The Deadbeat Club

By John Lugo-Trebble

Boyfriend ✓
Best Friends ✓
Supportive Family ✓
Awesome Summer ✓
Lu is turning 17 and life can't seem to get any better. A new school year and season brings with it new friendships, unexpected alliances, distractions and questions. Who is Joey and what is his issue with Lu? What are Si and his mother talking about in French? What’s up with Cuchi and who are Xavy and Rafa? Is James in love?The Deadbeat Club reunites Lu, Si, Cuchi and James as they face the ups and downs of being teenagers in New York City on the eve of the 1993 Mayoral Election.

"A Blazing Sequel" - Blue Reviews and Promotions

• Language: English
• Publisher: John Lugo-Trebble
• Release date: Mar 24, 2022
• ISBN: 9781005421601

John Lugo-Trebble

John Lugo-Trebble was born and raised in The Bronx. He now lives in Cornwall with his husband David and their three cats.He is the author of Lu’s Outing and The Deadbeat Club in The Everywhere Series. His work has appeared in Jonathan: A Queer Fiction Journal, Litro Magazine and others.You can find out more about him and his work at www.johnlugotrebble.com

Book preview

Article I.ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

I would like to thank my husband David Lugo-Trebble whose support in writing this series has been invaluable. He challenges me to not only be a better writer but a better person with each passing day.

I would like to thank my sister Kasandra Showers and my brother Jose Ayala as well as all my wonderful nephews and nieces who continue to give me hope for the next generation.

I would also like to thank Alys Lugo-Trebble, Rosie Lugo-Trebble, Tilly Lugo-Trebble, Cass Simpson, Gabriela Oravetz, Andrew Hawthorne, Robert Blasi, Natascha de los Angeles Fusari-Pratt, Josh Carr, Michael Belsky, Alvin Fung, Austin Pratt, Kristen Galvin, Renay Schlereth, Heather Privrat, Eilidh Armstrong, Barbara Armstrong, Brigitte Ariel, Tyler Dempster, Georgiana Steele Nelsen, Jennifer Kircher Carr, Clay Adams, Jolene McIlwain, Pamela Bailie, Henry Padron, Seana Graham, Bethan Grimshaw, Jen Alexander, Jenny Cole, Daniela Norris, Story Talk, Hipocampo Children’s Books, The Metta Centre and New York City. Your support is one of the greatest gifts a friend and writer could ever ask for.

Article II.AUTHORS NOTE

Characters in this book from time to time use a mixture of English and Spanish, commonly known as Spanglish. Readers should be able to enjoy the dialogue with little difficulty or previous knowledge of Spanish.

As the book is set in 1993, please be aware that LGBTQ+ language and terminology is reflective of the time and not meant to cause any purposeful offence.

There are many references to music throughout the novel. The use of music is strictly for narrative purposes and should not be seen as an endorsement, affiliation or collaboration of any sort.

Article III.Part One

Article IV.One

Cuchi had insisted we wear wigs for Wigstock.

Ya bitches are NOT going to embarrass me on one of the holiest of drag days. She said to us.

James had on a blonde wig with a pony tail held up by a headband like Grace Jones in Boomerang. Si had on a long wavy frizzy wig that was inspired by the album cover to Belinda Carlisle’s Runaway Horses. I went for the bob look she had in the video for Runaway Horses. It was one of our songs. That’s right, we had songs now. We had just had our three monthaversary (Si’s word) and though Labor Day meant that the summer was pretty much over, at that moment it felt like summer could go on forever. The sun was shining. It was hot but not too humid. Mother Nature herself was making sure that we all had a good time.

Tompkins Square Park was overflowing with all sorts of people from old and young, gay to straight and everything in between. Everyone was there celebrating wigs, heels and all things drag. There were scenes of love and unity set to the music of Deee-Lite, Deborah Harry and RuPaul.

Performers I had never heard of before the summer now felt like friends even though I hadn’t meant them: Mistress Formika, Tabboo!, Flotilla DeBarge and Lady Bunny carried us through the day when they usually led us to sunrise at the clubs. My head was spinning with all the music and laughs. I felt so high, like I could touch the tip of the Empire State Building with my hands.

