ralph Brown."
"There seems to be a crowd tonight. Is it usual?" Chris asked
"I wish, tonight is our twentieth anniversary of being open. My wife and I dropped the cover charge for tonight and lowered prices by a dollar."
Juan looked carefully at Ralph. "Your wife approves of you doing drag?"
"She encouraged me to do it. She caught me one day in one of her dresses. I was thinner then," Ralph gave a good belly laugh. "At first she was upset, then realized I looked damn good in heels and chiffon. She sat me down and said that she thought I could make a good living doing drag, I mean Ru Paul was gaining a name. I have a strong falsetto and play piano, which is more than most queens. And I know how to ham." Ralph turned toward the mirror, "I need to finish my make-up, please excuses my back." Watching Chris and Juan in the mirror, he continued. "I was popular and gaining a name when this place came on the market. We mortgaged the home, bought this dump, and twenty years later--Jazzabel's Place. I only perform on Fridays and Saturdays now, do local charities, and manage the business. You know what the best part is?" Ralph gestured to all the clothes. "I get to wear all those, and it's tax deductible."
Chris and Juan laughed. "Who does the shows other nights?"
"I have some very talented men," Ralph said, patting on powder. He turned in his chair and gave Juan an appraising stare. "You interested in doing drag? Put some red on those lips, a nice set of tits." Ralph stopped and pulled a Dolly Parton style wig off the shelf and plopped it on Juan's head.
Juan laughed when he saw himself in the mirror. "No, I think I'll stick to school."
"You'd make a gorgeous drag queen," Chris smiled barely containing his laughter.
"No," Ralph said. "Continue with school. Well boys. It is time to put old Jazza to work. I'll try to see you after the show. I think seats have been reserved. Enjoy the show; I look forward to your opinions."
Juan and Chris exited to find the young escort still waiting at the door. "I'll take you to your seats. If you will follow me."
Chris and Juan were led to a raised platform, about seven feet off the main floor, it was railed, gated, and guarded. "Gentlemen, you are at Table 3, enjoy the show. Miss J, will stop by later."
Since there were only three tables, theirs was easy to find. It was the one closest to the stage, and Louis and Ollie were at the table. "Hey, guys," Ollie waved.
Chris and Juan headed toward them, but were stopped at the first table. "Hi Chris, good to see you again. You remember Donny, and this is his friend...." The man obviously already had a couple of drinks. "Who the fuck cares."
"Hi Max, Donny. Nice to see you again." Chris extended a hand, but with the other gently pushed Max back into the chair he was attempting to rise from. "You remember Juan,"
"Glad to see you could make it." Donny offered a hand, but did not attempt to rise, "You too Juan," Donny's eyes more focused on Juan's body than face. "This is `Who the fuck cares'" Donny glared at Max, "This lovely young man is Braidan." Donny looked lustfully at Braidan and patted his hand. Braidan mumbled a hi; he obviously was not having fun. His left arm glowed like Chris's.
After extricating his hand from Max, Chris and Juan tried to move toward their table but were stopped by he had no idea who. It was two couples, but it was obvious that the men were together as were the woman.
"I don't think we were introduced at Zoe and Slim's soiree Sunday, but we loved your playing." Said the woman in a shocking pink halter-top under a lacy blouse.
"Me bad," said the man who grabbed Chris's arm. "I'm Derick and this is my boyfriend Derrek--homophones, sound the same different spellings." He pointed to the man sitting next to him wearing a similar cashmere sweater. "Yeah, I know, two Derrek's. My friends claim I'm so narcissistic that I want to yell my own name when we fuck." Derick then pointed to the lady in the halter top, "And this is my lovely wife Michelle and her girlfriend Dee Dee." Chris kept his face smooth and said he was charmed. "We're having a small party at our penthouse. You and your friend are welcome to come." He nodded at Juan. "It is very casual, if you know what I mean." Derick produced a grin similar to a wolf.
"It sounds exciting but I am starting a project for Silent Models Monday, and I am unsure of my schedule."
