Hello all! I'm back again after a very harrowing family week. Shivers Don't ask. I just brought this up so you'd all know why it took me so long to get the next section out. I know alot of folks were waiting to see where I was going with the story. Well, wait no further, just skip to the story. For those of you that want to read these notes, read on. I don't have tons to say, 'cept I really appreciate all the great e-mails I've been getting from all my terrific fans. It's great to know that all of you still enjoy the story after four and a half years. I feel like an old pro at this now! LOL Since none of you seem to be getting tired of the story, I'm gonna keep on writing it. Just keep kissing my butt in your e-mails. (Just Kidding) Seriously, I really appreciate all the positive feedback, and even the not-so-positive is helpful. So, to all my fans and readers alike--thank you muchly. Having said that, it's time for the usual disclaimers. I don't know any of the celebrities that may or may not be mentioned in this story. For all I know, they're all straight. I'd screw them all anyway. And if I ever get the chance, I'll be sure to give you all the details. However, don't hold your collective breath. Anyhoo, if you have any questions, answers, want to say you hated or loved the story, just send me an e-mail at bbbrokworknprog@aol.com! Also, if you want a notification e-mail sent to you when a new chapter of 'Bad Boy B-Rok' is sent into Nifty to be posted, send me a request as well. Here we go again, same old shit again....
"You know how people have these little habits that get you down? Like Bernie. Bernie liked to chew gum. No, not chew--POP! So, I came home from work one day, and I'm really irritated, and I'm looking for a little bit of sympathy. And there's Bernie, lyin' on the couch , drinkin' a beer and chewin'. No, not chewin'--Poppin'! So I said to him, I said, 'you pop that gum one more time...'. And he did. So I took the shotgun off the wall and I fired too warning shots...into his head. He had it coming. He had it coming. He only had himself to blame. If you'd've been there, if you'd've seen it, I betcha you would have done the same."~'Cell Block Tango', Liz & The Cell Block Girls in "Chicago".
Whatever It Takes Bad Boy B-Rok By-Lep
(Part Twenty-Two)
"Well, half-black, anyway. Mom is white afterall." I shrugged.
"Why didn't you tell me he's black?" Brian still spoke without his lips moving, still smiling as Marcus and Booker approached us.
"Didn't think it would matter." I winked at him, then waved at Marcus as he carried Booker back over to us.
"It doesn't." Brian chuckled. "But shock me will you?"
Booker had his arms wrapped around Marcus' neck and was hugging him tightly as Marcus approached, holding Booker in his arms. I could tell Booker had missed his uncle, and his uncle had missed him. I wasn't sure how I felt about seeing Marcus again. We were certainly close when we were younger, and actually in contact with each other, but I hadn't really thought of him since he'd left so many years ago. I hadn't thought of Donna until she had showed up, either. I figured both of them just didn't want to see me anymore. I figured I'd let them have their own way.
Maybe it was a little odd for me to feel that way. Marcus was my brother afterall. I probably should have made some effort to find out if he wanted to talk to me ever again. Or maybe--just maybe--I had been a touch bitter about the whole situation. When Marcus left, then Donna left, I felt like everyone was going to leave me sooner or later. I had just said "screw 'em" to myself, and looked after number one. That was probably unhealthy, but it had worked so well, I didn't bother scrutinizing my decisions. Maybe it was time to do so.
"Long time no see, bro." Marcus sighed heavily with a smile, stopping right in front of me.
Sighing? Was he relieved to see me? Or was it a resigned sigh? Was he trying to confuse me?
"No kidding." I smiled back. "It's, um, good to see you."
"You've gotten so damn big." He gave a throaty laugh and reached out to ruffled my hair.
He obviously didn't know how sensitive I was about my hair.
"Hey now, don't mess with the quaff." I gave a genuine laugh, stepping back slightly out of his reach.
"It's been, what? Eight years? You were just a bratty fifteen year old last time I saw ya'." He gave a toothy grin, setting Booker down beside him.
"Nine and fourteen." I corrected him teasingly. "You've gotten...."
How had he changed?
"Older." I licked my teeth, playing with him.
"Ain't no lie." He shrugged.
I couldn't think of anything else to say. He seemed to just be examining me, looking me up and down as a family member does when they haven't seen you in almost a decade. When he was satisfied that I was definitely his brother, he met my gaze for a moment, then glanced at Brian and Aaron. It took me a moment to realize he was waiting for an introduction.
"Oh!" I shook my head, laughing at my bad manners. "Um, Marcus, this is Aaron Carter, a friend of mine."
I turn to my right to wave a hand at Aaron.
"Aaron, this is my brother Marcus." I finished introducing them as they exchanged handshakes and pleasantries.
"Nice to meet you, Aaron." Marcus nodded with a grin as they shook hands.
"Nice to meet you, too." Aaron had his usual happy smile on his face.
"And, um," I turned to Brian, not sure what to say,"this is..."
Brian held his hand out to Marcus with a smile.
"..my other friend," Brian cringed,"Brian."
"Nice to meet you." Brian stated in a strained voice as he waited for Marcus to shake his hand.
"Your friend Brian?" Marcus seemed amused as he grabbed Brian's hand. "I thought you two were married recently?"
"Thank God." I sighed heavily. "I didn't know how to explain our relationship to you."
Brian and Marcus both laughed heartily.
"Kylie gave me the scoop." Marcus nodded at Brian. "Nice to finally meet you."
"Likewise." Brian replied.
"So, you've been speaking with Kylie, too?" I asked.
"Yeah. For a couple months now." He answered as Booker walked over and wrapped his arms around my right thigh.
"Hear you have a kid, finished college--made a good life for yourself." I knew I sounded very strained and monotonous.
"Yeah, well..." He shrugged.
"You two probably have so much to catch up on." Brian interupted. "Maybe we should leave here before you start in on it."
Marcus and I couldn't help but laugh. We hadn't thought about finding a comfortable place where we could chat with each other.
"That would be a good idea." I glanced at Marcus for approval. "You're probably hungry, thirsty, something, too."
"I wouldn't mind a drink." Marcus agreed.
"Well, I'll be more than happy to fix you one at the house." I replied. "I hope you planned to stay for awhile."
Booker was still latching onto my thigh as I turned, Marcus following me as the five of us headed towards the parking lot.
"Just a couple days this time. Accountants don't get to rest much during tax season." Marcus laughed.
"Well, we'll make sure to let you rest as much as possible while you're staying with us." Brian replied for me.
"Oh." Marcus hesitated. "I had made reservations..."
"Reservations?!?" Brian squealed, making people we were passing by stop and look at us. "You've gotta be outta your mind. You're staying with us."
Suddenly I realized why I loved Brian so much.
"Cool." Marcus shrugged. "I just didn't know...well, I didn't want to bother you too much."
"It's alright, Marcus." I winked at him. "You won't be in our way. We'd love to have you."
"Good." He put an arm over my shoulders. "I missed you, bro."
"I missed you, too." I was being honest, however I wondered why he hadn't contacted me if he had missed me.
"Um, Heinneken?" I asked Marcus over my shoulder as I opened the fridge.
"Sure." Marcus grunted as he sat down at the kitchen table, facing me. "The flight's really not all that long, but it still sucks."
"Yeah." I agreed as I pulled a couple bottles out of the fridge. "The first time I did it--back in the day--I was pretty frickin' jet lagged."
"You have a nice place here." Marcus complimented me as I popped the tops off the bottles. "You're obviously gettin' paid."
I gave amused grin, not really answering.
"I can see why Donna wanted you to have Booker. He's certainly got an advantage here." Marcus looked around the kitchen once, before letting his eyes come back to me. "Rich folks certainly have an advantage, that is."
I set the bottle of beer down in front of Marcus as he gave me a sly wink. He was obviously amused at the fact that I was making more money than he was--and more than our parents could have ever thought of making.
