Silver & Black

by Tyler May

  “Thank you.”

  “Don’t thank me. Mr. Silver deserves the thanks. I’ll wait here to size you when you come out. I’ll go get Mr. Martinez first.”

  “Wait.” I stop her. “May I ask a question? And please be honest.”

  “Of course.”

  “Does Mr. Silver come here a lot?”

  “He’s one of our biggest clients. When Mr. Silver comes into the store or sends clients our way, we all jump at the chance to help.”

  “Does he send a lot of men here?”

  “We’ve fit a few men, honestly. But we’ve never had a personal client of his, if you know what I mean. Most of the men are staff or friends. Will that be all? ”

  “Yes, thank you.”

  “Now, can I offer some advice?”

  “Sure.”

  “Enjoy it. He was very specific on what he wants us to do for you. He wants the best. You must be very special.” She smiles knowingly and walks out of the room.

  I close the door. The room is filled with handsome clothing: shoes, belts, and ties. I hold up the first suit: a tailored, dark black Armani. The penny-pincher in me instinctively looks for the tags, but there are none. Of course not, this isn’t the mall, this is a high-end haberdashery. I can hear Levi talking to the woman in the room as I dress. After dressing fully, I open the door. Levi gasps, holding his mouth.

  “Oh, Grey, you look…. I have no words.”

  “Well, that’s a first.” I laugh, exiting the dressing room. I stand in front of the mirrors. The woman stands behind me, straightening the shoulders of the expensive suit.

  “It fits perfectly. Do I know men or what?”

  “I must admit, you are very good.” I turn and look over my shoulder to the back of me.

  “Thank you. So what do you think?”

  “It’s nice.”

  “Nice?” she questions. I nod. “Well, nice will simply not do. I can do better than nice.”

  “No, that’s not an insult. I like it.” I rub my hands on the fabric.

  “I want you to love it, and so does Mr. Silver. Let’s try on the next.” She turns and opens the room next to mine. “And in here, Mr. Martinez, is your room with a few things I think fit your personality.” Levi doesn’t hold his excitement he claps and all but runs in the room. She turns back to me. “See, that’s what we want to see.”

  Levi and I walk out of our dressing rooms almost at the same time. He is dressed in a light silver suit, a bright pink tie, and a pair of gorgeous shoes. I’ve tried on another black suit, this one in line with today’s current fashion. We walk to the mirrors. Levi is all smiles as the woman straightens the back of him.

  “Oh, I don’t care how classless this sounds, but I make this shit look good.”

  The woman laughs. “You look great, just like I knew you would.” Levi is drooling over himself. I look at the reflection of myself, not as confident as Levi. “So what do you think of this Ralph Lauren?”

  Thinking of my wording, I pause. “I love it.” That was truth. It wasn’t what I consider my style, but I’m not the suit and tie kind of guy anyway.

  She smiles. “That’s what I want to hear. I’ll take these two suits and add them to Mr. Silver’s account. You two go back in and pick the rest of what you want.”

  “I have a credit card,” Levi shyly states.

  “No need. Mr. Silver has instructed us to use his account. No spending limit, gentlemen, so shop all you want.” She walks confidently out of the room.

  “Wonder if she’s getting commission on this,” Levi says, laughing under his breath.

  “I’m sure. You do look good.”

  “And so do you, that suit was made for you.”

  Outfit after outfit, Levi and I try on our chosen apparel. We examine the fashion in the mirrors. “This feels wrong,” I mutter, softly.

  “Why? I think this feels fucking incredible.” He stands behind me and rubs my shoulders. “So he wants to spoil you. I’d be buying the entire store.”

  “I’m just not used to it. Silver and I come from two different worlds.”

  “That’s when the fireworks happen, honey, when two worlds collide.”

  “You don’t think I’m taking advantage?”

  “Fuck no. I’m taking advantage. He’s not dating me. I think it’s nice to have a man that wants to help better someone.” His words strike a nerve.

  “That’s my other point. Do you think he’s trying to change me?”

