Rock Me Baby

by Jesse Jordan

  Joey nods. “I'd worked twenty straight nights, between night jobs and practice and doing gigs with the band. We weren't the Fragments, I hadn't met Rocky yet. The night before, I'd been up until one thirty working a job at an all-night car wash, lying about my age to be able to do it. The owner knew I was lying, but he just thought I was lying about being a US citizen. Anyway, it was history class when some guy started getting into it with the teacher, going off about... honestly, I don't know what the hell it was about. I was at my breaking point and snapped at the guy, and one thing led to another.”

  “How'd it turn out?” I ask, and Joey shakes his head, smiling. “That bad?”

  “I was exhausted, and he was on the wrestling team. He probably could have kicked my ass either way, though, dude was in beast mode most of the time. But yeah, that was my high school.”

  I reach across the table and take Joey's hand, smiling. “Thanks. You're the first guy I've ever dated who was man enough to admit that he isn't the world's toughest guy. And before you ask, I'm not exactly living the great life either.”

  “Tell me about it,” Joey says, reversing our hands so that he can hold my fingers more comfortably. “I get the feeling that you... well, you might have a Lexus and live in one sweet apartment, but you've got problems too.”

  I nod, looking into Joey's calm, dark eyes, and open up. “My Dad's clingy. You're right, I have the Lexus. Paid for by him. My apartment? Again, paid for by him. The job I have at the Pulse is because Dad gave all his buddies in his little group of media types a call and made sure I couldn't get hired anywhere with a circulation over a thousand copies, and I had to go to him to get anything decent. Every time I try to gain my own separation, I feel like he's clutching me tighter. Today, I chose the park because I've never been to something as simple as the park before for a picnic. It'd be something totally un-Darren Coates. Then there's Chad.”

  “Uh-oh,” Joey says, giving me a reassuring smile. “I know that tone of voice. Chad's not your best friend from college.”

  I shake my head, suddenly for some reason blinking back tears. “No. He and I hooked up at UCLA. He was a grad student while I was a junior at the time. His father's a big-name lawyer downtown, he runs in the same country club circles as my Dad. At first, I thought he was charming, kinda cute, strong. Turns out he's a borderline alcoholic man-child who cheated on me and is accused of raping a girl at a frat party. And since I broke it off with him, he's having a problem accepting that it's over.”

  Joey doesn't ask if it's really over, or if I was playing Chad, or anything else. Instead, he looks me in the eyes for a moment, then nods. “What do you need? What can I do to help?”

  It's the last question I thought anyone would ask me. When I broke up with Chad, everyone wanted to know why or said to give him another chance And no one ever offered sincere support when I've ever complained about my dad. Joey just has though. His expression is calm and accepting, and he’s strong in ways that I've never seen before. He doesn’t puff out his chest or bully people like both Chad and Dad do. Joey's strength is the real strength, and if I ask, he won't let the weight of the world hurt me. If I ask.

  “I... right now, what I need is a good picnic in the park with a good man, and maybe a walk on the beach across the street,” I finally say, causing Joey to give me another one of his dazzling smiles. I smile back, giving his hands a squeeze. We finish up, and walk the short distance to the beach. The ocean's way too cold in the fall to even think of swimming or walking in the surf, but it's still beautiful, and the sand's warm as we sit down.

  “So, Andrea,” Joey says, taking my hand again as we watch the gulls wheel out over the water. “What are your dreams? I feel like you know mine. Good music, take care of my family, stuff like that. Probably not quite the change the world sort of stuff that you've heard from people throughout your life, but that's me. What about you?”

  I lean against him, feeling the strength of his arm, and consider my answer. “Work-wise, I'd like to keep writing, to bring my stories to people. And maybe more than just entertainment, I like hearing human interest stories too. I'd like to be able to stand on my own that way. If I had a money point, I guess you could say the day that I buy a Lexus like the one I've got but totally with my own money. Yeah, I'll have made it then. But I want more than just work.”

  “What do you want?” Joey asks, turning to me. “I know what I want right now.”