"I'm very lucky." I answered simply. "I'm lucky to have what I have."
"I guess money can buy happiness...."
"I'm more lucky to have Booker." I stopped him. "The money is just gravy."
"Good answer." Marcus motioned at me with his beer, then took a healthy gulp as I sat down across from him, holding my own bottle.
"So, why'd you," I paused for a second, looking Marcus in the eye,"disappear and never show back up?"
Marcus looked at me for a second, his grin slowly fading, realizing I wanted a serious answer and wasn't playing around. He set his bottle of beer down in front of himself, on the table, looked down at his lap.
"I mean, I totally understand that mom blows and all." I explained before taking a gulp of beer. "I escaped as soon as I could, too. But I haven't ignored Kylie. I didn't just dump her, too."
"Donna and I didn't mean to dump you two." Marcus stopped me. "But you were too young..."
"Too young to understand?" I felt my voice crack.
"No." He held a hand up. "What I was going to say that you were too young to take with us. It wouldn't have been legal for us to let you come with us. Trust me, we talked about it."
My throat clenched.
"Before I took off, Donna and I talked about seeing if you and Kylie would come with us. But, we know mom wouldn't have let you guys leave. And we couldn't exactly kidnap you. But we knew if we left, mom wouldn't let us talk to you. So we had to wait it out."
I tilted my head upwards, looking at the ceiling. The tears were forming at the corners of my eyes. I held my head back, hoping that would hold them inside. My throat was clencing, wanting to let out a sob. Marcus had just told me what I'd hoped he had told me for a long, long time. Something Donna never admitted to. They hadn't wanted to leave us behind--had wanted us to go with them. But they weren't able to take us with them.
"Are you--um, alright?" Marcus asked, setting down his beer after a sip.
I gave a wet laugh, still looking up. "Perfect." I finally composed myself and looked at Marcus, giving a wet sniffle.
"I didn't mean to upset you, bro."
"You didn't." I sniffled again.
"Good." He gave a toothy grin.
"Donna never told me that stuff." I rubbed the remnants of the tears from my eyes with the back of my hand. "Ofcourse, I didn't really get to spend alot of time with her..."
"I didn't know she was sick. Well until Kylie told me after the fact." Marcus looked down at the table top.
"Doesn't matter." I waved him off. "I'm just glad you're here now."
"Me too." He nodded.
"It's been really weird with Brian and all." I took a quick sip of beer. "I mean, he's got this real close-knit family that supports him and spends holidays with him. And, well, they've never met any of my family except Kylie. And Donna. I never knew how to explain that I would be all alone at Christmas without them."
Marcus listened intently, sipping his beer now and then as I sniffled and talked. I don't think he knew how happy I was to have him there. Granted, I was still a little bitter, but I was willing to get over it to have some family again.
"I mean, how weird is it to spend your Christmas with your husband, his whole family, his bandmates, your nephew and sister?" I gave a wet laugh.
"Let's just make it a point to not ignore each other anymore, aight?" Marcus laughed, reaching over to grab my hand.
I laughed loudly. "Deal." I grabbed his hand and shook it.
I flinched as I reached into the room and flicked the lightswitch. The sudden brightness of the lights made me blink. The room hadn't been used since the wedding. It looked drab. Ofcourse, it looked alot better than no bedroom to sleep in at all.
"Here it is." I stepped in and moved aside so Marcus could walk past me. "We really haven't done much with it since we don't use it. And we have a new house in the works, so..."
"It's perfect, bro." Marcus slapped me on the back as he set his suitcase on the bed.
"It's just kinda--bland." I shrugged.
"Well I'm not gonna live here." He laughed. "It's just for a few nights. I'll be cool."
"Want help unpacking?" I asked, not really sure where we were supposed to go from here.
We'd done the obligatory catching up--over beers no less. I showed Marcus the room he could stay in while visiting, and now I was out of the things to talk about or do. It wasn't even eleven o'clock yet. Time sure stood still when you were nervous. I knew Brian had to be bored. He had put Booker to bed when we got home, and had gone to our room to leave Marcus and I alone to catch up. Aaron had even left us alone by staying in his
"Nah." He shook his head. "You can talk to me while I do it, though."
"Aight." I shrugged as I hopped up on the bed beside his suitcase.
"So..." Marcus gave me a mischievious grin as he opened his suitcase. "how is our old bitch of a mother doing?"
I laughed loudly. "Boy, have I got some stories to tell you."
It was one o'clock in the morning when I finally decided to sneak into the bedroom. Marcus and I had talked while he unpacked. Then we had gone back into the kitchen and finished our discussion over several beers. Okay. Several beers and a few shots of Jack Daniel's. We were brothers that hadn't seen each other in years--we were entitled to getting a bit tipsy whilst catching up on the past. Well that was my story and I was stickin' to it, anyway. Atleast, that's what I'd say if Brian got pissy when I went into our room and woke him up.
However, when I crept down the hallway, giggling a bit from being a bit drunk, I noticed the bedroom light was still on. I figured I was really in for an ass chewing if Brian had stayed up half the night waiting for me to come to bed. Ofcourse, since I was talking with my brother, I didn't think Brian would be upset. Then again, you just never know what will make some people pissed off. In the past, I was known to get pissy for no good reason--just whenever it suited my tastes.
When I entered our room, however, Brian wasn't up waiting for me. He and Aaron were sitting in the middle of our bed, indian style, laughing, and playing cards. That was the worst thing I could have had happen. I didn't want Aaron to see me the least bit tipsy after the big "drugs and alcohol" speech. I mean, I knew I was the adult and had a right to do what I damn well pleased. But I didn't want Aaron to think me a hypocrite.
"Hey, boys." I was too drunk to care, I realized quickly as I stripped off my shirt.
"Hey, baby." Brian winked over at me.
"Hey, Matt." Aaron answered blandly.
I chunked my shirt into the corner and sauntered over to the bed. Unfortunately, I accidentally ran into the chair at the end of the bed, and almost tripped. I caught myself with a giggle as I sat down hard on the bed.
"Have fun?" Brian laughed lowly.
"Immensley, thank you." I giggled again as I kicked off my shoes and socks.
"Good." Brian replied as I turned and laid on my belly, propping my chin on my hands.
"Whatcha playin'?" I asked, looking at the cards between the two of them.
"Poker." Aaron replied with a shrug.
"Hopefully not strip." I teased. "I'm already a shirt down."
"That you are." Brian grinned wide, then leaned over to give me a quick kiss. "But no, not strip poker."
"Damn it all." I laughed and rolled onto my back.
The ceiling only spun a bit. Just enough to let me know I was going to sleep like a baby when I finally did sleep.
"You gonna need help getting undressed?" Brian laughed again.
"Noooooo." I grunted.
"I'll take that as a yes." Brian replied playfully.
"I was undressing myself for years before you and I started dating, mister." I reached up and patted the side of Brian's face, however the room spun a little bit more.
"We better end this game." Brian advised Aaron as I let my eyes shut drunkenly.
"Alright. We gotta get up early for brunch anyway." Aaron sighed.
"I need water, baby." I requested of Brian in a pitiful voice.
"Okay, I'll go get you a bottle." He ran a hand thru my hair lightly. "Then it's gonna be bedtime for bonzo."
"A'ight." I grunted as I unbuttoned my jeans, but stopped there, not able to do much else.
"I'll be back." Brian announced as I felt the bed move as he and Aaron got up.
My eyes practically rolled back in my head as I heard the door to the room open and shut behind them as they left. With my eyes closed, I could still "feel" the room spinning a bit. I hadn't felt this drunk when I had walked to my room. However, now that I was lying down, the alcohol was definitely effecting me. All I could do was lay there and pray Brian would hurry up, bring me my water, and put me to bed. When I felt hands at the waist of my jeans, I knew my prayers were finally being answered.
