Chapter 27
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Mike put the phone on speaker and folded his arms under his head, the pillows piled high. “It’s been a helluva few days, babe.”
He heard another voice in the background. “Yeah, some tea would be nice, with honey. Thanks, baby.” The soft rustle of sheets. “Okay, you have my attention. What’s up?”
“Am I disturbing you?” Mike had visions of interrupting his ex in the middle of something intimate.
Jack chuckled. “Nah, Luca and I were having an early night. We’re sitting in bed, watching TV.” He laughed. “I must be getting old. An early night used to mean something entirely different. So, wanna tell me what’s wrong? Because I’m sure this isn’t a social call.”
Mike pushed out a sigh. “Tommy found out about the porn.”
“What do you mean, found out? That implies you didn’t tell him.” Jack’s tone was sharp. “I thought you were going—”
“Someone beat me to it, okay?” Mike let out a low growl. “And now everything’s changed.” He relayed the conversation, holding nothing back. Jack remained silent at the other end until he’d finished.
“Ouch.”
“Yeah, tell me about it.”
“So have you come up with anything?”
It had been over twelve hours since he’d spoken with Tommy, and so far Mike had come up with zilch. “How, Jack? How can I prove to him that what he sees isn’t real?”
“Lemme think for a sec.” Mike caught the rustle of sheets. “Oh, thanks, babe.”
A pause when Mike heard the distinctive sound of kisses being exchanged. He smiled to himself, happy for Jack.
“No, you can stay, honey. This is Mike. Remember, I told you about him?” More soft murmurings. “Yeah, snuggle up and keep me company while we talk.”
It made for a pleasant image in Mike’s head. “D’you want me to call back another time?”
Jack laughed. “No, you’re okay, honest. And I may have a suggestion.”
“Oh?”
“Why don’t you show him what reality looks like?”
For a moment Mike was stumped. “Huh?”
Jack chuckled. “I think you need some sleep. But what I meant was, show him the reality of porn. We both know what happens on a shoot is a completely different animal to what appears on screen. So why not show him that? D’you think the guys at ManFactory would object if you turned up with Tommy and asked if he could watch while they shot a scene?
If you asked them ahead of time, of course.
You’d be there to watch it with him, explain what was going on, what he was seeing… .”
Mike liked that idea. Liked it a lot. “You might just have something there.”
“Can you picture Tommy’s face if he got to see some gay for pay guys filming?
Now there’s a heavy dose of reality for ya right there.
” Jack snorted. “’Course, you don’t tell him that often there’s a spark between actors, ’cause he does not need to know that shit.
But he can see what it’s really like on set.
” He chuckled. “You’ll probably blow his mind, from the sound of it. ”
“Jack, you’re a genius.”
Soft laughter came out of the phone. “Hey, guess what, hon? Mike says I’m a genius.” A pause and the rustle of sheets. “Glad to have been of service. Let me know how things go.” His voice lowered. “So I guess you’re really serious about this guy?”
“As serious as it gets.”
“Oh, Mike, that’s great. Maybe one day you can bring him out west so I can meet him? Because he has to be pretty special, babe, to have you all in knots.”
Mike wasn’t sure how Tommy would feel about that.
“We’ll see. Right now I’m just flying by the seat of my pants.
” And praying it all works out for the best. “I’ll call ManFactory in the morning, see if I can arrange a visit soon.
” A thought occurred to him. “Hell, I’m supposed to be filming there on Monday.
” The silence that fell at Jack’s end was sudden. “Jack?”
“I was just wondering what Tommy would make of that. I mean, okay, so now he knows you do porn. Knowing is one thing, Mike. Accepting the situation is something entirely different.”
In spite of his newfound optimism, a shiver of apprehension rippled down Mike’s spine.
“Let’s just see what happens at ManFactory, all right?” He couldn’t think about that now. Especially when he had the sinking feeling that Jack might have a point. Tommy might not have said as much, but the chances were pretty high that he wouldn’t want his boyfriend continuing in the porn industry.
Mike knew that from bitter experience.
Tommy poured out another mug of coffee and then sat down at the kitchen table, his breakfast finished.
Spring break had flown by, and all he had to show for it was a pile of reading he’d gotten done.
He hadn’t been in the mood to go out, even when Ben had suggested going to see a movie the previous night.
So there he was, Friday morning, the weekend upon him once more, and no idea if he was going to see Mike.
He’d had no word from him since Wednesday, and he was trying not to let it worry him.
Caroline ruffled his hair. “I’m going shopping this morning in Atlanta. You wanna come with me, keep me company?”
