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She gave my outfit a critical eye and motioned for me to walk toward her before saying, “Yes. The number I’m doing is my go-to. I haven’t had the chance to work on having my DJ mix a new one for me yet.” I walked over to her, and she instructed me to turn around. “Your waist sash is bunched in the back, and it throws off the symmetry at your hips.” She adjusted the sequined fabric that was tied over one hip with her manicured nails.

“Ah…thank you. We can’t look askew on stage,” I replied with a snicker.

“All set,” she said in her deep baritone, giving my ass a gentle pat to let me know she’d finished futzing. “You’re so fortunate not only to look fabulous but to sing when you perform.”

“You do an amazing Cher, Vee, and your lip-sync is flawless,” I complimented, using the nickname we all called her. “You do that diva justice.” I walked back to my dressing area and picked up my purple-framed shades that completed my ’80s look.

“Knock ’em dead, doll,” she replied, waving me out of the dressing room door.

“All for a good cause,” I said, heading for the stage entrance.

The last number finished, and Amber rushed back after the stage went dark. She passed me, giving my arm a little squeeze. The audience was still cheering after her Cyndi Lauper, Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, number.

As soon as the familiar thump of my music hit the speakers, I took center stage in the darkened nightclub. I was confident my outfit would sell my chosen songs. Dressed all in purple, with my sunglasses on, I wore a loose-fitting off-the-shoulder top cinched at the waist by the sequined sash Vee had adjusted. I wore tight spandex leggings that stopped at the ankles, drawing the eye to my black stiletto heels. A stage assistant rolled a streetlamp prop next to where I’d planned to stand and handed me a black wireless microphone.

As the intro progressed, a single spotlight illuminated me from above, casting dramatic shadows. I preferred to stay in one place when I sang, never liking to move around the stage too much because it sometimes affected my resonance. But I hitched my hips to the beat, drawing catcalls and cheers from the audience. I was positive most were coming from the table where Craig and my friends were seated.

I could see silhouettes of the audience bopping along to the familiar song as another spotlight came to rest on me, and I noticed some patrons were even dancing. I’d been fortunate to have a karaoke version of the music that included background singers, making it feel like a true production. All nervousness faded as I channeled one of my favorite singers, and by the reception it received, I knew I had them in the palm of my hand.

I’d instructed the soundtrack DJ to mix directly into my next number so it would sound and feel like a single-song performance. The catcalls continued as I sang the second disco hit; She Works Hard for the Money.

When my songs ended, the crowd was on their feet, and my throat tightened at the love they poured out. It was almost overwhelming. I looked toward our table, and Craig blew me a kiss as the other guys whooped and cheered. I hadn’t felt that happy in a long time, and it was just what I needed after the past week.

I left the stage and passed Vee, who was standing in the wings. “You nailed it, doll,” she said, giving me a smile and a quick hug with an air kiss.

“Go rock the rafters, Vee,” I replied as I headed to the dressing room. My adrenaline was pumping from the high of performing and receiving such praise. I really enjoyed doing that, but I was happy it was only a side gig. I loved being a cop and helping others.

No sooner had I sat down to take my makeup off than Gavin came rushing in.

“Onyx, you have to do another number tonight! The audience wants more, and the staff from the youth center is hoping you’d be up for another,” he said hurriedly, slightly out of breath.

I closed my eyes, and deep down I knew that would happen if my set went well. I looked up at him, and he wore a pleading look. “Alright. One more, but I want to go last and cap the night off with it. I need to find the DJ and talk about which number I’d like to do.”

“Great, thank you. I’ll let the DJ know you’d like to speak with him,” he replied excitedly, before dashing out of sight.

The more I thought about it, the more I knew I had the perfect song to end the night with. Especially in front of Craig and all our friends. I pulled out my cellphone and browsed the karaoke music I’d purchased for functions. Since I hadn’t changed out of my drag persona, I only hoped the guys wouldn’t be too disappointed that I couldn’t spend much time with them at the table.

I left the dressing room and headed out into the nightclub since we were in an intermission after Vee finished her Cher number. When I arrived at the table, still in my outfit, Craig shot me a furrowed brow.

“Hello, gentlemen,” I said, towering over them in my stilettos. A couple of tables next to us broke into scattered applause at my arrival.

“Oh my God, you were incredible!” Tony exclaimed, leaping from his seat to reach across the table and grab my hand. The rest of the guys agreed, all throwing praise my way.

I sidled up to Craig, who was sitting closest to me. “Why haven’t you changed?” he asked, placing his hand on my lower back.

I leaned down, keeping my voice low. “They asked me to do one more song for an encore. It’ll end the show,” I said, looking directly at Craig. I wasn’t sure if he’d be upset at the change of plans. He gave me a slightly dejected look, but then smiled, so he wasn’t that upset about it.

“Well, Onyx definitely made her mark tonight, and I can’t fault you for that,” Craig replied. “I’m hoping the youth center will get some sizable donations with all the talent that’s performed. It’s been a great show.”

Andrew lifted his drink in a toast. “Here’s to the fabulous queens of San Francisco, and especially to our dear Onyx Storm.” The guys all lifted their drinks in agreement.

“And yes, we all donated to the cause,” Bryce pointed out, looking proud.

I gave them a small clap of appreciation. “I’d better get backstage and figure out a different outfit for the finale,” I said before leaning down to kiss Craig. I slipped a hand behind his head to pull him closer, and he met my kiss. A chorus of “Wooooo” broke out, prompting us to break apart in mild embarrassment. “I’ll catch you all after the show.”

“Mucha suerte!” Javier said, which made me turn around with a quizzical look.

“Javi said, ‘Break a leg,’” Jason added with a chuckle, pulling Javier into him. All the guys laughed as I blew a kiss to the Colombian man and walked away.