"If you are free, love to have you come." Derick pulled out a card and quickly wrote on the back, "Date, time, and my private number." He handed the card to Chris, who shoved it into his back pocket.
"I'll see what we can do," Chris said as he slowly edged toward his table.
"Is he famous?" Ollie quietly asked Juan while tilting his head toward Chris.
Juan burst out in laughter, which caused Ollie to fall back into his chair. "Not famous in the least. You know how bears are attracted to honey? Chris is honey on steroids."
Louis, who was not part of that conversation turned to Chris. "Don't know how we ended up here, but the guy who escorted us in found us on the floor and said we needed to join our friends. This is way cool. Where'd you guys go?" indicating Chris and Juan.
"Jazzabel asked us backstage before the performance. She invited us tonight."
"Jazzabel, the Jazzabel, you know personally?" Louis's eyes grew to meatballs. Chris realized he might be very cute if he abandoned the attempt to grow a Van Dyke. Poor kid was growing scraggly weeds when he needed lush grass.
"How do you know Derick Gordon?" Ollie asked.
"Don't," Chris shrugged. "Apparently he was at a party I attended Sunday and saw me, but we were never introduced."
"He is a major broker on Wall Street. Made a killing during the free fall a few years ago, and his wife is an attorney. The other man is Derrek Lovejoy, real estate agent, million plus. His girlfriend," Juan gave Chris a quick look but said nothing, "is a major model, Sports Illustrated." Ollie paused and looked at Chris suspiciously, "Did Mr. Gordon give you a business card?"
"Yeah he invited Juan and me to a party next week. Gave me his phone number to confirm if we are attending."
"Rumor has it he is bi and throws lavish parties. Only the most beautiful, powerful, rich or all three get invited," Louis added in awe.
Chris gave a good chuckle, "Well I am none of those three."
Ollie pulled the other three in to whisper. "The rumor mill also says that at his parties you check your clothes at the door. I've heard they are very kinky."
"I caught that vibe. What was your take, Juan?" Chris asked.
"You can go if you want, but I value my ass." The look in Juan's eye was very serious. "I mean, I don't mind toys and sex." Juan unconsciously touched Chris's hand. "But I am not a foosball to be kicked around for the amusement of others."
"I know I am busy that night," Chris nodded to Juan. Chris turned to Ollie and Louis, "How long have...", but he was interrupted.
"Good evening gentlemen, I'm Vector, your server tonight. Would everyone please hold up your left arm." They did but were unsure why. Hector looked at Chris and his glowing bracelet and handed out three drink menus to Juan, Louis and Ollie. He handed different one to Chris. "Sorry sir," He said to Chris with apology, "the special bracelet forbids me from serving you alcohol." Vector's smile continued, "It would mean my job." Chris nodded that he understood and glanced at the menu. "These drinks are all very delicious. I cannot drink when on the job but I am very familiar with them all." He added still smiling. "The top drinks are sweet: pineapple, mango, coconut, and syrups." Chris shuddered, "Didn't think you were that type. Do you like Earl Grey tea?"
"Yes, that is what I usually drink." Chris replied.
"Then these are all based upon Earl Grey, sans alcohol: Lady Jane, ginger spritzer, Sherlock and Watson, Trá Dao, and My favorite is Sepia's Death and Taxes. It is usually made with Metaxas, but our master mixologist, Randy, uses a grape extract that comes close to the flavor of Metaxas."
"Sepia and your recommendation will do." Chris decided. Juan went with Ball Buster (Juan was not driving), and Ollie and Louis went with traditional martinis.
"As I was saying," Chris regained attention his table's attention, "how long have you and Louis been together."
"Three months," they both said together. This surprised him; they looked at each other and giggled. Juan rolled his eyes at Chris.
"Where'd you meet?" Juan asked.
"At church," Louis said.
"It's a real cool church. You should come," Ollie said with excitement.
"I and churches are not compatible." Chris had a look of disgust remembering the pastor of his church little diatribe against Chris and his needing to be male. It was not in any way Christian.
