by Tara Lain
Red pulled on his apron as Mom flipped the sign to open and unlocked the front door. Four people were already waiting.
With a deep breath, he plunged into his day with the reassuring idea that he’d be back here really soon, so he wouldn’t get a chance to miss them either. Still, even a glance at Kimmie made his eyes water. He didn’t want to think about—anything.
Two hours of solid and familiar work later, though, some happy anticipation of his date managed to weasel its way into his rushed brain. He reviewed the steps of oral sex he’d researched, and as he walked back to the order window, he must have been smiling, because Kimmie said, “You look happy.” She sounded a bit miffed, since her eyes were still puffy from crying.
He leaned close. “I have a date tonight.”
She slapped a hand over her mouth. “Oh my God, how selfish am I? I didn’t even ask you how last night was.”
The heat seared his face at the same time his lips started turning up. It must be an automatic Mark Woods response.
She cocked her lips to the side. “Oh, that good, huh?”
He cleared his throat. “Yes, it was great. We had a wonderful time. He totally knocked the whole date thing out of the park.” From beside Kimmie came a ding for order-up. “I’ve got to take this, but I’ll tell you later. If nothing else, I’ll text you after tonight’s date.”
“Promise?”
“You got it, BF.” He grabbed some plates since the servers were overloaded and headed to his four-top. As he passed the side windows, movement outside and a head of jet-black hair caught his eye. At the far edge of the parking lot, a woman was getting into a shiny car. Funny, that looked like the woman who’d first come to Mom and Pop’s with Brock. The one who didn’t like her steak but ate it all. Why would she be back here? Probably wasn’t her, and he didn’t have time to wait around and find out. He scooted to his customers.
After dropping off the food and taking a new order, he started back to the order-up window and noticed a fuss going on. People were gathered at the window including Mom and Kimmie and everyone was looking in his direction.
As he got closer, he could see that the small person at the center of the circle of people was—Gran! He raced over. “What’s wrong? Are you okay?”
She patted his arm. “I’m fine, dear, but I had to rush over. Brock called and Mr. Giuliana needs you there tomorrow, so—” She looked around like she was making sure the audience is listening. “—they’re sending a helicopter for you to transport you to New York City.” Everyone around got all wide-eyed and oohing and ahing. She went on, “You need to come home, grab your bag, and rush over to the Brockfield private airport where they assure me the helicopter will be standing by.” She took his arm. “So, come on. Let’s go.”
Red’s heart slammed. He’d resigned himself to going, but not like this. “I have a shift to finish and an appointment, and—”
Gran frowned ferociously. “Redmond, you have a contract and obligations.”
“I haven’t signed that contract and I have obligations here.”
Mom put a hand on his shoulder. “No, Red. You need to go. We’ll be able to cover for a few hours, and this is your last day anyway. We’re sorry to see you leave anytime, but this is your big break. You can’t jeopardize that in any way.”
Gran said, “This is wisdom. Let’s go.” She pulled his arm and he stumbled after her toward the door. He stared back toward Kimmie and Mom and Pop and his other friends. This wasn’t how he wanted to leave.
When they were outside and she was leading him toward the taxi she’d come in—of course, it was Jack Bean who got most of the taxi work in Ever After—he murmured, “I have to call Mark.”
“What? Why?” She opened the car door and pushed Red in.
“I was going out with him tonight.”
“Text him, dear. He’ll understand.” She patted his hand and he had to hold back a scream. Red didn’t want Mark to “understand,” he wanted Mark to kiss him. Fuck!
It only took minutes to get to the house in the taxi, unlike walking. When Jack pulled up in the driveway, Gran said, “I already packed your bags, dear. Jack, will you please help Red get his suitcases. We need to hurry.” She looked at Red. “Go, dear, go. Rush, rush.”
Red hustled out of the car and trotted to the house so Gran could see him rushing. Once inside, he saw a stack of suitcases and bags at the top of the stairs. He needed to holler at Gran for straining herself so much. “Jack, would you mind getting those? I need to make an important text.”