  “Lord, child, why must you read into everything? No. I think he’s just being sweet. He’s got the money. Why not spend it on people he wants to?” Levi turns and goes back into his dressing room leaving me to think on his surprisingly true words. Maybe I was thinking too much. I need stop making big thing out of simple innocent gestures. I admire the outfit.

  As I turn to go back into my dressing room, I hear the saleswoman coming our way and a familiar voice talking with her. She comes in the room holding a pressed suit. Professor Mullins is right beside her. Just my luck.

  “Mr. Black, what a weird coincidence running into you here of all places,” Marcus smugly says as the woman hangs his suit in the empty changing room. She leaves to get him a pair of shoes he requested. I try to ignore his judgmental comments and stares. “Brian must be spoiling you already.” And that was it.

  “Look, Professor Mullins.”

  “Professor? I thought we agreed you’d call me Marcus.”

  “Marcus. I don’t want to hear your constant babble about Brian and how well you know him. I just want to check out and carry on with my day. Let’s just agree to disagree: we don’t like each other. Fine by me.”

  He sniffs a laugh. “Oh, Greyson, I’m sorry if I hurt your ego. That was never my intention.”

  “That was exactly your intentions,” I say, rolling my eyes. “I have to go.”

  “Make sure you get the Armani. Brian likes his boys in that.” I stop. I know I’m going to regret this, but the fire is building in me and I have to retaliate. “What is it, Greyson? That’s why you’re here, right? Brian sends all his boys here.”

  “Boys?” Why’d I even ask?

  “You think you’re the only plaything he’s had? I never took you for being stupid. Gullible, yes.”

  I exhale slowly, I had to or I was about to lose my temper and I’m sure these rich people haven’t seen a show like that in a while. “Marcus, don’t worry about Brian and me. We are just fine. I don’t believe a lying word that comes out of your mouth. I think maybe you’re just a little jealous that you want what I have.”

  “I’ve had what you have. It’s a ride I don’t want back on.”

  “Then why don’t you just mind your own fucking business and leave your comments to yourself?”

  “Boy, you can take the boy out of the hood, but you can’t take the hood out of the boy.” He doesn’t even know me and he’s judging me?

  I laugh angrily, running my hands through my hair. “Fuck you and the high horse you rode here on.”

  He is loving this, mocking me with his arrogant smile. Choosing to ignore him and relish in what’s left of my day, I go back into the changing room. Levi and I go back out into the store. The woman has already packaged everything up. Levi takes the bags. “It was a pleasure, gentlemen. Please do come back.” I’m sure it was that she just made a fortune alone on the commission. Levi hasn’t mentioned anything about Marcus; although I’m sure he heard it. Connor is waiting for us as we walk out. He greets us and takes the bags, placing them in the trunk of the car. As we get into the car Marcus, and his mouth, come out of the store.

  “Good day, Connor. It’s lovely seeing you again.”

  “Oh, I wish I could say the same.” Hey, I like Connor.

  “Loyal, loyal Connor. How did Brian get so lucky?” he fakes. “That’s right, it’s amazing what money can buy. Isn’t that right, Mr. Black?”

  “Ok, Professor Jackass,” Levi says waving his hands. “Why don’t you take your little bag and your big attitu
de and go bother other people that will buy into your pathetic displays because we’re not buying it.”

  “Calm down there, Mr. Martinez. I’m leaving, but I look forward to seeing you at the engagement party, Greyson.”

  “Crazy man, say what?” Levi snaps his fingers.

  “Levi, I got this. What are you talking about? Now I know that you’re talking bullshit.”

  “Oh, no, no…. there is no bullshit, as you so eloquently put it, here. Deborah’s fiancé is my old college buddy―frat brothers.” He grins and pulls out his keys. “Enjoy the rest of your day that I’m sure Brian has arranged. He’s always so thoughtful and always so particular about his boys.” I choose to ignore him. He was parked directly behind Connor. Connor rushes us in the car. We wait until Marcus drives around us.

  “That man is a capital asshat,” Levi says.

  “I don’t know what an asshat is but I agree,” Connor huffs. “Don’t listen to him, please. He really is just trying to stir the pot.”