"A couple of the guides--they prefer the term guides to pastors--are openly gay, they have gay youth group, very gay friendly," Louis quickly explained.
"While they say they are Christian, they are more pan-religion. We read the Bible, Qur'an, Bhagavad Gita, and philosophers like Martin Buber, Descartes, and a whole lot of other cool people." Ollie's face was light with enthusiasm. "Way cool," finished Louis.
The drinks arrived just in time to prevent a conversation worthy of Witness. Chris took a sip, as Vector waited. "This is very good. Thank you for the recommendation."
Vector beamed at Chris, "Thank you sir, if there is nothing else, enjoy. The show should start in twenty minutes." He did a curt bow and left.
Juan cleared his throat after a sip of his drink gaining the attention of Ollie and Louis, who were lost in each other's throats. "Damn this is strong." Juan blew out. "Chris, how's your drink?"
"It is very good." Chris replied, "Not sure what all is in it, but it is good." Chris lipped another sip.
"Might I try a taste?" Louis asked taking a small straw and dipping the end in Chris's drink before Chris could object. "It is an interesting flavor combination of Earl Grey tea, oregano, a non-alcoholic whiskey, reduced grape syrup, and citrus." Louis paused tasting the straw again. "I think orange and grapefruit."
"Wow", both Chris and Juan mouthed.
"Louis is going to be a famous chef." Ollie said with pride. "He just graduated from the CIA." Ollie did a little smirk at Juan's baffled look. "Culinary Institute of America with a degree in culinary arts and is working at the Waldorf Astoria. I'm working on my MBA, should finish early next year." Ollie gave Louis a small kiss and continued, "When I graduate, we want to set up a catering business. We do some now, but with my school, and Louis still developing more skills, the scale is modest."
"I'm impressed Louis." Chris was bouncing from watching Louis bask in praise and Ollie basking in Louis's pride. "What area did you specialize in?"
"I like all food, so I'm more fusion." Louis replied.
"His aunt has a catering business, which he helps with." Ollie added, "He is helping plan a bar mitzvah in July. The kid, who has his father wrapped around his finger want something other than chicken or brisket."
"Don't blame him," Louis added. He then looked at Chris and Juan. "Would you be Guinee pigs?"
"For?" Chris's reply was cautious.
"For sampling options for the kid's bar mitzvah."
"Sure." Juan quickly replied. "It sounds like an adventure."
"Great," Louis said, "Either Ollie or I will contact you. Need to exchange numbers."
Ollie gave Chris and Juan a crooked smile. "Are you a couple?"
"We are here together, so that would constitute a couple." Chris's response we light and poking.
"No, you know what I mean. Are you romantically involved?"
Chris and Juan looked at each other and laughed. "Naw, nothing romantic." Juan said.
"Just becoming good friends." Chris added. "Only known Juan a week, only been in New York a little over a week."
"Potential then," Ollie said with satisfaction. "What you doing in town Chris?"
"Working."
"Come on man, play fair. We told you." Louis groused.
"Juan is a student at Columbia in computers. And I am here to start my modeling career." Chris answered with a told-you-now smile.
"Cool," Ollie said.
"Ladies, Gentlemen, and everyone in between." Hoots came from the crowd. "Welcome to Jazzabel's Place where everything you see is not what you see. Tonight, we celebrate our twentieth anniversary. To paraphrase Gloria `We have survived': pickets by bigots, fire bomb threats, police raids, and Sandy." Hoots and hollers interrupted. "We have not only provided entertainment but supported the LBGT+ community." More hoots and hollers. "In honor of our twentieth anniversary, our proceeds tonight will go to helping LBGT youth." Roaring applause. "Now the mistress of this house and your hearts, Lady Jazzabel."
Chris winced at the volume of appreciation. He had never been to a gay club before and the sights, sounds, and smell were intoxicating. The shear energy shook the floor. Chris whispered to Juan, "Is it always this noisy?"
