another piece of a Wildcats Puff Piece. I should bring back their furries' costumes. Thanks for reading and leaving comments.

Terry quietly turned away as everyone was hugging and kissing Zoe, listening to her baby's plans. Out of nowhere, tears were streaming down his face. He was confused and didn’t understand what was happening to his emotions.
 
As he stood there feeling his shoulders quake, he realized those were tears of joy. He was excited and happy for his best friend. Jeez, he thought, what’s going on? He mopped his eyes and took some deep breaths.
 
Lisa had seen him get up and move over to talk to him. She pulled him close. “What’s up, Little?”
 
He grinned through the tears. Everyone in the band had taken his nickname, Little Shit, and shortened it to Little. Even his mom had called him Little. She thought it was a term of endearment. “Lisa, I guess I’m too high. Suddenly, crying tears of joy for Zoe kinda frightened me. But Isn’t it great that she and Bruno want to make a little boomer together?”
 
Lisa looked at him and smiled. Terry was a piece of work. As worried as he was about Tasha taking over and turning him female, he was behaving just like a girl. She hugged him just like she would another woman and squeezed him tightly. “I know. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Wildcat’s success would spawn lots of little boomers.”
 
Terry looked her in the eyes. “You and Smith?”
 
Lisa shrugged. “He’s perfect, and I’m falling in love with my hunky cowboy. But while Smith is feeling his age, I’m not. It’s too soon, and I have too much happening right now. I promise you that when it’s time, you and Mom can walk me down the aisle and give me away.”
 
He tried to picture wearing a fancy long dress and walking with his mom. He sat back down and listened to everyone talking about babies. Tiffany asked Gina, “Would you and Grace adopt a child together?”
 
Gina grinned. “If I had my way, sure. When things slow down, I picture us having a couple of kids bouncing off the walls with me. We could have a mini roller derby team. But the best idea is Jenn’s plan.”
 
Terry looked up, grinned, and shook his head.
 
Now that Gina had their attention, she talked about how Terry’s mom had used a sperm bank for both Terry and Lisa. They had been conceived using the same donor. “So Jenn called that agency, and they still have samples. She wants to be impregnated with the same sperm that made Terry and Lisa.”
 
Tiffany needed clarification. “How’s that work?"
 
Gina laughed. “So half their baby will be Jenn’s egg and her DNA. And the other half would come from the guy that supplied half of Terry’s DNA.”
 
Tiffany looked at Terry. “You can’t make sperm?”
 
“Nope. The insides of my body are all messed up. I’ve got some female organs inside making estrogen, but no male stuff. I was declared male at birth cause my body had tried to make male organs from a uterus. So I’m not going to be a baby maker. If we used Jenn’s idea, the baby would still be part my DNA, which is pretty cool. But I have to watch out because Jenn is crazier than me. She thinks it would be cool to be a pregnant teen attending college.”
 
Tiffany wagged her finger. “There goes all your money paying for a nanny and diapers.”
 
They were all enjoying their celebration when Lisa spoke. “Uh, I propose that we all take a five-day vacation. Let’s meet on Monday to prep for our concert at Allentown Music and the weekend at the Rendezvous.”
 
Tiffany smacked her on the arm. “That's a good idea. We’ll still have a whole week to relax before Atlanta. If Warner wants us to rerecord or mix something  differently, it’ll still be ready by June.”
 
“If Warner has everything ready for release, they might start leaking tracks to radio stations and Sirius Radio before we even show up in Atlanta. Richard said they’d probably want some phone interviews  to frame out the record.” Zoe nodded sagely
 
Gina hugged Zoe. “We really owe Rolling Stone an interview. After all, they gave us a cover based on all the hype.”
 
“Well, don’t act like our hype isn’t earned. We’ve kept it flowing and ballooning.”
 
“Yeah, Fur Face is still popping up on Instagram. But it would be good to play nice with the magazine.”
 
“And it would be fun to see what their reviewers say after hearing our disks. I like it when people talk sincerely about our album.”
 
Terry was thinking about their production. “There'll be lots to talk about. A live forty-five-minute side and twenty more studio tracks plus our original live studio recording of Summer Song. I’m hoping for a five-star review.”
 
“I’m hoping everyone remembers us at Grammy time. I want to get dressed up and stand on the stage, hooting and hollering like the complete idiot I am!” Tiffany was laughing.
 
Gina studied her carefully before wrapping her arm around her. She bore her weight, then laughed aloud. “Girl, I might be a moron, but you’re way too high. Somebody’s gotta page Mike to come take advantage of this Saint Barbie’s virginity.”
 
With the thought of Mike showing up, Tiffany was grinning. “Good thinking, Derby Girl. Wanna tag along? We can get naked and do a dance for Mike. And we can all play!”
 
