“Frederick, this is very…”
“Ugh!” Frederick yelped when Vaughan bit a little harder into his skin. Though it hurt, the discomfort sent shocks to his groin he couldn’t explain. “I swear, I will.” Frederick pushed disconnect and placed the phone back on the nightstand.
“Vaughan, oh God.”
“I think, you really should focus on your call, Freddy.” Vaughan’s large hand found Frederick’s cock and massaged. “Use your words.”
Frederick sucked in a breath and gulped hard. He bucked against Vaughan’s fist and clenched the sheets tightly under his nails. He closed his eyes tight, fighting back his climax. “No, it can wait,” Frederick said breathlessly.
“Well.” Vaughan dropped a final kiss to the side of Frederick’s head and climbed off the bed. “Talk to the doctor. I’ll be back.”
Frederick watched Vaughan leave and cursed himself for answering the phone in the first place. He’d waited three weeks for this reunion with Vaughan, and both times it was ruined. Disappointed, he sulked and picked up the phone again to call back his doctor. Just as he went into his contacts app, the phone rang again. Prescott’s name was on the caller identification.
“Yes, hello, Prescott.”
“Frederick. I’m really glad I got a hold of you this time. It was very important that I speak to you. Did I disturb something?”
Frederick eyed the door and shrugged. “No, not now. I’m not sure what earth shattering news you could tell me right now. Your colleague was quite blunt when I visited the emergency room last night.”
“I know, Frederick. Dr. Ortega is one of the best in the business, though. I’d been telling you the same thing about cleaning up your act—”
“Prescott, you never told me I would die!” Frederick sounded gruffer than he liked.
“Frederick, I actually did tell you your diet would be a detriment to your health.”
“Detriment and dying are two different things, sir. With all due respect, I would like you to be more upfront with me from now on. Now, what is it that’s so important? I hope Deena didn’t put you up to this.”
“No, Frederick, not at all.” Prescott sounded annoyed by Frederick’s tone with him. “Since you want blunt, as Dr. Ortega said, I will tell you bluntly that you cannot, under any circumstances go back on tour. I’m prescribing rest, eating, and exercise. Nothing too strenuous and no touring for at least a year.”
“A year?” Frederick screamed so loud he was sure everyone in the hotel heard him. The doctor’s words felt like a stab in the heart.
“Prescott, I…” Frederick closed his eyes tight and dropped his head in his hands. “Prescott, that is cruel. I love playing. I need to play violin.”
“So play, but you will not run from city to city in a short period of time anymore. You can’t handle it. Your heart palpitations I told you about? Those have gotten out of hand, haven’t they? Deena told me you complained about pain in your chest and shortness of breath.”
“Yes, yes, but—oh God.” Frederick shook his head and pulled on the charm around his neck. “You are doing this to punish me.”
“No, I am not. I believe you have more of a reason to stay off the tour now. Dr. Ortega told me about your new friend.”
Frederick nodded. “It is true. I have fallen for Vaughan, very hard actually.”
“Then spend the time resting and getting better with him,” Prescott said with a smile in his voice. “I recall you telling me on your last visit you were looking for someone to make you feel better about yourself and give you a reason to live. Now, do you think you’ve found him?”
Frederick leaned back against the headboard. “I am sure I have. However, all those people that paid money to see me.”
“They’ll live. It is for charity, so I am sure they are just as happy to give their donations. And the organizations you donated the proceeds to have already reaped the benefits.”
“Prescott…”
“No, buts, Freddy. If you want, I will tell Delaney. Figure out a way to satisfy all those people without leaving Vermont. Play a concert on YouTube or something. Be creative.”
Frederick ran his hand through his hair and closed his eyes. “Thank you. I appreciate all your help. And please, don’t be offended when I say you’re my least favorite person right now.”
“Ah, that’s quite all right. I really like you, Frederick. I want to see you open that school someday. More importantly, I want you to walk down the aisle and say I do to some lucky man. I hope it is the gentleman you’re with. You have a good day. I will see you when you return to Los Angeles.”
