by Kerri Ann
“She really does want me to enjoy myself alone.” It sucks I can’t invite someone here to share this with me. Instead I’ll have to use up every porn station on the hotel system. I don’t know who’s paying the bill, but I’ll accept the challenge.
Finding I’m actually intrigued by all the toys, I fawn over the massager. Pulling it free of the packaging and flip open the instructions, “Oh.” Cocking my head to the side instead of turning the paper, I look at the diagram. “That’s interesting.” It doesn’t need batteries which actually engages my attention further.
“If I’m stuck here for a few millennia, I might as well enjoy it.” Setting the wrapping on the bed, I remove the cap from the lube and cleaner before I flick on the TV.
My expectation is Debbie does Dallas, so when the titles pop up, I laugh. “Intercourse with a Vampire. Puntang Pi. Shaving Private Ryan. Jesus! These guys get creative with their titles nowadays.” Flicking through, looking for male porn, I finally find a few. White Men Can’t Hump. Ass Pirates of the Caribbean. Hmm, there’s quite a few.
Finding one I like, I make the buy and wait for it to start as I take the toys to the bathroom. Cleaning and drying each, stripping down and doing as instructed, I stroke myself a bit as a warm up. As expected, the actors begin fucking almost immediately. I’m enthralled by the their prowess of the two lovely Asian men on the screen.
“Damn…” Forcing myself to look away, I insert the plug after wrapping the ring around my cock. I’m torn between watching or just listening to the show. Listening more than watching at club Dangereux was entertaining for me. Thinking about it now, my mind returns Tyler.
“Shit.”
Stopping, I feel awful about what I’m doing. This is exactly the type of thing that got me in this predicament in the first place by entertaining my sexual urges instead of using my head.
“Fuck. I need to get my shit together and stop using my baser needs as a crutch.” Grabbing the remote, I turn the TV off in the middle of their moaning and remove the toys, tossing them onto the bed.
What am I doing here?
Chris
“Do you only call me when you fuck something up, Chris?”
Scrunching up my features, I realize she’s right. I answer, admonished, “Mostly.”
“Jesus H. Christ, Chris!” Pausing, she addresses someone else. “No! No, on this you’re not right. I’ll swear and get flustered all I want, Crown! Now sit there and work on needlepoint or something.” She comes back to our conversation. “Chris, I gave you a persona that was made of glory, perfection, and the shit that any democratic straight man would kill for. An ex-Military, card carrying NRA member shouldn’t need me to fix shit yet again!”
“Yeah, I know. Sorry, Carli.” She’s right.
I’ve been sitting in the chair, watching the world pass me by as I hide here in the hotel. I checked the global app on my phone before calling Carli. It’s not that late in Japan that I couldn’t give her a ring. Late or early, either way, she was going to cut into me like a Kobe steak.
I sigh deeply into the phone. If Carli were here, I’d be running or taking physical blows. “Chris, I care for you. I feel awful you were caught up in a mess like this, and I won’t tell you I told you so, mainly because you know it, and I won’t kick you in the balls while they’re blue.”
“Thanks.”
“But I hope you fucked him up. He took a few good shots to the head, right?” Evil woman.
“Yes.”
“Good, because I can’t fly there to kick his ass for you.” Growing quiet, she whispers, “But I do have assassins at my disposal now. No! No, I won’t go there. That’s old family business stuff. Just know there’s contacts if necessary for the long haul if you need it.”
“I miss you hard, woman.”
“You too, manwhore. Have you learned your lesson yet? Not all men are equal, even with big cocks and great talents.”
“Yep.” I look over at the full box of toys, the discarded toy on the bed, and the silent television. “I’m now celibate.”
She snickers. “Bullshit! You might be able to pull off monogamy, but you can’t give up pleasure. Remember, I’ve seen you ass high, strapped to the kitchen table. After each you said no more men.” Her voice is grumbly at the end. I feel misrepresented.
“I don’t sound like that. Jeez, woman.”
“Nope. Your growl is way lower than that.”
I give in.
“So what do you think of this whole debacle?”
