As he watched them make love in a bed in one of the cabins on the ship, he felt a mixture of pride and embarrassment. Both were handsome specimens of the human body. They played the scene well, but realizing how many people would see them having sex---even though it was simulated---was a bit overwhelming. The cut the TV show ran wasn't even the most revealing of the scenes in the actual film.
Les and Tiffany looked at each other and smiled. Les could feel himself blush. Tiffany seemed a bit uncomfortable, too.
"There must be some real chemistry going on between the two of you."
Les looked at Tiffany again. The two of them laughed softly and gave each other a modest smile. Les fought off his discomfort and said, "We were fortunate to be able to work together on our first film. Yes, we hit it off pretty well. It made it easy to be convincing."
Tiffany added a comment about how relaxed she felt to work with Les.
As the interview ended, Les smiled into the camera and slowly ran a finger across his lips, his pre-arranged signal to Russ that he was thinking of him.
Once off camera, the host congratulated them once more, thanked them for being on the show, and moved to another set.
The PR people in charge of making sure Les and Tiffany were on schedule and where they should be, when they should be, whisked them off to NBC, where the interview would be repeated and then to ABC for an encore. By noon they had visited six shows and that afternoon were scheduled to tape three more.
"How you guys holding up?" Sally Lewis, one of those making sure they stayed on schedule, asked.
"Fine," Les said. "This is all so exciting. But I could use a little lunch."
"It's Tuesday," Sally said. "Sardi's is open. How about we stop there for a bite."
"Oh, that would be great," Tiffany said excitedly. "Maybe we'll see some celebrities there."
Sally laughed. "After today, honey, you just may be one of the celebrities people are hoping to see."
* * * *
As the limo pulled up outside the restaurant Sally whispered to the couple, "Hold hands as we go in."
Les exited the vehicle first and held out his hand to Tiffany.
A photographer called out, "Turn this way, you guys. Give us a big smile."
In back of the guy taking pictures was a cameraman taping the whole scene.
Les looked at Sally, who was emerging from the car. "All part of the sell," she said. "Lap it up, Les. This is how we make you a star."
They went into the restaurant and were greeted by the maître d', who led them to their table, passing rows of caricatures of show-business celebrities that adorned the walls.
Tiffany, still holding Les's hand, pointed to them and exclaimed, "Oh, Les, I've always wanted to see this. Isn't it exciting?"
Once again, the photographer and cameraman followed, recording the event for posterity.
"Stop here," the photographer said. "Point to one of the pictures and smile for me. Make the smile say, Maybe me someday. That's good...perfect."
As much as Les was enjoying the attention and experience, he was self-conscious as others in the restaurant were dining, and he felt he and Tiffany were making a bit of a commotion. He mentioned it to Sally, but she assured him that's what the people who came to eat here were hoping to see.
However, once Sally and the two stars were seated and a few last pictures of them ordering lunch were taken, Sally shooed the photographer and cameraman away.
While Les and Tiffany were waiting to be served, a rather heavy-set young woman approached. "Um, excuse me. Don't mean to interrupt your lunch, but could I have your autographs?"
The pair looked at each other and laughed. Les said, "Sure, but do you really know who we are?"
"No," the woman said, "but it looks like you're famous so..."
Les and Tiffany smiled and obliged.
After the autograph hunter left, Sally leaned toward the couple and said, "And that, my young friends, is the way stars are born."
That evening, after taping interviews all afternoon, the pair dined at Per Se. Les nearly fell off his chair when he looked at the menu and saw that the tasting dinners started at $210 per person. Sally laughed and reminded him the studio was picking up the tab---this time.
After dinner, they were taken to the Boom-Boom Room to party with other celebrities and would-be celebrities. All the while they were followed by the guys recording their every move.
By the time Les got back to his room in the Ritz Carlton he was exhausted. He stripped off his clothes, took a hot shower, flopped on the bed, picked up the phone to call Russ, closed his eyes for just a minute, and fell asleep.
Several hours later, Les woke with a start.
Shit! he thought, looking at the clock and thinking of his pledge to Russ to call him every night.
Five o'clock! He calculated the time difference to the west coast. That's two at home. Les struggled with whether to call and wake Russ or wait until he would be up. Finally his guilt at not calling as he'd promised won out, and he scrolled down his cell's address book.
After four rings a sleepy voice mumbled, "Hullo?"
"Russ, I'm sorry. I was so tired when I got back to my room last night I fell asleep," Les said.
"No problem," Russ said, sleep still showing in his voice.
"So, it sure sounds like you guys are having a good time."
"Yeah, we are...how did you know?" Les asked. "Did someone call you?"
"No, silly boy," Russ said. "I watched you on the Morning Across America show and Entertainment USA Tonight. They did a piece on you and Tiffany. They showed you having lunch at Sardi's and some other stuff you did during the day. You guys sure are making that beard thing look real."
"Oh," Les said apologetically.
"Don't worry---I'm not upset. I know it's all for show."
"I wish we didn't have to do it," Les replied. "I wish it was you and me they were showing having fun here in New York."
