by Shane Morton
After a few more minutes, Blake walked into the house, a little annoyed by his phone call. He was still butt ass naked, and his flaccid cock swung back and forth between his legs. It was, indeed, awe-inspiring. The sight of it almost took my breath away. Those broad shoulders and firm pecs were something special.
“Everything okay,” I asked, pointing to the clothes I laid out for him.
“Thanks, Danny. Yeah… It’s just going to be a long day, I guess. Sorry. I will probably have two hundred more calls before the day is out.” He looked tired from it as if it weighed him down.
“Are you having second thoughts, Blake. I mean, I would understand, I guess.” My heart stopped beating while I waited for his answer. He slid the shirt over his body which fit, even though it was a little tight.
“No, baby… Nothing like that, I promise. It’s all in the works, and there's no turning back now. My agent has even told the network. They already knew of course, but my coming out… Well, they had to be notified. I think they are taking it quite well.” He slid the shorts over his legs and stood up to fasten them. They were a little tight. I was a big boy, Blake was bigger.
“Those shorts are…”
“Sure you don’t want to stay inside today,” he moved his hips suggestively and stuck his tongue out.
God, I wanted to. I wanted to rip my t-shirt off of him and feel those muscles of his as he had his way with me. Last night, he was so dominant and sexy… I sighed. “Come on, Hollywood. In the truck.”
We pulled into a parking place right in front of Margie’s and sauntered in. Crystal was behind the counter, stuffing a muffin in her mouth.
“Well, damnit, boys!” she cackled as she licked her fingers. “Sorry. I’ve been trying to eat that fucking thing all morning. What can I get you? I assume you want your usual Danny?” she went to the sink and washed her hands, glancing over her shoulder at us.
“Yeah for me,” I answered.
“I’ll just take a coffee black, Crystal. Thank you. I’ll get this, Lifeguard,” he said casually as he beamed his million-dollar smile at her. He reached into his pocket and stared at me blankly. “Shit. I must have left my wallet in my pants at your place.
Crystal almost dropped the Styrofoam cup. She turned around and stared at me.
“Nothing to see here, Crystal. Just make the damn coffee,” I said annoyed. She is the most nosy person I know. I guess it’s one of the many reasons we’re friends.
“Left it in his pants last night at your house, hmmm… Blake, that’s Danny’s t-shirt. I was with him when he got it,” she nodded, of course, already knowing. She saw us in the fucking parking lot.
Crystal?” Blake dropped his voice. “If you are wondering if I spent last night at Danny’s house, the answer is fuck yes.”
“YIPPEE!” She shrieked so hard she slopped out coffee from the container and had to get another one. “Thank fucking Christ! Maybe that asshole will stop moping around now.” I hate when people talk about me like I’m not here. She handed Blake his coffee. “I like you.” She gave me mine. “I love you, even if you are a crotchety old dodger.” She winked. “These are on the house boys. I smell loooove in the air. Do you boys still need help tomorrow. I got Nancy, she’s the new girl I hired to cover for me. All of this can be yours all day looong.”
“Yes. Please. We can use all the help we can get. Now, if you don’t mind. Blake and I have to go make a fucking maze for Everett.” I sniped, turning around on my heel and walking away.
“Treat him good, Blake,” I heard her say quietly.
“I will,” he purred back to her and followed me outside.
I turned around, and Crystal gave me the thumbs up from behind her counter. I waved goodbye and walked over to my truck which was loaded with all the shrubberies and trees the nursery could give me yesterday. This is what I did when Blake was dealing with his PR nightmare.
“She really is something? I think I like her,” he said as he climbed into the truck. “She really doesn’t give a fuck, does she?”
“Crystal gives more fucks than you think,” I replied, taking a moment to think about how I would explain her. “So, we hang out a lot. Besides Everett, she’s my best friend, and we’ve been through hell and back together. She was always a Barbie in high school. You know, one of those girls that had everything together with big hair. She was captain of the cheerleading squad and class president, even. Then our junior year she got pregnant, and she changed. She stopped being superficial and started being like… really real with everyone. Like real AF. She lost quite a few friends because of it, but she didn’t care. She said they weren’t really her friends, anyway. But, it still took a toll on her.”
