Page 57 of Numbers Boy
“Of course,” I agree immediately, happy to be involved in anything Steve is doing. The fact that it’s for his drag persona makes it that much better. It reminds me of how he was so hesitant to reach out and take physical touch when we started dating but will take my hand without a second thought now. Something changed last night for Steve, and now, he’s not only letting me wiggle my way into his life, but he’s actively inviting me in. Not just to look but to be involved. And there’s no way I’m saying no to the invitation. “Do you think we could send pictures to the girls? I’m sure they’d love to see what we’re doing.”
Somehow, Steve’s face lights up even more at the mention of my nieces. “That sounds great! And we should see if Amy wants a night out while we hang out with them sometime.”
My chest constricts, the feeling somehow pleasant, as my heart fills with love while Steve hops up off the couch and heads to the door, all the while making plans that involve me and my family. I follow him, content to listen to his happy chatter.
He reaches out for me once we slip our shoes on, and I’m reminded again of how open Steve is now. I quickly slip my hand into his, the sight of his pale fingers against my inked ones and the feel of his soft palm against my rougher one making my heart even fuller.
We walk hand in hand down to my car, only letting go after I reach to open Steve’s door. He thanks me, a happy look on his face, and I hurry around to the driver’s side. I start the car, then lay my hand palm up between us. Steve doesn’t hesitate to reconnect us.
“So, tell me more about your show,” I prompt, wanting as much information as I can get. “You said it’s different from the last one you did? I’ve only been to a few events where there have been people in drag, so I’m not sure what to expect.”
“Yeah, so instead of being in the background like last time, I’m doing a solo number at this show. It’s a fundraiser being held at Shimmer.”
Steve continues to tell me about the structure of the show, his plans as Eve, the other performers that he knows or is excited to see, and anything else he can think of as I drive us toward his apartment building. It’s the most animated and happy I’ve ever seen him, and I can’t imagine trying to take this part of him away.
“Holy shit, did I just talk for the whole drive?” Steve asks as I park the car, his brow crinkling as he looks out and sees where we are. “Sorry.”
“Don’t apologize. I was happy to listen.” I bring his hand to my lips and press a kiss to his knuckles. “Plus, I asked you to tell me in the first place. If I didn’t want to hear everything you have to say, I wouldn’t have asked. I love how excited you are about this, and I can’t wait to help you get ready.”
A light blush stains his cheeks, and he mumbles under his breath. I think I hear something about “climb that spout later,” but I’m not sure if I heard correctly or not. Either way, I grin seeing his pleased expression, and we head up to his place.
When we get inside, Stacy is tip-tapping away by the front door, tongue hanging out of her mouth. Steve drops down to his knees, petting her ears and greeting her like he’s been gone fora week instead of one night away, even though I bet Stu checked in with her to keep her company. She licks his cheek and bumps her head into his hand when he pauses for a second. All I can do is smile at the adorable display.
“Did you have a good night with Uncle Stu, girly?” Steve asks in a sweet voice, confirming my suspicions. “Did you, huh?”
Stacy lets out a “woof,” and Steve nods.
“That’s what I thought,” he says, giving her one last pat before standing again and turning back to me. “The dress is in the spare room. It’s easier if I just keep it out at this point so I don’t lose my place when I have to take a break.”
I nod and follow him into the smaller second bedroom. I’ve been in here before, and I’ve seen Steve’s dress before, but not like this. Instead of the room being mostly packed up, there are sewing supplies everywhere. There’s also makeup splayed out across a newer-looking vanity with a mirror surrounded by lights, a bright red wig on a mannequin head sitting next to it.
The dress is also on a mannequin – a dress form, Steve called it. The outer layer is stark white, but there’s a lace-up back that has something black showing underneath. It’s so much more complete than the last time he showed me, and I’m in awe of how much time and effort it must have taken him to get it to this point.
“Holy shit, Steve, how many hours have you put into this?” I ask, hand reaching out but stopping short before I touch the intricate pattern of glittering stones that cover the bodice of the dress.
“Umm, just a few here and there,” Steve hedges, bottom lip caught between his teeth. “Okay, more like a few hours every night that I have the time. Is it too much?”
“Not at all,” I hurry to reassure him. “I’m just amazed at the progress. What do you still need to do?”
Steve’s lips tip up into a smile as he shows me what pieces still need bedazzling. “If you want something to do, you could help me by lining up the stones. Otherwise, I’m sure Stacy would love a cuddle buddy.”
“I’d love to help. I’m not just going to watch you work all by yourself. Show me how it’s done.”
He does, and Steve and I get to work on his dress. Every so often, I catch myself staring, mesmerized, at the steady way his fingers place the rhinestones. His hands are deft, never stopping from one stone to the next, unless it’s to show me which ones he needs next or to drop a kiss to my lips. After a few hours, he stretches his fingers.
“I’m about done for now,” he says. “Did you want to get a pic for the girls?”
I nod and grab my phone, sending a photo to the group chat I have with my nieces, sister, and Blake, knowing they’ll all be impressed. Once I look back up, Steve shoots me an excited glance.
“Do you want to see the shoes that go with it?”
My mind flashes back to the first time I saw Steve in heels, all the way back in February, and heat sparks all along my body. I swallow thickly before rasping out, “Are they anything like the ones you wore on Valentine’s Day?”
“They’re even better,” Steve replies, green eyes gleaming playfully.
“Yes, please.”
Steve stands, stretching out his back with his hands high above his head, which causes his back to arch at a tempting angle. His laugh breaks my stare away from his ass, and he shakes his head indulgently at me before walking over to the closet and pulling a shoe box from the shelf.