Juan cocked his head more in consideration than to hear. "Maybe a little more, but not much. It's a typical gay bar on a Saturday night." Juan paused. "Is this your first time in a gay bar?"
"Yeah." Chris shouted so Juan could hear. "My life in Chicago did not allow for bars."
"Oh," was Juan's single reply as the crowd grew louder and Jazzabel entered wearing a burgundy satin gown with glass sequins and gold trim. She was carrying a large peacock fan in one gloved hand and an over-sized martini glass in the other. A long white feather boa wound around her neck and over the crock in the arm holding the martini glass. She smiled looking everyone in the eye and then, stretched slightly forward holding the fan out and flat, she slowly dragged the fan through the air. As she did, the crowed quieted like suddenly stilling water. Once everyone was quiet, she said, "Thank you for coming and your twenty years of support." A hoot came from a corner. Jazzabel stopped and waved the fan toward the noise and frowned. "Tonight, we have a special show planned for you. Besides our usual bevy of beautiful broads, we have two of the stars from Ru Paul's Drag Race. Of course, I will sing." She paused and gave a deliberate smile, "Who knows who else might pop in." Applause and hoots, which Jazzabel encouraged, but with the flick of her fan, everyone stilled. "But to start everyone's blood pumping, welcome the Jazzaciser Dancers." As she slide behind the curtain, five men in tux came out to the music "Puttin' on the Ritz." Which morphed into another tune, with each tune change, an article of clothing came off.
Chris recognized one of the men as Zachery. Chris noticed that Juan was following him too. Zackery played to the crowd, but eye contact was at Chris and his party. "They're amazing dancers," Chris casually stated. Juan nodded, but he was more interested in just one, whose moves undulated and throbbed sexuality. "They turning you on or just one?"
Juan blushed, "Maybe." Louis and Ollie were paying attention to the conversation wondering if Chris would be jealous.
"Light brown hair, pale, no tan? The one that keeps looking this way?"
"Yeah," Juan practically swallowed his tongue. "Not mad are you?"
"The one with a white thong with crystals on his basket that flash in your eye?"
"Jezz, Chris, yeah, lay off." Juan was turning a shade of umber.
"Would you like to meet him?" Chris casually asked.
"Fuck, Chris," Ollie exclaimed, "Do you know everyone in town?"
"That would be several million, so highly unlikely. But I meet who I need to meet, like you and Louis." Chris gave Ollie his most winning smile. "His name is Zack, and I met him Thursday at Silent Models where he was auditioning for a music video."
"Oh," Juan voice fell in disappointment, "just my luck, he has the hots for you."
"Ah Juan, you are so adorable when you pout." Juan glared at Chris. "Didn't get the let's-get-nasty vibe when I met him. We talked about ballet; he's a dancer for the New York City Ballet--back line." The dance ended and Zack bowed low looking at Chris and Juan, who was applauding wildly. Chris pointed a finger at Juan, and Zack's face blossomed into a bigger smile. Chris wiggled his finger for Zack to join them. Zack gave a small nod.
The show proceeded in yards of sequins, feathers, leather, silks and satins. Eye makeup abounded, enough to make a Ringling clown blush. Songs lip-synced to Donna, Gloria, Madonna, Sondheim, Porter, Gershwin, Gaga, Perry, and more show tunes. Between each performer, Jazzabel dominated the stage with banter, both bawdy and profound. She played the audience between being Don Rickles, Richard Pryor, Joan Rivers, and Dame Edith Evans. She played the audience and the audience loved her.
"Belly up to the bar boys," Jazzabel said with her best Mae West voice. "Jazzabel will be back in fifteen with a special guest."
Juan was on his second Ball Buster and getting loose. "Amazing show, hey Iss." Juan had a sloppy grin on. "De make damn fines drinksss shere," Juan slurred.
Chris called the server over and quietly instructed him to replace any further drinks with a non-alcoholic substitute. Chris did not want to contend with a drunk Juan, and Juan would never notice the change. Ollie and Louis just rolled their eyes and smiled at Chris. Chris noticed Tom standing alone at the far side of the stage. Toby, Chris had noticed, must have bladder issues because of the frequency he went in and out of the restroom. But then, Toby's eyes were mostly on the men's room and the men going in and out, which always proceeded his latrine visit.
