Brian and Carey

by Colin Sherman

  A girl walked into the apartment and stopped short when she saw Carey sitting on Brian’s bed.

  “Uh, hi,” she said nervously.

  He stood. “I’m a friend of Brian’s. He’s in the bathroom, changing.”

  “Yeah, you’re the one in the picture. Brian told me you were coming. I’m Maggie.” She held out her hand.

  He shook it. “Carey.”

  “Right. Here to see his show?”

  “Yeah. I’m going tonight. Have you seen it?”

  Maggie laughed. “On my budget? No, I can’t afford to see many shows. Once in a while I snag lottery rush tickets, but I haven’t in a while.”

  “Oh, I thought Brian got free tickets to the show,” Carey frowned.

  Maggie laughed. “Ain’t nothin’ for free. Maybe he got you a rush,” she shrugged. “How long are you in town?”

  “Until Tuesday.”

  “Oh, good. I hope to see more of you then. You’re even cuter than your picture.”

  “Knock it off Maggie. He has a girlfriend,” Brian said, coming out of the bathroom.

  “Never hurts to try,” she smiled. “I’m going to bed. I just got off work.”

  “We’re going to get something to eat. Do you want anything for later?” Brian asked her.

  “No thanks. Nice to meet you Carey,” Maggie said, and disappeared into her bedroom.

  “Don’t pay any attention to her. She’ll screw anyone,” Brian snickered.

  “I heard that,” Maggie shouted from inside her room.

  “Love you!” Brian shouted.

  “Love you too, biatch,” she shouted back.

  Brian laughed. “It’s like living with my sister. You ready? We’ll take a cab this time. It’s a couple of miles.”

  Stepping outside into the sunshine, Carey felt more at ease than he had in a long time. He loved his job, but as a new teacher, he would be on probation for three years. The observations made him a little nervous, even though he knew he was doing a good job. Now free for the next few days with Brian, he was noticeably relaxed.

  “You look good,” Brian commented. “I guess you like teaching?”

  “Yeah, I do. Not all the kids are enthusiastic about lessons or staying after school, but the ones who are into it are worth it.”

  “It definitely agrees with you.”

  Carey smiled at the compliment.

  Brian hailed a cab and they quickly got to the little brick eatery in Central Park. They took a table with a good view of passersby. Carey took out his pocket camera and snapped a few pictures. Between bites and making up stories for the people walking past, they caught up on family and friend gossip, as well as plans for the future.

  “By the way, I guess you forgot that I broke up with Laura,” Carey said.

  “Oh, right. I did. You two were together a long time.”

  “Yeah, it just sort of fizzled, and then she moved. So, you haven’t mentioned anyone special.” Carey tried to sound nonchalant.

  “There isn’t anyone. The show has kept me pretty busy. The rehearsals schedule was killer. Now that I have the part down, I have a little time.” He looked at his phone for the time. “Not that much though. I have to be there pretty early for hair and make-up. I’ll give you directions.” Brian paused. “Maybe you should take a cab, so you don’t have to walk around by yourself.”

  Carey laughed. “You sound like my mom. But I’ll take a cab to make sure I get there on time.”

  After walking through part of the park, they walked all the way back to Brian’s apartment. The conversation was so natural and easy, it almost seemed like old times.

  As he left, Brian gave Carey his ticket and the directions, and told him to meet him at the side entrance after the show. If Carey bought a program, he could get the cast to sign it for him. He told him to remember to bring a pen.

  Carey filled the time before leaving for the theater by snooping around Brian’s room a bit. He took the time to look at the photographs displayed. There were several of the two of them, some cast shots and scenery around New York that Brian had most likely taken himself. The desk contained a jewelry box and an earring holder, along with a make-up box. He peeked into the jewelry box and saw something familiar, the leather bracelet Brian bought in North Carolina. Carey’s was safely tucked away in his sock drawer, along with some pictures Robin had taken.

