Tom the Fireman Part 64
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Steven awoke to the buzz of his phone, grabbing it from his nightstand, he answered the call only to be greeted by Bev.
"Hey hon, I'm checking to see if you are alright, you had me concerned when you called me last night, I knew you were inebriated with all the gibberish, but Tom is safe and sound. I tried calling you last night after I went to see him, but figured you fell asleep. Though I did get an eyeful, let's say I walked in on your husband in an uncompromising position. What is it with you guys and your dicks," Bev giggled, "Not only did I get an eyeful, but he sure had a handful, gosh I never realized it was that big," Bev continued to laugh. "You should have seen his face when he first saw me, wide-eyed and how frantic he got when he tried to remove the toy he was wearing. If only I took a picture of that, but that is something I'll always remember, I'll never be able to look at him the same again. I never seen the exhibitionist so embarrassed in his life. Can you believe his face actually turned crimson, Tom of all people actually tried to display a smidgen of modesty? If I only knew what he was doing, I would have had my phone ready, now the image of my calendar man is totally blown, I should be suing you for that, let's see, could it be mental anguish?"
Chuckling, Steven was wondering what she saw as his head was pounding, trying to imagine what trouble Tom got himself into it, not realizing that Bev was going to tell him the details as his head punished him for his liberations that he wanted to forget.
"He was laying on his back, I was calling out his name, he wasn't answering. I heard something in the bedroom and thought I might have caught him with a little indiscretion, but to my shock he was reaching for the thing that was between his legs. His cock sticks out proudly and shiny from the bottle of lube that laid next to him on the bed. His hands were oily and couldn't get a grip of the nuts that were twisted around the bolts that stuck up. I've seen it before but didn't think he would be testing it out. By the way, you might need to come to town to make sure the sheets are clean, I just didn't have the heart to tell him that he had a glob in his hair. I walked downstairs. I had to put my hand over my mouth, I actually bit down on it to avoid having him hearing me laugh. He was pretty well shook-up over the incident, never seen Tom losing it. But Moi, was able to control myself when he came downstairs. Laughing inside, I decided to see his reaction, so I took him to the basement."
"No, you didn't?" reacted Steven.
"Oh yes I did, and what is that saying? Priceless," Bev laughed. "He was a kid in a candy store looking around, by the way I gave him the key. Good luck."
"You didn't," Steven repeated, wondering why he ever called her last night, damn Jake.
"You're fuckin' right, I did!" Bev still bantering, "It was worth it."
Steven thought it but didn't want to say it, "It's hormones, it's her hormones." Steven listened patiently grimacing as Bev gloated. He knew being married to her that he just had to hear her out or the topic would come up by making references to it, as guests would not understand the clues she was dropping. Only Steven knowing and turning red from embarrassment.
"Oh, forgot to mention, my mind must be slipping, guess what else I found? This is the best part, he found the uninhibited photos of Barron, you know the one's that you took. Your husband was jerking off to pictures of your previous husband, the pictures were all over the bed. I found one the floor as I walked up the steps. When I was showing him the playroom, I placed it in there, hoping when he returned it would freak him out." At this point Steven dropped the phone, not believing what she just said.
"You didn't," Steven asked when he put the phone back to his ear. Hearing the cackling on the other end.
"Yes, I did," reassured Bev, "don't be surprised if some of Barron's playroom toys make it to the country side."
Placing his hand to his aching head, Steven shook his head slightly. Trying to avoid the pain, knowing it served him right. It was his punishment for last nights antics he kept telling himself. "Why does she do this to him, and only him?" Steve thought. Realizing he didn't know what was in that playroom, he was dreading when Tom was going to mention it, or things just start showing up.
It was bad enough, he brought the mislabeled box that contain some of Barron's toys to the house, he wondered if this was Barron's way of having fun with him - beyond the grave. With his head hurting, Bev made it worse. Steven sat there pondering what Tom was going to say. Wondering if he was going to be asked questions of the dungeon, he should have deconstructed years ago, after the passing of Barron. Steven thought it served him right to get THAT drunk and humiliate himself. It felt like someone took an ax and slammed into the middle of his skull.