  I smile and lean towards Joey, who kisses me with tender strength. His hand cups my head as we lean closer, and while my body thrums, he's a total gentleman, just kissing me, his lips exploring mine. When we part, he smiles, his skin flushing a deep red. I feel warm myself, and I know I'm blushing. “I think we wanted the same thing.”

  Joey nods, chuckling. “Well, that's one of the two things that I wanted. The other, I kind of got distracted before I could say.”

  “Now's your chance,” I softly reply. “While you got me here, captivated by those eyes of yours.”

  “I wanted to ask you if it'd be okay if I saw you again. Because after the interview and then this date, I want to see you again very much.”

  “I'd like nothing more.”

  Joey's smile spreads, and he turns to look out at the ocean, the waves crashing on the sand. “And this isn't going to be a problem? I don't mean to you, but.... well, I get the impression from everything you said about your father that Daddy isn't going to like his princess seeing a Rican just out of the 'hood.”

  I lean against Joey's shoulder, setting my head on his arm. “I can get around that. Joey, I know it sounds nuts, sounds stupid crazy and right now I'm thinking of your West Side Story joke, but the moment I saw you...”

  “I felt something for you,” Joey finishes, both of us turning to look the other in the eyes. “Like there was just this click, and suddenly things sort of fell into place.”

  “Yeah... kinda like that,” I agree. We lean closer again when a flash pops up in the corner of my eye, and I turn, surprised. “What?”

  Joey turns to look where I glanced, but there are at least a dozen people on the beach, I don't know who did it. “What?”

  “I thought I saw a flash, like a camera flash. But it's sunny. Maybe just a sun flash off the waves?”

  Joey shrugs, smiling. “Yeah, could have been either. You're in the press, and while you're legit, let's face it, my band's gotten its fair share of tabloid vultures. They were fixed on Rocky for so long, but now that he's a family man, he's gotten boring. Or maybe just a fan who recognized me. That doesn't happen often, the stage getups help there.”

  I nod, considering. “I hadn't thought of that. So, can you go to the grocery store without getting mobbed?”

  Joey smiles. “Next time I need to go shopping, how about you come with me and find out? I'll even let you put it in your expose on me. Joey Rivera: Rock Gone Organic!”

  I laugh, and we get up, walking the beach and just having fun until the sun's an orange ball above the ocean and we head back. “I can't believe I spent nearly five hours on a picnic date.”

  Joey laughs, holding my hand. “Yeah well, this is the best first date I've ever had. I'm looking forward to our next one.”

  On the drive back to my apartment, I'm tempted to invite Joey upstairs for a nightcap, and maybe more. When we get to my parking lot, I see Chad's car in the visitor spot again. I can't help it, my lip curls, but Joey either doesn't notice or doesn't say anything, coming around to my door to open it for me and walk me to the front door. Just as we get there, we stop, still holding hands. “So... what's your plans for the weekend?”

  “I've got a club review I need to do, and the opening of an art house flick Saturday night,” I admit sadly. “Weekends are busy for entertainment reporters. But... well, this Saturday's movie they only gave me one ticket, but I can look at making it two next time?”

  Joey nods, smiling. “I'd like that very much. How about you check your schedule and give me a call? Other than my little side project, right no
w I'm free for most of the next three months, a few promo appearances, and stuff only. I’m going to have to find something to take up a lot of my time, I'm really not the type of guy who can lay around for three months doing nothing.”

  Out of the corner of my eye, I see Chad's car door open, and before saying anything else I grab Joey's shirt and pull him to me, kissing him hard. This time there's no gentleness, my tongue touches his first, but soon we're full on making out in front of my building, my anger swallowed up in the heat of our kiss. Joey's hands pull me close, our bodies pressing together, and in the background, I can hear a slammed car door and a car peeling out of the parking lot, but I don't care. When we finally step back, both of us are breathing hard, and I can see a lump in Joey's pants that certainly wasn't there before. I can understand, my body is aching right now too. If he asks...