“So Crystal’s a mom?” he scratched his head, trying to come to terms with that idea.
“Well… biologically, yes. There was a family friend of theirs that wasn’t able to have children, and Crystal gave her baby up for adoption. She’s still really close to the family, and the little girl knows that Crystal gave birth to her. They’re friendly. But, no… Crystal has never wanted to be a mom. She’s a free spirit now, except for the coffee shop.”
“Wow… That’s a little heavy,” he started.
“But not really. That’s the thing. It wasn’t that heavy for Crystal, it was a decision that she knew was the right one, right away. It’s just, sometimes in this town, and remember, it’s a small town as far as the locals are concerned, some people can’t understand how someone just doesn’t want their baby. She’s worked hard to build a life here where she doesn’t feel their judgment.” I had a soft place in my heart for Crystal. She had put up with a lot of shit, especially our senior year. She came through it though- tougher and stronger than she ever was ‘before bae’… as she calls it.”
“Damn…”
“Yep, Hollywood. This is our own little Peyton Place.” I started the truck and backed out, doing my best to see past the multitude of greenery in my cargo bed.
“I’m impressed. That’s an old Hollywood reference.” He looked at me aghast. “I figured you for sports and reality shows only.”
“My parents loved TCM. I watched a lot of old films, back in the day. Now, I mainly watch sports and reality shows. But I love all the Marvel movies! They’re kick-ass.” I said enthused.
“Oh my god… Are you a closet nerd?” his mouth fell open in mock surprise.
“Please, you saw my Teen Titans poster in the bedroom. Don’t act all holier than thou, now.”
“I think it’s cute,” he said as he ruffled my hair.
“Careful, Hollywood, you’re starting to act like you might be smitten with me,” I teased.
“Oh… I am way past that.”
I backed the truck up into the park, I got a permit and everything, so we were on the up and up. Blake got out and lowered the tailgate and helped me undo all of the ties that held the shrubs and trees in place. As we started to unload them, he got another phone call. He rolled his eyes and answered it.
“Hello AO,” he said quickly and kind of deferentially. I guessed that was his agent.
“Sorry,” he mouthed as he listened to whatever the person on the other end was saying. “Uh-huh… I really don’t want to… Well, okay, if I have to, I guess… No. I don’t think he would… I guess I could ask him… No, not today. We are too busy… Alright. Thank you… yep! I’m sure we’ll talk later too.”
He shrugged as he slid his phone back into his pocket. “My agent…”
“Yeah yeah… bigshot. Now, are you gonna help me unload this shit or not,” I ran my fingers through my hair. It was hot, but I was afraid if we took off our shirts, Blake might cause a traffic jam on Main Street.
“Of course,” he said meekly. “I am at your service.”
And he was. We got about half of the trees and shrubs in place before his phone rang again… then ten minutes later again. It was always, “Yes, AO. Of course… No… Well… I guess… Not today, I told you… Soon, I promise… Okay… I’m sure we will talk aga
in.” I was starting to get annoyed, and I knew that wasn’t fair to him. He was getting ready to take a massive step in his life, and somehow that included me, and I wanted to be supportive. However, I also wanted to finish this fucking maze.
“Sorry,” he said when he hung up for the fourth time in the last two hours. “I think that’s all, for today at least.”
“They really have you hopping, don’t they? What’s up?” I decided to ask. I didn’t want to pry, but I was starting to get the feeling he hoped I would. He kept casting furtive glances over at me after every phone call like he wanted to tell me something but was scared to.
“It’s just this article. It’s going to be in People… Can you believe that? It’s mind-boggling to me, but apparently, that’s what’s happening.” He kicked at a rock with his foot, and it shot off down the sidewalk. He was really struggling with just telling me what was going on.
