Surprisingly supportive

Katie caught about a third of that as she was just trying to keep together that she was listening to Paul and that it really did come out of his mouth. Stepping back, she tried to look at him with new eyes. She’d known him for years and had been taking him through each stage of the transformation today so she could see each bit of him, but if she really let herself just take it all in, his stance, his comfort, her handiwork, and their technical improvements, he actually had a real chance of fooling people.

“Okay, I really had my questions about this whole thing with you doing drag and looking like some farse as a guy stumbling around like some frat boy tossing on his girlfriend’s old cloths as a joke Halloween gag.”

Vyki was suddenly really scared that she was anything like that and all this work had been for naught.

“However, you’ve far surpassed anything I would have expected.” Katie could see him visually perk up at the complement. “The way you stand, how you were walking, the comfort and movement of it. The fact you’re accepting of the pain I know that outfit may have been causing & able to keep the poise and grace that passing like this. And then to cap it off with that altered voice, I’m just really impressed, and I am just so glad to see you have taken this so much to heart for Molly to make this work for her.”

Katie was pretty sure she saw some blush sneaking out from under his makeup, but she continued, “I know she’s laid up, but you know how her migraines go better than anybody, so just finish setting up the last few things and put the food out so the party itself goes well.”

Vyki nodded listening to Katie go on and took a few steps toward her as she continued.

“I doubt I’ll be here at the beginning with this weather and the places I have to hit, but I’ll make it back before the end of the party.” Grabbing both of Paul’s manicured hands she continued, “now that means that I won’t be here to do any touch up for Molly or makeup, but I gotta be honest, I don’t think y’all will need it.”

“How so?” Vyki asked earnestly.

“Hun, you two are going as a couple’s costume. Her outfit will be ‘guy’ enough that people will at least get her roll in things, but with you there next her, there will be no doubt about the twists involved.” Katie explained before emphasizing, “Frankly, with your look & effort, you will easily carry the two of you.”

Katie then continued, “okay, I know you’re ‘Paul’ but you might want to introduce yourself as something a bit more femme like ‘Paulie’ or something to keep the charade going a little longer before the reveal.”

“Vyki,” Vyki responded to her.

Katie just looked at him quizzically.

“I picked the name ‘Vyki’ out earlier. It just fit this form a lot better, and I felt it had the right pizzazz,” Vyki explained without going into detail.

Katie smiled proudly. “Well, then, it’s a pleasure to meet you *Vyki*,” she said as she pulled her friend’s husband and Dom in a dress in for a big hug. “Take care of a girl,” she continued without letting go.

As Katie finally stepped back from the hug, she was sure she saw some fluid forming in Vyki’s eyes. “K, now no crying, Vyki,” Katie admonished, “that makeup shouldn’t run, but you don’t need to test it this early. Besides if you start crying, I’ll likely start crying and then we’ll both be in bad shape, and I need to drive in this mess.”

Vyki was surprised how much that small gesture seemed to really hit her. Paul & Katie were never really that close. At best maybe like pestering brother & sister, but never really any physical contact. And to be suddenly accepted and complimented by her, seemed like a lot. However, she was able to keep the short talon nails away from her eye as she dabbed a small drop away from the corner of her eye, “far enough. And thank you so much for your help. I could never have done this good without your skill and effort.”

Katie giggled at the out of character mutual admiration for them, “speaking of our earlier efforts, I left the nail clippers, adhesives, remover, and keys in your gun safe with the other stuff, so I didn’t accidentally pack it in my stuff. I didn’t bother closing it up, but it should be pretty obvious where they are.”

“In the cabinet, gotcha,” Vyki said confirming the details.

“Also, people will start showing up, but you know our crew is always late, so don’t fret it if it's taking them a bit. Just great them as the amazing hostess you appear, and they’ll all be thrilled to see you. Once Molly wakes up, just help her get ready & ya’ll can make a big entrance together. Don’t **** the party, just let it happen. Don’t be afraid of people, talk to them, be the life of the party if you want, enjoy yourself!!” Katie admonished thinking of how Paul normally acts like a hovering control freak in the corner. “Just put the snacks out Julie brought over & let them enjoy it. Let them do what comes naturally & you just relax & try to let people forget you’re anyone but *Vyki*, k?”

Vyki giggled at the long-winded instructions, “aye, aye, cappy tan.”

Reaching in for one last hug like she was an old confidant, Katie gave Vyki a big hug before she got on the road, “break a leg! You got this.”

“And you drive safe," Vyki advised. “I need someone to be able to vouch that I’m actually me,” she teased with a giggle.

“Knock ‘em dead, sexy,” Katie said before falling into her car.

Vyki stood by the door to the house & waved from the protection of the garage to watch their friend drive off to make sure she got away in the storm safely.