Page 22 of Boss of Attraction
I turned, expecting to see Marco and Luca walking in, but I didn’t expect to see the two of them holding hands.
“So, we have some news,” Luca stated and held up their connecting hands before sitting across from me.
“Wait!” I looked at all my friends, wondering if they were pranking me. “When? How? I have so many questions.”
“Well, while you and Fallon were busy this summer studying for the bar exam, the two of us often hung out alone,” Marco explained.
“And one night, after a few drinks, one thing led to another, and … well, I’m sure you can figure out the rest,” Luca added.
“Did you know about this?” I asked Fallon.
“No. I’m as surprised as you are.”
I chuckled. “It’s definitely a shock, but I’m happy for you guys.” The server returned with my drink, and I took a sip. “So, let’s see, Tyler is married and going to be a dad, Fallon’s about to be married and become a stepdad, and now you two are dating. That leaves me as the only single one here?”
I wasn’t sure whether I was relieved not to be tied down or disappointed they all had somebody and I didn’t.
“You’re going to stay that way too, if you keep lusting after straight guys.” Fallon barked out a laugh.
Luca placed his elbows on the table and leaned forward. “Sounds like there’s a story there.”
I rolled my eyes. “No story. I just have a tiny crush on my boss. That’s all.”
“His boss, who also happens to be a close friend of my family and is twice Declan’s age,” Fallon stated.
“Oh! You found yourself a daddy, did you?” Luca grinned.
Fallon made a gagging sound. “I’m going to kick all your asses for putting that image in my head. Uncle Sean?—”
I smacked my friend’s arm. “Be quiet. His daughter is coming back.”
Thankfully, our server returned as soon as Faye and Morgan sat down.
“Are you all ready to order?” the server asked.
“You guys go first,” Luca suggested. “We still need a second to look at the menu.”
The Illusion Lounge offered a wide selection of Asian dishes, and I chose the sesame soba noodles and another sherry blossom.
Shortly after we got our food, the house lights dimmed, and a spotlight illuminated a figure in a black sequin dress standing on stage.
“Good evening, everyone! Welcome to The Illusion Lounge. My name is Ophelia Cox, and I’ll be your hostess tonight. Now I know what you all are thinking. ‘Ophelia, you’re so gorgeous.’” She gave a twirl, and we all cheered. “‘How can the other queens even compete with you?’ To answer your question, they can’t, but be nice to them, anyway. They’re trying their best.”
Everyone laughed, and she began making her way into the crowd. “A little birdie told me we have a special guest tonight.” She stopped next to our table. “Supposedly, a certain politician’s son is marrying his Secret Service agent, and he’s here celebrating his last few moments of freedom.” Her eyes flicked over to where Vance and Shea stood. “Hell, honey, if all the agents look like those two, I can’t blame you for snatching one for yourself. I’d let them guard my body any day.”
It was hard to see, but I was pretty sure Vance was blushing.
“Anyway, we have a great show for you, so gird your loins because you’re in for a wild ride.” “Vroom Vroom” by Charli XCX started playing. “Our first performer is my drag daughter. She’s young, she’s fun, and she may or may not be hung. Give it up for Enlarga Cox.”
We watched in awe as Enlarga lip-synced while flipping and dancing across the stage. Toward the end of her performance, she weaved through the tables, collecting tips along the way, and I was glad I had some small bills in my wallet.
“Let’s give it up for my daughter. Just like her mother, she’ll do anything for a dollar.”
The show continued with some more dancers and a couple of comedy routines. Ophelia returned onstage as the show wrapped up and addressed the crowd. “As they say, all good things must come to an end. Thank you for spending your night—and hard-earned cash—with us. In a world where some don’t want to see us shine, we appreciate you supporting your local queens. Goodnight, and keep sparkling like the true stars you are.”
The crowd erupted in applause and then started to disperse. After we settled the bill, our group went downstairs to the nightclub. The music was pumping, and I couldn’t wait to get out on the dance floor.
“Is Rhett here yet?” Fallon asked Vance as he looked around the dimly lit space.