  After the show, Carey waited in line with dozens of others trying to get a glimpse of the actors as they left. Most of the leads would stop to sign programs or shirts and get their photos taken with fans. He was in awe of the frenzy and excitement, as he held on to his program and sharpie. When Brian walked out, before any others, several girls waved their hands at him and beckoned him over. Happy to oblige, he signed their programs realizing that the girls probably had no idea which part he played. He signed five more before getting to Carey.

  He leaned forward. “Come on inside for a minute.”

  “Am I allowed?” Carey asked.

  “Just for a second. Not in the green room or anything, but away from the crowd. Did you get a program?”

  “You bet.” Carey held it up.

  Going under the rope line, Carey followed Brian into the nondescript doorway. Several people shouted at Brian to take them too. Brian introduced Carey to some of his cast mates. And several of them signed his program. One of the girls inside seemed to take a particular interest in Carey, asking him if he was a model. It was then, that Brian decided they should leave. By the time they re-emerged, the crowd had thinned, and Carey’s program was autographed by most of the lead actors.

  Brian was exhausted from the show, so they took a cab back to the apartment. Carey was still wide-eyed from the experience.

  “Wow, your life is pretty exciting,” he said. “The people in the show were so nice.”

  “Yeah. A little too nice,” Brian mumbled.

  “That one girl thought I was a model or something,” Carey laughed. “I guess everyone around here is in some kind of show biz.”

  Brian shook his head. “You still don’t see what everyone else sees, do you?”

  Carey’s smile faded. “What do you mean?”

  They stared at one another for a moment. “Nothing,” Brian smiled. “Do you want something to eat? I’m always hungry after a performance.”

  “A little. But it’s after midnight.”

  “I never go to bed before two,” Brian said. “How about omelets? I have mushrooms and green peppers.”

  “Sounds good.”

  Carey sat on the bed watching as Brian prepared their meal in the small galley kitchen. Brian had always enjoyed cooking and Carey enjoyed watching him. In contrast to performing, his movements were subtle and loose.

  “It smells great,” Carey said. He got up to get a closer look.

  “I forgot to get the cheese out. Can you get it?”

  There wasn’t much room, so when Carey tried to get past to the fridge, he pressed against Brian. “Sorry,” he mumbled. He grabbed the bag of Mexican shredded cheese and put it on the counter, then stayed where he was, rather than squeezing past again.

  After eating and cleaning up, they sat on Brian’s bed. Yawning, Carey glanced around, realizing for the first time that he had no idea what the sleeping arrangement would be.

  “You tired?” Brian asked. “You must have gotten up early. I’ll set my stuff up on the floor.”

  “I can’t take your bed.”

  “It’s fine. What kind of host would I be if I made you sleep on the floor?”

  “But you have to dance tomorrow. Twice. I can’t let you take a chance on hurting your back.”

  “Carey–”

  “I’m sleeping on the floor. And that’s the end of it.” Carey quickly got up and sprawled out on the floor.

  Brian sighed. “All right. But just tonight, and only because I have two performances. Tomorrow night, you’re taking the bed.”

  “Okay,” Carey smiled, happy to have won the debate.

  Pilin
g blankets and pillows, Brian made a bed for Carey. They took turns getting ready for bed and turned out the lights around two fifteen. Despite being on the floor, Carey fell asleep almost immediately, exhausted after having spent the best day he’d had in a long time.

  Chapter 27

  Saturday morning, nearly noon actually, Carey opened his eyes. He was disoriented for a moment, then smelled coffee and possibly pancakes. He lifted the curtain next to him to find Brian in the kitchen cooking breakfast in just pajama bottoms. Brian smiled when he saw Carey peeking out.

  “Good morning sleepy head. You must have been really tired last night. How do you feel?”

  Carey stood and stretched his arms wide, yawning. “Pretty good.”

  “Good. Then there’s no reason I shouldn’t sleep there tonight.”

  Rolling his eyes, Carey picked up all the pillows and blankets and put them on the corner of the bed.

