as is

"No way! No way I'm dressing like a girl!" He asserted trying to back up out of the chair.

Blaire stifled a laugh that caused Alex to blush, even though he knew he was a guy he still couldn't help but find his feminine form attractive. Alex told himself that problem was for another day. "You better hurry, we open up soon and you need to familiarize yourself with the computer." She stood him up and lead Alex through the theater once again.

She explained they were a club that catered to anyone eighteen and over but they also serve **** so he would have to check IDs, anyone under twenty-one gets a red wristband. She explained how the cash register worked before setting a stack of menus beside the register and explaining how to properly greet guests. She placed her hand on Alex's shoulder who was still visibly uneasy over the makeup on his face. "You'll be fine." Her hand lingered on his shoulder for a moment before walking away letting her hand fall.

Alex sighed as he caught his reflection in the dim computer screen. Surely someone would recognize him, 'Maybe I should have let them dress me up." He shook his head, no if he's caught in makeup it would be easier to explain than being caught in drag. He searched the podium for a napkin or towel to wipe off the makeup when suddenly he saw a pair of workboots step towards him. Standing slowly he took in the powerful visage of the owner of said boots. He wasn't obscenely muscular but his broad shoulders and thick arms made him quite the imposing figure "Ca-can I help you?"

"You must be a new girl." His polite smile did nothing to relax Alex as he intended.

"I'm Alex and I'm n-"

"I'm Duke. I'm your security." The man offered his hand and practically crushed Alex's hand. "Sorry."

"Mine?"

"Well I work the front, I have a few other guys scattered about but basically I'm here to watch you."

"Why would...is there really a need for security?"

"It's better to have it and not need it then need it and not have it."

"I guess you're right."

Duke nodded, "You look very cute by the way."

"Wha-" Duke walked away assured in his mind that he did a good thing. Madame Laganja had spoken to him before about his imposing nature and how some of the younger girls needed reassurance about things like their makeup, they were pretty and feminine, and he was, of course, their friend. Duke sat in a small nook in the corner on a small black stool, if you didn't know to look for him you would not have noticed him. Alex's eyes would dart to the small dark corner from time to time and wonder if he was still even there.

After a few minutes, the door opened and several men and women entered chattering amongst themselves. Alex **** a smile, "Welcome to Queen Fish, how many in your party?"

"Six." One of the women said in a deep voice.

Counting out the menus Alex and marking off a large enough table for six on the computer he smiled once more, "If you'll just follow me."

Before he could get too far Duke approached the group, Alex stared in confusion sure that they had left Duke by the door, "Evening, IDs please." Alex scrunched up his face and bit his lip tasting the lipstick as the group pulled out wallets and purses. After a minute of checking each card, Duke nodded, "Enjoy your evening."

Alex returned to the podium to find a pair of men waiting. "Welcome to Queen fish, only two?"

"Yes indeedy." One of the men said with a smile.

"Great," he checked the computer and grabbed the menus, "Oh, um I need to see IDs."

"Sure thing cutie." The smiling man handed Alex his card.

Alex smiled awkwardly not sure how he felt about being called cute let alone being called cute by other men. The smiling man's ID meant he received a red wristband, "Thank you." The man winked as he took his card back. The second man did not get a wristband and barely seemed to notice Alex as he was busy on his phone. When Alex returned he could see the faintest outline of Duke's boot on the stool. Alex gave a small wave and a smile.

The trickle of guests had become a flood as the night wore on and Alex was constantly running back and forth. The very brief moments when the onslaught had died down he was very grateful for his stool. From time to time he could hear laughter from behind him as the crowd laughed at one of the queens' jokes or skits. He never got to see the show in full, only bits and pieces as he brought guests in.

Around eleven he could hear the most elegant soulful voice he had ever heard. Like a siren call, he was drawn into the club proper and saw Blaire dressed in a glamorous gown that sparkled as she moved on stage. She reminded him of a beauty queen from the fifties singing on Broadway.

Duke's hand on his shoulder snapped Alex out of his trance. Looking up at the big man Duke nodded to the guests standing at the door. Alex nodded back and returned to work.

Around 1am the club finally closed for the evening and Alex fell back into his stool, "Thank God."

Duke leaned against the podium, the late hour barely showing on his face, "We need to talk." Alex stiffened. What did he want with him? "You don't know how to spot a fake ID do you?"

"Why would I?"

"You need to. You let in three people who were under twenty-one without a wristband." Alex's eyes widened. Duke raised his hand, "I took care of it."

"Are you going to tell Momma?" Alex had found it strangely easy to just call her momma like everyone else seemed too.

"I don't think that would be a good idea."

"I need this job!" Alex knew if he was fired, let alone fired after one day, he would be screwed.

Duke nodded, "If you want I can show you how to check for fakes, but I won't tell her."

"Oh thank you!" Alex sprung up and hugged Duke to Alex's surprise. Alex wrote it off as being too tired to think straight and shuffled back away from Duke. "Really thank you for everything. I appreciate it."

"I was happy to help you."

Blaire suddenly bounded in and wrapped her arm around Alex. "How was your first day?

"So exhausting. I hope I don't pass out on the bus. Oh man, I hope the buses are still running."

"I could drive you." Blaire and Duke both offered in unison. Alex looked between the both of them not sure what to say.

Blaire smiled mischievously, "Give us a minute sugar." and took Alex aside. "So Duke huh?"

"What? He's just being nice."

"Oh, girl you're not that naive."

"We've barely spoken."

"Who needs him to talk." Blaire winked. Before Alex could explain Blaire cut him off. "I get it, just tell me all the details after." Blaire quickly kissed Alex on the cheek, "Have fun you two." She called back as she left the club.