  “What is it with him, Connor? Did he do this with other men that Brian was involved with?”

  “There really hasn’t been any. Brian broke things off a long time ago with him. He must have harbored feelings or something. Marcus did help Brian out during a very rough time in his life. But any which way, he doesn’t need to treat you like this. I’m sorry.”

  “Don’t apologize. I’ve dealt with many assholes. I can deal with Marcus.” I lean up between the seats. “There is one other place I want to go. Do you mind?”

  “I’m all yours today, Mr. Black.”

  “Where’re we going?” Levi asks.

  “Marcus was right about one thing. These suits, the shop, it’s just not me. I want to wear something that’s more me.”

  ~Chapter Twenty-Four~

  After a day of shopping, Connor drops Levi and I off at home. As much as I don’t want to admit it, I enjoyed spending Silver’s money. I know Levi did as well. We even went to a nice dinner with Connor and had a long talk about Marcus. I feel better now that he has explained how dysfunctional Marcus can be. It turns out Marcus comes from money. He inherited a fortune from his parents. I was wondering how he could afford all the fancy stuff. Connor explained that after Marcus and Brian broke up, Marcus changed. They stayed friends, but nothing would ever happen between them again. Happy to hear that.

  I have sworn Connor to secrecy about my little shopping spree after we left the other shop. I want what I’ve picked out to wear to be a secret. Connor was happy to oblige, and I trust he will. I tried texting and calling Silver, but got no response. He had said he was going to be in and out of business meetings all day.

  As I put away all the packages, I glance at my phone. I feel like a teenager waiting for his secret crush to call. It’s both exciting and unnerving. “Maybe I should text him and tell him thank you,” I say out loud to myself.

  “I say do it,” Levi says coming through my bedroom door. “I had a fucking great time today, and Connor is so cool.”

  “Yeah, I like him. He and Silver are best friends.”

  “Aw, they’re us in a rich form.” He laughs then flops on my bed. “Milo’s coming over.”

  “Ok. I’ll make sure to wear some earplugs. I’m glad you found someone you mesh so well with.”

  “Oh, honey, we mesh perfectly, and often.” He clicks his tongue. “I like him. He’s different than most men I date. Maybe polar opposites do attract.”

  “Certainly in my case,” I agree. Levi yawns and stretches out on my bed. “If you’re so tired, why don’t you just get some rest? You go a mile a minute, my friend. You’re going to burn yourself out. You need your strength for your new job. When do you start at the club?”

  “Tomorrow. Brian is having me go in and get acquainted with the staff and facility. I have to be there about noon. I am beat though, maybe I can talk Milo into just snuggling for the night. The man is a sex addict.”

  Knowing Milo, I was shocked to hear those words coming from Levi’s mouth. “You guys are perfect for each other then.”

  “You said it. Now, have you heard from your man? I say call him.”

  “You don’t think it would be too needy?”

  “Not at all. I think it would be wrong not to call and thank that man properly. Actually,” he says sitting up on his knees. “You should do something more erotic.”

  “I already texted him that picture.”

  “Text him more, or less actually. He’d love that.”

  “I’m not too sure about that.” We hear a loud knock at the front door. “Think that’s for you.”

  “Just think about.” He climbs off the bed. “If you need me just knock, love.”

  Maybe I should take a shower and relax for the night, get my mind off of Silver. As I undress my phone rings. My heart flutters at the sight of his name. I feel like such a foolish school boy. “Hello.” I play it casual, trying to hide the excitement in my voice.

  “Hey, there. I’m so sorry I missed your text and call earlier. I’ve been so busy.” His voice sounds so good right now.

  “I understand. You’re there on business, Silver. I don’t expect you to drop everything when I call.”

  “Well you should. I’m trying to make appropriate changes.” I can hear him shuffling in the background. He sounds as if he’s changing.

  “Appropriate changes? What are you doing anyway?” I listen to him huff into the phone.

  “Changing. I have a business dinner I’m about to leave for. I just wanted to call you real fast before it got too late. I don’t know what time I’ll be back in.”

