The Crown Is Mine

by Berlinda Wall

  The article ran the following week. The picture really looked great. I decided to grab five copies of the magazine from the rack just to keep. I thought for a minute of sending one to my mother, but that thought was fleeting. I swear the minute the article hit the newsstands, my phone lit up like a Christmas tree. I had tons of people calling me and texting me to tell me how great the picture looked. I also had people asking if they could donate clothes for the homeless and other toiletries. But the best surprise was Stephanie from Bonk, who called to say she would donate bagged meals for the homeless who show up. That was even better because I really want to make sure they didn't go hungry. And while I had Stephanie on the phone, I asked if we could do a dining night out and beer bust at the restaurant. She jumped on that right away and gave the green light.

  It's funny that it took this fundraiser and the boys' help to actually get me into the magazines, since none of them ever did anything about "Bombshell." Realistically, it was the boys' help that got me the notice. I guess it was good to know the people with power and money. Money and power seemed to be making my life easier. I could really get used to this.

  I met Temple as promised. He had a total of ten people who were coming in for their haircuts. "I do want you to know that there might be some photographers taking pictures for the magazines there."

  "If you don't mind, sir, I do not think anyone in the group really wants to get their pictures taken. A lot of us are embarrassed to be in the situation we are in.”

  "I completely understand. I'll make sure that the photographers leave before your group arrives." He was quite relieved by that. There was no sense in making them feel uncomfortable when all we were trying to do was help them out.

  Finally it was the day of the Haircut-a-thon, and from the Facebook event, it looked like there was going to be a great turnout. To avoid any issues at the salon, the Facebook event made it very clear that they were just getting haircuts. No color jobs and no eyebrow waxing. It would be nice to do all that, but since the stylists were all donating their time, we were trying to get through as many people as possible.

  "Your outfit is already laid out on your bed," Germaine said. “With the event starting at 2, we need to be there no later than 1:15 to make sure everything is set up. Also, the event photographer will be there around 1:30."

  "Thank you so much for your help on this. I couldn't have done it without all your help," I said as I gave Germaine a hug. "About the photographer. We need to tell them that they cannot take any photos of the homeless people. They just don't feel comfortable having their pictures taken."

  "Shouldn't be a problem. I'll make sure they are aware of that. Most of the shots are quick shots of people having fun and getting their hair done. That way it can show up in the Scene At section to give you another plug. That's why I chose that specific outfit for you to wear. It's an outfit that most people will not remember you wearing, and you don't want to be seen in the same outfit in these photos."

  "I dropped off the plastic bin for any clothes that were donated at the salon yesterday on my way to work. That way Temple can take it and it will be protected from the weather," I said.

  I got Desiree's pretty little ass together and Germaine chauffeured us over to the salon. When we got there, there were a few people milling about already with their donations in hand. Sherell was inside with the stylists getting the salon set up, so we joined her inside. Biff and Kit arrived shortly thereafter and brought the photographer with them. The photographer immediately went to work taking pictures of everyone in very candid poses. Sherell cranked up the music in the salon, and by the time we opened the door at 2, there was a line waiting with money in hand. Once the haircuts started, there was hair and scissors everywhere. The people were being processed as quickly as the staff could work. It did my heart good to see all the clothes that were donated. I figured what-ever wasn't needed, I could donate at Goodwill, which was next door.

  By 4 P.M., we had processed everyone and Temple and his group arrived. "You look a little different," Temple said. "The outfit makes you look beautiful."

  "You are so kind," I replied.

  It was a rag tag bunch, but they were all smiling and extremely chatty with all the stylists. I did let Temple know that we had also collected clothes, and each person was able to find something that was needed from the bin. Between shoes, shirts and pants the bin was overflowing.

  Stephanie arrived with several coolers of food to give to everyone as they left. This way, they had a good meal and a bottle of water. I could not thank her and the staff at Pop My Bubble enough for all their hard work to help those in need.

