When Hank asked how I was going with work, I told him the truth, but I spared the most embarrassing details. Being broke and behind is just a temporary situation, and what matters is that I stick the landing.
“I’ve got that two thousand dollars from my family to cover my overdue dental bill, the reason I went to the boat in the first place, but the office has already put me on a payment plan. Instead of paying it all off now, I can use some of that money to bridge me through. I also have a bunch of stuff I can sell.”
Marko frowns. “You’re going to sell your stuff?”
“I’ve got designer clothes, some first-edition books. Antiques! Like, what do I really need an antique vase for? Except for my mother was going tothrow it awayand I always thought it was beautiful.”
Marko and Taylor exchange a look, and I open up my ogre template.
“I know it sounds bleak. But trust me. I found a new resolve when I was on the island. Even if it takes sacrifices, I’m going to succeed. And I’m done relying on my family. I’m going to make this work on my own terms.”
“I still think you should take it easy,” Marko says. “I can even help cover your rent for a month, if it came down to it.”
“Ultimately, we’re as invested in you making rent as you are,” Taylor adds.
“It’s level-up summer,” I remind them. “Marko, you’ve been talking about using drag to make protest fun ever since I met you at the vampire pool party four years ago. And it’s time forme to become a famous artist, and for you, Taylor, to launch the hit event of queer Seattle’s summer.” I shake my head. “Literally nothing can stop me. Not even a desert island and a media scandal.”
“On the plus side,” Marko adds, “it’s easy to appear in costume at a drag event.”
“And your media scandal has splashed some attention our way,” Taylor adds. “It will hopefully get more eyes on the protest, and then we’ll deliver the message we planned. Frida Dolphins is basking in the exposure, too, and the visibility isn’t bad for my DJ career.”
I scribble some scraggly hair on the ogre’s arms. “Great. Everything is working out perfectly.”
Now I just need to show Hank the kind of partner I can be.