  “You’ve become quite the chef,” Carey said, inhaling the delicious scents.

  “Of breakfast foods anyway,” Brian chuckled.

  “So, what’s on the agenda today?” Carey asked.

  “I can’t really hang out. I have to be at the theater for the first show in an hour.”

  “Oh, I didn’t realize.” Carey was disappointed. “But we have later tonight. And part of tomorrow.”

  “Yeah. And all day Monday.” Brian pulled the curtain back and handed Carey a plate with chocolate chip pancakes with powdered sugar and turkey sausage. He went back to get his cup of coffee. “We really need to get a table. Sorry about having to eat on my bed.”

  “Where’s yours?” Carey asked.

  “I ate already.” He sat down next to Carey. “Sorry about leaving you most of the day.”

  “I brought my computer. I can keep busy. Maybe I’ll take a walk, as long as I don’t get lost.”

  “Make sure you take your phone. Do you have the Citymapper app?” Brian asked.

  “I’m sure I’ll be fine. These are really good pancakes. Thank you.”

  “Do you want more?”

  Carey shook his head. “No, I don’t want to get too full.” He patted his shirt covered belly. “I’m not as fit as I used to be.”

  “You look just fine to me.”

  Carey tried to will himself not to blush. He didn’t know if he was successful. “Well, not like you. Have you been working out?”

  “It’s mostly from dance and yoga classes, and diet. I try to eat a lot of extra protein,” Brian said, ignoring the compliment.

  “You get abs like that from yoga?” Carey started to reach out and touch them, then withdrew his hand. “But, then again, you always did have a great body.”

  When Carey looked up, Brian was staring at him.

  “Hey!” Maggie called as she entered the apartment, startling the pair.

  “Hi,” Brian said. “Did you have another overnight shift?”

  “Yeah, I’m beat. Have you seen Carl?”

  Brian shook his head. “He’s probably staying at his girlfriend’s place for the weekend.”

  “Ooh, pancakes. Can I have some?” Maggie asked.

  “Sure, help yourself.”

  During Brian and Maggie’s conversation, Carey was still thinking about almost touching Brian, and what he’d said to him. He was finding it hard not to tell Brian how much he regretted the decision he made before they left for college. But seeing him perform on stage was amazing, so he held his tongue.

  Carey’s phone beeped, indicating a text message. He picked it up off the floor. He smiled when he saw it was a picture of Robin in Yellowstone National Park.

  “Who’s that?” Brian asked.

  Carey looked up. Maggie was gone, and Brian appeared a little annoyed. He turned his phone around to show Brian the picture Robin texted.

  “It’s a picture of Robin at Yellowstone. She works in the Environmental Quality Department, or something like that.”

  “Oh. How is she doing? I haven’t talked to her in a few years.” Brian’s expression softened.

  “She’s good. She loves living in Wyoming.”

  “You know, I always thought you and her would get together.”

  “Me and Robin? No.” Carey shook his head.

  “Why not? You got along great, she was cute, and smart.”

  “She knows me too well.”

  “Isn’t that what you want? How is that bad?” Brian asked.

  “Because, she knows . . . never mind.” Carey laughed nervously.

  “No, what were you going to say?”

  Carey gazed at Brian, his heart pounding.

  “It could never work because Robin knows . . . I’ll always be in love with you.”

  Brian gaped at him.

  “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that.” Carey closed his eyes.

  He opened them wide when he felt Brian’s lips on his. He gasped, pulling back.

  “I’ve missed you so much,” Brian said quietly. He leaned forward again, resting his cheek on Carey’s. “I want to come home.”

  “What?” Carey questioned.

  Brian sat back. “I’m tired of living in a fort. I’m tired of barely having enough money to live. I have to borrow money from my parents to keep up with dance classes.”

  “But . . . but this is the life you wanted. This is what you worked so hard for. You’re on Broadway.”

  Brian hung his head. “But it’s so hard. And it cost me you.”

  “No, it hasn’t.”