Si had his arms around me and we were moving along to House of Love as RuPaul got us all dancing. Cuchi was in her element dancing next to James who had his arms in the air. Cuchi was dressed in a similar style to Tina Turner when she performed Proud Mary in that fringe skirt. She too had a headband on but her wig was pushed back like La Lupe. My mother had introduced Cuchi to La Lupe, who had been my Uncle Jose’s favorite singer. She was now Cuchi’s latest obsession. Not content with just meeting Si, my mother had sort of become everyone’s mom in the group and sometimes I thought they enjoyed her company more than mine. I was lucky though, how many kids had a mom who accepted them being gay? How many had a mother who accepted them being gay and having a boyfriend? How many had a mother who traded clothes with their gay son’s drag queen best friend? Truth is I was beyond lucky.

I sunk back into Si’s arms. His wig draped over mine and the reddish strands tickled my nose. I looked up at him. He looked back into my eyes and gave me a peck on the lips. My beeper interrupted the moment going any further. After having stayed out all night, my mother decided she wasn’t going through that hell again so she bought me a beeper.

Your mom? Si said.

Without needing to look at it, I knew it was her. I pulled it out and there was just the number 2. That had become her code to not stay out late because of that. I didn’t get home till 2pm the following day.

Guess that means you have to go home tonight?

I turned around and looked at Si who looked down at me with a hint of sadness. I felt that knot in my stomach I got when I knew we had to be apart. RuPaul was shouting about love. I didn’t want to think about spending the night apart.

I can always ask?

Si smiled and kissed me again on the lips. Our wigs together must have looked a big mess. He grabbed my hand and said, Let’s go find a phone.

We told James and Cuchi that I needed to find a phone. Cuchi shouted out tell Maria I love huh.

As he was taller, Si led us through the crowds of wigs, headpieces, glitter, pot smoke and smiles. We bumped in to Tisha and Wanda who were dressed as nuns in miniskirts with shiny red thigh high boots.

Hey Baby! Tisha said as she bent down and gave us kisses.Them trash finally leave you alone?

For now. I hadn’t thought about Anthony or Melanie fucking Sputano all summer long. I hadn’t thought about school or how I had come out to everyone just before school let out. Thanks to the asbestos found in public schools, I didn’t have to think about any of that for at least another week.

Well anymore trouble, you let us know. Wanda said.

I will. They were better protection than any cops in the city. I doubt the cops would have done anything to Anthony that night near the piers. Cuchi and James are in the middle over there. I pointed in the direction we had come.

Thanks baby. They responded in unison.

We found a phone booth just outside the park but there was someone dressed as Carmen Miranda using it, so we waited. I wrapped my arms around Si’s slim waist and put my head against his chest. I could feel his heartbeat as he kissed me on the head.

You okay?

Just enjoying the moment.

Carmen winked at us when she was done. I loved being downtown. Anything was possible downtown. Anything was possible away from The Bronx. I took a deep breath and looked at Si. He had a face like he was waiting to be told if his answer was right or wrong on Jeopardy.

Hi Mami.

"Mijo. Everything ok?"

"Sí Ma. Yea."

You enjoying the festival?

Yea Ma, listen. I took a deep breath and my voice became more child like. Can I stay at Si’s tonight?

Silence.

Ma?

"Sí, fine. I want you home early tomorrow. Ok. ¿Me entiendes?

Yea. I understand. Thank you.

I smiled at Si and he walked over and wrapped his arms around my waist. He kissed me on neck.

Thank you Mrs. Morales. He said into the phone loud.

"De nada Simon. She said. Have fun and remember that things are going to be different when school starts again."

Love you Mami!

Dios de bendigan, mijos.

She had been pretty flexible over the summer with me staying at Si’s, hanging out and having a summer job. It was the main reason that I knew most of those names on the stage. We partied and had as much fun as we could. With the summer coming to an end, I knew that would change.

Si’s parents had agreed to let him move into his own place in the Village for his second year. I wasn’t sure how cool my mother would be about letting me stay there. It didn’t matter that night though. I grabbed his hand and we headed back to find Cuchi and James. I no longer felt like Cinderella at the ball.

"Ey Papi. She letting you hang out?" James asked.

I nodded and smiled.

Cuchi wrapped her arms around me. I love huh.

Oh she said not to lose her headband.