“And…” I gestured for him to go on. We had work to do, and this needed to just be over.
“They want to know if you would want to be photographed with me? You know the man who made me want to break down the closet door, and all… I mean, you don’t have to if you don’t want to. It’s up to you.” He looked sheepish. This was hard for him to say to me.
“Blake… I’m not made of glass. You don’t have to pussyfoot around me. I made my decision, and I guess I’ll have to make a decision about that too. Just not now. Okay?” Thinking about being in People magazine hurt my head. That was not something I could handle right at this moment. I had a fucking wedding to pull off first. “I’ll just say, it’s not something I could imagine myself doing… But, I’m open to talking about it later. Now move that damn bush,” I ordered, pointing to the biggest one of them all.
He complied and moved it into position. It took us about another thirty minutes to be happy with our creation. It wasn’t large, but it did have three turns to it. We moved the hay bales that we made next and put them in each of the corners. Lastly, and most importantly, we pulled out the decorations I bought and set them up. They looked great, and I thought that even Everett would be pleased. Once we got the pumpkin trees from Hildy, the maze was going to be off the fucking hook.
“Okay, now we have to tackle the gazebo and string these lights. Oh, and Wally gave me all of this fabric that he had in his storage from some shit he did in high school.” I pulled it out to show it to him. “It’s white sheers, and I think it will look amazing wrapped around the two poles at the entrance, don’t you?”
“Yeah… Is there enough to string a piece above their heads, kind of like a canopy?” he asked.
“I think so… I guess we’ll see, but I love that. My ‘almost’ boyfriend is so smart,” I teased, the words tripping out before I could take them back.
“Oh, I think we are past the ‘almost’ don’t you? I mean, I’m moving here, and we are talking about being on the cover of a national magazine together.”
“Did you just say the fucking cover? Oh, hell no.” I shot him a warning look that he could not miss.
“Well, I don’t know that. But definitely in it… So no ‘almost,’ okay. I am your fucking boyfriend, period. I mean, if you’ll have me.” He smiled sincerely at me.
“If I must. Now grab that ladder and haul your ass up it so you can string the lights while I wrap this around the poles and find a way to make it stay. I brought a staple gun… Think I’ll get a ticket or a fine I staple it?” I wiped the sweat from my face with the bottom of my shirt, which was already soaking wet. Blake was too. We looked like two drowned rats.
“Maybe better to ask forgiveness later?” he replied as he pulled the ladder to the gazebo and started hanging the lights.
My boyfriend? Damn those words cause butterflies in my stomach. The thing was, I wasn’t sure if they were good or bad. Was it a warning, or was it just excitement. Butterflies could go either way. We spent the next hour making the gazebo perfect for Ev Squared. We stood back to look at our handiwork, and both of us thought it looked better than we expected.
His phone rang.
He slowly pulled it out, a sorry plastered across his face. He looked at the number, and his face drained of color as if he had just seen a ghost.
“Fuck. My parents are here.” Blake looked at me seriously as if something terrible had just happened.
Apparently, this day was about to get a whole lot more interesting.
16
Danny
We drove home, and Blake got in his car to hurry back to Mrs. Markle’s to get ready for Ev Squared’s rehearsal dinner. It was taking place at Owen Master’s, a relatively new restaurant in town that was owned and operated by the chef himself. Owen was one of those people like Hildy. He came here for a week getaway a few years ago and moved here to open his new dining establishment a year later. I had never eaten there, but I had hooked up with Owen one night shortly after his arrival. It was a drunken tumble that meant nothing, but it was fun. Owen was sweet- but neither one of us pursued anything else after that. We saw each other every so often, out and about and would chat but the chemistry was never there.