With the aching in his head, Steven tried to think of how to explain Barron's toy room. Steven wracked his brain knowing Tom would think he had something to do with it. While the fact of the matter was quite the contrary, Barron only used it on his willing victims when Steven was away. Barron had a wild side that needed satiating. Barron would find enthusiastic participants in the evil he would inflict on them. Steven coming home to a mild-mannered giant after he had his aggressive sessions. Luckily it didn't happen often, and Steven tried to avoid that room. Certainly hadn't opened it since Barron's passing, and wasn't sure what lies behind those doors. He dreaded that he was going to learn soon enough. That's one conversation he didn't want to have, especially since Tom found that box of toys he accidentally brought on the move. How Bev keyed in on it was beyond him, but it was Pandora's box being opened. Hoping he will be able to contain the fury.
Having hung up with Bev, Steven painfully rising out of bed like an old man, Steven shuffled into the shower turning on the water. Holding his head to buffer the annoying noise from the flow from the shower head hitting the tile, for the sound was louder than he thought. Dragging his pathetic body to the vanity, he looks into the mirror. The reflection was of death warmed over, noticing his bloodshot eyes. "Oh Lord, what have I done?" Knowing full well it was of his own creation. Maybe Bev's right, his cock caused all this. Turning on the faucet, only to quickly turn it off as the sound of the water gushing exacerbated his aching head even more. Hoping his eyes along with his hangover would clear soon, he slowly enters the warm shower. Leaning against the wall as the warm water caresses his body, he was washing the tension he was feeling down the drain. Grabbing the soap, Steven wearily lathers up his body, scrubbing it clean as he pondered the humiliation from last night. Knowing if the phone hadn't rung, he would have done something even more regrettable than touching another naked man in the absence of Tom.
As the water washed the cleansing lather from his body, Steven was feeling somewhat refreshed, his stomach uneasy from all the movement. Grabbing the bath towel, Steven stepped out on the mat, drying himself as he painfully was getting ready for his day. Looking in the mirror, Steven ran his hand across his stubble, knowing he needed a close shave. Mustering the energy, Steven agonizingly pulled the pestle from the cabinet, mixing the shaving cream with some warm water. Stirring it with the brush before applying to his face. With his straight edge, Steven closely shaved his face and neck, praying he wouldn't slip. When he was finished, he ran his hand over the smooth skin.
Turning toward the bedroom, Steven steps into his boxers. Checking his butt in the mirror while hearing Bev's cackling in his hurting head, trying to shake off what she said. He looked for his tee-shirt, placing it over his head before slowly placing his arms through. Pulling it down over his body and head. Sitting down on the end of the bed Steven fought the urge to lay back down, rolling up his first sock he bent over to place it on his foot. With his head pounding in that position Steven sat back up, putting the heel on the edge of the bed he pulled the sock over his toes and the ball of his foot. When he accomplished the first fete, he rolled up the second repeating the same procedure on the other.
Looking out the window over the driveway, he notices Mason walking down the lane. Thinking he was at the door when he was in the shower, Steven carefully runs downstairs. Opening the door, calling out to Mason as he disappears over the knoll. Looking out the door, RJ was walking to his car. Seeing Steven RJ quickly smiles saying, "Hi."
"Did you see anyone walking down the driveway," Steven called out.
"No." replied RJ as he got into his car wishing Steven, "Good day."
Scratching his head, Steven apparently more hungover than the cop, went back upstairs, picking up his phone he texted Mason, "Did you stop by?"
Receiving just a "no" on the reply, Steven knew it was Mason, wondering what he was doing here.
Returning to his bedroom, Steven finished dressing before grabbing a bite to eat. Feeling nauseous he forced the breakfast down, making sure he forced a lot of fluids to hydrate his achy body. Knowing he was being punished for his own stupidity. Steven grabbed the keys to his truck along with his computer bag, all ready to head up to Easton. Praying he would be human when he arrived.
As Tom walked up the street, he bought his MetroCard to take the subway uptown. Watching the people around him as they made their way to work, nobody paying attention to anyone, just dodging each other as they made their way through the daily grind. While passing one of the hotels, a man and a woman stood outside. As Tom walked toward them, the wife wanted her husband to look like a New Yorker. Telling him to walk differently, giving her a questioning look, she pointed at Tom, saying, "Walk like him."
Tom laughed, if she only knew, it was his first time walking alone in New York. Walking the few blocks, he made his way through the revolving doors, only to be greeted by security. Pulling out his ID Tom showed the guards, explaining he had an appointment with Mr. Russell. The security guard told him to have a seat, as the guard proceeded to call the designated person. The guard looked up at Tom to inform him Mr. Russell must be on his way to work and that he left a voicemail, asking if he had a different number for Mr. Russell. Thanking the guard, Tom stated he didn't as he waited in the lobby.