"Ungh." I grunted as Brian rolled my pants down to my hips.
He paused for a moment as I lifted my butt, and let him pull my pants off of me. I heard a "whump" sound, as if he had chunked my jeans into the corner with my shirt. I expected him to grab me and chunk me onto my side of the bed, then crawl in next to me. However, the next thing I felt was his hand cupping my crotch. I gave a small disapproving grunt, but Brian gave my crotch a light squeeze.
"Brian, I'm gonna be sick..." I felt my throat tighten and saliva flow into my mouth, letting me know it wouldn't be long before I blew chunks.
"Mmmm." Brian moaned and then I felt his lips on my stomach, kissing around my bellybutton.
"I think I'm gonna hurl." I clapped a hand over my mouth, jumped up quickly and ran for the bathroom.
I threw the bathroom door open and ran right to the toilet. The main door to our bedroom opened and shut right before I threw the toilet seat up, fell to my knees and got sick. I figured Brian got pissed off that I almost threw up on him, and left the room, wondering how to kill me. I finished getting sick and flushed the toilet. As I was rinsing my mouth out at the sink, I heard the bedroom door open and shut again. My head was still spinning a bit, but I knew I had to go back out and apologize to Brian for almost throwing up as he tried to go down on me.
"Sorry about that." I grunted in an embarassed tone as I sauntered back into our bedroom.
"For what?" He smiled up at me from the place he was sitting on the bed.
"Getting sick." I jabbed a thumb at the restroom.
"Oh, no problem, baby. I can understand." He gave me a sympathetic grin. "Got your water."
I giggled as he held up a water bottle and shook it at me playfully.
"Thanks, baby." I stumbled over to the bed and sat down beside him.
"Here ya' go." Brian handed me the bottle, then reached down to pull off his shoes and socks.
"Ungh, I shouldn't have drank so much with Marcus." I groaned. "I should know better."
"Eh, you had to celebrate with your brother after not seeing each other for so long, baby." Brian patted my thigh lightly. "Finally got your pants off I see?"
I snorted. "Uh, yeah."
"Good. It's always pathetic when I have to undress you." He winked at me. "Or vice versa."
"Um..." I was confused.
"Now, this way, you're all undressed and ready for me to seduce. And I didn't have to help." Brian teased before he leaned in to give me a quick kiss.
I let Brian kiss me, but pulled back afterward. "You're kidding right?"
(Part Twenty-Three)
"Fuck it all, mate--you look good." Garrett crowed as I approached the table, holding Booker's hand as he walked beside me.
Why was it that when I put on a suit, people went crazy? Oh yeah, it's because they were used to seeing me naked.
"Thanks, mate." I mocked him.
"Simply fabulous." Barbara agreed, tilting her orange juice glass at me before taking a sip.
"Thank you." I nodded at her with a smile. "Um, this is my brother Marcus."
I laid a hand on Marcus' arm and pulled him towards the table, out from behind me. Brian and Aaron jumped ahead of Booker and I and got their seats quickly. Obviously, they were hungry. It amazed me how Booker could behave like an angel sometimes, and not complain about being hungry, but Brian and Aaron couldn't.
"Nice to meet you, Marcus." Barbara smiled widely, then stood and shook his hand.
"Same here." He returned her smile, then turned to Garrett when he stood.
"'ello." Garrett never was one with the pleasantries.
"Hello." Marcus chuckled as they shook hands.
"Don't mind Garrett. He has a pickle up his arse." I mocked Garrett some more as he sat down with a mischievious grin on his face.
"Sounds, well, uncomfortable." Marcus laughed and sat down next to Brian.
"Buddy, why don't you sit here next to your Uncle." I pulled out the chair next to Marcus.
"Okay, Daddy." Booker replied, then hopped up into the chair.
I claimed my seat next to Barb, noticing that the place was packed. Every table was full. Most of the folks looked like industry fodder. There was an actress here, an actor there, producers, directors, all the people you don't want to see during Sunday brunch. I figured Barb would have us eating brunch at a celebrity watering hole. She wasn't much for indiscretion.
"Want a Mimosa, Matt?" Garrett asked me as he saw a waiter drawing close.
"Um, sure." I shrugged. "What would everyone else want to drink?"
"Same's fine for me." Brian agreed.
"I'll have coffee." Marcus added.
"O.J. or milk, buddy?" I asked Booker.
"Sprite." He corrected me.
"Yeah, okay." I gave in. "What about you, Aaron?"
"Sprite."
"Oy, waiter!" Garrett practically grabbed the sleeve of the waiter's shirt as he walked by.
All of us covered our faces with our hands partially as the waiter stopped, not wanting him to see us looking embarassed at Garrett's outburst. Garrett again, managed to make us all look like back country folk. He wasn't one for being tactful. He didn't have time. He spouted off our drink orders to the waiter in English slang that I'm sure confused the waiter more than helped him. If he brought all the right drinks, I was going to have to tip him big time.
"That ought' handle it." Garrett gave an affirmative nod. "It's all bullocks this brunch crap, anyway. Buffet--what my people do. Don't waste time with waiters on Sunday. The Vicar waits for no man. No time to dilly dally."
Everyone sat there in silence, watching Garrett, and feeling horrified.
"Garrett, you're acting like the main attraction at Euro-Disney again." I leaned over the table and whispered. "No one's impressed. We've all heard English accents before."
"Oh.." He began.
"..sod off." I finished for him with a laugh.
Barb cackled as Garrett toss his napkin at me.
"I don't know why I put up with you." Garrett sighed playfully.
"I could give you a couple millions reasons." Barb teased him, then turned to me. "You're going to love me."
"I do already, precious." I rolled my eyes.
"Well, after brunch, I have something that you need to do." She gave an ashamed grin.
"What now?" Brian answered for me as the drinks arrived.
Brian looked positively put out as the waiter set our drinks down in front of us. Obviously, the waiter caught onto the tension, and left as quickly as he came. Barb sank back in her seat as Brian gave her the "evil eye". I knew he was tired of me being gone all the time, but I could now see how much he was really upset with not having me around half the time. Oh well, that was one of the things you gave up to stardom. Seeing family.
"Andre and Harvey want you to come to the studio and rehearse a new dance number they want all of the cast to perform tomorrow night." She squeaked.
I shook my head in shock. "A NEW number?"
"New number?" Brian repeated.
"Yes, a new number." Garrett sighed. "Oy! Waiter!"
We ignored him this time as he flagged down the waiter again and began speaking to him again about getting our food.
"Yeah." Barb scoffed at Garrett. "They want to include this new number tomorrow night. Beef up the display of talent or something."
I grunted as she shrugged.
"Why the hell are they doing this now?" Brian jumped in. "I mean, do you know what kinds of bruises Matt had on his thighs and calves during the weeks it took to learn the numbers they've already included? I mean, his feet looked like..."
I interupted. "Too much information, Brian."
"Sorry." He blushed, but continued. "He needs rest. They're going to kill him."
"I know it's not easy, Matt." Barb stated, looking back and forth between Brian and myself. "But, you know how Harvey can get..."
"Why don't they throw some of the pressure and responsibility towards the other stars of the movie? Why's it always gotta be Matt, huh?" Brian dug into Barb.
"Because none of the other," she gave a small laugh,"stars are getting paid a tenth of what Matt is. That's why."
"Ah, so Harvey's gonna play the 'earn what we're paying you' card?" I sighed and sank back into my chair, laying my hands in my lap.
"Basically, yes." Barb nodded.
Everyone sat at the table, not really looking at each other, and realizing how tense everything had gotten suddenly.
"I'm starving." I gave the best smile I could before grabbing my napkin and draping it over my lap.
"That's all you're gonna say?" Brian looked shocked.
I noticed Marcus watching everything with morbid fascination. Obviously, he'd never had such a dramatic brunch experience.
