Bon Voyage

"Im going to use this there extra money and Im takin it with me to America and Im gonna visit some of my ole haunts and pick me up some fine and dandy a-coo-trey-mont of our trade. Im talkin feathers, Im torkin beads an the like, but not any ole stuff, I mean the creme de la creme" said Shandalier.

She went on, gazing out at the audience who were hanging on her every word. "You know. Since runnin this joint, I have always wanted to put onnn the best goddam drag cabaret money can buy, an now with all of your help IM GONNA DO ITTT" A tear trickled down her cheek.

Imelda piped up. "what you mean. You no like what I wear! I have good style lady, me wear nice thing. In Manila, me famous for my frock".

"Well darlin" replied Shandalier. "A style maven you are not. I have more taste in my
per-fectly mani'd nails, then you have in your entire body".

"Hmph, you a stupi bit" was all Imelda could muster.

"So I thank you'all for your generosity and I look forward to seein you when I get back. Watch this space cause we will be puttin on a hum dinger of a show. I love you all your all my chillren". With that Shandalier left the stage and made her way to Morty's table. She knew much of what was donated came out of his billfold.

"Morty your too generous" Shandalier lent down and embraced him.

"Cupid, its nuthin, you deserve it, you have kept this joint goin and for that I owe you. So go and enjoy"

With that Morty got up, kissed Shandalier on the cheek and left.

Shandalier was in serious need of a drink, she went to the bar. "Honey, mix me up "my"
Mimosa". This mean't the usual champagne and orange with a heavy splash of Absynthe to take the edge off.

She glanced about the room. The Sassy Palms had changed little over the years, which of course was what made it so popular. It was kitsch, but in a good way. The place was a mix of Disneyland's Enchanted Tiki Room and Mrs Howell's hut. Lots of faux bamboo, the bar was clad in it. The walls were covered in flocked palm frond paper and the lampshades were covered in tropical motifs, all in luridly bright colours to dazzle the eye. She loved it just the way it was, but she hope for more, she new that her girls were talented, but she lacked the money to put on a truly spectaculer performance. That was about to change. She would come back with renewed vigour to take the Sassy Palms to the next level.

As she sipped on her "Mimosa", Franklyn appeared at her side. He was unbearably handsome. Theirs was more than just a professional relationship. They had been known to indulge in the odd sexual encounter now and again. Nothing serious, Shandalier had no interest in relationships having been there and done that. But girls had urges and needs and who better to service them but Franklyn. Mind you, she knew that he had a taste for both sides of the coin and he often would link up with the odd piece of trade that came through the doors.

"You look tired" said Franklyn.

"Im just a bit emotional, but its all good honey" replied Shandalier

"Is there anything I can do to help" said Franklyn with a highly flirtatious look in his eye

"Welllllll, now that you say that, hmmmmm, why don't you come by my place after we close, Im sure we can discuss this further over a drink".

Later that night in the early hours of the morning, at Shandaliers warehouse apartment in Collingwood, she was readying herself for Franklyn's arrival. He had to close up the Palms. She had changed into a filmy kaftan in lemon, trimmed in amber coloured crystals. It looked fabulous against her skin. She was just pouring herself a drink when the intercom buzzed. She pushed the button to release the door. "Come on up good lookin".

Momements later her doorbell chimed. She flung open the door............ "Oh my god, what the fuck are you doin here". She was shocked to see.........................