  Carey kissed Brian, with more passion than he had kissed anyone in a long time. They fell back on the bed, hands roaming, tongues exploring, hips gyrating. Carey’s hands brushed over the muscles he had been admiring earlier, while Brian’s threaded through Carey’s soft hair.

  “I still love you,” Carey whispered between kisses. “I wish I’d never let you go.”

  “Me too,” Brian breathed. He grabbed the hem of Carey’s shirt and tugged.

  Carey shrugged out of it and took a moment to gaze at Brian, before capturing his lips again.

  “Hey, Bri—whoa.” Maggie stood in front of the curtain. “I thought you said he had a girlfriend.”

  Brian and Carey stared at her, like deer caught in the headlights.

  “We, uh, broke up,” Carey said.

  “What do you want?” Brian asked Maggie.

  “I, uh . . . never mind. It can wait,” she said, and ducked back into her room.

  Brian turned his attention back to Carey. “So, now that we’ve had a moment to cool off, did you change your mind?”

  “No.” Carey leaned in for a kiss.

  “I have to go to the theater soon.”

  “Oh.” Carey sat up. “You said you wanted to come home. You didn’t say you wanted me.”

  “I do. But I really do have to leave soon. I wish I didn’t.” Brian sat up too. “I’ve talked to my mother about moving back home. My ballet instructor thinks I’m good enough to join a professional company. Maybe even a really good one.”

  “Wow, you’ve given this some thought.”

  Nodding, Brian admitted, “Yes. It’s not just seeing you again. Although, I was hoping you would be one of the perks.”

  “Definitely.”

  They kissed leisurely for a few minutes, before Brian pulled away.

  “I really need to go.”

  He got up off the bed and rooted through his drawers for clothes. Carey sat watching. Even simply getting dressed, Brian moved gracefully about.

  “You’re so beautiful,” Carey said dreamily.

  Brian tossed a shirt at his head. “Goofball.”

  “So, just for clarification, are we back together?” His heart felt like it stopped while he waited for Brian’s response.

  “Hell, yeah,” Brian grinned.

  Carey grinned back, feeling like a giddy school-girl. All seemed right with the world, after so long of feeling wrong.

  “I don’t usually come back between performances on a Saturday. Some of us grab something to eat then head back
to the theater.” Brian paused. “Hey, why don’t you meet us there?”

  “For dinner? Okay. I can play on my computer for a while, maybe walk around, see what’s to see. Just text me where and when. I’ll be there.”

  Brian pulled his shorts up and slipped into sandals.

  “Gotta go.” He walked to Carey and kissed him goodbye, grasping his chin lightly. “I love you.”

  “I love you too.”

  When the door closed behind Brian, Carey got out his computer to look up some local stores. He had some shopping to do.

  ◆◆◆

  Later that night, Carey stood in line with the crowd of people waiting to see the actors leave the theater. After dinner with the cast mates, he told Brian he would wait at the apartment. But he really wanted to surprise him.

  Brian was one of the first cast members out the door, appearing intent on getting home quickly. A couple of fans requested autographs, which he gladly gave. When he passed Carey waving at him on the other side of the roped off area, he stopped short.

  “What are you doing here?”

  “I came to get an autograph. I’m your biggest fan,” Carey smiled brightly.

  “You’re my only fan,” Brian smirked. “Come on, let’s go.”

  “No. I came to get your autograph.” Carey handed him a Sharpie. He turned to the girl behind him and held out his phone. “Would you mind taking a few pictures for us?”

  “Sure,” she smiled.

  “What do you want me to sign?” Brian frowned.

  Lifting his shirt up high, Carey answered, “My heart.”

  The girl took a picture with Carey’s phone, while a few others catcalled and whistled.

  Brian shook his head, laughing, but uncapped the marker and proceeded to scribble his name on Carey’s bare chest.

  “Okay, can we go now?” Brian asked.

  “No. Smile,” Carey said. He leaned toward Brian and posed for a photo.

  “Okay?” Brian seemed impatient.