Everyone turned and looked at Tiffany. She was totally drunk, high, and wasted when Gina said, “Damn, where’s the responsible adult to take care of this Swedish vegetable?”
 
Tiffany laughed. “Wrong again, moron. I’m not a Swedish vegetable! I’m from Jersey!”
 
Later, after everyone had helped Mike load Tiffany into his car, it was time to begin packing. Terry called Jenn and asked her if she was interested in a trip.
 
“Sure. Where’re we going, Rock Star?”
 
“You name it. We can drive, fly, or take a train. You pick.”
 
“Hmmm. Let’s go shelling. We can fly from Philly to Key West. I wanna swim, sail, and walk along the beach with my baby. You call the airport and your limo service. I’ll pack, and you can pick me up.”
 
“Sounds like you’ve thought about this. That’s a great, excellent idea. I’ll hop right on that.”
 
“Well, I’d really like to do Tahiti. But five days is too short. I’ve seen so many photos of private suites over the Bay. It’s a someday dream.”
 
Terry chuckled. “We could take a break from the tour when we get to the West coast. I think it’ll be fun to make LA a home base.”
 
“Hey, baby. I just thought of something. You got any summer clothes or beach wear?”
 
Terry froze and thought about getting undressed in public. He tried to breathe and think. “Uh, no. But I can call Jersey Girl and pick up some stuff on the way to the airport. I can book us a night flight so we’ll have time to shop and get something to eat.”
 
“Good thinking, lover. I am so looking forward to playing in the surf with you. Oh, my. Won’t we have fun!”
 
After Terry made a list, he called American and booked them two first-class tickets to Key West. They’d get there around ten tonight. Then he called Barbara at Jersey Girl and told her his needs: “Jenn and I are going to Key West for a week. Can you hook us up with summer clothes?”
 
“Oh, Terry. Of course. And we’ll pick out some cute stuff for Jenn, too. It will be fun to deck you both out in beach wear. And there’s the nightlife, too!”
 
“Uh, Barbara. Nothing too wild for me, please. This will be the first time Tasha has ever appeared in a bathing suit. I’m not looking forward to any photos.”
 
“Okay, before I run over to the Rittenhouse Square store and start shopping for you, what size is Jenn?”
 
“I don’t know. She’s five foot seven inches tall. She weighs one-thirty. She’s in good shape and wears much of what you’ve sent me.”
 
“Okay. This is going to be easy. When will I see the two of you?”
 
“Maybe around four o’clock. Is that going to work?"
 
“Oh, sweetie. We’ll make it work. You still have your band luggage?”
 
“Uh-huh.”
 
“Leave it. We’ll find some matching luggage for you and Jenn.”
 
After he hung up, he smiled. They’d really worked out a fantastic relationship with Jersey Girls and Barb. She’d gotten so much national publicity from the Wildcats wearing her clothes that she'd do anything to keep them all happy. He’d never heard her say no.
 
Richard always reminded her what a bargain she had. Barbra would laugh and say the Cats were worth paying six figures.
 
Terry called their limo service and told them what he needed. After he was done, he called  LaCroix at the Rittenhouse. Barbara said it was a great restaurant and was close to their shop. She even said to use her name for a reservation.

He even called a service to arrange a place for them to stay. Terry grabbed a makeup case and a bag full of underwear. As he packed, he realized he’d also need summer shoes. He remembered an assortment of shops around Rittenhouse Square where he could shop for Tasha. Fancy, fancy, he thought.
 
He smiled as he realized that putting outfits together for Tasha was becoming easier. When they began their tour in June, he thought about a new haircut and color for Atlanta. Maybe he’d try extensions again, you know, something different.
 
“Rock Star, Barbara is the best. I can’t believe how sweet and generous she is. And you’re the best at buying your baby momma new clothes. But no hoochie high heels!
 
They’d walked across Rittenhouse Square and were drinking fruit juices. They’d had time to study the menus and watched as their salads were placed in front of them.
 
Jenn waved her hand. “I could get used to all this!”
 
Terry wondered how much he’d need to make with the band to keep her happy. Her love was important. “If it takes millions, you are worth it.”
 
“Aw, Rock Star. I was just kidding. It’s been fun to live like the CEO of Warner’s, but I’ll be happy in our Paris loft where you entertain each night in our little coffee house.”
 
He kissed her.
 
That night, they fell asleep in the chaise lounges on the patio of their Key West bungalow. The stars and a salty breeze coming off the ocean had them snuggling together under big, comfy quilts.
 