"Say what, Daddy?" Booker looked over at me, finally realizing something interesting was being discussed.
I shot a look at Brian that said 'let's drop it'. "How would you like to go with Daddy, Aaron and Uncle Marcus to see Agent Cody Banks this afternoon?"
I grabbed Booker's napkin and tucked it into the top of his shirt with a smile. Booker absolutely beamed at the prospect.
"Can I get Reese'spieces?" Booker said it as if it were all one word.
"Sure." I nodded and picked up my drink, taking a quick sip. "Daddy will get you anything you want."
Brian sighed heavily and sunk back into his seat. He gave me a grin that said it all. He hated that I was going to leave him alone with a family member of mine I didn't know, but most of all he hated not having me at home. It was kinda sad. Ofcourse, I knew Barb was thrilled that I wasn't gonna give her any grief over it. Especially since it wasn't her fault.
"So, what time do I have to be over there?" I asked as the waiter approached our table with reinforcements that were helping to carry the food.
"One." She nodded.
"That won't leave us long." I glanced at my watch as a waiter set a plate in front of me.
The plate had some egg concoction, tomato slices, steamed asparagus spears, and a big helping of mixed fruit. They also delivered a huge basket full of rolls, bagels, English muffins and biscuits. To the side of the basket was all the types of cream cheese and butters you could wish for. Luckily, I could eat everything on the plate without breaking my diet. Ofcourse, after drinking what I had the night before, my diet was already broken.
"Looks delicious." I winked at Garrett, since he was the one that ordered.
"Dig in, mate." He gave me a sympathetic smile.
"One...two...three....four...five..." Andre clapped his hands in time with my dancing. "...six...seven...eight...nine...ten."
Fortunately, the cast and I learned the new number fairly quick. Ofcourse, we already knew the song and how to sing it, so the dance moves were the only thing to learn. It had taken about four solid hours for us to get it down pat, but it took alot less time than I expected. After we all learned the new number, everyone got to leave. Everyone but me. Andre made me stay behind so we could work on all the other numbers one more time--just to "be sure I had it all down".
"Very good." Andre congratulated me. "One more time."
I groaned as he started the music again. My head was reeling. Trying to remember the dance moves after seven hours of nonstop dancing had me almost brain dead. One-kick. Two-pull back. Three-pop. Four-squat. Five-up. Six-spin. Seven-left arm up. Eight-right arm up. Nine-spin. Ten-squat, slap floor. It was getting to the point where I didn't even have to think about what I was doing. It was like eating dinner, taking a shit, sleeping, breathing. Kick, back, pop, squat, up, spin, left, right, spin, squat, slap.
"Next combo!" Andre shouted.
One-tap combo. Two-back bend. Three-flip over. Four-splits. Five-ouch.
"Up Matt, up!" Andre urged me on.
I growled, and jumped up. Six-hold groin. Seven-groan.
"What's wrong?" Andre stopped the music.
"I think my dick exploded." I stated with a laugh, holding myself. "I went down a little too hard on the splits."
"You okay?" He trotted over and looked down where I was holding myself.
"Yeah." I grunted again, and stood up straight, taking my hands away from my crotch.
"You didn't pull a muscle did you?" He asked quickly.
"No, chill out." I waved him off.
"Sure?"
"Yeah. I just humped the floor really hard." I laughed, flicking my head to the side, sweat spraying off of me.
"Alright. Let's do that one again." Andre walked back over to start the music from the beginning.
"I've been here since one, Andre. I feel like I've been beaten." I complained.
"Hey, no complaints." Andre turned and shook a finger at me. "You wanted this, right?"
I sighed. He was right. I asked for this.
"Start the fuckin' music." I groaned.
"One, two, three, go!" Andre cued me.
Kick, back, pop, squat, up, spin, left, right, spin, squat, slap, tap, bend, flip, splits (hold your breath). Up, tap, right arm out to the side, left arm out to the side, spin while raising arms, left foot out (with attitude), right foot out (more attitude), right hand to chest, left hand to chest (one second pause in this position), hands up in air (wait for drum "thump"), slowly back to standing position (when music slows and mellows). Sing final line of song while slowly walking backwards.
"Excellent!" Andre clapped for me. "Let's try it one last time with you singing while dancing."
"Wasn't I supposed to have this weekend off?" I sighed, then dashed over to grab a towel real quick.
"Yes, but you know how that goes." Andre shrugged. "Come on, just one last time."
The towel was already drenched from my sweat, so it did little to dry my face off. I did the best I could to get temporarily dry, then headed back to my mark, going slower than before.
"Do it right the first time and I'll give you Gatorade..." Andre sang playfully.
"Whoopee." I twirled my finger in the air.
"Okay, and I'll let you have a Snickers."
"Start the damn music." I lit up, ready to go, a smile on my face.
The house was dark when I got home. I smiled wide when I pulled up the driveway. I was finally home, where I could bathe, eat, sleep. I parked my car in the garage and shut it off. You'd think I would have rushed into the house. However, I sat there for a minute, trying to find the energy to get out of the car and carry my tired ass into the house. It took a couple minutes, but I finally got out and carried my backpack and myself into the house. The den light was on, but the rest of the house seemed pretty dark. Brian's car hadn't been in the garage, so I knew he couldn't have been home. Before I could investigate, I had to grab an ice cold beer from the fridge.
"Where's everyone else?" I asked Aaron as I entered the den to find him sitting on the couch and watching the news.
"Dinner." He replied with a smile.
"At," I glanced at my watch,"eight fifty at night?"
Granted, that wasn't real late for dinner for us, but Booker usually didn't stay up much later than eight on weeknights.
"Yep."
"Oh lordy." I grunted as I plopped down on the couch a couple feet from Aaron.
The T.V. was showing news about the war in Iraq. I guess they figured I wasn't feeling bad enough, so they played something wholly depressing to be sure I was. I envied Aaron. He was already in boxers and a tee, looking freshly showered. Whereas, I was looking sweaty, tired, and I probably reeked of B.O. It almost made me want to slap the shit out of him. Not that it was his fault.
"You gonna drink that or what?" Aaron made me snap back to reality.
"Huh?" I spun my head quickly to look at him.
"You've just been holding that beer." He pointed at the bottle in my hand.
"Oh." I suddenly realized I hadn't done what I planned with the beer.
Aaron looked at me weird as I put the ice cold bottle between my legs, against my crotch. Okay, probably because it was weird.
"Groin problems." I stated. "Don't ask."
"Don't worry." He held a hand up with a laugh.
"Splits aren't always a good idea for guys." I told him without being asked.
"Ooooh." Aaron grimaced.
"Yeah." I snorted thru a grin.
I sat there for a couple minutes, letting my crotch get frozen before I did anything else. I didn't know if the cold would help your balls after you bumped them, but when they were that cold, you couldn't feel anything. It was an improvement either way you looked at it.
"Well, I'm gonna go shower." I stated tiredly as I pulled the bottle out of my crotch, twisted the cap off and took a sip.
"Alright." Aaron answered, not turning away from the T.V.
"Did Brian do any laundry?" I asked as I was walking out of the room.
"Not that I know of."
I sighed, not wanting that answer. Ofcourse, I couldn't get upset at Brian. He had to entertain MY company while I worked all afternoon. It wouldn't hurt me to gather some laundry and atleast start a load. Just the thought of having to carry anything but myself around made me hurt all over. Needless to say, I chugged the beer, swallowing every last drop before I set about the laundry task.
Luckily, Booker had very few clothes strewn throughout his room. Normally his room was a mess. Brian and I usually let him live like a little pig until we couldn't take it anymore, then we made him clean up his room. We figured he only had so many "kid years" left before his age could be used as an excuse. Before long he'd have to do all the normal chores kids do, so we were letting him be a slob until then.