  "Biff, Kit, and Germaine, I want to thank you personally. If it weren't for, you none of this would have happened. I owe you big time, so please let me know if there is anything I can do for you."

  "Well, now that you mention it, there are a couple of events we need you to make an appearance at," Biff said.

  "I am at your command."

  CHAPTER 56

  "You need to go shopping," Biff said. "If you are going to be seen with us, you must be glamorous and shine."

  "Yes, no more hand-me-downs from those junky thrift stores," Kit chimed in. "You can't be seen wearing the same outfits at these parties because there are photographers at all the events we go to, and we can't risk your picture showing up in the publications wearing the same dress. It will not do. Not do at all. Especially if you will be seen with us. We have a status to maintain."

  "I understand, but I can't afford new outfits right now. I'm kind of on limited funds and can't afford to drop a bunch of money on new outfits."

  "Then Germaine will pay for them," Biff said, pointing to Germaine.

  "Yes, Germaine will pay for them," Kit echoed.

  "I could never impose on Germaine like that," I said. "Plus, working at the hotel, we don't make that much money."

  "Please don't say anything about money," Germaine pleaded.

  "Honey, Germaine doesn't need the money from the hotel," Biff said.

  "Yes, sweetie, he doesn't need the money from a job," Kit said.

  "What do you mean?"

  "Please don't," Germaine repeated.

  "Germaine is loaded," Biff said very plainly.

  "Germaine's grandparents were very wealthy and before they died they set up trust funds for their two grandchildren, Germaine and his sister Felicia. The only stipulation of the trust was that they had to maintain gainful employment until they reached the age of 58, which for Germaine is just around the corner. If they didn't work, then the other one would inherit the trust from their sibling," Kit said. "That is why you see that strange man at the hotel every now and then checking up on Germaine to make sure he is working.”

  "He was hired by his sister to keep an eye on him to make sure he is still working. What a fucking bitch, but you have to admit she has balls to stalk her own brother," Biff said. "There is no love lost there."

  "Can we stop talking about money now?" Germaine asked. "My parents always taught me it was uncouth to speak about money."

  "That's where they were wrong, and that is why you haven't made the break into the A society. All these pretentious bastards do is talk about their money. Who has it? Who lost it? Who's going where and who's buying what? It makes them feel important and it makes their dicks get hard," Kit said.

  "How many times have we heard from a pompous ass that their Cole Hahn shoes cost $2000? It's like music to my ears, especially when I know that bastard bought them on sale for about half the price," Biff said. They both laughed.

  "You sound like you hate all your friends," I said.

  "Don't be silly, my child. I love every one of them as much as I love their bank accounts, and I believe the feeling is reciprocal," Kit said. "We wouldn't be hanging out with them unless they had a bank account."

  "There is nothing worse than when someone loses all their money because they become a pariah on us all and are banished off to the Walmart's of the world," Biff said.


  "I didn't realize you had money," I said to Germaine.

  "I don't like to talk about it as much as these two. I want people to like me for me versus for my money. I think that is why I have a hard time trusting people because if they know how much I'm worth, I'm never sure if they truly like me or are just after my money," Germaine said.

  "Germaine, you need to loosen up and have some fun," Biff said. "Let's go shopping. I've lined up my personal shopper, Esteban, to take us through Regents Plaza and find you some new outfits."

  "I have never even set foot in Regents Plaza," I said.

  "There's always a first time," Kit said.

  So we all loaded into the car with Kit and Biff sitting in the back and being chauffeured around by Germaine and headed to Regents Plaza. Regents Plaza was the very high-end shopping mall in the city with everything from Versace to Vivienne Westwood and was located across from Westfield Mall, so it was shopping heaven.

  Germaine pulled into the parking lot and headed straight for valet parking. "I'm glad you finally started using the valet," Biff said. "That's what they are there for, and we don't have time to waste circling this black top inferno."