“Well, the best you can hope for is being fired. The worst would be an orange outfitted bestie named Doriscinda. Just think, loads of reach arounds, so that’s a win-win.”
Argh! “Carli,” I grumble.
“Fine, fine.” She turns serious. “Chris, if this Julia can get you out of jail without the charges sticking, and none of that lawsuit bullshit, then let her. Do as she says, stay outta sight. Be a good boy. Don’t try to rock the ship she’s steering.”
She’s right, but I’ll never admit it. I decide to switch topics. “How are the babies? Behaving?”
“You mean the one’s in my body, not the two Crown men, right?”
“Yeah, the babies, not the men.”
“Good, I guess. They’re looking at inducing me soon. The doctors are worried they’re getting too big for the condo they’re hiding in, so the eviction notice has been posted.”
“When?”
“This weekend. So of course, Jamieson is on high alert. It’s like he was a CIA operative in a former life. Watches around hallways when I go for a walk, clears the room first, checks under the bed and all that shit, but he’s attentive. And my sisters have been around to pester me too. Funny, I’m finding I like it, but don’t tell them that. Their heads would implode if they thought they were doing something right.”
“So I’ll get pictures in a few days then? I can’t wait to see them. Make sure you get me on the phone, no matter what.”
“I might hold out, manwhore. I’m still waiting on the boa story. I might possibly keep the info to myself for an extra day or so. That is, unless you want—”
“Nope.”
“Fine. Then don’t expect to be on the phone chain when the call goes out.”
“Fair enough.”
“Well, Chris, I gotta go. Sleep is calling me to a pillow that has my name on it. Really. My name is. On. It.”
“I’ll bet. Rich n’ Famous. Night, love. Have good dreams. Kiss the girls goodnight for me.”
“Night, Chris. Take care.”
I look at my watch to find it’s seven-thirty in the morning. I’ve made it through the night between the failed attempt at release and a good conversation with Carli. Where did the time go? Hanging up, the room is silent once more. I’ve never been good at silence. Dragons, Gargoyles, and giant Octopuses I could handle, but the demons in my head that rest near the surface when I sit alone remind me of a time in the desert. Ghosts of the past. Ghosts of good men.
Maybe that’s why I’ve never been good alone. They cloy at my skin to seek out my sanity. And sex? The arms of another holds them at bay, even if only for a moment.
Closing my eyes will only bring them forth, so even though I was told to stay put, I can’t. Rising from the chair, I start for the door, telling myself I’ll just blend in. I’m only one black man in New York. I won’t be that noticeable.
The lies we tell ourselves, and three thousand more obvious fibs that we hope to get away with.
Tyler
It’s Sunday. Early brunch with the usual suspects.
As always, Jim and Charlie have pre-arranged our table at their restaurant. It’s overflowing with morsels. Their wild children are running around, hiding under tables, playing drums with the flatware, and keeping the wait staff in need of hair color products. Jax and Troy are walking in with oversized sunglasses on, hand in hand, expecting us to be silent as the night. Tig is juggling the baby and the door as his wife steps through with their middle child in her arms.
/> “Fell asleep again?” I ask, hoping to help her with the heavy burden. The kid weighs a ton when he’s dead asleep.
“Yeah.” Passing him over like a game of hot potato, Tessa visibly relaxes once the sixty something pounds is off her shoulders. Their oldest, Madex, is working at one of Jim’s other restaurants on weekends as a busboy. He’s doing great, but that means she and Tig have to bring Corla and Grantly when their nanny has the morning off on Sundays.
“She sleeping through the night yet?” I ask Tessa, taking a seat at the large round booth.
“Yeah, Corla is doing great. Now if I could get Grantly to sleep in, I’d be fantastic. Not happening though, as he’s just too busy. How’s work, Ty?”
“Good…yeah, good,” I say, detached.
“That sounds like sure, fine, kinda. What’s going on, Ty?”