Mr. Russell, an attractive man, walked through the revolving door. The security guard welcomed Mr. Russell while stating his appointment is waiting in the lobby as he pointed out Tom. Mr. Russell greeted Tom, apologizing for his lateness as his partner had a small emergency. Tom followed Mr. Russell to the elevator, waiting patiently before getting on. Once on, Mr. Russell complimented Tom on his beard, that he didn't recognize him, but he definitely liked the look. Tom blushed as they rode the elevator to the proper floor.
Mr. Russell, otherwise known as Trey, introduced Tom to the receptionist, Vicki. Requesting Vicki to get coffee for Tom, as he had to go to his office. Again apologizing for being late. Vicki asked Tom, "What would you like in the coffee?" replying before she went to get him coffee. Sitting in the reception area, Tom waited for Trey as Vicki brought him his coffee, just as he ordered it.
Taking deep breaths, Vicki smiled at him. He tried to calm his nerves down. He had never been in the city, nor had he ever been on one of these interviews. After ten minutes of waiting, Trey reappeared asking Tom to follow him. Tom walked behind, as he nervously looked at Trey's ass. Escorted to the conference room, Trey left Tom seated there as he went to round up other members of the staff.
As Rick entered the room, he introduced himself, along with his assistant Trish. When Trey reappeared, Tom pulled the thumb drive from his portfolio. "Would you like to see it?" he asked them. Trey asked, "Is the contents on the thumb drive the same as contained in the portfolio?" Tom confirmed that the material was. Trey, giving Tom a smile, took the thumb drive and placed it into the port on his computer, downloading for future use. He thanked Tom as he handed it back.
Tom felt nervous, but his confidence was shining through. The three from the agency sat down with Tom looking through his portfolio. Trey mentioned he would be representing Tom through the agency, if Tom decided he wanted to pursue this line of work and chose this agency. Trey gave him a little background on the client. He went on to tell Tom that the request was made after the local news reported the saving of a little girl from the fire. What caught the client's attention is the news media talking about a calendar you appeared in. Turning to the portfolio, they pointed to the shirtless calendar photo he did for the fundraiser. Pointing out to Tom this was the picture that got the client interested. They mentioned he would be appearing in even less if he wanted the job.
Tom heard about the news story and got a little fidgety saying, "I don't want to be thrust into the spotlight for doing what I know to be my job. I felt awkward being seen as a hero when I have done it several times before in my career without there being a big commotion about it."
Trish placed her hand on Tom's arm saying, "It a very heroic thing to do, not many people would do that." Looking around the room, "I don't know anyone that brave." Seeing she made Tom uncomfortable with her touch she pulled back, "Oh, I'm sorry." As she sat up, acting more professional, knowing she couldn't be Tom's best friend.
Trey reassured Tom that he shouldn't have anything to worry about. They won't call attention to that incident and I'm sure the client will understand. The client specifically asked for you with the thought you would represent his brand, as they are going for the over twenty demographics. Tom looked at them and laughed, "You're looking for a dad bod?"
Winking, Trey said, "Exactly, well not a dad bod but a hot dad bod, which is you."
Tom's main concern was his face, he didn't want it recognized. Trey assured him that photoshop and other programs could change that. "Hell, we did this calendar once, the model was covered in tattoos. Once we were done, we made him look beautiful." Laughing at his own reference that the model was initially a male, "she looked striking in that one piece," as he pointed to a picture on the wall of a woman in a one-piece bathing suit rising from the water.
They all burst out laughing.
As Trey mentioned, it shouldn't be a problem disguising the face. Either with makeup or hair extensions, he was willing to guarantee no one will recognize Tom if that's what is wanted. The client is more interested in your physique than your facial looks though I can say," You are quite handsome, any man or woman would be fantasizing about you." Tom squirmed in his chair thinking about that, he did the calendar, and with his beard a few people recognized him, but it didn't really call much attention to him. What bothered him about the Sara incident was the image that was being put forward about him as a sex symbol for saving the little girl. Would he be able to handle that, if another incident happened, again? He had to be guaranteed that "model" Tom did not interfere with "fireman" Tom. He considered the spin that Bev put out there to take the pressure off of him. But he knew he needed a lawyer to prevent this from accidently happening, thinking what he would gain monetarily if they happen to disregard the terms of the contract, he wanted a guarantee.