The crowd shifted toward the stage when two young men, perhaps sixteen or seventeen, wearing just gold lame' short shorts produced trumpets from behind their backs and started a fanfare. A man, wearing a flame red tuxedo, stepped from behind the curtain, music swelling behind him as he began to sing in a rich baritone voice.
Jazzabel.
Jazzabel.
If ever the devil was born,
Without a pair of horns
It was you,
Jazzabel, it was you.
If ever an angel fell,
Jazzabel,
It was you.
Jazzabel, it was you.
The curtain opened; Jazzabel sat at a black Steinway. Slowly, the platform that held both piano and diva slid forward. The man continued singing.
If ever a pair of eyes,
Promised paradise.
Deceiving me, grieving me,
Leavin' me blue.
Jazzabel, it was you.
If ever the devil's plan,
Was made to torment man,
It was you,
Jazzabel, it was you.
'Twould be better I had I never known,
A lover such as you.
Forsaking dreams and all,
For the siren call of your arms.
Like a demon, love possessed me,
You obsessed me constantly.
What evil star is mine,
That My fate's design,
Should be Jazzabel?
If ever a pair of eyes,
Promised paradise.
Deceiving me, grieving me,
Leavin' me blue.
Jazzabel, it was you.
If ever the devil's plan,
Was made to torment man,
It was you,
Night an' day, every way.
Oh, Jazzabel, Jazzabel, Jazzabel.
At the last words of Jazzabel, the piano stopped and Jazzabel stood, resplendent in a red sequined gown, the trail looped to one red gloved wrist. A red fur stole covered her strapless gown, barely hiding ample cleavage. Her hair was a complex mound of braids and jeweled hairpins; the hair, itself was the same red as her gown. The crooner bowed and gestured to Jazzabel. The crowd went wild.
She smiled, enjoying the adoration. She raised a gloved hand, and the place went silent. "Thank you so much for the warm welcome. It does this old biddy's heart kindness."
"You're never old." A voice yelled from the crowd.
Jazzabel tilted her head in the direction of the voice. "At least one person here is a gentleman and rose to my defense." She gave a high musical laugh. "As I said at the beginning of the show, we are celebrating our twentieth year tonight. So, I would like to start with the very first song I sang on my very first night." Jazzabel slid behind the piano and did a series of riffs before starting "Strangers in the Night."
Chris's jaw dropped because Jazzabel had a pure countertenor contralto voice; she was not lip-syncing. As she sang, she improvised on the melody. "She is amazing," Chris whispered to Louis and Ollie; Juan was too wasted to notice.
After three songs, Jazzabel rose and looked to the wings. "I am getting warm, must be all the hot men." She smiled sweep the room, but ended on Chris's group. "Could someone take my wrap." One of the young trumpet boys came out and gently removed the fur revealing a massive necklace of red gemstones. Jazzabel ran her fingers across the necklace. "Lovely isn't it." She turned so everyone could see, lights coruscated off the stones. "It's just something I picked up at Tiffany's" A smile beaming pride. A pause. "She's a neighbor down the street. Don't you think she does wonderful work?" A pause as a few chuckles died. "It's hot up here and I have many more songs for you. I need a drink." She looked toward the bar. "My special as always. Champagne with a twist of lemon." She glanced at the crowd. "We have a stellar audience of debauched sodomites tonight. Definitely a step above our usual debauched sodomites." The other trumpet boy delivered Jazzabel her drink. "Thanks, Lance." He bowed and left. She smiled wickedly, "He is one fine Lance." She glanced at where Lance exited. "And boys, he is under age--hands off." The look she gave everyone meant business. "As you know I like the classics, Porter, Gershwin, Berlin, Sondheim." A hoot from the crowd, garnered a polite bow from Jazzabel. She slipped behind the piano and stared Porters "Anything goes" which quickly became Lady Gaga's "Born This Way" done honky tonk and finally "I Will Survive" chorded like a Bach toccata. She finished with arpeggios and a flourish of the wrist and dropping the head. The place burst into hoots, hollers, foot stomping and applause. Jazzabel slowly pulled herself back together and rose to the bows. She took one gloved finger and languidly bushed it below her right eye, like wiping a tear away. The crowd hushed as she sang the Judy Garland classic, "Somewhere over the Rainbow." In a lush countertenor that descended into base notes. She wrenched from every word every ounce of pathos. A third of the audience was in tears.
