Page 28 of Fibre and Ink

“I like cuddles.” Even to my ears it sounded defensive.

“That’s good. I do too.” He nuzzled against my shoulder and closed his eyes.

I flicked off the lights, inhaling the scent of his hair. I wished this was something I could have every night.

But I couldn’t.

Aster had big plans, he was too young, and I was too broken.

Sure, I’d managed to perform this evening, but that meant nothing...

The thrill of the new, and I’m sure, the forbidden aspect, were very arousing.

I could have tonight, but that was all.

I wasn’t allowed to have this.

Chapter Ten

Aster

Thursday, August 6th

I slept so soundly it was like I switched off the same time the bedroom light did. Mickey’s arms were the safest place in the world.

When I woke up it was mid-morning and Mickey was long gone.

I stretched, showered and fixed myself an extra large bowl of Mickey’s granola, and sat at my laptop, ready to send another round of emails to the town council.

To my surprise I had some replies.

Out of seven council members, four had replied. None of them had any idea what I was talking about, but one by the name of Barbara Traylor had a distinct note of concern to her email. She promised to look into it further from her end. I sent follow ups to the others.

I posted the article I’d written on all my socials, making the settings public so anyone could see and share it. I sent a link to Tane, knowing he’d boost the post when he had time.

Then I did some noodling around online, looking for companies who wanted to expand into our area of Southern California. It didn’t turn up much.

My phone buzzed, I opened it to see a message from Joel, my drag queen bestie.

Joel: Hey babe, haven’t heard from you in a hot minute. Still alive down there?

I smiled as I tapped out a reply.

Aster: yeah, I’m alive. Staying at Harlow’s family farm with her older brother, trying to dig up some shady government conspiracy.

Joel: how very Agent Mulder of you

Joel: omg we should do an X-Files drag duet

Joel: I’d be hot as hell in those shoulder pads and almond shaped pumps with pale pantyhose

I burst out laughing.

Aster: I don’t think I’ve ever seen an episode, just bits on Reels and stuff.

Joel: gay sacrilege! Watch it immediately.

Joel: Now, is this the older brother that brought you lunch and cheered from the front row of the show?