In the morning, they both dressed to go out for a run. Terry’s pink sneaks were broken in, and he’d gotten use to his spandex microfiber running outfit. They laughed aloud as they went through the village, avoiding the marauding roosters that seemed to be everywhere.
 
They slipped into the showers, then changed and went out for breakfast. As they were sitting there, Jenn looked over at Terry. “I love you, Rock Star. This reminds me of New Orleans after you weren’t murdered on the street.”
 
Terry shook his head. “You have such a way with words. Yeah, happy days that I wasn’t murdered. But the big question is, what do you want to do today?”
 
“I know. Lather with sunscreen, and then find a guide to take us to the best shell beach. Let’s remember to grab some collection bags to start a memory lamp full of shells. It’s gonna look great in your bedroom.”
 
Terry wore a soft green terry cloth top that stopped at his thighs. Under that, he was wearing a bikini that covered less than his underwear. But here he was, stepping into the ocean and leaving that cotton top behind. After a few minutes, he forgot about the embarrassment of having to show off Tasha’s body.
 
He woke up every day and felt those breasts. His clothes told him that his butt was growing rounder. And Tasha was out in public. Anyone could see the girl. “Jenn, I feel like everyone is looking at me.”
 
She laughed. “Yeah, well, you’ll get over it. You look like any other teen girl walking around in her bathing suit. If anything, guys will give you a look and move on.”
 
“Huh? Why?” Suddenly, he felt kind of disappointed. He looked at Jenn and couldn’t stop staring at the sun light, making her skin glow. Her body was so beautiful, soft, and curvy that he knew he could stare at her for hours.
 
Jenn grabbed his arm with both her hands and dragged him down into the water. It was warm enough to be a bath. As they floated along, she laughed. “Cause you are just a skinny babe. There’s not enough meat on those bones.”
 
Terry shook his head and tried not to slip under the waves. He stood his ground and grabbed Jenn, lifting her into the air. Swinging her around, he pretended to let her go as he watched her squeal.
 
“Stop that, you beast. You can’t be muscling your loving lesbian girlfriend unless you want to be taken for a masc!”
 
Terry put her down slowly. “Aw, I thought you’d like that. But what’s a masc?”
 
“A masc is a lesbian who feels more comfortable dressing boyish. You are not a masc.”
 
“Then what am I?” He’d already been told that no one would look twice at him. Now, what was she going to say to him?
 
Jenn wrapped her arms around him. “You’re a fem. A lesbian who is comfortable looking pretty and wearing nice clothes. Between what you wear each day and what you wear on stage, you are totally feminine."
 
“Oh.”
 
“Oh, come on. You’ve worked hard to sound, look, and act like a Tasha. All your work has been successful, and you must be proud of what you’ve accomplished.”

He thought about it and found it hard to feel that way. He did everything for self-protection, not self-promotion.
 
They talked as they walked along the beach together, periodically looking in the shallow surf for shells.
 
“You’re right, Jenn. I’ve been Tasha to where I’ve lost my Terry self. I’m the undercover guy who’s lost who he used to be.”
 
“No, baby. You’re not lost.I’m still in love with the Terry standing right before me. This marvelous, complex person is gifted in so many ways. And so strong. You are dealing with all the distractions that would cripple a weaker person, and yet you are finding things to laugh about. Look at you. You’re wearing a cute suit, awesome sunglasses, and the cutest sun hat in the world. You are a fashion plate and are so relaxed about it.”
 
Terry wiped the tears from his eyes. “Look, now you got me all teared up like a crybaby. You give me too much credit. I’m a coward who can’t stand up to defend myself. I’ve let the world make me who I am.”
 
“Oh, my God! Not a chance of sympathy from me. Honestly, you are so big-time, no small peanuts here. You’re the bomb, the shits….”

 
Lisa called Smith from her limo. “Hey, what did I catch you doing?”
 
“Sitting with my guitar, drinking a cup of iced coffee. I’m scribbling down lyrics….”
 
“Hmm, let me guess. Nashville county song about your horse, pickup, and mom.”
 
“Nope. One guess used up.”
 
“Used up? How many do I get?”
 
“I’ll let you know.”
 
“A Texas song about wide open spaces.”
 
“Nope.”
 
“A rage about bad drivers.”
 
She heard him chuckle. “Well, what?”
 
“I’ll tell you when you get here.”
 
“How’d ya know I’m on my way?”
 
“Figured the album’s done, and you’re taking some time off. When do you land?”
 
“Around eight. Hoping on a dinner flight. Can you find room for me on that mountain of yours?”
 
“You mean I have to kick all the groupies out of the house? Who’s going to shine my boots?”
 
“I’ll take care of all your boots, cowboy. I’ll even take Old Paint out for a ride to keep him happy.”
 