Juan was bawling like a baby on Chris's shoulder and Louis was not much better. Jazzabel gave Chris a little smirk. "Enough of the weeping over the Gay National Anthem. This is a party." She clapped her hands together. "Let's party like there is no tomorrow." She returned to the piano and played Madonna's "Vogue", which had everyone moving to the dance. She stopped playing and while still seated, she looked around the house. "We have a birthday boy with us. Just turned twenty-one." Everyone quieted and looked around as spotlights circled the room, stopping at Chris's table. Chris looked at Louis and Ollie, who shrugged no. Juan said no too. Chris assured the three that it was not his either. "Chris, don't be shy and stand." Chris stood totally flummoxed. "Sweet Cheeks, some little birdy told me it was your birthday, so don't deny it. Come join me on stage." Chris wanted to crawl under the table and into his shoes. "Can you help him?" Jazzabel pointed to Louis and Ollie. "Send the birthday boy to me; let him fly to my arms." Louis and Ollie grabbed Chris and threw him over the railing. Chris's arms flailed, his leg went akimbo as he sailed into the arms of a half dozen men, who body surfed him to the stage. Chris landed feet up on the stage facing Jazzabel. The look on his face could have killed a bull elephant, but Jazzabel was no bull elephant and was unphased. She spun him around and raised his left arm exposing the glowing bracelet. One of the trumpet boys ran out with a scissors, which Jazzabel took and quickly snipped the symbol of Chris's nonage. "You are free from the shackles of youth and join the company of men. Walk tall in my shoes." She smiled at the audience. "but not my stilettos. Let us celebrate your liberation with a libation from the very cock of Dionysus." One of the ladies from the show presented a bottle of champagne to Jazzabel while another handed a glass to Chris. "May the fruit of Bacchus's loin propel you into adulthood. May his sweet juices invigorate as they trickle down your throat. May life be long, and prosperous, and filled with adoring men."
Someone from the back yelled. "Let me be your first devote."
Another yelled. "I am on my knees before you."
"Come to my alter and let me worship you." Chimed in a third.
"What do you have to say Chris?" Jazzabel was almost giddy with the situation.
Chris looked around at all the expectant faces, gave a charming smile. "I am deeply appreciative."
"How deep?" came a voice from the dark
"Deeper than you can provide." Chris retorted. That earn some guffaws. "Before I was interrupted by a little man. I want to thank you for the gesture of freedom, the severing of my bindings. I will try to do honor to my new found manhood."
"Didn't you have one before?" came the same voice.
"I did not say lost, like yours, but new found, renewed, enlarged."
"Hear you keep yours by your bed." It was Toby.
"If I did, at least I'd know where it was all night. I hear yours wander about like a sleep-walk from ass to ass."
Jazzabel jumped in to forestall a deterioration, "Chris is a great pianist; would you like to hear him play?" That prompted calls of yes. "Chris, take a seat. Anything you want to play."
Chris sat at the exquisite instrument and thought. Then putting his hands on the keys and started playing "Strangers in the Night" which segued into "Hear me Roar" and finally into "Alexander's Ragtime Band". Chris rose to the enthusiastic applause. But Jazzabel gently pushed back to the seat.
"You play and I will sing."
"I'm not sure I know all your songs."
"Sweet Cheeks, you play. I'll know the lyrics."
"Is that a challenge?" Chris asked loud enough for everyone to hear.
