After the Show
“Chuck’s got it,” the drag queen known as Devine tells a makeup assistant when asked if he needs a drink. Sinking into his vanity chair, he waves her away with his hands as if drying his well-manicured nails. She leaves.
In the mirror he plucks off glittery eyelashes that leave his tired eyes red. He wants to lie back, dip his fingers into a tall glass of water, and press the wet tips against his shadowed lids. Where is that bouncer?
Propping his feet up on the vanity, he stretches out, his head on the back of the chair. His wig falls to the floor; his eyes slip shut. Absently he unties the corset he wears. Beneath it he sweats. Water sounds wonderful…
Someone enters his dressing room. “It’s about time,” he mutters without opening his eyes. “You better be Chuck.”
The do