  “I... part of me wants to invite myself in,” Joey rasps, clearing his throat before continuing. “You have no idea. But Andrea... I've had more than my fair share of one night stands. Comes with the rock territory, I guess. This time though I don't want just a one-night thing. I want this to be more than one date. If it's okay with you, I'd like to see where this can go between us.”

  I nod, not trusting my voice for a moment but just looking at Joey. “Me too, Joey. I should be honest, I kissed you hard because I saw my creepy ex's car. I wanted him to understand totally... I've found a new man.”

  “And I've found quite the woman,” Joey replies, not upset by my revelation at all. “For now, though, buenas noches, Andrea Coates.”

  “Buenas noches, Joey Rivera. Call you tomorrow?”

  “I'd like that. Okay, I'm going to step back, but wait until you go inside, make sure you're safe. Good night.”

  Joey's true to his word, the perfect gentleman as he waits outside his car while I go into my lobby and into the elevator, the door closing just as I see him open his driver's side door and get into his Buick. I'm still amazed at what I've found. He's handsome, kind, and a true gentleman.

  I think I need to clear my schedule for tomorrow night. And if I can't clear tomorrow, I've got to clear a night as soon as I can.

  Chapter 6

  Joey

  “So, how'd your date go?” Rocky asks when I get to his house with Maria, who's agreed to watch Bella with Angel. Rocky and Cora are going to do some wedding planning stuff, and I can understand, I wouldn't want to put a six-year-old through that. Bella's an energetic, active girl, and the only way they'll get her to stay still through all the wedding planning is with duct tape or an injection of major drugs. Rocky slaps hands with me, still smirking. “Cora says you saw the girl from the newspaper?”

  I don't roll my eyes, it's no use. Instead, Rocky and I go out to his garage, which he's already converted into his 'man cave,' complete with his own workout equipment. I wouldn't call a home gym a man cave, I know Cora's going to use it too after giving birth, but it's certainly a place that he and I can get back to having some 'bro time' like we used to do at Equinox.

  “Good, man. It was a good date. What's the agenda today?” I ask, peeling off my t-shirt, maybe the coolest advantage of working out at home, no need to wear a shirt like at a public gym. I knew Rocky wanted to get a workout in, so I wore my shorts and workout shoes, checking out the equipment. He went good, not over the top, but good gear. It'll stand up to any punishment we might be able to dish out and still come back asking for more. “Nice rack.”

  “Thanks. I'm going to get a landmine press pivot for the corner, but other than that, I think I'm set until something breaks. Let me ask, what's your workouts been? I mean, what's down there in T.O.?”

  “So far, nothing,” I admit, stretching. “I've been so busy helping Mama and then doing some practice recording sessions, that the date was really my first time doing something just for myself in a while.”

  “Let's do total body then today,” Rocky says, grinning in that evil way he's got when he knows that it's going to hurt, that we're both going to be walking piles of ache and sweat by the end... but damn it's going to be fun. Rocky goes over to the whiteboard on the wall and takes out a pen to start writing down the plan. “And you can tell me about your date in between the pain.”

  He's true to his word as our very first movement is deadlifts, something neither of us is built for. This is an exercise built for guys who are about as wide as they are tall and with arms like a gorilla. “You just had to get the good crap for here, didn't you? Deadlift pad and bumper plates, just so you can punish us both. All right, homie, all right.”

  “Where'd you guys go?” Rocky asks, ignoring my little gripe and loading the bar for warmups. “Don't worry, we won't go too heavy.”

  “A park near her place. She lives in Santa Monica, nice place too.”

  “And she's really Darren Coates' daughter?” Rocky asks, setting up for his first set and getting his groove in. We both learned the hard way a few years ago when I was messing around and strained a hip muscle. I spent two weeks playing gigs sitting on a stool, looking like an idiot. Never again.

  “One hundred percent. We talked about it, and the fact that I'm Rican, and she's whiter than you are. She didn't have a problem with it at all.”

  Rocky sets down the bar, giving me a look. “Oh, really?”

  I laugh, rolling my eyes as I get ready. I talk in between reps, at the top when everything is tight and stable. “You won't get more details than that, man. I just gotta figure out when to ask her out again.”