  We hopped out of the car and there was a very sharply dressed gentleman waiting for us. He had on a grey suit, a purple-checked, pressed, button-down shirt, and black shoes, which matched his slick, backed, black hair. His skin was olive-toned and he had just the slightest stubble on his chin. "Good morning Mr. Biff and Mr. Kit. It is wonderful seeing you today. Who are we shopping for today?" he asked.

  "Esteban, this young gentleman is Tyler," Biff said.

  "It is a pleasure to meet you," he said as he extended his hand. I took and shook his baby-smooth hand. It was like holding warm butter.

  "And this is our other friend, Germaine," Kit said.

  "Mr. Germaine, the pleasure is all mine," Esteban said. "Mr. Tyler what are your clothing requirements today? Slacks, shirts, resort wear?"

  "No, Esteban, Mr. Tyler is better knows as Miss Desiree, and she is in need of party outfits. I want every head to turn as she enters the room with us."

  "Mr. Kit, every head already turns when you and Mr. Biff enter a room. Miss Desiree will only help shine the light on your pure perfection," Esteban said.

  When I heard that, I think I vomited a little into my mouth, but I choked it back down. “Remember to play nice” was all I kept saying to myself.

  We all followed Esteban down the marble staircase to the main floor of the shopping mall. I had never seen this much marble and wood work in any place except for a church, but this was so much more fancy.

  This was a great place to people watch, as everyone was so beautiful. There were the leggy blondes and the well-quaffed male models who seemed to be everywhere, carrying all their purchases and glancing at each other as if to say "Great underwear ad." Everyone walked with a purpose. You didn't see any baby strollers anywhere, which I was so used to seeing in the malls that I went to. I also didn't see a normal food court with your usual pizza and burgers anywhere because here it was a French restaurant, salad bars, and sushi. I'm glad we ate before we got here.

  The first store Esteban showed us to was the H & M store. The only reason I recognized this store was because Madonna had been their fashion model for a time. We entered and were immediately swamped by the store staff all fawning over Esteban. He almost needed a stick to beat them off. "Good morning ladies. It's a pleasure to see you all, but my heart belongs to Jean." Just as he said this, a very petite brunette with curves in all the right places greeted Esteban with a very large Cheshire-cat smile.

  "Why Esteban, my little darling, I didn't know you were coming by this morning, otherwise I would have worn something a little more revealing," she said.

  "It was a change of plans, darling. I need you to help me find party dresses for Miss Desiree here," he said pointing to me.

  She quickly sized me up. "We have some brand new cocktail dresses in that will be perfect for the life of the party. Let me grab a couple. Please have a seat, and I'll have one of the other girls bring out the tea cart for your party.”

  "Gentlemen, please grab a seat on one of the leather couches," Esteban instructed. Everyone sank into the luxurious leather couches as the tea cart was rolled out in front of us with hot tea already poured and crumpets on a plate. "Desiree, I will need you over here. And please stay away from the crumpets. A minute on the lips, a year on the hips."

  I sat on the round ottoman by the mirrors and Jean came out with several cocktail dresses draped over her arms. "These are from the new fall collections. I think this will be perfect because every girl needs a black cocktail dress."

  Esteban held the dress up, and for me, it was love at first site. It was fun and flirty and I could see myself turning some heads in that dress. "Try this on in the dressing room," he said as he handed the dress to me and pointed to the dressing room to the left of the mirrors.

  I stepped into the dressing room and slipped out of my boy clothes and started sliding on the black dress. It felt like a glove the minute it went on and I couldn't wait to see it in the mirror. I stepped out and all the boys gasped, and from the look on their faces, I could tell this was a keeper. I stepped up on the platform in front of the mirrors and immediately began to twirl. The dress was a killer from every angle and was pure perfection. I wanted this dress, but then I looked at the price tag. It was $500. I couldn't see Germaine spending that much on a dress for me. From the look on my face, the boys sensed something was amiss.