He shook his head. “Would you mind if I said no? I don’t feel like it.” Not that he had anything better to do.
She sighed. “Oh, sweetie. I hate to see you like this.” The door chime interrupted them.
Caroline raised her voice. “Ben, be a dear and get that?” His roomie was in the media room, playing with his PS3.
Tommy could hear him grumbling as he went through the hallway.
She huffed. “That boy would spend all day being a couch potato if I let him.”
Tommy had to laugh. Caroline had Ben pegged.
Ben appeared in the kitchen doorway. “Someone to see you, Tommy.” His neck and cheeks were flushed.
Tommy straightened. It could only be one person. Sure enough, Mike walked into the kitchen behind Ben. Tommy couldn’t help his body’s reaction. His breathing quickened at the sight of Mike in his faded, worn jeans and white cotton shirt, open at the collar, the sleeves rolled up.
Damn, he looks good.
“G’morning,” Mike said, addressing Caroline. His gaze met Tommy’s. “Hey.”
“I’m just going to check and see if the laundry’s finished its cycle.” Caroline got to her feet and left the kitchen after giving Tommy a quick smile.
“I’m in the middle of a game, so if you’ll excuse me.” Ben disappeared, leaving Mike standing in the middle of the floor, looking bemused.
Tommy shook his head. His adoptive family were wonderful. “Subtle, aren’t they?”
Mike smiled. “It was nice of them to give us some space.” He took a breath. “You need to come with me, now.”
Tommy arched his eyebrows. “Oh? An’ where are we goin’?” Mike’s forthright approach made him smile.
“You’re gonna have to trust me on that. All I’m gonna say is if you love me, come with me.” Mike held out his hand, palm upward, and gazed at Tommy, unblinking.
Tommy swallowed. “You know I love ya.”
Mike grinned. “Then come on.” He beckoned.
Tommy hesitated for all of three seconds and then stretched out his hand to Mike, who grasped it firmly. “Do I need to bring anything?”
Mike shook his head. “Just you.” He led Tommy out of the kitchen and through the hallway.
“I’m goin’ out with Mike,” Tommy called hastily in the direction of the living room.
“’Kay!” Ben shouted back.
He followed Mike out of the house and over to his truck. “We goin’ far?”
“No, not really. I’ll bring you back when we’re done. I have work this afternoon.”
Mike unlocked the truck, and Tommy got in.
A thrill of anticipation coursed through him at this unexpected turn of events.
Mike pulled out of the driveway and onto the road.
Tommy glanced at him before giving his attention to the road, curious about their destination.
They drove into the center of Atlanta and out toward Lakewood.
“I’ve missed you,” Mike said quietly, his eyes focused on the road.
“Me too.” Tommy had missed the evening calls and texts. The sound of Mike’s voice always made him feel good. He watched the passing scenery, his mind going over endless possibilities, but for the life of him, he couldn’t guess where Mike could be taking him.
About forty minutes later, Mike pulled into a parking lot, in which sat a low white building with a glass front. The sign above the door said ManFactory.
“What is this place?”
Mike switched off the engine and turned to face him, hands resting on the steering wheel. “This is one of the studios where I come to shoot scenes.” He regarded Tommy steadily, his gaze focused on him.
Lord, no. Tommy didn’t believe what he was hearing.
“You’ve gotta be kiddin’.” Tommy shook his head. “I am not gonna watch you in a—”
Mike stilled instantly, his mouth open, eyes widened. “Oh, God, no! No, Tommy. That is not why we’re here.” He took a deep breath. “I’ve arranged for you—for us—to watch a shoot.”
“Why?”
Mike stared at him. “I told you porn wasn’t real. I wanted you to see that for yourself.”
Tommy didn’t know what to think. The very idea of watching porn sent alternating rushes of ice cold and heat racing through him.
It was… wicked. Sinful. Just plain… wrong.
But beneath the shock, aside from his pounding heart and shortness of breath, there was the lure of the illicit.
The curiosity that tugged him, just to see.
“You okay with this?” Mike was gazing at him, sitting so still beside him.
Tommy gulped in air. “No, but I asked you how I was s’posed to tell the difference, an’ I guess you’re tryin’ to show me that.” He looked out at the innocuous building before them. “So maybe I should just trust you an’ go see what you’ve been talkin’ about.”
Mike nodded. “And I’ll be right there with you.” He held out a hand, and Tommy took it gratefully, squeezing it tight. “Shall we?”
Tommy shrugged. “Now or never, I s’pose.” He tried to smile, but damn, his stomach was in knots.