Speaking of slobs, Brian's side of our bathroom was horrendous. Well, it wasn't too bad, but mentally I was a woman when it came to keeping house, so anything out of place made me feel nasty. I scooped up Brian's clothes with a sigh, balancing them on top of the load I had already, then headed for Aaron's room. However, once I was outside Aaron's room, I figured his would be the worst, and I couldn't carry everything. I dropped the clothes I already had off in the laundry room, and headed back to get Aaron's dirty clothes.
'Have these people never heard of hampers??' I screamed in my head when I saw the clothes laying all over Aaron's room. I was just glad we kept our messes limited to our room rooms. If people saw the bedrooms, they'd think we lived like pigs. I scooped up Aaron's clothes, cursing to myself about how I'd like to kill every person in the house. It probably wouldn't do any good, but it'd make me feel a hell of alot better about the slobbish way we lived.
As I was bending down to pick up a t-shirt of Aaron's off the floor, I noticed some navy blue fabric sticking out of his bed, stuck between the matresses. I yanked the fabric out, asking myself how the hell Aaron managed to shove dirty clothes under his matress. That was going just a little too far. That was going from slobbish to downright filthy. Just as I was about to add the article of clothing I'd just pulled out from the matress to the heap, I realized something wasn't right.
"What the fuck?" I stated in a low voice as I unfolded the fabric.
It was a pair of underwear. Normally, that's not an odd thing to have in a bedroom, but I noticed the crusty white stain on the front of them. I cringed, almost shrieking like a woman as I dropped them. I rubbed my hands together quickly, trying to get funk off of them, as if I'd just touched toxic waste. I stood quickly, preparing to just grab everything and leave, and act like I didn't see Aaron's cum stained underwear.
But then it hit me. Those underwear were sorta big to be Aaron's. And, he wore regular boxers or tightie-whities. After washing many hundreds of loads of his laundry, I'd never seen one single pair of boxer briefs. And that's what I'd just pulled out of his matress. I squinted my eyes, and looked down at the floor where I'd left the underwear. My heart caught in my throat. What was Aaron up to? Was he experimenting or what? I felt like an overbearing mother. Nosey even. This was something my mother would do. That thought made me cringe.
But what if he was having sex with guys--in my house no less!--and wasn't being careful? He needed to be talked to about safe sex. And he also had to be told that he wasn't allowed to be fucking anyone in my house, especially without permission. 'Without permission'??? Listen to yourself, Matt. You sound like a frickin' moron. My head was reeling with thoughts about what to do.
I couldn't confront Aaron. He'd think I was snooping and I didn't want him to start thinking of me in that way. However, I had happened upon the underwear by mistake. It's not like I went thru his room, pulling shit out of crevices until I found incriminating evidence. And he DID need to be talked to if he was having sex. Just as all these thoughts went thru my head, I suddenly realized what was really bothering me about the underwear. I'd seen them before. All thoughts of unsafe sex stopped as I dropped the bundle of clothes in my arms and knelt down.
Touching the underwear with only the tips of my fingers, I picked them back up and completely unfolded them. I flipped the waistband back and examined the label on them. Jockey, pouch front, thirty-six waist. Navy blue. Suddenly, the whole situation seemed very clear to me. I definitely should know where I'd seen underwear like those before. Everytime I went shopping, Brian had me pick up Jockey boxer briefs with a pouch front. Always navy blue. Lately, thirty-six waist.
"Baby, I'm home." Brian tiptoed into our bedroom with a grin on his face.
It was ten 'til ten. I'd already thrown some of the clothes into the washing machine and started a load. I'd gotten my shower and had my pajamas on. To distract myself from all the thoughts I was having, I had picked up a book to read. Unfortunately, I was so distracted, I couldn't remember what I'd read. Fortunately, I'd only gotten thru five pages, so it was no big loss.
"Booker in bed?" I closed my book and set it on the bedside table.
"Yeah. He zonked out in the car." Brian locked the bedroom door and pranced over to give me a kiss. "I just carried him in, put his PJ's on him and tossed him into bed."
"It's kinda late." I stared at Brian as he pulled back from me. "No wonder he was tired."
"I know, baby." He sighed playfully. "But we didn't get a table very quick. You wouldn't have believed the amount of people at a restaraunt on Sunday night."
I just sat there and watched him as he began to pull off his shoes and socks. Should I ask him about the underwear? Why did Aaron have a pair of Brian's underwear. Why were they stained? Was it a stain from Brian--or Aaron? Did Brian even know Aaron had his underwear? Most importantly, I wanted to know whether or not Brian was fucking Aaron. And if so, how was I going to kill Brian?
"Brian?" I got up from the bed and walked over to him.
"Yeah, baby?" He asked, not looking up as he unbuttoned his jeans and kicked them off.
My eyes were immediately drawn down. He was wearing Jockey boxer briefs. Pouch front. Navy blue.
I gave an embarassed smile. "You know how I, all, had that affair with Kevin?"
"Yeah. I still have wet dreams about that." Brian looked up and gave me a playful wink before pulling off his underwear.
I humored him with a short chuckle. "And we decided that that made me a very bad person, and it should never happen again, right?"
"Right." Brian tossed his discarded clothes into the chair and headed for the closet.
Where was I going with this? I had to have a direction to take the discussion if I was going to bring it up, right?
"Well, it wouldn't be so bad if it happened just one more time, would it?" I asked quickly.
Brian's head popped out of the closet and he shot me a very, very angry look.
"Don't worry, I haven't fucked anyone." I felt a little angry that he'd suspect that I did.
Ofcourse, it was no wonder he thought that with the way I was talking. Besides, I was suspicious about him.
"Thank God." He gave a sigh of relief. "I thought I was gonna have to kill someone tonight."
No shit.
"That goes for you, too. Right?" I said it before I'd thought about it.
There was an unbelievable silence. It lasted a couple seconds, then I heard Brian bustling around in the closet. He finally emerged with sleep bottoms on. He looked confused, and a bit angry with me.
"Are you saying you think..." He began.
"I'm just saying that we both have to be monogamous, right?"
"If you're implying that you think I'm fucking around..." Brian squinted at me.
"I'm not implying.."
"It sure sounds like you are." Brian stopped me. "Why would you even think that I'd screw around on you? We've gotten past that. Atleast I have."
I could tell he was telling the truth. Now I was on the spot. Brian would want to know why I was suspicious of him. But if he hadn't been having sex with Aaron, that would only mean one thing. Aaron had the underwear for a completely different reason. Many reasons flew thru my head, and all of them made me want to cringe. Just the thought of Aaron....ew.
"Why would you think that I'd do anything like that, Matt?" Brian demanded of me. "What the hell have a I done to make you think that I'd..."
"I found something." I stopped him, putting up a hand.
"Nothing that would point to me having an affair." His face got red with anger.
"No, no, no." I waved a hand at him as I sat down on the bed, defeated. "But if you're not doing what I thought you were doing, that only means one thing."
"What are you babbling about now?" Brian couldn't help but chuckle as he walked over to sit beside me.
His anger disappeared when he realized I was in the middle of a genuine dilemna. When he laid a hand on my thigh, I looked over at him, not really wanting to say anything. I didn't know how he'd react. Would he be mad at me for being "nosey", or would he be freaked out at Aaron?
"You know how you told me before that Aaron has a crush on me?" I asked.
Brian laughed. "Yeah, it's cute."
I cocked an eyebrow and snorted. "Would it be so cute if he actually was crushing on you?"
"What do you mean?" Brian moved back from me.
I reached over to the bedside table and pulled the drawer out. "Here."
Brian held his hand out as I picked the underwear up with the tips of my fingers and flung them into his hand.
"What's this?" He looked utterly confused.
"You tell me."
Brian looked at the underwear, bunched up in his hand, for a second. "It looks like my underwear."
"Unfold them."
Brian unfolded the underwear, and looked at them.