Blake and Evan’s parents were shrouded in mystery. When either one of them mentioned them, it was almost with hushed tones as if they might hear whatever was being said. It was spooky. I had always imagined them to be these overly pompous rich one-percenters who looked down their nose at everyone, including their children. I guess I was about to see if I was correct. Everett hadn’t even met them, and I was sure he was terrified. Tonight was promising to be an interesting evening, at least.
It had taken us five hours to complete the maze and gazebo. I was proud of it and hoped the grooms would love it too. Blake thought they would be surprised, and I hoped so.
Before hopping in the shower, I pulled my incredibly disgusting clothes off and decided to pull a Blake and go sit outside on my back porch butt ass naked. The breeze that crept through the screen was gentle and cooling. I called the chalet, Hildy, and the cake baker to make sure everything was still on track. It was thank goodness. Hildy said we were gonna be impressed with her playlist. I then called, Amber to make sure she was ready to sing. She answered that all was set, and Hildy had sent her the track she found with the accompaniment for the song.
Everything was in place. I felt my shoulders relax a little, knowing that I had maybe pulled this wedding off. Well, with Blake’s help, of course. But the heavy lifting? I did that. Perhaps I had learned a lot from my sessions with Dr. Miranda. Maybe I did want to be more. Maybe I could be more.
I would have to be if I were gonna be with Blake Hudson. I could hear the tabloids now, calling me a gold digger or a prostitute. I saw the way they treated the trainer that started dating The Immaculate One. They ripped him over the coals for being beneath her. Would they do the same thing to me?
Fuck… People Magazine? Me?
I didn’t quite know what to do with that.
Should I?
If Blake wanted me too, maybe I should do it for him. But I didn’t want to. I’ve always been a private person, and that seemed the opposite of everything I was.
Privacy?
I wouldn’t have privacy anymore, would I? My life would be tabloid fodder because I would be the boyfriend of a celebrity. I mean, he was in People’s Sexiest Men for the last four years, so he was a bonafide star even if he didn’t act like it.
Or did he? I only know him from here. What if Blake from LA was a completely different person? That would be a surprise, though. He was too genuine, too honest and sincere to change personalities, wasn’t he?
People Magazine…
My life was about to change, and there was no way to prepare for it. Chills covered my body, and I was unsure if it was my nerves or the breeze.
I went inside and started to get ready for what I was sure would be an evening I would never forget.
17
Blake
I wished Danny would have let me pick him up, but he said he needed some time to make phone calls
and get ready without feeling rushed. I think the idea of meeting my parents was overwhelming to him, not to mention the number of bombs I had dropped on him in the last twenty-four hours.
He was handling it like a champ though. Danny Kincaid was made of stern stuff, even if he was emotionally guarded.
“Blake, honey,” Mrs. Markle called to me from downstairs. “Your brother is on the line. He said he tried your cell phone but you didn’t pick up, you naughty boy.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Markle,” I said loudly so my voice would reach downstairs. She was a sweetheart. I wondered if she might let me stay here for the long term when I came back from dealing with all of my LA shit. I needed to rent a place probably, but maybe not. I liked it here. I glanced at my cell, and turned the ringer back on.
I picked up the old-fashioned corded receiver and laid down on the bed for ease of access. “Hey, bro. What’s up?”
“Uh… I just thought I would check in with you. Everett and I have been working long hours to get everything done, and I am happy to say I just turned in the report as did Everett. How are Danny and the wedding planning going? Is everything set?” he asked tentatively as if he were worried about the answer.
“Everything is more than great, Evan. You can tell your type-A personality to relax. It’s all under control. Danny has been a machine.”
He sighed on the other end. “That’s great to hear. You guys are getting along better, I assume. You seemed quite chummy at the fair. It would have been nice to see you a little more, though.”
“Yeah, we are… Well, let’s just say that we are very cool. He took me completely by surprise.”
“It takes Danny a little while to warm up. I thought he hated me for the first few months. I kind of did him, sometimes, but now I am pretty fond of him. He was just too good looking when I first met him, you know, knowing that he had dated Everett and they were still best friends, it was alarming to me.”