Toying around with the idea that he might do it would be determined: if he would seriously consider it, by how much it paid. Bev was right, Mason was graduating and had no money put aside for his college or Tonya's for that matter. He couldn't see letting Mason going into debt, especially with the horror stories he heard about student loans. If this helped pay for college, it might be worth it. Waiting for the appropriate time, Tom listened as they continued on why their agency should represent him, while in the back of his mind, what his reward would be if, and would it be enough.
Looking at his phone, Trey got up excusing himself, leaving him with Rick and Trish. Tom eyed Rick, saw his delicate features. He was terribly thin, reminding him of an awkward tall, thin 16-year-old. Tom didn't feel old but doing business with the trim stickman made him feel older than he thought.
Wanting to redeem herself, Trish wanted to get more biographical information and to reduce the tension asked Tom about his family, Tom wanted to be protective with the amount he was willing to share, mentioned he had a son and daughter. Rick, getting a little bold, asked, "Does your son look like you?" Tom pulled out his phone, showed a picture of Mason during the "pantry" weekend when he posed with his son.
Rick looked at the picture, looking at Tom and then the photo again, "Mmmm, just like daddy. I'm sure the client would be interested in that." As he handed the phone back to Tom. Tom smiled, asking "What do you mean?"
Trish leaning over touching Tom's leg, and quickly removing her hand, "Oh, I'm so sorry" as she silently peered into Tom's eyes, their glance held for a second before she continued, "With your good looks, you definitely will be the model for his demographics, but if the client decides to include a younger clientele your son would be perfect. We're trying to get the client to market to a younger crowd, though he is resistant to that idea, but a younger version of you could change his mind."
Tom sat there showing no emotion over her comment, he nervously laughed when she quickly removed her hand apologizing, did he look that uptight, or was she consciously making an effort to be politically correct? As thoughts of the "me too" movement resonated in his head, the eye contact stroked his ego.
As the door opened, Trey stepped inside followed by another gentleman. Trey introduced the gentleman as the creative director of the company that was interested in Tom. Tom stood up to shake his hand. Asking for permission, as he saw this as a golden opportunity to close the deal, Rick grabbed the phone from the table, quickly showing Ian the picture of Tom and his son. Taking a look, Ian raised his eyebrows as he glanced at the picture. Ian's wheels were obviously spinning before handing the phone back to its rightful owner. Ian looked at Rick smiling, as he checked Tom out. Grabbing his own chin as he rubbed his face, he looked at Tom, "I like this."
Tom thanked him saying, "It's helping me from being easily recognized since the 15 minutes of fame." Smiling Ian said, "I understand and I happen to like your appearance now," as they all took a seat, giving Tom a high-level overview of the intent for using Tom in his ads and packaging.
Trey spoke up, "Tom has mentioned that he doesn't want a clear shot of his face." Ian looked up from viewing the opened portfolio where he was looking for shots that showed Tom shirtless to say, "No offense, it's not the face that is selling underwear." Tom nervously laughed, hoping the four interviewers weren't going to be asking him to strip. Ian commented on the quality of the photographs, favoring the shirtless ones where he's just in shorts by a covered bridge.
Trish interjected, "I think he's the perfect man for your campaign. I would go as far as to say, he could be your symbol. Seeing his image, would remind them of your underwear. I also think you could go far with the son as well.
Ian paused at Tom shirtless at the covered bridge, drinking in the beauty. Tom pointed out that the specific photo was part of his wedding album, when Ian commented about the quality of the photography. As they continued to discuss the company, their vision and the offer, Tom listened carefully. Excited, but he wanted to be cautious, as he didn't want to jeopardize his job as a fireman. Tom also wanted to know what they were willing to do if his face was accidently displayed in any media attached to their brand.
As Ian kept looking at Tom's pictures, he commented about his legs, "You should look great in several pairs of our underwear designs. "
Feeling sweat form on his brow, Tom gulped thinking he would be only wearing underwear. When he went to websites, it was mostly torso and leg shots. Not many of the shots had the model's face. Tom wanted to ask the question, but Ian seemed to understand what Tom was just thinking about it. Ian understanding there was a big 'but' explained that the company sought to use Tom's image for the packaging, maybe have long hair dangling in his face that would disguise him.