"I know---I do, too. But it's for the best. They've started showing the preview for the movie now. It's been on several times today, so people are going to start recognizing you."
They laughed when Les told Russ about the lady at Sardi's who wanted his autograph.
They talked for a little while longer then Les said, "I better let you get some more sleep. I got a full schedule of shows to do today so I better get going, too."
"When will you be home?"
"Friday."
"Good, I miss you something terrible. Love you. Bye for now."
"Love you, too," Les said, feeling the separation. "Bye."
"Oh, Les. I almost forgot. When I got home today there was this reporter outside the building. He asked if this was where you lived and asked if I knew anything about the guy you were living with. I wasn't sure how to handle it, so I told him the truth...sort of. I said I was your roommate. Just kept it cool, didn't say anything other than we were buddies sharing the rent and I was your accountant. Was that okay?"
Les thought for a minute. He hated that Russ, who loved him, now had to deny the true nature of their relationship so Les could have a career. "Yeah, it's fine. I'm just sorry you have to be pushed out of the..."
"Hey, I understand," Russ said with a sincerity that Les could feel through the phone. "He did take my picture as I was going into the building. That bad?"
"I don't think so," Les said.
They finished saying goodbye. Les got up to get ready for his day of promoting his movie.
* * * *
"There," Russ said as he finished tying Les's bow tie.
"Now you look like a movie star going to a premiere."
"Thank you," Les said, pulling his man into a tight embrace. "I only wish you were going with me."
Russ smiled. "I'll be there. My leading man got me a VIP ticket, remember?" He kissed Les's nose.
"Yes, I know, but I wanted you to walk down the red carpet by my side, not come in anonymously with the rest of the crowd and sit all alone."
"I'll g
et to walk the carpet in my tux with the honored guests and wave at the fans. They'll all wonder 'Who is that handsome stranger?' That'll be a hoot for sure."
Les laughed. "You always know how to put the best spin on things." He gave Russ another kiss. "The limo will be here in a couple minutes. I better get going."
"Are you sure you don't want to call your mom and dad? This is a pretty big moment in your life."
Les sighed. "No, they had a less than stellar reaction when I called to tell them I had the part in the first place. Dad has never gotten over my changing my name. Almost had more of a fit when I told him about that than when I came out to them. I don't want anything to put a downer on this evening."
The two men left the apartment together and waited on the steps outside the front entrance. The limo pulled up and the chauffer got out and opened the door for Les.
Les spontaneously turned and gave Russ a hug. "I'll see you at the reception later."
He got into the back of the sleek black car and was driven off.
* * * *
It was an old-fashioned Hollywood movie premiere at Grauman's Chinese Theater, complete with searchlights, photographers, and crowds of fans to greet the celebrities as they got out of their limousines and walked the red carpet into the theater. All this was orchestrated by the studio to generate as much publicity as possible.
Les and Tiffany arrived together. They were interviewed by several different reporters and hosts of entertainment shows, answering the same questions they had been asked dozens of times in the lead up to the opening. They posed and smiled for pictures alone, together, and with Jason and Nolan---the big names with whom they shared star billing. They were then ushered into the theater and took their seats.
Although they had seen previews, trailers, dailies, and clips, this would be the first time they would see the film all the way through---complete with music and sound effects. Both young actors were amazed at what the finished product looked like in sequence, on the big screen, and with the musical score backing up the action. Both looked away when their love scenes were shown. Tiffany took Les's hand and whispered, "Oh my God, wait until my father sees this."
Les chuckled, but did think of Russ sitting somewhere behind them in the darkened movie house.
After the screening, they were greeted once again by enthusiastic fans, and congratulated and returned congratulations to fellow cast members, the director, producer, studio brass, and others who had worked on the movie. More interviews followed. In one the reporter hinted that she had heard Les's performance was powerful enough to earn him a supporting actor Oscar nomination and maybe an invitation to have his foot and hand prints in concrete in front of the theater.
Les didn't know what to say. He had had no forewarning of any such talk. Finally they were whisked away to a reception at the Brown Derby.
At the reception Les was once again greeted and praised for his outstanding performance.
Finally, when he had a moment to himself, he sought out Russ, who'd been so good about keeping his distance.
Repressing the urge to hug his man in public, Les asked, "Well?"
Russ put a hand on Les's shoulder and said, "Man, I don't know how to say it. You were magnificent. I knew you had talent, but I, well, you were magnificent."
Les smiled. Of all the accolades he'd had heaped on him that evening, Russ's made him feel the best. "Thanks, Russ. It means a lot to me coming from..."
"Am I interrupting?" Jacob Frederickson asked.
"No, no. Russ was just pulling my leg about what a good job I'd done," Les teased.
"I don't believe we've met," Frederickson said, introducing himself and extending his hand.
"I'm sorry," Les said. "This is Russ Williams."
"Ah, yes, your..." Frederickson looked pointedly at Les.
"...financial advisor. Is that correct?"
"Ah yes, that's right, my financial advisor," Les said, catching the man's drift.
"I talked to you on the phone while you were visiting Les awhile back when I was arranging the promo tour."