  “Should I let you go so you can get ready?”

  “No, no. Connor told me you all went to dinner, how was it?”

  “It was nice. Connor is a great guy. I know I keep saying that.”

  “He is, and he feels the same about you. That makes me happy. Connor’s opinion is like gold to me.” He exhales. “He also told me that you ran into Marcus.”

  “Now that guy, I hate.” I chuckle.

  “Yes, I’m beginning to feel the same way. I don’t know what has come over him. It’s not like he and I were that close. We haven’t been ‘close’ in years.” He slows. “He’ll get over it or he won’t be in my life. I have no problems cutting people out that are toxic.”

  “Take note,” I joke.

  “You should.” He laughs, and then I hear the sound of brushing. He mumbles something.

  “Are you brushing your teeth?”

  “Ha, yeah, sorry. My associate will be here and I just want to be ready. We’re going to check out a competitor’s club. I figured we need to compare to see what makes it here in LA.”

  “Sounds like fun. Who’s all going?” before he could answer. I hear a knock in the back ground through his phone.

  “One second,” he says then all I hear is muffled talking.

  “Do you always answer the door with no shirt on?” the man at the door says to Silver. I only hear that one voice. It’s deep, very manly.

  I hear Silver laugh and then say, “I’m talking to my friend. I lost track of time. I’ll just be a few minutes. Please help yourself to anything in the bar.” The sounds of rustling and walking is all I hear. “You there?” I don’t say anything, thinking he is speaking to the other man. “Greyson, you still with me?”

  “Uh, yeah.”

  “Yes,” he corrects me. I roll my eyes.

  “Yes. Why do you always do that?” I don’t know if I was getting irritated with him or the thought of him in his hotel room with another man. I know it’s business, but―

  “I like people to be very specific: yes, no, I will, I will not…. yeah, isn’t an answer. Too many mistakes are made and start with the word yeah.”

  “Whatever.”

  “I wasn’t trying to be rude when I corrected you. So if you’re upset with me, please don’t be.”

  “I’m not. You should get dressed. Don’t want your friend seeing any more of you.”

  “Oh, I see.” />
  “See what? It doesn’t matter, just have fun tonight and I really just wanted to say thank you for everything.”

  “Is that all? Greyson, you never have to thank me. I enjoy doing things like this.”

  “Helping out the less fortunate?”

  “Is that the way it made you feel? That was never my intention.”

  “No. I’m just tired. I’m sorry. You have fun on your date.”

  “Greyson,” he whispers. “You know damn well this isn’t a date. I do have to go. We’ll discuss this later.”

  “Later,” I say, hanging up the phone.

  What has come over me? I never get like this. I was fucking jealous. I don’t even think I have a right to be jealous right now, not when we basically just started seeing each other. We haven’t said we’re together. All that keeps going through my head is Silver saying that he would have sex with business associates, that he didn’t date men. He’d just fuck them. It was sex. It was a thing he did. What if that’s always going to be his thing? I’m reading too much into things. Again! Now I definitely need that shower, and just go to sleep and forget everything.

  ******

  I’ve never been good at shutting off my mind. As I lay in bed, I watch the alarm clock in my room switch numbers for over an hour and a half. Minute by minute, my mind is on Silver and what he’s doing with that “business associate”. It’s two in the morning here, so it has to be late in LA. I think it’s about three hours behind us. Who am I kidding, eleven isn’t late for LA. He’s probably just having a good time.

  I fiddle with the blankets, my phone at my side. I get an idea. I didn’t thank him properly. In fact, I was kind of rude. I can sit here and let him have a good time with another man or I can give him something to think about. Show him what he’s missing, what I’m missing about him. I lower my hand into my sweats, and stroke my cock until it’s tenting the fabric. I never do things like this. It feels so wrong that it’s right. I snap a sexy pose and send it in a text with the caption: thinking of you. Wish you were here. I hit send. My heart feels like it’s going to pop out of my chest waiting for a response. Minutes turn to an hour and I still haven’t heard back from Silver. Regret is stirring in me, making my stomach turn to knots. I worry myself into a deep sleep.