Frederick grunted. “Goodbye.” He pressed the button and stared blankly at the wall. Although Prescott was right about taking the time to spend with Vaughan, Frederick still felt a piece of him would be missing.
Damn heart.
Sure, Frederick knew he could still play his music, but, there was an added bonus playing to hundreds or thousands of fans.
It was his passion.
It made him feel alive.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Getting the bar restocked took no time at all with three people. Vaughan stood in between Claudia and Scott and wrapped his arms around them to look up at the colorful wall of bottles of alcohol before them. To make sure Prince’s was one of the best joints, Patrick spared no expense when it comes to make sure the patrons had everything they needed.
“How are we doing for Hendo?” Claudia asked.
“Patrick is on his way in with a few cases,” Vaughan replied. “Once they get here, we’ll put ten bottles to chill. Then, Claudia, you can stack the rest in the holder.”
“Right-o,” she said.
“As for right now, let me change into my outfit for the night while, Scott, you check the tables.”
With that plan set, he wandered into the back and quickly changed into his uniform for the night—black slacks, black dress shirt, and a black tie. He tried putting the damn thing together, but he kept doing the tie wrong. With a frown, he took a deep breath.
“Vaughan.”
“Hey, Patrick. Can you help me with this?”
“Sure.”
Patrick walked up behind him and wrapped his arms around Vaughan. He silently began adjusting the sides of the ends of the necktie. “So—I hear you and Frederick Tremblay are seeing each other.”
“Oh yeah? Where’d you hear that?”
“Every newspaper known to man?”
Vaughan smiled. “Right … those. Yeah. We’re trying to build something, but it hasn’t been easy.”
“You want easy? Stop dating and masturbate.” Patrick finished and backed up to inspect his job through the mirror. “Relationships are hard work. It magnifies with a celebrity. Which means you must be stronger than the rest of us mere humans.”
“This should come with a manual.”
Patrick laughed. “I’ve been saying that for years. But since it doesn’t come with one, we just have to do the best we can. If you really want this to last, you’re going to have to be a man. Love, kindness, and lots of hot, sweaty sex.”
“Seriously?” Vaughan rubbed his burning cheeks. “You are not helping.”
“That’s what you think.” Patrick flopped into one of the chairs and stretched his tall frame out. “Trust me—it works wonders. Listen, I’ve been wanting to talk to you about this place.”
“Oh?” Vaughan turned. “What’s up?”
“As you know, I didn’t have any kids, and I’m very single. I don’t want to sell this place when I’m too old to do it anymore. Prince’s must go to someone who loves it like I do—someone who wants the best or it.”
“Okay?”
“That someone is you, Vaughan.”
“I’m sorry—come again.”
“All of this—when I go, is yours.”
“Patrick, you can’t mean that.” Vaughan said. “I wouldn’t know the first thing about running a five star anything. Hell, I don’t even remember where I parked my cycle and you want to trust
me with running this place.”
“I don’t intend on going anywhere for a long time yet.” Patrick chuckled. “But things happen and a man must be prepared. So you have time to learn the ropes. I never married, never had children, and that’s my own damn fault.”
“Wow. I’d be honored. But—don’t go anywhere, okay?”
Patrick laughed and walked over to hug Vaughan. “If I had a son, Vaughan Singleton. I would have hoped he’d be like you.”
“Gay and all?”
“Gay and all.” Patrick stepped back with a chuckle.
“Listen, Patrick. Remember you offered your place for me to get away to?”
Patrick nodded.
“Well, I’d like to collect.”
“This have anything to do with a certain violinist?” Patrick asked.
“Yes.”
“Okay. How long will you be gone?” Patrick asked.
“About a week,” Vaughan said. “We’re basically playing catch up right now, and it sucks.”
Patrick nodded. “Okay. I’ll have Mick cover you while you’re away. Take as much time as you need. Prince’s will be here when you return.”