"I believe it is, Sweetums." Jazzabel was stoked.
Chris started with "Sunrise, Sunset." Jazzabel entered right on cue. Chris was suddenly appreciative of the ten years of piano and all the times he played at his parents' cocktail parties. Chris was convinced that the piano lessons were just so that his mother would have live entertainment at her soirees.
Chris switched to Porter, Beatles, Gershwin, Weill, Streisand, Berlin, Back Street Boys, Englbert Humperdink, Patsy Cline but Jazzabel sang the lyrics with barely a pause. Chris quickly glanced up while thinking what Jazzabel might not know and saw Zack and Juan exchanging numbers. He played "Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered". Jazzabel joined in
Men are not a new sensation;
I've done pretty well, I think.
But this half-pint imitation
Put me on the blink.
Chris switch songs frequently. At "Where is Love" from Oliver, Chris started singing along. Jazzabel gave Chris a quick look and overlaid with harmonies. About to give up and admit defeat, he played "Frere's Jacques" ala Mozart.
Jezzabel stopped and stared at Chris. "Are you improvising?" Chris downshifted to the simple melody. Jazzabel shook her head. "You got me on that. Is it a real song."
Chris nodded and began to sing:
Frère Jacques
Frère Jacques
Dormez-vous?
Dormez-vous?
Sonnez les matines
Sonnez les matines
Ding, ding, dong
Ding, ding, dong
Frère Jacques
Frère Jacques
Dormez-vous?
Dormez-vous?
Sonnez les matines
Sonnez les matines
Ding, ding, dong
Ding, ding, dong
Ding, ding, dong
Ding, ding, dong.
By the second chorus, half the audience was singing along. At the end, with everyone belting out the ding, ding, dong, Chris said, "it's a song most children learn in grade school."
"The mighty humbled by the children. I always knew my grammar school was lacking," Jazzabel laughed. "Chris, darling, you have acquitted yourself well and are released from my service." She extended a hand to help Chris from the piano. Pulling Chris close to her and facing him toward the audience. "Please show your appreciation for Chris. He is truly amazing because he knew nothing about being invited on stage and is not a professional pianist." She gave Chris a deep bow and the audience thundered appreciation. Chris saw Tom applauding wildly in the audience; Toby was using Tom for support, lost in his own world.
Once Chris made his way back to his seat through a passageway to the front door, both Ollie and Louis were school-girl excited about his performance. Juan was still a little too inebriated to say much; he was staring at a slip of paper with a phone number and email address. Chris looked a Juan and the paper. "Zack?" Juan gave a broad grin and nodded.
The MC returned everyone's attention to the stage. "We have a special performance tonight by Zackery and our very own Lance. Zackery is a member of the New Your City Ballet," Juan sat up riveted to the stage. Zack and Lance entered. Lance was dressed in a black fish-net body suit. Zack wore tight black satin pants with matching top and a red sash around his waist. The music, "Hernando's Hideaway", started. The couple stalked the stage like panthers, closing in and retreating. Lance grabbed the sash and spun Zack out, who took the end and, with deft circles, wrapped Lance in the sash. Zack pulled Lance close with a firm jerk on the sash. They moved as one body on the stage. Zack had all the grace and sensuousness of water drops on a hot skillet. It was sizzeling and erotic; it was mesmerizing. It was passion.
The music stopped with Zack mounted over Lance on the floor in final submission. They stood and bowed to silence. They stood up and took a step back uncertain what to do. Chris stood and started applauding; soon the whole house was in an uproar of applause. Zack glanced up at Chris and winked.
Jazzabel returned the stage fanning herself. She stopped between Zack and Lance. "Muy caliente. Need the water hoses to cool things off." Jazzabel beamed at Zack and Lance. "Makes me want to take up dancing if it can be so," She paused looking for the words, "so fucking sexy." The piano was rolled out again and Jazzabel walked over and seated herself. "I want to thank all my friends," she gestured to the entire crowd, "celebrating our twentieth year." Streamers and confetti descended on the crowd as Jazzabel sang:
Every time we say goodbye, I die a little
Every time we say goodbye, I wonder why a little
Why the gods above me, who must be in the know
think so little of me that they allow you go.