Shaking it off, I give her a fake grin. “Work’s great. Just interesting.” Breaking down the whole fiasco on Friday and Saturday with the governors, taking Governor Rock to the club, and the crazy shit that’s gone on since, she listens intently. I’ve always loved how Tessa and Tig fit in with us. At first, I wasn’t the easiest guy to get along with. Too many shards of my heart on the ground behind me, like pulled entrails, but Tessa can be attentive and understanding of me and my explosive relationships, or non-relationships, as they are.
“So, what’s he like?”
“Who?”
“Governor Rock?”
Shrugging my shoulders, I adjust Grantly so that he’s laying across my lap. “He’s an imposing man.”
“How so?”
“Well first, he’s married, and as soon as we got through the doors of the club, he propositioned me. Then I see him, trying to act like he isn’t watching my every move, though I know he is. Thing is, as soon as he found out I wasn’t available, he moved on to an easier target, I guess. He seems fickle. The whole country knows how well his last date went over.”
“So you’re sorry for him? Or disappointed?”
“Not a problem of mine. He’s not my husband. He’s not my boyfriend.”
“Would you like it if he were?”
“No. Definitely not.”
She doesn’t believe me. “Really?”
“What does it mean to me? He’s not staying in New York, he has to get home.”
“Do you wish he was?”
“What, staying?” I brush it off. “No, not at all. I like fidelity. I doubt he has that characteristic.” Shifting Grantly, as my arm is now asleep, I try to change the subject. “New topic. How’s the book going?” I ask her, hoping to deflect the interest of my sex life.
“Good. I have a publisher now. They’re looking at setting up a tour after Corla is old enough for me to leave her with the nanny for a few nights.”
Cutting in, Jim beams with excitement for our friend. “That’s great, Tes. I’m so proud of you.” He gives her a monster hug, the likes of which only Jim and his over-the-top personality can give. His smile is honest and pure.
Releasing her and standing back up, Jim checks his watch. “We’re just waiting on Julia and Rush, then we’ll start. Any requests today?”
We don’t differ from our usual meals often, but Jim has learned to ask over the years just in case we’re feeling experimental. “Could I have the avo-bennies today instead of granola?” I ask.
“Totally. I’ll let the chef know. Anyone else?” The rest answer, smile, or wave off the changes before Jim heads off for the kitchen. The restaurant has people in place to do those things, but he loves the hands-on feel of Sundays with us.
The door opens. “Look what I found on the street!” Julia shouts as she and Rush pop through. Turning on the seat to look around Tessa, I see they have another in their twosome.
Chris.
Nibbling the inside of my cheek, I nervously torture my lip as I rest back on the chair…
Hiding.
Chris
Escaping the hotel, I went for incognito. Wearing a black hoodie, tracks, and runners, I’d hoped that the attire would allow me to blend in with the rest of the New York early morning rabble. I’d hoped it would make me seem like a typical jogger out for an early run.
Boy I was wrong. I always forget I’m a freakishly large black man. Taking into account I’d just dealt with a political nightmare yesterday, the paparazzi were probably hanging around every hotel in town to search me out. Like there isn’t nine hundred hotels.
Of all the gin joints…
Stepping out, I was immediately spotted. With cameras clicking and questions tossed, I had a choice of sprinting back into the hotel or making a run for it. I broke into a full run. It wasn’t until I’d rounded Fifty-Eighth Avenue and Madison that I was able to slow to a light jog. Stopping against a wall to catch my breath, I’m ready to break into another run when I hear my name being called.
“Chris fucking Rock! What the hell are you doing out of the hotel I put you in!”
Shit. Julia.
I turn and hang my head, ready to face her and the consequences of my actions.
“Good morning, Julia. What are you doing out at this early hour?” I ask, sounding really chipper. I’m hoping if I sound super happy, she won’t kill me. I take in the man I’d seen at the club the other night—her husband I was told. His size makes my six foot six, well-built frame feel insignificant. He could crush me.
Julia narrows her gaze at me. “What the fuck am I going to do with you?”
“Are you trying to get caught? You feckin’ idiot. Did you not take what she said seriously?” Rush snarls.
Can’t blame him. I’ve been caught in public when I was directed expressly to stay inside. All I can do is explain the truth. “I couldn’t. I tried to stay inside, but I needed out.” Telling her about her care package, the video, the call and the quiet, her fire and ire calm.