“Thanks, man.”
Kelliani entered then and Patrick stopped long enough to kiss her cheek before leaving them alone. Vaughan went back to finishing what he’d been doing but couldn’t ignore the fact Kelliani was staring at him. Smiling, he turned to look at her. “Yes?”
“You seem happy. I take it things worked out between you and Frederick?”
“Yeah. For now. Until the fact he can’t tour for a year really sinks in.”
“Wait. What?”
“He hasn’t been taking care of himself.” Vaughan tugged on his tie a little. “So now his body needs time to rebuild and heal from all the damage he’s done to it. His doctor has forbidden him to go out on tour for at least a year. I’m pretty sure he’s going to hate me.”
“You didn’t do this. And if he’s a little boy about it, tell him to kiss your sexy ass and move on. It won’t be easy, but I refuse to have him destroy you with himself when all he has to do is eat a fucking burger.”
Vaughan nodded. He understood her anger. It shouldn’t be that damn hard to get someone to eat something. Even with the threat of death Frederick was still acting like a child. He knew he won’t be around every second of every day to make sure Frederick ate, and Vaughan figured he shouldn’t have to. He had enough on his plate with Justin’s impending visit.
They’d had the conversation after Frederick got off the phone. They even discussed going away to Patrick’s place. By then Frederick had seemed exhausted and fell asleep with his head on Vaughan’s chest. Though Vaughan didn’t even close his eyes, he couldn’t help the exhaustion all of this was causing him.
“Shit. I still need to tell him about my family.”
“You two haven’t talked about that yet?”
“You try dating Frederick Tremblay.” Vaughan slid his feet into his black shoes. “It’s like an episode of Jerry Springer. You never know what’s going to pop up next. I’ll talk to him tonight. Not like we will have anything else doing.”
“The sex?”
“Cursed. I mean sure, we got some in this morning, but if it's not one thing with him, it’s another. When I’m with him I should feel light as a feather, but I feel like I’m suffocating half the time because he creates this black hole around him.”
“When you say suffocating, what do you mean?”
“I adore him.” Vaughan exhaled. “There is no doubt about that and I can see myself falling hard for this cat. The problem is sometimes I find myself waking in the middle of the night worried about him. I mean before him were the nightmares of being blown up and now him starving himself or something.”
“You’re being dramatic.”
“Kelly, you don’t understand. I spoke to Marietta on my way here, and even though she didn’t confirm anything I could pretty much read through the damn lines. He’s not eating, and every time I try getting him to eat, he’s not hungry.”
“Maybe he has an eating disorder.”
Vaughan sighed. “We did talk about going to Patrick’s place for a little while. I’m hoping the break away from media and Deena and you, will give us some clarity.”
“Me?” Kelliani huffed. “I have been nothing but supportive.”
“Kelly, I didn’t mean to offend you. Sometimes a relationship just needs quiet to survive. You have to understand that.”
Kelliani sighed. “Did you talk to Patrick?”
“Yeah. He’s having Mick come through and cover for me until I get back.”
“And how long will that be?”
“About a week. I’m not sure.”
“You’re all in on this relationship or what?”
“I don’t know yet. Freddy and I will have a talk while we’re away, settle a few things.”
“Then, sweetie, you have to think if it’s worth it.” Kelliani stood and handed him a newspaper. “Because sooner or later, you’ll have to make a decision—in or out.”
Vaughan lifted the newspaper to see he was splashed all over it with Frederick over his shoulder. He twisted his face and looked back to see Kelliani heading for the door.
“I love you,” she called over her shoulder. “I’ll leave you some dessert for closing.”
“Love you, too.”