Suddenly, he realized the front of them had a huge cum stain. "Ew!"
"Why, 'ew'?" I laughed.
"I ain't touchin' someone else's cum. Well, 'cept your's." He rubbed his hand on his sleep bottoms.
"It's your underwear, maybe it's your cum." I shrugged and looked down at the underwear on the floor.
"Baby, I only cum in one place." Brian looked at me with a 'duh' expression. "And that ain't in my underwear."
I sucked my teeth. "Wanna know where I found 'em?"
"Not sure." He gave me a worried expression.
"In Aaron's room." I couldn't help but give an evil grin as Brian looked horrified. "And if that's not your cum..."
"Stop!" Brian clamped his hands over his ears.
"It's probably Aaron's." I finished with a satisfied grin.
I wasn't satisfied because Aaron had a crush on Brian, and not me. I was satisfied because due to Brian's response, I knew he wasn't fucking around. He knew nothing about Aaron's little freaky side. THAT satisfied me.
(Part Twenty-Four)
"You silly cunt!" Some flaming queen screamed from above me.
"Don't fag out on me." A lady next to him rolled her eyes.
"That fucking hurt!" He squealed and started to blow on his hand.
Apparently, the hair lady had zapped him with a curling iron when he reached for more eyeliner.
"Girls, can we work this out later? We've only got, like, fifteen minutes here." I admonished them as I sipped my hot tea.
"Cunt." The make-up guy admonished the hair lady one more time before going back to applying my make-up.
Due to the fact that the cast and I were doing a showcase, Harvey had decided we should have very dramatic make-up and wardrobe. He wanted us to "stand out". He wanted people to "not be able to take their eyes off us". Basically, we looked like the cast of Cabaret, but alot more queer. Not that that was a bad thing. I had very pale white make-up covering my face, with very heavily outlined eyes, overly mascara'ed eyelashes, and lots of body glitter. The hair lady made a "tsk-ing" sound when she first saw my hair. I guess she just didn't know how to work with my hairstyle. "It's just so short", she'd uttered numerous times.
Needless to say, Brian and I somewhat ignored Aaron all day long. We didn't know if we should have a talk with Aaron about the underwear, or what. We were both confused, and utterly disgusted by the prospect of Aaron crushing on Brian. Well, I wasn't DISGUSTED by it, but it did make the word "ew" flash thru my head numerous times. Ofcourse, I had been teasing Brian about it all day long. It was such a cheap thrill to see him look sick to his stomach and run away from me with his hands over his ears.
"Drink, Matt?" Andre popped into the room.
"No thanks." I replied, holding up my mug of tea. "Well, don't you look like Mister GQ?"
Andre laughed when I turned to look at him in his tux.
"You clean up right nicely." I laughed before my attendants made me turn back around to be worked on.
"Thank you." He bowed at the waist. "You look like..."
"RuPaul and Liza Minelli's love child?" I finished his sentence, making everyone in the room cackle.
"I was going to say 'festive', but yeah. Places in ten minutes." He chuckled as he left the room.
"That'll come out won't it?" I asked quickly as I noticed that the hair lady was rubbing some black shit in my hair.
"Shampoo and water. Maybe twice, but it'll come out." She muttered as she worked on me.
I just hoped everything they were putting on me was water resistant. We had three very long numbers to do. I knew I'd be sweating by the end of it, and I really didn't want black streaks on my face from running hair gunk, mascara or eyeliner. That would just be too horrid for my little gay heart to handle.
"And done." The make-up guy threw his makeup down on the counter and made a "ta-da" motion with his hands.
"Fabulous job." I winked.
"That's the best I can do." The hair lady finally left my hair alone.
"Fabulous as well." I commended her and sat my mug on the counter.
As I was exiting the room, they were picking at my back, apparently getting stray hairs and fuzzies off of me. That wouldn't look too swell up on stage, I supposed. The hallway backstage was bustling with dancers, beauticians, hair dressers, personal assistants, friends of the performers, etc. On my way down the hall towards the stage, I signed no less than fifteen autographs.
Kick, back, pop, squat, up, spin, left, right, spin, squat, slap, tap, bend, flip, splits, up, tap, right arm out to the side, left arm out to the side, spin while raising arms, left foot out, right foot out, right hand to chest, left hand to chest, hands up in air, slowly back to standing position. Sing final line of song while slowly walking backwards. I was already running thru the dance steps in my head. I was worried about that combo. It was the ending to the first number we were doing. If I racked myself doing the splits again, I was going to have to just ignore the pain and take care of business. If I didn't faint.
What if I tripped over my own feet? What if I tripped over someone else? During the course of all three numbers, there was going to be no less than five people on stage at all times. Twenty at the very most. I could seriously hurt myself or someone else with one wrong move. I'd be alone on stage to open the damned thing. The only other time I would be alone on stage was for the one combo that I was dreading. If I fucked those up, I'd be the person everyone was looking at. If I fucked those up, everyone would notice.
Pop, squat, kick, back. Wait, that wasn't right. It was kick, back, squat, pop. Oh fuck it all, I was gonna screw the whole thing up. Harvey was going to see me fail miserably, then chew me up and spit me out. The money they'd paid me was going to be a sore spot with them forever. I made their project fail and caused a loss for the studio. I'd never work in films again. I'd just be another "has been" on VH1's "Where Are They Now?".
My heart was racing as I approached the stage. The curtains were drawn to, where the audience couldn't see us yet. Everyone was running around, trying to find props, places, redo smudged make-up. Brian, Booker, Aaron, Marcus, Barb and Garrett were going to be front row center when they opened the curtains. They were going to be the first people I saw. And if I fucked up, they'd certainly see me fail. They'd see someone that they had respect and admiration for fall flat on his ass and screw everyone.
The next ten minutes went by like a second. Before I knew it, the dancers were bustling to get off stage and let me get my mark. Harvey and Andre were approaching me, as well as my make-up dude and hair lady. They looked nervous. I wasn't breathing. I was choking. That curtain was about to be drawn back and I was going to stand there, sweating and pissing myself. The music would start and I'd just stand there and look horrified.
"One minute!" Harvey screamed over his shoulder at a stage hand as he walked over to me.
"Purse your lips." The make-up guy demanded as he applied lipstick.
"Your hair is too short." The hair lady sighed as she did last minutes touches to it.
"Okay, Matt?" Andre asked as he walked up.
I was able to nod once.
"Your hat." Harvey handed me the black top hat. "Ready for this?"
"Uh-huh." I choked back the need to vomit.
"You look sick." Andre stated in a concerned voice.
"It's the make-up." Harvey rolled his eyes. "Ofcourse he's going to look pale. Need a bump, Matt?"
"A what?" I asked as the hair lady slapped the hat onto my head.
"A bump." He held a small amber vial up to my face.
"What's that?" I asked.
"Don't worry about it, just sniff it." He urged me on as he looked at his watch. "Thirty seconds."
"Get that out of my face." I slapped his hand away. "What the fuck do you think you're doing?!?"
The make-up dude and hair lady ran off as I started to queen out.
"Hey, just thought you might need help." Harvey shrugged.
"I don't need your fuckin' drugs, Harvey." I growled. "I can't believe you'd even offer that. You're fucking sick."
Flashes of movie directors from the seventies flashed thru my mind.
"Give me that." I grabbed a bottle of water from Andre and took a healthy chug.
Harvey and Andre just chuckled as I put on my "resolved face" and got set for my mark.
"Told you it'd work." Andre slapped Harvey on the back.
"You were right--pissin' him off works everytime." Harvey cackled.
"What are you two bastards talking about?" I snapped.
"Ten seconds." Harvey looked at his watch, then showed the vial again. "It's empty, Matt. It's not drugs."
"You work better when you're pissed off." Andre explained as Harvey walked off. "Knock 'em dead."