When your near there's such an air of Spring about it
I can hear a lark somewhere begin to sing about it
There's no love song finer but how strange
The change from major to minor
Every time we say goodbye
The piano slowly moved back on the stage until the curtains closed. Slowly the houselights came up and people began to leave. The boys' waiter appeared as Chris and Juan started to stand, "Please wait. Miss J wants to say personally good night." He placed another drink in front of each, except Chris's was now champagne. The Derreks said goodnight to Chris and thanked him for the entertainment. Derick asked again if Chris could come to his party on Friday. Chris demurred using the excuse of his unsettled schedule. He saw Tom drag Toby out, not looking too happy. Soon everyone left, except the four and the cleaning crew.
"Oh Chris. My Chris," exclaimed Jazzabel, as she and Zack came up to the table. "Thank you so much for staying." She and Zack pulled over chairs. "I hope I didn't embarrass you too much tonight," she said to Chris.
"It isn't My birthday." Chris stated,
"Sweet Cheeks, I know that, but I needed some excuse to get you on stage."
Juan looked at Zack google eyed, "You were wonderful; I mean the dance was wonderful and you were wonderful in it." Zack blushed.
That was some hot dance," Jazzabel smirked, "it was not that hot during
rehearsal. He must have got inspired before the show." She looked at Juan with her eyes gleaming. "And you Chris, you really surprised me. You have some repertoire. I don't know many piano men that have so many songs memorized."
"Thank my mother, who had me entertain family, friends, and sundry others at every holiday or social event my parents had. Family is a very demanding audience. And I have a memory for music"
Jazzabel laughed lightly. "My Mama is the same way. Your parents must be very proud of you and what a talented, kind and gracious young man you are turning out to be."
"My parents do not know. They have not been part of My life for over three years."
Jazzabel patted Chris's hand. "Their choice or yours."
Chris looked down, "Theirs."
"I'm sorry Chris, it is their loss to not know how amazing you are."
"Thank you."
"I know my saying it is not the same as them saying it, but it does not make it untrue." She pulled Chris into a firm hug. "You definitely surprised me when you went with the flow of being on stage. Many people would freeze or begrudge the opportunity to perform. I knew you could play from Easter, but you were a natural on stage. I would love to hire you permanently to perform. You and me make a great team. It was one of our best shows."
"I appreciate the offer, but I have a job and commitments. I start Monday working for Silent Models." Chris turned to Zack, "Did you get your job?"
"Start Monday too. Maybe I'll see you there."
"Well Chris, if you ever want to moonlight, let me know. Have a safe journey home." Jazzabel rose and left.
"I suppose we should leave too. Church tomorrow--no later today," Ollie said.
"He also wants me in his bed so he can ravish me," Louis added, which made Ollie blush. "We really enjoyed meeting you and Juan and appreciate your allowing us to tag along."
"It was our pleasure," Chris replied. "Don't forget to contact me about tastings. Juan and I." Chris looked at Juan and Zack holding hands in silent communication, "and maybe Zack would love to see you soon."
"What," Zack jumped at the sound of his name.
Louis and Ollie left Chris, Juan and Zack still at the table. "I don't know about you, but I need to go home and hit the sheets." Chris said. "Are you two planning the hit the sheets too?"
"If Juan wants, he can spend the night with me." Zack replied.
"As much as I would like to," Juan said, "never sex before a second date. I want to know more about you."
"I respect that, Juan. Are you free for a date Thursday night?"
Juan flipped an imaginary calendar. "Yes, I am. Let me pencil it in." Imaginary writing on the calendar. "What time?"
"7:30 okay. I'll pick you up at your house."
"I'll be ready. But beware; my brothers will want to check you out."
"Protective?"
"No gay and envious."
"Warned," Zack smiled, "I'll walk you out so they can lock the place up and finish cleaning."