“Sure, Red. Man, your gran sure is stoked about you going to New York. It must be a big deal, right?”
“I guess.” Red looked up the stairs. “Uh—”
“Oh sorry.” Jack, who was even bigger than Mark, bounded up the stairs like a mountain goat and picked up two suitcases.
Mark. Red sat on the edge of the couch and grabbed his phone. Hi, Mark. I’m so, so sorry. I have to go to New York today for some kind of meeting tomorrow morning. I don’t want to go. I want to go out with you tonight. But I’ll come back soon and we can have our date then, okay?
His fingers paused. How do you scream in a text? He wanted to say so many things about how he really cared and how he’d thought about their date almost every minute since Mark had asked him.
He typed I’m so, so sorry one more time, inhaled, and just hit Send.
For a full minute, he waited to see bubbles dancing to say Mark was replying. Nothing. He grabbed the last suitcase from Jack’s hand and walked to the taxi.
Gran stood beside the open door. She frowned at him. “You’re Mr. Grumpy. Seems odd for a young man who’s about to have his life transformed for the better.” She smiled at Jack. “Thank you, dear.” Back to the frown. “Get in, Redmond.”
In the cab, he slid near the opposite door, crossed his arms, and stared out the window. Jack pulled away from the curb as the temperature in the cab got frostier.
With an exasperated snort, Gran said, “Redmond, what’s wrong with you?”
“Nothing.” He kept staring out the window. “I mean, it seems to me if they’re going to start the relationship by making me change my whole schedule and not do things that are important to me, it doesn’t bode well for the future.”
For a second, all was quiet, then Gran said, “Well, pardon me, Mr. High and Mighty. You think you’re such a hot commodity that they need to adjust their schedules to suit you?”
He turned and said with total snark, “Isn’t that what you’re always telling me? When I was in New York, Mr. Merlinson said I should know my worth and stick up for my guns.”
Gran’s outraged expression softened a little. “Dear, there’s a difference between knowing your worth and being a diva. You need to demonstrate hard work and willingness to pitch in for the client. When it comes to contractual obligations, that’s another matter.” She seemed to swallow hard. “But of course, you can’t drive too hard a bargain or they’ll give up on you.”
Red unfolded his arms and waved a hand. “I told Brock I was busy this weekend and that I’d be there Sunday. That was already a compromise since I wanted to go back Monday. He’s just pushing this to prove he’s in charge.”
She got a little smile. “Well, dear, he is in charge.”
Red turned his head back to the window but glanced down at his phone that was still in his hand. Not a single bubble.
* * *
As the helicopter descended toward the huge buildings of the city,
Red’s stomach dropped with it. Total truth, the helicopter ride had set new records in coolness. Red was the only passenger and the pilot had given him a little travelogue through the headphones while they flew. As they got closer to the city, however, the pilot got quieter and Red’s brain got a whole lot noisier.
When he touched down, that would be it. No going back. There’d be contracts to sign and he’d be off to a new life. He needed to decide now if it was the life he wanted. Admittedly, he’d only had a tiny taste of what lay
in store. Next week, he could be jetting off to Bali or Morocco for all he knew. Even that tied Red’s belly in a knot. Unknown airports and cities full of strangers eating food he wouldn’t like and expecting stuff from him that he didn’t know how to do. It made him want to puke. God, how did I get so stodgy when I’m only eighteen?
I don’t want to back out of this because I’m scared.
Whoa, he heard his own thoughts. Am I seriously thinking of backing out? So, I can go back and wait tables and earn a little over minimum wage and have half the town think I’m weird and be harassed by assholes like Phil Gordat?
He sighed. No. If he was honest, he’d go back to pursue the fantasy of making a life with Mark Woods. And fantasy was right. Just because Mark created one ideal date didn’t mean he was up for what a life as a gay couple would be like in Ever After.
For the twentieth time since he boarded the helicopter, Red glanced at his phone. Nothing. Nothing.
He sighed. Jeez, maybe I’m not ready for it either. Imagine being in a city where gay’s common. Even cool.