"I was guaranteed by these three that are representing your company, my face will not need to be recognizable. But I would like to be reassured by you that the face will not be recognizable? Just for clarification that when we leave here, we are on the same page. Do you agree with that guarantee and some agreed upon restitution?" Tom asked.
"We will include it in the contract," Trey comforted, hoping Tom would say `yes' to their client.
Tom not wanting to sound desperate, but wanted to make it clear that they couldn't pull the wool over his eyes, "and what indemnification happens if the face appears while the contract clearly states the face is to be unrecognizable?"
At the end of the meeting Tom shook hands with Ian saying, "It was nice meeting you." The three remained wanting to discuss the contract before they e-mailed it to Tom later today. Tom explained he wanted his lawyers to look at the deal before signing. They were all in agreement when the meeting came to a close.
As the meeting was wrapped up, Tom headed back to the subway. Bundling tight as the brisk weather in the city created wind tunnels down the avenues. Tom walked back, desperately wanting to get warm. While riding on the subway, he realized the next stop is near Bev's. Getting off at the stop Tom walked up the platform, onto the street, and headed in the direction of Bev's. He thought he might stop by to see if she was home.
Finding her townhouse, he rang the doorbell. Waiting, there seemed to be no answer. As he was readying to leave because Bev should be at work, he was surprised that she opened the door. "Hey Hon, Come in. How did it go!"
Opening his arms for a warm hug, Bev opened her arms wide, gleefully hugging the handsome hunk before turning to walk down the hallway as Tom followed. "Your daughters at school," she said reminding him. Nodding his head, he knew Bev reassured, "She'll be home in an hour, you're more than welcome to sit in the parlor if you want to wait that long."
Calling out from the other room, as he heard Bev type, she repeated, "How did it go?"
"I was pleased with the agency, they all seemed nice and I met the art director of the company?" Tom excitedly revealed.
"Ian," Bev said surprisingly, getting up from her chair to join him.
"Did you hear from Steven?" Tom asked quizzically.
"I talked with him this morning, He wasn't very talkative," Bev said trying to hold back her smirk, knowing Steven was suffering from a major hangover. "I'm sure he is feeling pretty hung over, Steven was pretty inebriated when he called last night." Looking up as she pushed her glasses back onto her nose, biting her lip and quickly turned away.
Without a word, Bev headed upstairs leaving Tom alone in the parlor. He felt awkward.
Hearing the front door open, Tom looked up, seeing his little girl exhausted walk in through the front door. Walking past the doorway to the parlor, Tonya didn't see the visitor as she walked down the hallway to the kitchen. Hollering up the stairs, Tonya announced to Bev that she was home.
"Honey, I'm not sure if you saw, but you have a visitor in the parlor," Bev called down from upstairs.
Excited to see Tonya, Tom sat up in his chair as she walked toward the parlor, "Grandpa, you didn't have to come to see..." When Tonya stopped dead in her tracks seeing her father sitting there. Squealing in delight, she ran to him with her arms wide open, giving him a hug as she sat on his lap. "I didn't expect to see you, Daddy," she said with glee. "Oh, my god, you are actually here!" placing her head under his chin.
Holding on to his daughter, Tom could smell the familiar scent of her shampoo, that he knew he was missing. Looking at her, "You are so beautiful!" as he hugged her tight, tears of joy ran down his face, as he realized how much he missed her.
"Did you get anything to eat?" Tom asked.
"No, daddy, I was going to make something to eat before my doctor appointment," Tonya replied, holding onto her daddy's chest, inhaling his familiar scent, as she felt the comfort in his arms.
Totally caught off guard, Tom didn't expect his whole day to shift. It was just an afterthought, as he wanted to talk to Bev about the contract and possible offer. This changed everything, not expecting to see Tonya on his trip, suddenly he had all the time in the world to be with her. Thoughts of returning to work dashed out the window, seeing the joy in his daughter's eyes. Holding her close, he cried trying to sniffle the tears away.
"My, my, if this isn't a wonderful site," as Bev returned to the room, giving Tonya a hug.
"Can dad come with us?" Tonya excitedly asked.
Wanting to talk to Bev about the contract and her legal team, he thought it was the perfect thing. Tom, seeing how happy Tonya was thought it was the perfect solution - killing two birds with one stone.
Bev looking at Tom, thought back to last night, she couldn't shake the image from her mind. Not trying to laugh, she reached into her pocket to feel for another picture she found. Chuckling to herself, if they only knew what was sitting at the bottom of her coat pocket.