“I can’t blame you then. Come with us. We’re just going to an early brunch with friends down the street. At least there I can keep an eye on you. ”
“I don’t want to intrude. I can just—”
Stepping in close, Rush bears his dominance over me. “Governor, you don’t seem like a stupid man. But if you don’t follow us, I’ll knock you out and have you shipped back to the hotel under lock and key. Make your choice. I am not having you wreck her perfect record over a stupid, cocky move.” Rush isn’t harsh as he states this, but there’s an underlying menace that I understand. He’s a deadly warrior that doesn’t have to show his strength. I get it.
“Okay. Yeah, thanks. I could go for a good meal instead of takeout or room service.”
Begrudgingly nodding his approval, Rush accepts my answer.
Continuing their travel down the street, I observe the two of them. She’s petite to his frame, but perfectly encased in a way. It’s an easy comfort in each other’s presence. A sweet romance.
I hope to have that easiness someday. To walk down the street, holding the hand of someone I care for, that is a man. I’ll be more than excited to say ‘this is my…’ and introduce them as a significant person in my life.
Rounding the corner of a brownstone, they lead me towards a bustling restaurant.
Entering, six sets of eyes turn in our direction as Julia shouts out, “Look what I found on the street!”
Poking his head out from around a tiny woman, Tyler’s bright eyes are as wide as dinner plates. Sitting back on his chair, hiding once more, I feel even worse for my escape. I’m not only intruding on Julia and Rush, but in Tyler’s life as well.
Turning for the door, wishing to make a graceful escape, I go to let Julia know I’m leaving. I won’t be anyone’s discomfort. “Julia, I’m going to go back to my—”
“Oh, no you don’t. You’re staying right where I can find you.” She grasps my forearm. “You, big guy, are not going anywhere without me. Now sit your oversized, over muscled ass in that spare seat and be courteous to my friends.” With a smarmy look, a critical grin, and a swing of her hand to take a seat, I follow her sugges
tion.
Squeezing a hot flow of air from my nostrils, I step to the vacant chair and pull it free of the table. Doing my damnedest to avoid looking at Tyler, the man beside me says, “And who are you?”
I look him over; gray hair, brilliant blue eyes, sweet grin and a mischievous look tells me so much without so much as a word. This man will create trouble for me, I can almost taste it’s tangibility. Deciding it’s best to make friends instead of new enemies, I stick my hand out. “Chris Rock.”
He gives my hand a solid shake. “Yes you are, aren’t ya.” He turns to introduce himself and the others. “Well, I’m Jim.” He nods to the man beside him in the blue pinstriped shirt and orange bowtie. “This is my husband, Charlie, and I hear you’ve met Troy. The sexy Neiman Marcus statue beside him is his beautiful husband, Jax. Beside them is Tig and his wife, Tessa. And for some reason, the man hiding in her apron is Tyler.” Quirking a brow, he looks sideways at a cowering Tyler. A small laugh escapes Jim.
Oh, I like Jim.
“I’m not hiding, Jim. I’m holding a sleeping soul.” Tyler is grouchy, but in a playful way. “I’m offended you think I’m—”
“Hiding? You’re hiding. Call a spade a spade,” the man introduced as Jax says. He’s the one holding his head, hiding behind a pair of sunglasses. “Now what does a man have to do to get a gallon of water and a bottle of aspirin?”
A raucous round of laughter is directed at poor Tyler, at the expense of my uninvited arrival. I feel awful.
“You know, I’m just as happy to hail an Uber and head back to the hotel. I’m sure they have a brunch or something I can order up.” Starting to turn for the door, hoping to run out of here, a hand falls on my arm, lightly squeezing me.
Troy, the impromptu matchmaker from hell, glares up from behind the heavy wire frames with both dimples sucked tight. “Sweetie, you may not know our Julia very well, but she will cut a bitch if you so much as consider leaving this room without her express permission.” Pushing the chair back into the table, I take the offered seat. “Trust me on this. As her brother-in-law, I know how conniving that woman can be.”