I bet those are words you never thought you would say. Cuchi responded. She then pulled out a blunt from her small glittery purse which I was sure she had also borrowed from my mother.

James gave Cuchi a disapproving look. Mmhmm. Always one. You can take the girl out of the ghetto.

Cuchi arched her eyebrows. Oh you don’t want any?

Why so violent? James said.

I laughed with them. They were a double act and I was finally in on the joke. I did sometimes wonder what kind of couple they would have made, had they not been like sisters.

Si snatched the blunt from Cuchi’s hand. Well if you won’t light it.

Ay desgraciado.

He blew her a kiss and lit the blunt. It was a good thing the park already smelled of pot. After passing it between us, it made its way to the group standing next to us. There was a couple I couldn’t help but notice. One was a muscle boy and the guy he had his arms around was slimmer, effeminate and dressed in a blue velvet pant suit with neon green sunglasses. At first glance, they looked a bit odd together but then a few months ago, I would have said the same about Si and myself. Thing is, they looked happy. James always talked about energy, that when the energy was right, it didn’t matter what it looked like to other people. I smiled at them as I put my arms around Si.

We danced all the way till after Donna Giles’ performance of Give Me Luv which James insisted we stay for. The square had gone from drag show to outdoor club and we threw our hands in the air as Donna sang her heart into the microphone.

After she finished, we headed back to the West Village for some food at Tiffany’s. As we walked crosstown, any time we got a look from people on the street, Cuchi would smile and yell out Its natural just as nasal as Tabboo! had sung that afternoon. It was infectious as was the performance; and by the time we crossed 7th Avenue S, we had all said it at least once.

Tiffany’s was busy when we got there. We weren’t the only ones who had come from Wigstock and in that moment the place looked like an unofficial after party. I had come to look at the West Village as home so I knew very little about the East Village or that part of town. Si and I had explored a little during the summer when we were looking for places to be alone without any interruption. That day though East and West didn’t matter as much as wigs and make up, at least at Tiffany’s it didn’t.

Billy sat us towards the back of the diner and Cuchi couldn’t help herself.

Stop looking at my ass. Ain’t never gonna happen.

No scenes. He said. It had become a running joke and given that more than half the customers were in some form of drag, we all smiled.

Oh Billy look around. James said as he tapped him on the right cheek. It’s like a drag queen’s purse exploded up in here. He then turned to Cuchi and took his wig off. Gurl, I don’t know how you wear these all the time. My head needs to breathe.

I don’t buy cheap wigs.

I saw Billy crack a smile as he put the menus down on the table and walked away.

As fun as the day had been, I agreed with James and took my wig off. Si followed. Cuchi looked at us all with the type of smile a proud mother would give.

Well thank you for joining me today.

Anytime. I said.

That was the truth. I would do anything for her or for anyone at the table. They were my family.

So Si, when is the first house party? James asked.

Si froze on the spot and if it were possible for him to go anymore white, he did at that moment. He was saved by Irena who had come to take our order. After she left, Cuchi persisted.

Well, when? I need notice cos you know this look don’t just happen.

And yet at times, you would think she woke up like that.

"¡Cabron!" She said to James.

Si took a deep breath and said, Well, it was going to be a surprise but as you bitches are nosey as hell and you just put me on the spot. He looked at me. I thought it could be your birthday next week.

What about my mom? It sounded lamer out loud than in my head.

Si looked at me as he did when I was, in his words, being too cute. He put his arm around me. "Don’t worry. I already cleared it with her. She wants to make pernil, rice and beans for the party."

¡Wepa! Cuchi clapped loud which made Billy glare at her. That’s what I’m talking about.

The food came. We ate and talked about the coming school year. We skirted around the college talk as if it were a sink hole we were afraid of falling into. It was senior year for James, Cuchi and me. Si was starting his second year at NYU. I hadn’t wanted to think about where I would apply to college because when I did, I felt sick at the thought of being away from Si and my friends. We knew a change was coming but at that moment, all that mattered was us sat at Tiffany’s amongst the rest of the misfits.

Cuchi wanted to head down to the piers but Si and I gave each other that look that couples did when they wanted to be alone. James picked up on it and gave us both hugs. I watched him and Cuchi disappear around the corner down Christopher Street.

