Chapter 8
Eight
Three weeks later . . .
E van double-checked his bowtie before leaving his bedroom. Out in the living room, Rico chatted with Mark and Brian, and once again, he looked sexy as hell in his tuxedo. This one was all black but also fit him perfectly.
Tonight was an award show, and both the sportscast teams of Bentley & Barrett and Morrison & Savage were nominated for awards. Everyone involved in getting the two shows on the air would be in attendance, and Evan had invited Rico to come as his date. It was the first time Evan would be open about his sexual orientation at a work-related event, and he was a bit nervous about it. A few people he trusted knew he was out and proud, but there were others to whom he hadn’t felt comfortable exposing himself.
“How do I look?” He spun around in a circle.
“Good,” Mark and Brian said simultaneously, not even inspecting him beyond a quick glance. His older son flipped through the options on Netflix while the younger one texted someone on his phone.
Rico gave Evan a suggestive smile. “I’d say better than good. Ready to go?”
He patted his pockets. “Got my wallet, keys, and phone. Yup, I’m ready. Guys, don’t eat everything in the pantry and fridge, all right? Leave me something to eat this week. I’ll see you in the morning.”
Brian gave him a thumbs-up. “Good luck, Dad.”
A few minutes later, they were in Rico’s car, a black Dodge Charger that Evan had been lucky enough to drive a few times. He loved the sleek vehicle that fit its owner to a T.
It didn’t take them long to arrive at the Terra Gallery, where the award show was held. Evan chuckled when a valet hungrily eyed Rico’s car.
“Better not be a scratch on it when I get it back,” Rico muttered to him as they strode into the venue. “Or drool.”
The lobby buzzed with people representing all the radio stations in the Bay Area. The first person Evan spotted from KCXN was Lily Albert. When he introduced her to Rico, he almost choked as she grinned with amusement and asked Rico what shoe size he wore.
Soon, others from the station joined them, including Eric Bentley, Tom Barrett, Ray Morrison, and Dave Savage. The first three were with their wives, while Savage had some busty, blonde bimbo on his arm. He had a penchant for women who didn’t have much in the brains department. When Evan introduced Rico to everyone, he wasn’t surprised that Savage didn’t extend his hand for Rico to shake like the others had. But, then again, Rico hadn’t reached out either.
As flutes of champagne passed by on trays, Rico snatched two glasses and gave one to Evan before lifting his own and gesturing to the two sportscast teams. “Good luck tonight, gentlemen.”
Everyone but Savage smiled and thanked him.
About fifteen minutes of chitchat later, the overhead lights flashed once, an indication that the attendees should head into the main ballroom and find their seats. Evan put his hand on Rico’s arm. “I’m just going to run to the men’s room.”
Rico nodded. “Sure. I’ll wait for you here.”
A few men exited as Evan walked into the upscale lounge. He’d just finished at the urinal when the door opened, and Savage strode in, spotted Evan, and scoffed. “Should’ve known you were a faggot, but I didn’t expect you to flaunt your fucking boy toy in everyone’s faces.”
Rage flowed through Evan. He didn’t care what people thought of him, but he’d be damned if he let this asshole talk about Rico that way. “Screw you, Savage.”
“No, thanks. I don’t take it up the ass like you do. You can forget about working on my show ever again. I’ll demand a new sound tech on Monday, and you’ll be looking for a new job if I have my way.”
Before Evan could respond, a toilet flushed, and the door to one of the stalls slammed open. Both men were shocked to see the president of KCXN stroll out. Bishop Kane was a good-looking man in his early fifties. His salt-and-pepper hair was neatly styled, and his sharp green eyes narrowed as he walked right up to Savage and got in his face. “Actually, Savage, you’re the one who’ll be out of a job come Monday. I don’t tolerate gay bashing or any other kind of sexual harassment at my station. Consider this the end of your career at KCXN. I’ll have payroll mail your final check because I don’t want you stepping one foot in my station ever again.”
If Evan weren’t so stunned, he would’ve laughed at how pale Savage was. The bastard tried to recover, though. “You can’t fire me! I have a contract!”
“You should’ve read it more carefully before you signed it because sexual harassment is an offense that can void it. Now, get out of my face before I have you thrown out of here.”
Now red-faced and looking like he was about to blow a gasket, Savage spun around and stormed out of the restroom, yelling something about them hearing from his lawyer.
Mr. Kane didn’t say anything to Evan until after they washed and dried their hands. He then held one out to Evan. “My son is gay and has been happily married to his husband for five years now. If you have any problems with Savage outside the station after this, I expect you to let me know.”
Evan shook his hand. “Y-yes, sir. Thank you.”
“Let’s go enjoy the show, shall we?”