"Yes, you did, Mr. Frederickson," Russ said politely, releasing the man's hand. "It's nice to meet you."
"I don't mean to cut your conversation short, but Abraham Morris has asked to meet Les."
"Abraham Morris, the director?" Les said, his excitement showing. "The Abraham Morris?"
Frederickson chuckled. "Yes, my boy, The Abraham Morris. He was very impressed with your work on this film, and I think he might be interested in talking to you about a little project he's considering."
"Oh gosh," Les said. He turned to Russ. "You don't mind do you? I've always admired Mr. Morris's work. The chance to work with him would be the opportunity of a lifetime."
"No, you go ahead," Russ said with a sincere smile.
"Thanks, we'll talk later when we get ho..." Les looked at Frederickson, who smiled and raised an eyebrow. "We'll talk later."
* * * *
It was after three when Les got back to the apartment. He found Russ dozing on the couch.
"God, I'm so glad you're home," he said, getting up and crossing to Les. "I was getting worried."
"I'm sorry," Les replied, giving Russ a quick kiss as he took off his tux coat. "I had to take a cab."
"A cab? Why? What happened to the limo?"
"The paparazzi happened."
"You're kidding!"
"No, I'm not," Les said as he led the way to the bedroom, untying his tie.
Russ followed. "Tell me?"
As Les undressed, he related how the paparazzi were waiting outside the Derby when he and Tiffany left. Frederickson was with them and, to protect their privacy, instructed the limo driver to take them to a local hotel rather than to their apartments.
"...to make it seem like Tiff and I have a thing going so it doesn't look like I'm gay," Les said, looking at Russ, trying to see if his boyfriend had any reaction. He couldn't discern any.
Les continued to tell Russ how they'd checked into a room and waited until it looked like the paparazzi had tired of hanging around. Then Frederickson had taken them out the back service entrance into taxis.
Les, now fully naked, stretched out on the bed and opened his arms to Russ, who had disrobed as he listened to the tale.
"I guess I'm famous enough now to warrant the attention of those dastardly snoops," he said, stifling a yawn and chuckling at the same time.
Russ slid into bed and was immediately enfolded in Les's arms. Les felt himself growing hard. He could feel Russ's cock pressing against his thigh. After kissing Russ on the top of his head, Les snuggled deeply against his boyfriend's chest. They would make love in the morning. Right now it was enough just to be in his lover's arms and not have to pretend he was something he wasn't.
* * * *
Les walked into Sid's office and closed the door behind him.
"How are things going on the Morris film?" Sid asked, offering Les a seat.
"Great. I love the script and the character. So different from the one I played in Survival. I've never played a cowboy before. They even have me taking horseback riding lessons."
"Yeah, Arnie said you were pretty happy. He called me the other day and said he's doing make-up for the film. Told me he wheedled it so he's assigned to you."
Les laughed. "Arnie's a great guy---a little out there but he helps break the tension and relax me when he's doing my make-up."
"Your Survival flick is doing well," Sid went on. "Breaking box office records, bringing you and Tiffany all sorts of offers, and making you a very recognizable face all over the country."
Les brushed off the compliments, but he felt damned proud of the way his career had taken off since the release of his first movie.
"USA Today's latest poll of this month's most desirable bachelors ranks you number two. Looks like we pretty much achieved our goal." He handed Les the newspaper.
Les smiled self-consciously as he read the article.
"Now take a look at this rag,"
Sid said, his tone changing as he tossed Les a copy of The Examiner.
Les's blood ran cold as he looked at the cover story.
"America's Newest Heart Stopper." There was a picture of him in sunglasses and open necked polo looking extremely handsome and sexy, taken with Tiffany outside a restaurant. Beside it was an insert. It was a picture of Russ taken near their apartment with the caption: "But who is this mystery man and what part does he play in Les Bannister's life? See Page 4."
Les looked up at Sid, his mouth agape.
"Go on, read it," Sid ordered.
Les opened to the page indicated. There was another picture of him and Russ. This time in their tuxes, hugging as Les had left for the opening of the movie, another of them pushing a shopping cart full of groceries across a parking lot, and a third of Russ applying sunscreen to Les's back as they sat by the pool of their apartment building.
He looked at Sid, bewildered. "I never knew those pictures were being taken."
"The paparazzi are damned good. Better start damage control," Sid said matter-of-factly. "The article just insinuates a relationship between you two, and it is The Examiner after all. Very few people believe anything they read there, but it does plant seeds. The studio will pretty much ignore that article, but if too much of that shit starts showing up they may panic. So, first of all, I've set up some dates for you with Tiffany. But we don't want to go overboard with that relationship either and make it look like you're taken, so you'll go out with Tina." Les groaned.
"and..." Sid shuffled the pile of papers on his desk, "another of my new clients...what the hell is the name I gave her? Oh here it is, Hilly, Hillary Swenson. Not sure I'm gonna go with that, but that's what we'll call her for now."
"Okay," Les said, thinking going out on a few harmless dates shouldn't be too bad. In fact spending time with Tiffany would be fun. He hadn't seen much of her since he began shooting this new film.
The Price of Fame Page 5