Alone in the silence, Vaughan exhaled long and hard while bunching the newspaper in a meaty fist. “Son of a bitch,” he muttered, hurling the ball of paper into the nearest garbage can.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Since Frederick had been ordered to stay in Vermont, he thought he might as well get a car. After talking with his father about what happened at the last show, Ulysses had insisted he either borrow one of his personal Jaguars or he would buy him one. Frederick vehemently refused, saying a flashier car would attract undue attention. Instead, he’d rented a very modest Toyota to drive for now.
Though talking with Ulysses was hard, reasoning with Deena was a lot harder. She begged to stay with him, even going so far as saying she’d take a leave of absence from being an interior designer, just to make sure he got his act together. Though Frederick appreciated all the offers of help from his parents, Deena, and even Delaney, Frederick refused all of them because he only wished to be assisted by one.
Vaughan.
Although Frederick had made up his mind he wouldn’t continue to carry on his poor nutritional habits, having Vaughan around as sort of an inspirational coach would be fun for both of them. He saw the benefits, but as always, having extra incentive never hurt anybody, especially Frederick, who still didn’t find food all that appealing.
After talking with the multitude of people today, Frederick made his way to Prince’s. He pulled up to the valet station and handed his keys to a valet who appeared to be star-struck.
“Mr. Tremblay. Wow, what an honor to have you here. Are you performing tonight?”
Frederick smiled wryly. “No, I am not. Thank you for the compliment though.” Frederick placed the key in his hand and took the ticket from the young man. He continued to make his way inside, passing a security person on the way to the elevator.
Only a couple of minutes passed until the bell rang, sounding its arrival. The doors closed, and Frederick stared ahead, waiting for them to close.
While the car made its ascent to the thirty-eighth floor, Frederick’s mind started to wonder how all the time together would affect him and Vaughan. No question, Frederick desired to be by his side at least sixty percent of the time to continue to learn more about him and vice versa. However, Frederick was concerned if that would be too much for Vaughan. Sure, they were getting close and they knew each other’s bodies well, but what about more of a spiritual connection? They had to have more than just amazing sex. Frederick wanted to hear more stories about Vaughan’s past in the Marines, and what about his parents? Frederick had mentioned his in passing, but Frederick knew nothing about Vaughan’s. Frederick
pondered over this and figured with all the additional time they would have, talking to one another without being in bed would be in order so they’d achieve the relationship they both wanted.
On the sex front, there were still things Vaughan didn’t know about Frederick, namely one, that he’d hope to introduce to Vaughan very soon. Perhaps in the coming days, after they had more important conversation.
Interrupting Frederick’s train of thought, the bell rang, and he stepped off, walking the long hallway to Prince’s. He stood in line, patiently waiting his turn and just then, Frederick heard a gasp behind him.
“Frederick Tremblay? Oh my God, it’s Frederick Tremblay!”
Frederick sighed and turned around to shake hands with the people in back and everyone else who, for now, had no interest in getting into Prince’s. He took selfies and signed a few autographs before the hostess and another member of the staff escorted him away from the fray.
Frederick waved to everyone as he followed the two from the mob.
“Thank you. I was starting to feel a little claustrophobic.”
“No worries. Let’s get you in. Would you prefer to sit at the bar?” the staff member asked him.
“I would, thank you.” Frederick bowed appreciatively and continued inside the restaurant. Many eyes and cellphone cameras followed him as he walked. Some reached out for him while others ogled him waltzing through. He said hello many times, grasping hands until he arrived at the bar as he wanted.
“Here you are. What can we get you? Are you hungry? Something to drink?” the staff member said.
“Actually yes. If the kitchen is still open a salad would be good, vinaigrette dressing on the side. And a Sprite to drink, please, with a splice of lemon. Thank you kindly.”
“Right away, Mr. Tremblay,” the staff member answered.
The hostess lingered around when the man walked off. “Are you sure we can’t grab you a table?”
“No, dear. I’m fine right here.” Frederick nodded towards Vaughan, who appeared to be busy with other coworkers stocking the bar.
The hostess blushed. “Oh, um. I had no idea that you two were seeing each other.”
Love at the Right Tempo Page 20