  “What's your schedule looking like? And hers?” Rocky asks as I keep repping out.

  “We're entertainment people, Saturday night dates don't happen for us. You know that.”

  Rocky shrugs, smirking. “You sure about that? I'm just asking because you know the problems we all had when Cora and I tried to keep things secret between us. I'm not trying to be in your personal biz too much, Joey but at the same time...”

  “I know. Rocky, you, Cora, Ian, Bella... you guys are my family too. I told Cora that just the other day. Don't sweat it, you won't get the Penthouse Letters details, but I'll keep you guys up to date if I think it would affect you at all. Or just to entertain your wife.”

  “Not quite yet, but I like the sound of that,” Rocky says as we load more plates on the bar. “Let's get to work.”

  It takes us nearly ninety minutes to work our way through everything, but in the end, not only am I exhausted, but I have that endorphin rush that I love. After the last rep, I notice light applause behind me, and I turn to see Cora leaning against the door frame, smiling. “I knew I made the right call in letting Rocky turn this thing into a home gym. You guys keep this up, I'm going to order a detached garage for the home studio and you guys can keep putting on shows for me like this.”

  I blush, grabbing my towel from the squat rack while Rocky gives Cora a kiss. “I figured you'd like that. It's why I went an extra twenty-five reps.”

  “Is that what you did?” I gasp, turning around to see Rocky grinning, his arms around Cora's waist and obvious passion in his eyes. “Hey, little kids are in the house.”

  “Yeah, well, we won't hold that against you,” Cora jokes, stroking Rocky's face and not even looking at me. I'm jealous, watching my best friend and the woman he loves. I’d love to have something like they have.

  But the jealousy fades in an instant, it just doesn't hold up against the purity of what they've got. Instead, when they kiss, I smile, and when they step back from each other, I just pull my shirt on, thinking of what I know I want to do. “Rocky... thanks. I think I've got something I need to take care of.”

  “What's that?” Rocky asks, letting go of Cora long enough to go over to the wall where he's hung his own t-shirt up. “About Andrea, I guess?”

  I nod, tucking my shirt in. “I was thinking maybe she'd like to have drinks tomorrow. She said she's got some art house movie to review, but maybe she'd like to get together afterward. And while she said she's got only one ticket, maybe they've got another ticket available f
or a supposed rock star.”

  Cora laughs quietly. “Good on you, Joey. There's a time to use the fame that your talent's gotten for you. Give her a call.”

  “So... the movie's about what?”

  Andrea chuckles, shaking her head. “According to the press release that we got, a transgender Nazi concentration camp worker finds herself caught up in a love affair with both her camp commandant and a shopkeeper in town that she knows is hiding Jews from the camps.”

  “Sounds um… interesting?” I ask, not too sure how to handle this conversation. I'm from a Roman Catholic Puerto Rican family, transgender Nazis are not in my wheelhouse.

  Andrea laughs. She's driving tonight, picking me up in front of my house while Maria and Angel waved from the kitchen window. I know that they're curious, I've never had two dates in three days with the same girl before, but I don't want to freak Andrea out quite yet. My family is intense, and I know that Angel can be a handful at first. Besides, I'm still living with my mother, that can take some getting used to. “We'll probably find out when we get there. Oh, and the movie's in German with English subtitles.”

  “Great,” I reply sarcastically. “I love reading movies. I take that back, I've done subtitled Japanese anime that was kinda fun. But then again, when you've got giant robots or super warriors or whatever the hell else is going on slashing and shooting at each other, you don't really need subtitles that much.”

  Andrea laughs, and I am taken again at how pretty she is tonight. For our picnic, she was totally casual, with shorts that showed a nice stretch of her legs along with a t-shirt. Tonight though, she's dressed trendy chic, with black form-fitting slacks, a wide brown leather belt, a black top, a white blouse over top, and even sunglasses perched in her hair. She's gone more made-up too, with more eyeliner and deep red lipstick. It's not more or less beautiful than she was for our picnic, just different. Then again, considering that I'm as much an expert with eyeliner and lipstick as any woman with my stage makeup, I'm hardly the one to talk.