“You’d do that for my old golf cart? You’ll be pleased to see that it arrived safely. I was excited to see what a good job Yellow Freight did shipping it here from the Carolina movie set. My little Airstream had to be trailered here on a flatbed.”
 
“Well, I’m glad all your possessions are home for you to play with. How about the band?”
 
“Well, I’ve talked to everyone, and they’re itching to get started. The four of us had promised to do the family thing for a month before we started rehearsing again. But I can hear the need in their voices. You stirred up their juices in New Orleans when you invited us onstage. They want to play their music and hear the crowds.
 
“Yeah, I get that. We’re doing another rooftop lunch time concert for Sid Mack at Allentown Music as payback for all the instruments he’s gifted us. Richard got us some photos to hand out from our New York shoot. It’s going to be fun.”
 
“Well, a free concert is always fun because you can stay as loose as you want, and nobody complains. What else?”
 
“We’re going to do a weekend at the Rendezvous where the band got started, and then we really jump into the pool's deep end.”
 
“What does that mean?”
 
“Well, the guy in Atlanta who booked us at the Underground Club wants to do an arena show on the first Saturday in June. We’ve heard they’re promoting the show, and ticket sales have been good.”
 
“Hmm. How many seats?”
 
“We’ll know about a week before the show. They can configure the place to hold five thousand or twenty thousand. But I think that’s reaching.”
 
“When’s the big drop? When’s Warner’s going to release your album?”
 
“About the same time.”
 
“That would be a big boost for ticket sales if your stuff was leaked in Atlanta early.”
 
“Yeah, that’s what we were saying. The promoter, Gimli, talks to William Wiggins. It might be a good thing to do. But speaking about that, what’s happening with EBR and Warner’s?”
 
“They’ve offered us a really generous contract. And Gina’s dad says it’s perfect. We can call the shots, and the company seems very interested in signing us up.”
 
“When’s that going to happen?”
 
“We’ll rehearse and talk about it. Signing is a no-brainer.”
 
“Hey, Smith, gotta run. That’s the boarding call for me and I’ve gotta go. It’s funny how Richard insists we fly first class. I’ve been so budget crazy to keep the band together for so many years, and now there are no brakes. Hard to get used to.”
 
“Well, don’t expect caviar and champagne when you get here. I’ve got a big pot of beans on the stove waiting for you.”
 
“Wonderful. My kinda guy. We can toot all night together….”

 
“I told them about our plans for a baby.”
 
Bruno turned and smiled. He kissed Zoe as he started the car. He’d finally got the old Tesla two-seater sports car up and running. “What did they say?”
 
“They were all pretty excited. Of course, they were also drinking and smoking, too. But you gotta hear Jenn’s plans to have Terry’s baby.”
 
“Really? I can’t wait to hear that. But when are we starting?”
 
“We can practice tonight and for the next five days. Of course, it means that we have to stop drinking and smoking for nine months.”
 
“We?”
 
“Uh-huh. If I have to watch a baby developing inside me by doing one hundred percent healthy, you do, too. Only fair. This little boomer is going to be yours.”
 
“Sure. Sure. A little sacrifice is important. After all, this kid must have his wits about him.”
 
“Him?”
 
Bruno shook his head. “Just a figure of speech. How about her?”
 
“That’s more like it….”

 
“I can get a ride up to your place this afternoon. Would you be interested in having me do your hair for five days?”
 
“Five, huh? Then the album’s done, right?”
 
“Yep. We’ve sent it to California for the big bosses to listen to. Of course, they’ve had the live side since we returned from New Orleans. Twenty-one studio songs, including Summer Song.”
 
“I hear your stuff on the radio all the time. It’s strange to think my girlfriend is the drummer in a Billboard top ten band.
 
“Top ten? Get out!”
 
“No. The Wildcats’ Summer Song is climbing with a bullet alongside it. You’re rocking the downloads. How come you didn’t know?”
 
“I guess Richard didn’t want to distract us while we were getting this album finished. Will you have time for me between patients?”

“I’m looking forward to slipping you in between sessions. Mmmm, I can hide you in the back room….”

 
Tiffany stared out the windows. She was fighting to stay awake sitting in Mike’s front seat. “Oh, baby. Thanks for picking me up. I think I might have overdone it this afternoon.”
 
Mike smiled. “You had a good reason to light it up. It's not often that you get to release an album. You can take a nap at my place, and we can start back up again later.”
 
“But I was hoping you'd take me to the bed and tuck me in. I was hoping for some kissy-face.”
 
Mike laughed. “Yeah, well, knowing you, my dear. You’ll be sound asleep before your head hits the pillow.” He looked over to see his beautiful girlfriend sound asleep, gently snoring as they rode back to his place.”