“They’re going. We’re planning to hook up tonight. I put him and his brother on the list for all-access passes for your show.”
“Look at you, giving that man perks and things.”
“Hey, I have to pimp your ass out some way. Backstage passes to your shows are a big fucking deal.”
“It’s cool. I wanted to meet him anyway. You were all bummed up in the dark the other night. I couldn’t even see what he looked like, on the real.”
“Paul is definitely a cutie pie. I just hope he doesn’t trip when—”
“You haven’t told him?” I asked in astonishment.
“It hasn’t come up.”
“Hannah, you and I both know that being transgender is not just going to come up. Do you think he could tell when he met you?”
She shrugged again. “Who knows, but he’ll find out tonight if things go the way I’ve imagined. Time is of the essence. We’re leaving on Tuesday, and he’s leaving on Thursday. If things go well, I might have to stay a couple of extra days and meet you back in New York.”
“I’m not leaving you behind,” I stated without hesitation. “You left the States with me and you’re going back with me.”
“I’m grown, Ladonna. Even though you have me spoiled with riding the friendly skies on private jets, my ass is not above riding commercial.”
I was glad that Hannah had met a man she liked, but I was also very concerned. At fifty-four, she had had her share of both good and bad relationships, like most people. Most men had been accepting of the fact that she had undergone hormone therapy to grow breasts, reshape her hips and waist, and her face was stunning. Always had been, in fact. Some people would stare at her hard enough to figure it out, and even though she was transgender—meaning that she lived her life as a woman and her outer appearance was that of a woman—Hannah still had a penis. It wasn’t that obvious in her clothes, because it was small. I had seen it before. Plus, she tucked it in, according to her. I imagined that to be painful, but it was important to her to live as a female.
I was concerned, however, because a few years earlier, one guy had not taken the “great reveal” that well. In fact, he had beaten on her in his apartment after they were making out and he reached between her legs. I understood that she wanted to get a fair chance to get to know men before admitting the truth, but I didn’t consider it a good idea.
“I don’t feel right about this,” I said with honesty. “You just met the guy and we’re over here in another country. Where is he from, anyway?”
“He’s from Sweden, here on business.”
“And what kind of business is he in?”
“He’s an architect. That means he’s good with his hands, if you know what I mean.” She blushed and giggled. “I can’t wait to find out how good.”
“Don’t get me wrong. I’m excited for you, but please don’t go off with him after my show without me.”
“What are you going to do, baby girl? Watch the action?”
“No, of course not,” I replied. “At least promise me that you won’t go anywhere without a bodyguard. People disappear all the time when they’re traveling.”
Hannah got up and glanced down at the street from the balcony of the 2,700-square-foot suite. “You’re overreacting.”
“I’m being protective of my best friend.”
“More like overprotective, but I love you for it.” Hannah came over and kissed me on the forehead. “I love you, Ladonna.”
“Love you, too.”
As Hannah walked off to get dressed so we could leave for the sound check at the arena, this eerie feeling washed over me. I couldn’t describe it, but I know what it was all about now.
* * *
The concert went off without a hitch and I was more confident afterward. The Parisians adored me and my music, so by the third song, I was in my element. I put on one hell of a performance and was looking forward to really showing my ass the next night. In fact, I was going to make some wardrobe changes and wear something even more shocking and revealing on Sunday night.
I was in my dressing room when Hannah came knocking, and then walked in arm in arm with Paul. His brother was not with them, and I inquired about him after brief introductions were made. “Did your brother come to the show?”
“Yes,” Paul said uneasily. “He met a chick and they went to some club. Sorry about that. It was rude of him not to at least come speak.”
“It’s not rude at all. I was only wondering. Everyone is star struck by my presence and this is Paris. The place to get romantic with strangers.” I grinned at both of them and winked at Hannah. “You and Hannah have sure been getting along well. Every time I’ve looked around, she’s been on the phone with you.”