  "Sweetie don't worry, Germaine can afford it," Kit said.

  "Yes, honey, it is yours if you want it," Germaine said.

  I couldn't believe that they were being so nice to me that the tears began to well up in my eyes. I had never had anyone in my life treat me so well.

  "And the best part is we need to accessorize it," Esteban said. "Take that one off and try these two on," he said as he handed me more clothes.

  I went back into the dressing room and slipped out of the black beauty and put on the next dress. It was a red leather mini dress that was really form-fitting. As I stepped out of the dressing room, it got the immediate thumbs down from the boys, so back I went. I came out with the next dress and it got more of a mixed reaction. Some liked it and some didn't, which meant it wasn't going home with me. I also tried on a navy blue polka dot number that looked great on me and got the immediate thumbs up. I felt like Julia Roberts in "Pretty Woman," except for the whole hooker thing.

  We checked out and Germaine had no problem laying down plastic to cover the $1,200 bill. "Germaine, I can't thank you enough for what you are doing for me."

  "You're welcome, dear. I can't thank you enough for what you are doing for me," he said, but I really didn't understand what he meant.

  Esteban led us to the next store, which was a shoe store called, Looibitan. Again, the staff was all over him the minute he walked into the store. "Girls, it's time to play my favorite game. I've got the number, now let me hear your answers."

  The girls immediately said 98, 115 and 121. "Rosalyn, you win!" he said. "The number was 100." The other two girls sulked away sadly.

  "What were the numbers for?" I asked.

  "I make them tell me their weight and the person closest to the number in my head gets to wait on my customer or me. It's always a low number, which encourages them to keep their weight down. I don't like to see fat rolls coming out between shoe straps," he said. "We need something with a four to six inch heel in a size 10 that will complement these dresses."

  She took a quick look at the dress colors and then she was off. She came back with several boxes in her hands with several styles. "Try these on," she said as she put a black paten leather pump with a six-inch heel in front of me. I took off my shoes and socks and Rosalyn handed me a pair of ankle-high nylons to put on so I could try on the shoes. I put on the heels and was off touring the store. They felt pretty good, and when I looked in the mirror, they really helped shape my calves.

&nb
sp; "Work it, girl," Biff said.

  "I really like these," I said. "They feel comfortable."

  "They should, you little slut. Trying on women's clothes. You should be ashamed of yourself," said the obviously dried-up older woman trying on a pair of shoes next to the mirrors. "God didn't intend on you wearing those things."

  I was completely taken aback. Next thing I knew, Rosalyn was jumping into action. "Ma’am we don't allow any customer in our store to speak like that to any of our clientele. I'm going to have to ask you to leave."

  "I'm not going anywhere, missy," she said as she firmly planted her ass in the seat.

  "Rosalyn, get her out of here. I spend more in this store in a month than she will get from social security for the rest of her life," Esteban said.

  "How rude," the dried-up lady responded.

  "What's rude is your lack of couth, "Esteban said. "I should have my wife come down here and kick your ass."

  Security arrived and escorted the dried-up prune out of the store.

  "Thank you, Rosalyn. Now where were we?" he asked as he dove back into the shoe boxes.

  I looked to Germaine and asked, "He has a wife?"

  His only response was, "Don't ask."

  There were several pairs that were beautiful and would really complete the outfits. The only thing missing was the jewelry, which was our next stop. The bling was blinding and it was all costume jewelry. I was kind of relieved because I didn't want to worry about having any of it stolen or losing it at one of the shows. These other drag queens were going to shit a brick when the saw my new outfits. It put all those rags that Athena had to shame. Fuck her.

  The final total for our shopping spree was $4,000, which was more money than I could ever spend on a shopping spree unless I won the lottery. I couldn't believe how generous Germaine was being. Kit and Biff congratulated him for finally prying open his wallet.