I rolled my eyes as I watched them both dash offstage before the music began. They were right. Now that I had been pissed off, I wasn't nervous anymore. I didn't need to throw up. I was ready to prove I could do this. I hated when people knew me so well. When the first note of the music began, I went back to my mark stance and got ready for the curtains to open. I could do this. Everyone was gonna know that I had the talent to pull this off. Overhead I heard a voice announce the beginning of the showcase.
'Kick, back, pop, squat, up, spin, left, right, spin, squat, slap, tap, bend, flip, splits, up, tap, right arm out to the side, left arm out to the side, spin while raising arms, left foot out, right foot out, right hand to chest, left hand to chest, hands up in air, slowly back to standing position', I thought to myself as the curtain opened and I slowly walked downstage, singing the first line to the opening number. I was keenly aware of Brian and everyone else staring right at me. Don't fuck up, Matt.
"One more time." I muttered before Andre threw another handful of water in my face.
I gasped at the feeling of the ice cold water being splashed on my face. It was so cold it felt like my skin was freezing off of my face. Andre just chuckled as I jumped back from the sink in my dressing room and gasped.
"Better?" He asked.
"Much." I panted before grabbing a towel.
"Feel more calm now?" He asked as I sat down in my make-up chair.
"Tons." My heart was still pounding in my chest as I rubbed the make-up off my face with the towel.
"Good. I thought you might hyperventilate for a moment." He laughed and plopped down in the chair against the wall behind me.
"So did I." I sighed as I pulled the towel away from my face and noticed all the black streaks on it.
"You missed quite a bit of it." He cackled and pointed at my now streaked face.
"Help me out, damnit." I threw the towel at him.
Andre grabbed up the towel and walked over. I sat still for him as he scraped away at the caked on make-up on my face. It took severaly minutes, but finally my face was clear of make-up. I just wanted to wash the black shit out of my hair, too. I wanted to look like my normal self.
"You know," Andre stated as he moved away from me,"no matter what Harvey says when he comes in, I think you're great."
I sighed. "Thank you. That really does mean alot to me."
"You made me proud." He nodded affirmatively. "When you stuck that final combo, I wanted to jump up and down and cheer. You were so great."
"Same here." I couldn't help but give a small laugh.
The whole routine went off like a charm. Not one single problem. Every dance move was perfect. The dancers and I worked as one well-greased unit. Nothing was out of place or wrong. Everyone hit their marks. I hit all the right notes. I didn't forget any words, and I nailed every step. However, when the curtains closed and I came offstage, I felt like I was going to pass out. My heart was pounding and my breath was coming in gasps. Stage fright? Why would you think that?
"You were oozing with attitude. And it looks like the splits were done perfectly." He laughed loudly.
"Well, I didn't bust my balls if that's what you're saying." I grinned.
"That's what I'm saying." He nodded.
"Help me wash this shit out of my hair." I sighed as I stood and headed back to the sink.
Andre walked over as I bent over and held my head over the sink and turned on the water.
"Make sure to use cold water. I need more reviving." I laughed.
"Aight." Andre laughed. "You're lucky the hair lady left her supplies in here, 'cause I don't think this shit would come out without shampoo."
"It feels like shoe polish." I grimaced as Andre began getting my hair wet with the ice cold water.
It took three washings to finally get the gunk out of my hair. Andre laughed thru the whole process, teasing me that it was never going to come out and that I'd have black hair for life. However, the joke was ruined when my hair returned to it's normal color after the third wash. I was more than relieved, to say the least. After we got the crap out of my hair, I changed into a suit I had brought with me, then sat down in my make-up chair to fix my hair. Andre sat back in his chair again and began talking about how proud he was of me for doing so well.
"I'm just glad I didn't barf." I chuckled as I squirted some mousse into my hand.
"No kidding. It's not that I didn't have faith in you, but I was so worried that you'd...."
The door flung open suddenly, banging into the wall. Both Andre and I spun in our chairs to see who it was.
"Fan-fucking-tastic!" Harvey stood in the doorway positively beaming. "Just incredible!"
Andre doubled over in laughter as Harvey stepped into the room and slammed the door shut behind himself. I just grinned at his display of happiness as I plugged in a hair dryer and found a brush.
"You're incredible. No, not incredible. That's not a strong enough work. Fan-fucking-tastic was the best I could come up with on my way here." He grabbed my shoulders and squeezed them as he looked me in the face via the mirror. "Dinner is on me anytime you want."
"Are you trying to say that the movie won't be shelved?" I made Andre laugh again.
"More than that!" Harvey cheered. "I didn't even have to convince anyone. All our investors raved about you. They can't wait to see what happens when the movie is in the theaters. The only thing they're upset about is that it won't be for nine months."
"Well, we do have to film and edit it first." I shrugged with a smile. "Just a thought."
"You're amazing, Matt." Harvey gave me a wide grin via the mirror. "You're worth every penny you ask for."
"Thank you." I faked bashfulness.
"Now, hurry up and get ready and come out to this fuckin' party." Harvey slapped me on the back. "People are asking about you."
And just as quickly as he entered, he was gone. I shook my head and brushed my hair, preparing to blow dry it.
"You da' man, Matt." Andre smiled at me.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, Matt Thompson!" Harvey announced dramatically as we entered the party together, Andre trailing behind us.
It was quite embarassing to be standing there with the head of the studio, and have everyone turn to look at you at once. Everyone's eyes were on me once again. I almost ran from the room in embarassment when everyone began clapping and cheering for me. However, I decided to avoid looking psycho. Instead, I smiled and scanned the crowd for Brian. With so many folks having turned out for the showcase, I couldn't find him.
Harvey looked pleased as I did my duty of looking humble and gracious, smiling the whole time as people rushed over to congratulate me. I shook hands, accepted hugs and congratulations from everyone that offered. There were several "well done" and "can't wait to see the movie" phrases spouted. I was just glad that I hadn't made Harvey sorry for hiring me. That would have been the worst possible thing to happen.
Once the crowd thinned a bit, Harvey was able to drag me away to the bar where I could get some "refreshment". Most everyone was kind enough to get out of our way. A few stragglers followed us, talking Harvey and my ear off about how much they enjoyed the showcase. Some older man with thinning white hair told me he'd love to have me on Broadway--at which point Harvey shooed everyone away cheerfully.
"Vultures, all of them." Harvey sighed once we were alone at the bar. "Two vodka martini's here--dry!"
"Well, if they're vultures, we're the dead animals on the desert highway, Harv." I shrugged. "I think they got the better end of the bargain."
"True, true." Harvey shook his head vigorously as he took the martinis from the bartender and handed me one. "They don't have to worry about being perfect and impressing anyone. They write the scathing reviews and recommend no one goes to watch your movies. They make sure you're buried with the rest of the crap. Unless you do well, that is."
I gave a pained smile as Harvey clinked his glass against mine. He immediately took a sip of his drink as I took my olive covered toothpick and stirred my drink, feeling utterly bored to be standing alone with Harvey. He was nice when it benefited him, but he wasn't exactly someone I'd call a friend. But then again, who truly was a friend of mine? Ofcourse, being alone with Harvey gave me a chance to experiment a bit.
"You know--you're right. Vultures--the whole lot of them." I sighed and pulled one of the olives off the toothpick with my teeth.
"I know I am." He nodded before sipping his drink again, not really looking at me.
"Ofcourse, the definition you gave me would put you in that category as well." As soon as I said it, Harvey snapped his head around to look at me.
"What?" He looked utterly confused.
"You're my best friend. As long as I do well." I stated simply before shrugging and walking away.
I had gotten about ten feet away before Harvey raced over to me.
"I didn't mean to imply that...well anything." He stammered.
"I know." I turned and patted him on the arm. "You don't have to."
"Listen, Matt..."
I snorted. "I know I'm a meal ticket, Harvey. Let's not confuse our relationship here."
