SHORTS FROM THE SHELF features short serialized fiction by author Shannon Muir, administrator of SHANNON MUIR’S THE PULP AND MYSTERY SHELF, that may be later released as part of e-book or print collections. The story line featured over the next  fifteen days is “Beyond the Shining Stars”. This is part 3 of 15.

“I have someone in my life,” Randy admitted. “You don’t see us much together because it would be harder than this person on me for us to be both in public right now.  The person I care about makes a living as a well-known drag artist – drag queen might be more what you’d say. We both live lives under the spotlight. So, as far as our relationship goes, we need to both work on announcing this slowly and carefully.”

Sam relaxed. He knew there would be questions that needed answering, but didn’t want Randy to feel interrogated. Sam also saw an opportunity to really get to know this nephew of his wife’s who, as far as Sam was concerned, was part of his as well.

“How did you meet?”

“We’re both in the biz, so it’s not hard. It was at one of my parents’ charity functions. We were simply introduced. At first, I confess I wasn’t up on everything. I thought the person I was introduced to was a woman in all ways. Then I saw the performance on stage she gave during the event and she had me completely mesmerized.”

Sam stopped a moment.

“You said she.”

“When in character, I’m to refer to this person in my life as she. But when we’re just being us, it’s male to male.”

“I see,” Sam said, hoping a hint of compassion showed through. “I see you’re trying hard not to tell me who this person is.”

“I’m afraid if I slip somewhere and the wrong person overhears, this person’s life could be in danger. Everyone knows who she is, of course, being in the spotlight. But the public doesn’t know much about the private life of this drag artist. His anonymity is part of what makes this relationship possible and challenging at the same time.”

“So how does the person giving you trouble tie in to this?”