Chapter Thirteen #2
“I chose you because I wanted to get to know you better. You’re very cute. And I can tell that you’re humble, kind and caring. Those are characteristics I find attractive.”
He seemed surprised. “Oh. I… Really?”
I grinned. “Of course. Now, what do you say we go for a swim? You look great sweaty, but I know I don’t. The camera crew still needs to take some footage of us, and I’d rather not look disgusting when they do. My mother will claim she can’t show her face in town again.”
“She must have very high standards if she’d look at you now and think you’re anything but handsome. She’s very pretty, too.”
“Hmm, several people have told me she is—many, many times. Too often, it’s been men where the compliment sounded like a sexual fantasy confession.” I grimaced. “What the hell is wrong with people that they’d think someone’s kid—grown-up or not—wants to hear that?”
“I promise that I don’t want to sleep with her,” Mikey assured me with a grin. “That director, Marv, seems interested in her, though.”
“Just great,” I muttered. “At least she hasn’t persuaded him to put her on camera all the time like I feared she might.”
“If I had my way, I wouldn’t be on camera at all,” Mikey confessed. “I just went along with this for the chance to meet you.”
“That’s flattering, and I’m glad you did.
Just so you know, I insisted that they give us private time, too.
More than just the tennis match. After they film us swimming and chatting at the poolside, I’ll send them on their way.
We can stay out on the patio and watch the sunset. If you’d like, I mean.”
“I would.”
“And if you’re worried about being on camera because you think the other contestants are better looking, then you’re getting yourself worked up over nothing.
I saw the photo spread they did of the contestants.
You’re stunning, Mikey, and you belong in this group.
Trust me. I’m sure the viewers feel the same. ”
Mikey seemed surprised again. “Thank you. Aaron says I need to be less like Eeyore, too. You know, the character from Winnie the Pooh who was always seeing the world through a glass half-empty? I try. Like right now, I’m optimistic that nobody will pay attention to me if I’m filmed in a bathing suit.
Who’s going to notice me with you there? ”
“I don’t know…”
“I do,” he interrupted. “You’re going to be screen-captured and posted all over the internet.”
I frowned at the idea.
* * * *
I had gone into the pool house to change into a swimsuit. Mikey had informed me that he had worn one under his shorts. I was amazed the guy had run around the court so well without overheating.
When I came back out to the patio, Mikey’s eyes zeroed in on my body, and I could tell he appreciated what he saw.
Then he glanced away, embarrassed that he had been caught staring.
That gave me a chance to check him out unnoticed.
For someone who wasn’t my typical type, he was growing on me fast. Some might have preferred a taller guy, but height never mattered to me.
I didn’t see how being short made a man less attractive.
In Mikey’s case, it reinforced my opinion that he was rather adorable.
“Whatcha looking at over there?” I asked him when he remained staring off toward the house.
“Huh?” he asked, returning his gaze. His eyes dropped again to my chest before rising back up.
He blushed. “Nothing. I… Aaron warned me that I’d act weird once I saw you with fewer clothes.
I thought I should look away so I don’t embarrass myself.
” He looked down at his feet. “Like I just did, admitting something so cringe.”
I sat on the poolside chair opposite his. “Hey.” He looked back to my face. “If admiring someone’s body is behaving bizarrely, then call the white coats to come and get me. Because I’m appreciating what I see sitting across from me.”
Mikey’s eyes widened. “But compared to you…”
“Remember, you said you’d try to stop comparing yourself to everyone else,” I cut in.
“Mikey, you’re going to be some people’s type more than me, or Aaron, or Brighton, or Ted.
My point is, there’s a reason that the saying ‘beauty is in the eye of the beholder’ became a cliché.
It’s because it’s true. Some of my mother’s friends toured my house and told her that they didn’t care for it—that it’s too formal, too stodgy, too museum-like.
To them I say, I’m not looking for housemates.
I don’t care about their opinions. What matters is what I think, which is that it’s an amazing place.
And, Mikey, I don’t know what others have told you, but I think you’re beautiful, too. ”
He grinned. “I think both you and your house are.”
“Thank you. Come on. Let’s get in that pool before the camera crew comes out and captures my face still perspiring.”
“Nobody will be looking at your face,” he said, rising from the chair.
“Not when they have that cute bottom of yours to focus on,” I joked.
Mikey turned, surprised. “Aaron said I should have worn a suit that shows it off better. Since this one doesn’t, he told me I should moon you.”
I stopped short. “Moon me?”
Mikey turned red again. “Don’t worry. I wouldn’t. He just likes to tease me.”
“And you’re sure he’s straight? None of the straight guys I know check out my ass,” I pointed out.
“You had to be there,” Mikey said dismissively. “Aaron saw me in my underwear and it led to him joking that I needed to work it for you.” He grimaced. “Sorry. That was so wince-worthy to share that. He was right when he said that I’d get nervous around you and start talking like a moron.”
The fact that Aaron was trying to help Mikey score with me erased the suspicion I had that Aaron might be attracted to his roommate. Aaron’s actions weren’t aligning to someone in love with his friend.
“You haven’t said anything dumb. Your candor is refreshing,” I assured him, as we walked across the patio to the pool. “There are so few people who say what they’re really feeling or thinking. And you’re wrong, you know. I wouldn’t object to you mooning me.”
Mikey appeared shocked, then grinned before dipping down into the low end of the pool where the water rose to his waist.
Just as I descended the pool stairs, the camera crew and Marv came waltzing out of the house to make their way to Mikey and me. I submerged myself, wishing I could hold my breath until sunset and avoid putting on an act. I had just gotten Mikey more comfortable being himself.
When I resurfaced, the men were standing around the edge of the pool. Mikey had become quiet. I beckoned him to approach me.
He dog paddled my way, and I took hold of his arms. He shivered.
“It will be fine.”
“What are we supposed to do?” he whispered.
“Just stay close. I’ll rush them along,” I promised him.
“Okay, boys, we’re going to start filming,” Marv announced. “This works nicely. Mikey, put your hands on Cliff, too. Then start talking to each other. Try to make it look romantic. Cliff, at some point, lean in and kiss Mikey.”
“Oh,” Mikey muttered, not expecting that.
“Isn’t it a bit soon for that?” I asked the director.
“What do you think this is? A documentary about John the Baptist converting a follower in the Sea of Galilee?” Marv snapped.
“You’re supposed to be excited, horny gay men half-naked in a pool together, for God’s sake.
Now when I yell action, start talking about the earlier contest, but move it quickly into sexy talk about how you’re into each other. ”
I sighed, then looked at Mikey. “The sooner we give them what they want, the quicker they leave.”
“I’ll be interrupting you with directions,” Marv explained. “Don’t worry. My voice will be edited out before the scene airs. Ready? Action.”
Mikey was silent, so I started the conversation.
“I meant what I said at dinner, Mikey. I appreciate how hard you tried to make something special with the cake.” He nodded again.
I leaned into him under the guise of kissing his neck, but I whispered in his ear instead. “Say something. Don’t be scared.”