Si bent down to tie his shoe after we said our goodbyes and they had turned the corner. When he got up, I went to walk in the direction of West 4th Street Subway but he stopped me and suggested a detour. We walked down West 4th Street heading away from 7th Avenue South. They were the streets I fell in love with a few months ago; tree lined, brick houses with stoops and little black wrought iron fences and gates. Although it felt at times that the city moved with the speed of light, time slowed down on these small blocks. I knew where he was leading me. We stopped in front of a red brick building and he pointed up to the top two windows with a fire escape.

Just think. He said. Soon we’ll be home in less than 5 minutes.

I leant against him. Home. I liked the way it sounded. The summer had felt like I had had multiple homes. I had stuff at his. There was my bedroom at my mom’s. I had even left things at Cuchi’s when we had sleepovers. Well, your home. I said.

Si stepped in front of me and took my hand. He had this hurt look. Hey, my home is your home.He said as he played with my fingers.

You mean that?

Of course I do baby. What’s up?

I looked at the floor. I was my turn to look a little hurt. I hate that summer is over and things are changing.

He put his finger under my chin and guided me upwards so I was looking at him. Think of it as moving forward.

Si knew what to say to make me smile. It was his gift. I kissed him and took his hand in mine. We walked towards 8th Avenue and hailed a taxi instead of taking the subway.

When are your parents back?

Tomorrow afternoon.

In the back of the taxi, he held my hand as we sped Uptown. In a way, the only difference between how his parent’s street looked and the one he was moving to was that the houses were bigger. They were both tree lined and time slowed down on them.

As soon as we entered the house, he pushed me against the closed door and started kissing me. Both of us were breathing fast and neither of us could contain the feeling taking over us. I pulled his t-shirt off and led him up the stairs. By the time we had gotten to the top, he had pulled mine off. We left a trail of clothing from the door to his bedroom. Our naked bodies became one as we gave into one another.

I love you Si. I said in broken breathes.

I love you too Lu.

I closed my eyes as he kissed my neck. There was no doubt in my mind that I was going to miss the summer.

Article V.Two

I woke up in Si’s arms with his chin on my shoulder. Strands of his dirty blonde hair tickled my left ear. His hair had become lighter over the summer. I snuggled back into him and opened my eyes, taking in the glow of the sunlight around the borders of the thick curtains that separated us from the world. I could tell it would be another sunny day. It seemed like all the days had been sunny since we met.

Mmmm. Morning. He kissed me on the neck which sent a shiver up and down my body and I squirmed against him which made him hold me tighter.

Good Morning to you too. I said.

Do you have to go to Jackie’s today? He asked.

Nope. She’s in Sag Harbor for the week. Jackie had given me the keys to her loft so when she was out of town, I could go in and get her things in order. Working for a neurotic borderline alcoholic lesbian photographer had added to the magic that was my first summer, out and proud. Don’t your classes start today?

Si shook his head. Tomorrow’s my first class.

Oh.

Yea.

His parents would be home later which meant we had our last morning in their house alone. It was a bit like our first morning together but without the fear of facing an angry mother. I thought about how much I would miss the easy travel between his parent’s and mine but the promise of our space and what we could do with it was exciting. In a few days, we would be able to roll out of bed and pop to Tiffany’s or The Espresso Bar or Manatus. We would be able to walk home after partying at Limelight or The Tunnel. Si was right, change is just about moving forward.

I turned around to face him and though we both had morning breath, it didn’t matter. I never got tired of feeling his lips against mine.

Our eyes locked and he arched his eyebrows.

Si got out of bed to use the bathroom about 9am and I laid there looking at the room. Most of his stuff was already boxed up and in the corner. There was a box with my name on it that made me smile. He hadn’t taken the posters down yet but the room had been stripped of his personality. It was more like a room with a bed in it than his bedroom.

When he returned from the bathroom he was wearing a forest green bathrobe that looked soft and carrying a Bloomingdales bag in his hand. He had a huge smile on his face as he put the bag down next to me on the bed.

What’s this?

Think of it as housewarming gift.

I sat up and looked in the bag. Inside was a light grey bathrobe of the same material he was wearing. I love it.

I thought you would need it in our new place.

"Our place." It still sounded weird to me when I said it.

"Yes Lu, Our place. Try it on."

I stood up and he held it open for me so I could step into