The helicopter settled on the tarmac of a small lot squeezed between buildings. Across the concrete, a familiar black town car was parked.
Red smiled. There was no one in New York he wanted to see more than Mr. Merlinson. Maybe Mr. M. could help sort things out for Red.
With one more stupid-ass glance at his phone, Red unbuckled and clambered out of the helicopter to the ground. After a quick handshake with the pilot, Red ducked as he ran under the rotors because that’s what he saw in movies. He glanced back to see the pilot hauling his suitcases from the helicopter, stopped, and waited for the first one, and then fast walked it toward the car.
Smiling, Mr. Merlinson climbed from the driver’s seat and opened the back door.
Red waved. “Hey, Mr. M. I sure am glad to see you.”
“And I you, Red.” He extended a hand and Red took it. He kind of wanted to hug the man, but maybe that would embarrass him. Although, Red doubted Mr. M embarrassed easy. Mr. M. said, “Let me get the rest of your bags.”
“I’ll help.”
Mr. Merlinson grabbed the larger suitcase the pilot had pulled out of the helicopter and Red took the small one and a backpack.
Mr. M. chuckled. “Not traveling so lightly this time.”
“Yeah, Gran did the packing. I’m sure I’ll be more than surprised by what she considered essential.”
Mr. Merlinson and the pilot loaded the bags in the trunk. Red shook the pilot’s hand again and then walked around the car with Merlinson.
Red paused in front of Mr. M. “I really need some advice.”
Mr. Merlinson got a funny expression, glanced to his side, and said, “I’ll be happy to help in any way I can.” He gestured toward the open door.
Red nodded, ducked his head, slid partway into the seat—and stopped. Brock Wolfe sat smiling on the back seat near the opposite window, leaving lots of room for Red on the seat. The divider between the front seat where Mr. Merlinson drove, and the back seat where Red was stranded with Brock, was in place.
Fighting a desire to jump out and run, Red smiled. “What a surprise. How do I rate the big boss?” He settled on the seat and listened to the thump of the door closing behind him.
Brock flashed those too-white teeth. “You represent an important part of the agency’s future. Besides, I assured your grandmother that I’d take good care of you.” Brock leaned over and Red held his breath, but he got soft lips brushed against his cheek.
The car began to move. Brock asked, “What kind of advice were you looking for from my chauffeur? Maybe I can be of help.” He raised his brows in interest and maybe a little criticism.
Think fast, Ridley! “Oh, I don’t need it now since you’re here. I was going to ask if I should go to BrandFace today and what I should wear. Since it’s a Saturday.” Red twisted that bit of acid on the last word. Two could play at implied criticism.
Brock ignored the edge. “I see. No, you won’t be going to BrandFace today, but you will be at Giuliana tomorrow morning early, hence the rush. As for clothing, we’ll be going to a very upscale place tonight, so I asked Merlinson to bring something from the agency closet. I assumed you wouldn’t have anything in your wardrobe that would be appropriate.”
“You’d never know it from the amount of stuff Gran made me bring. I should at least be able to hang out with Louis the fourteenth.”
Brock laughed. “Enthusiastic, is she?”
Red nodded. “Yeah.” Red would be the first to admit that word didn’t come out sounding the same.
“More so than you are?” Brock’s voice had a sound of controlled neutrality.
What the hell? Red looked at Brock. “It’s an awful lot of change, and it’s not like I’ve been planning or expecting this my whole life like Gran has.”
“Were you planning or expecting something else? I got the impression you’re a bit at loose ends in your life, not certain about college or what you’d want to study. Why not do something you’re uniquely qualified to do while you’re deciding and help your family at the same time?”
“I guess that makes sense?” Red sighed quietly. It felt like he was swimming through a sea of motor oil in a dense fog. Everything pulled on him, but he couldn’t see for shit.
“I know it’s a lot, Red. Most guys your age don’t have to make these kinds of decisions, but that’s what comes of being special.” He said it as if it were final. He leaned forward and hit the switch to speak to Merlinson. “Let’s drop Red at the apartment and give him a little while to settle in.”