"Well, I don't think of you that way."
"Ofcourse not!" I faked innocence. "That would be right conniving of you. I'd never expect that of you."
I slid the rest of the olives off the toothpick with my teeth, then chewed them with a simple smile.
"Okay, you've got my number." He shrugged, as if this shouldn't offend me.
"You know, that contract I signed for this movie? The one that stipulated you'd pay me the same money for a second movie?" I eased into topic I wanted to discuss.
Eased? More like jackhammered.
"Yeah." Harvey's eyes went to a slit as he watched me.
"That second movie isn't mandatory. It's optional. On both of our parts. It just stipulates that IF we do another movie together, you have to pay me ATLEAST the same amount as you did for this movie." I tried to be circumspect, but believe I failed.
"You're such a shit." Harvey grinned widely.
I smiled sweetly. "Sometimes."
"I see we're negotiating again." He sighed and folded his arms over his chest, almost spilling his drink. "What do you want?"
"Absolutely nothing." I replied as I started to turn away, but then thought better of it and turned back to face him. "But when that second movie comes to fruition, my price might be higher."
"You've got me by the balls, eh?" He snorted. "You know, this movie hasn't come out yet--hell, it's not even filmed yet. It could flop."
"True." I conceded.
"We'll see what happens after this movie is released." He nodded, as if this was the final word. "Then maybe you'll be in a position to negotiate with me."
"Works for me." I shrugged, then tipped my glass back and swallowed the drink in one gulp. Harvey looked confused as I handed him the empty glass. "As long as you do well until then."
Harvey couldn't help but give a grin as I winked, turned and walked away to find Brian and the rest of the gang.
(Part Twenty-Five)
"You rock, daddy." Booker made me laugh as I sat down on the edge of his bed.
"I rock, huh?" I pulled his covers up and tucked him into bed.
"Uh-huh." He nodded. "That was soooo cool."
"I'm glad you enjoyed it, buddy." I chuckled as I leaned down to kiss him on the forehead. "But don't think you're ever staying up this late again on a weeknight.
Booker giggled as I reached up with both hands and tickled his sides.
"Nite, buddy." I gave him another kiss on the forehead before getting up and switching his beside lamp off.
"Nite, daddy." He gave me one of those beaming smiles only kids can give as I shut his bedroom door.
As I walked back down the hall towards the kitchen. I still had on my suit, and it was irritating the piss out of me. Neckties were definitely not the most comfortable things for guys to wear. It was pretty much the bra for guys. As I headed towards the kitchen, I stuck my finger in the knot and loosened it, letting my neck breathe. If I had known where everyone was located in the house, I might've started to strip down. However, with Aaron on the loose, I wasn't taking my chances. I didn't want to find my crusty underwear in his room.
I finally got my tie off, and as I walked by the laundry room, I chunked it on the washer. As a thought, I realized it didn't need to be washed, but I didn't bother going back for it. Who washes ties anyway? When I entered the kitchen, Brian, Marcus, Aaron, Barbara and Garrett were standing and waiting on me. The pop of a champagne cork made me jump and laugh as they cheered for me.
"Keep it down, girls and boys. The little one's in bed." I hushed them all with a smile.
"Baby, you were so awesome tonight." Brian walked over to me with two empty champagne flutes.
"Thanks, sexy." I giggled as he leaned in and gave me a kiss on the lips, handing me a flute.
"You should've heard the chatter this created." Barb shook her head vigorously as Garrett started to pour champagne into everyone's glass. "Everyone was talking about how much they couldn't wait to see the movie. You're the toast of the town, yet again."
"As it should be." I gave a small nod of my head with a mischievious grin.
"You were great, Matt." Marcus came over and gave me a hug as I held my glass out for Garrett to fill.
"Thanks, brotha." I teased him as he pulled away and held his glass out as well.
"Smashing, Matt." Garrett gave me a wink as he filled Marcus' glass.
"What's in your glass?" I walked over to Barbara, acting suspicious.
"Don't worry, it's ginger ale." She laughed.
"Good girl." I patted her back, then leaned in to whisper, not wanting to embarass Aaron. "What's in Aaron's glass."
"Same, don't worry." She grinned.
"Thank God." I laughed.
I stood with Barb as she laid a hand across the middle of my back and held me to her. Obviously, she was very proud of me. It was a great feeling. I just couldn't wait to tell her about the "Harvey incident". I wanted her input on what she thought he'd do. Ofcourse, it could wait a few more minutes. Finally, when all the glasses were full, Garrett set the bottle down and raised his glass.
"Okay, wankers." We all laughed at him. "Let me toast the little bugger and get it over with."
"Thank you ever so, Garrett." I laughed.
"Here's to many more exciting moments, such as tonight. Many more oppurtunities for all of us. And although the little bugger gets me vex.."
All of us cackled at him.
"...here's to many more years working with each other. Cheers." Garrett tipped his glass to his lips, and we all followed him in "cheering" and drinking. As soon as we had all taken a drink, Garrett added,"And lots more money, certainly."
"Tons more money." Barb gave me a squeeze and a kiss on the side of the head.
"Oodles." I agreed with a smile. "Speaking of which.."
I downed the glass of champagne and held it out for Garrett to refill. He did so quickly and happily.
"I spoke with Harvey tonight." I grinned mischieviously.
"Blimey." Garrett rolled his eyes.
"Oh good lord." Barb laughed nervously. "How'd you piss him off?"
"I didn't." I smiled sweetly. "I just let him know that my price might rise on the next film. If I choose to do a second film."
Barb and Garrett looked shocked for a moment, then looked at each other. A second later, they were laughing loudly.
"Baby, you already signed a contract with him. You can't raise your price." Brian came over to me and wrapped his arm around my middle.
"Well.." I began.
"He did, Brian." Barb wiped her eyes as she cackled. "However, the second movie is not mandatory. And the contract stipulates that Harvey will pay ATLEAST the same amount as the previous film, IF that comes to pass. It doesn't say anything about Matt not being able to ask for more. I'm surprised our little Matt noticed the little print."
"Cheers, mate." Garrett winked at me before taking another sip of champagne.
"Is that true?" Brian let go and turned to look at me.
"Very." I sighed contentedly. "There's only one problem I can think of."
"Problem??" Barb and Garrett both asked at the same time, making Brian laugh at them.
"Yes. Let's say Harvey agrees to do the second movie with me, and pay me more than this first one. Well, he's already given me the asking price for the second movie. So, he'll just have to pay the additional I ask for." I began to explain.
"What's wrong with that?" Barb looked confused.
"Suppose he doesn't?" I gave her a steady look.
"Oh." She sighed.
"Could you two fill the rest of us in on what you're implying?" Brian asked.
"Yeah." Garrett, Marcus and Aaron added, their interest peaked.
Barb gave a long sigh. "Well, what Matt and I realize is that if Harvey says 'you know, you're not worth the extra money, we won't do another movie together', or something to that effect, then Matt will be up shit creek."
"Because I'll owe him money." I explained further.
"Owe him money why?" Brian asked quickly.
"Well, he's already paid me asking price for the second movie. If we don't do a second movie..." I gave him a hint.
"Oh, holy fuck." Brian brought a hand to his mouth. "You'll have to give all that money back."
"Yep." I nodded and downed the second glass of champagne. Garrett filled me up again. "So, the ball's in Harvey's court. And I'm sure he's already thought of all this, too."
"Let's just hope he doesn't decide to play hardball." Garrett looked sullen.
"No shit." I sighed. "And if I know our Harvey, he will."
"Then what?" Marcus asked for everyone.
Everyone turned to look at me, hoping I'd have the perfect solution to an awful problem.
"Then, I'll have to get rough." I made them all laugh when I smiled sweetly.
TO BE CONTINUED....
P.S. I didn't have alot of time to edit this, so if something seems weird, it probably is...