“Yes, sir.” The car slithered through another break in traffic and turned onto a road Red recognized from his previous trip.
Brock put a hand on Red’s arm. “Go up to the apartment. Merlinson has a key for you. Unpack and settle in. I’ll be back to get you at seven.” He squeezed Red’s arm gently. “We’ll let the town know you’re here.”
Ten minutes later, Red and all his bags were in front of Elbey’s apartment door and Mr. Merlinson held out a key and a garment bag. “These are for you. We’ll be back for you in an hour and a half. Get settled and put your feet up for a minute. The clothes for tonight are, of course, in the bag.”
“Thanks, Mr. M.” He must have looked totally dejected.
Mr. Merlinson said, “I’m sorry we didn’t have time for a chat, but you have good instincts, Red. When you ask me questions, you’re really just listening to your own heart. Pay attention.” He smiled. “Let me help you get this inside.”
As Mr. M raised his hand to knock, the door flew open. Elbey stood there in flowing kimono and bunny slippers. “Red, darling, you’re back. Hi, Mr. M. Come on in.” Elbey grabbed the backpack but let Red and Mr. M. bring the rest inside.
Elbey waved a hand to the door of the bedroom opposite Elbey’s. “In there.”
“Where’s Jacond?” Red hoisted two suitcases.
“She moved in with three other girls, so the room’s all yours.”
Said room turned out to be almost a mirror of Elbey’s room, which meant it was good size, had two narrow beds, two dressers, and a large closet.
Mr. M. said, “I best not stay to help you unpack since Brock has an appointment, but we’ll see you in a little while.” He clasped Red firmly on the shoulder, smiled, and left the room. A second later, the click of the front door closing confirmed Red was stuck making his own decisions.
He dropped the suitcase still in his hand and flopped to sitting on the bed farthest from the door.
Chapter Twenty-three
Elbey draped in the bedroom doorway and stared at Red. “Do I detect a significant level of funk? Hmmm?”
Red glanced up and then nodded.
Elbey flew across the room, sat next to Red, and threw an arm around him. “Oh, baby, I’m so sorry. Despite the fact that everyone in the agency is all in a tizzy about this great new face that’s going to be grabbing the world by the balls—aka you—I must confess I was kind of hoping you weren’t com
ing back. I thought there was a chance you were actually happier in your small town and the Kool Aid didn’t work on you.” They hugged Red closer so they were head to head. “But honestly, it’s simply too much to pass up, isn’t it?” They pressed a hand to their chest. “Even for little moi who won’t ever have your magic. I’ve never been able to walk away as long as there’s that next designer catwalk or fashion spread dangled in front of me. I’m going to be sixty and still trying to totter along in my three-inch heels for some opening or other. Le sigh.”
Elbey’s words sank in like stones in a bog. Red turned. “I really think I don’t want this. I want to say no, but everyone around me thinks it’s nuts to pass up the money and the fame or whatever.” He waved a hand. “It’s not like I have this amazing life. I mean, I work as a waiter and barely have any close friends because I’m so different.” No, that wasn’t fair. “I mean, I have Kimmie and Hans. They’re both terrific. And Mom and Pop, who I work for, are great.”
Elbey stared at their hands. “Two close friends sound good to me. Here, everyone’s encouraged to compete. Friendships are hard.”
Red wiped a hand over his face. “And there’s this guy.”
“What?” Elbey looked at Red wide-eyed. “That kind of guy?”
“He says he wants to be my boyfriend.” Even if he hadn’t returned Red’s text.
“And you feel the same way?” Their voice got higher and louder.
“Well, yes. I really like him, but he’s always been in the closet more or less and he owns a garage, and if he suddenly comes out for me, I don’t know what will happen.”
Elbey’s phone dinged. They pulled it from their pocket and glanced at the screen. The expression on their pretty face changed to something tighter and more closed. “It’s Merlinson reminding me that they’ll be back here in less than an hour. We better get you settled in, because tomorrow the world’s gonna get seriously complicated.” Elbey looked around at the bags. “Traveling light, are we?”