Chapter 9 #2
Already, Ray can tell that these photos are going to turn out much better than the ones they got for their two singles.
In those photos, the Brooms weren’t doing much other than standing next to each other or sitting in a formal formation.
But having something was better than nothing, Ray supposed, as they needed photos to promote themselves.
The singles have been selling well regardless of the quality of photos—as the music speaks for itself—but having photos of a superior caliber will only help their prospects.
Maurice has been wonderful to work with, friendly and energetic with his craft, and he surely knows what he’s doing, getting the Brooms in a variety of poses and not hesitating to shoot dramatic angles.
During June and now in July, the Brooms have been busy recording again, as Ray suspects they’ll be doing a lot more of from here on out.
If they can get everything ready in time, RCA plans to release their debut album in September.
And—if sales remain steady—Dennis is planning for them to tour the nearby states shortly after that—as headliners.
Ray has no doubt at all that things will grow exponentially for them, especially when the Dusty Brooms are slated to open for none other than the Rolling Stones later this month in Detroit at Cobo Arena.
The Rolling fuckin’ Stones! It’s a dream come true.
If that’s not going to get the Brooms on people’s radar, what will?
Maurice attempts to roll his camera to the next frame, but the lever stops. “Ah, this roll’s filled. I’ll have to get another. Not quite done with you guys; I wanna do some individual shots next. But you can stretch, move around some.”
“Sounds good,” Ray says. Stefan and Pat stand up and walk off the set, and Santiago lifts his elbow off of Ray.
But Ray is hesitant to let go of Gene. It’s not often they’re touching each other so intimately close like this, and for such an extended period of time.
It doesn’t seem like Gene’s ready to let go either.
Their bodies fit against each other so perfectly, so comfortably…
but, isn’t that a weird thing to think? Before any more crazy thoughts can intrude his mind, Ray slowly releases Gene’s shoulders.
Gene looks at him with a soft expression, one Ray can’t really decipher, but then Gene graces him with a smile.
Ray gives him a subtle nod and they step away from each other before it becomes awkward.
Or, Ray thought it wasn’t awkward, until he catches Maurice looking at them.
Maurice doesn’t say anything, but he smirks.
That devilish smirk is paired with an amused twinkle in his eyes.
Oh god, what’s he thinking? Was I touching Gene too strangely?
I thought we were just acting friendly. Ray’s heart races, confusion clouding his brain.
That confusion is only increased tenfold when he turns his head, and notices Gene blushing at him.
But Gene shakes his head, he laughs, and he puts his hand on Ray’s shoulder blade.
For some reason his touch instantly calms him, warm against his back, and they both walk out of the spotlight as if nothing strange had happened.
Once Maurice has a new roll of film in his camera, he adjusts the lamps of the scene and instructs the Brooms to sit down one-on-one for individual shots.
Stefan is up first, posing stark and stoic like he’s a magazine model himself.
He’s got the same smouldering look as one, that’s for sure.
With his long platinum blond hair and full lips, Stefan’s been a favorite amongst their female fans.
It only makes Ray slightly jealous, but not too much, as he’s used to getting plenty of attention himself.
And besides, Ray’s very confident in his own appearance to not envy that sort of thing.
But when Gene steps up for his picture, Ray feels a different sort of envy.
With Gene’s roguish handsome smile, his midnight-black hair, the curve of his shoulders, his firm chest accented by that tight button-up shirt, his slim body…
Ray envies the girls who’ve gotten to touch him.
To experience him in a way that Ray hasn’t.
To caress him in a way that’s not just friendly…
Ray squints his eyes shut, shakes his head, and turns away to face the wall.
Goddammit. I thought I’d gotten rid of these thoughts.
But more often than not, thoughts like that can’t help but intrude his mind. He loves spending time with Gene, more than anything—they are best friends, after all. But Gene’s not someone who he should be thinking of like that.
And even if I did give in to those thoughts, who’s to say Gene would even feel the same way back?
It’s a recipe for disaster, and dwelling on it gives Ray a headache.
He’s not gay. He can’t imagine how much more complicated his life would be if that were the case.
He should just forget about it. Why should he be thinking about a guy, his best fucking friend, when plenty of gorgeous chicks are willing and waiting for him instead?
Maybe I should go visit Harriet when we’re done here. Haven’t seen her in a while.
After Gene is done, Santiago, Pat, and Ray take their turns getting individual shots for Maurice. He fills up another roll of film, but apparently, even after that, he doesn’t think he’s done. He pops one more roll into his camera.
“Ray and Gene, can I get some photos of just the two of you?” Maurice asks. “You’re the founders of the band, and the ones who write the songs. I’d like to get some of your chemistry together on film.”
Chemistry? “Uh, yeah, that’s fine with me. Gene?” Ray says.
“Yeah, sure,” Gene says.
Ray and Gene step into the spotlight. Not sure what to do, Ray just sort of stands there, and so does Gene, clasping his hands behind his back. They look at each other, then toward Maurice. “How would you like us to pose?” Ray asks.
“What if you guys do what you were doing earlier? I liked that. How you were all on each other,” Maurice says, giving that same smirk he had on earlier.
And that comment instantly flusters Ray, feeling his cheeks heat up.
“Um, sure, I guess.” He laughs it off, then throws his arm around Gene’s shoulders just like before.
Gene laughs as well, and while in the midst of grabbing each other, Ray can hear the snap of Maurice’s camera.
He’s catching us while in the act. Almost candid.
Gene turns his head toward Ray, and gives him such an adorable smile.
The shutter snaps again. This doesn’t feel too bad, it’s actually quite natural, and Ray brings his other hand up to grab Gene’s free one, gently holding onto his fingers. Of course, there’s another snap.
“Stay still like that for a sec,” Maurice says, the camera hiding his face. “That pose is great.”
“Alright,” Ray responds.
Maurice steps around them, snapping a few different angles of their pose.
Touching Gene like this fills Ray’s chest with warmth.
Gene himself feels rather warm as well, and it’s so pleasant—such a sensation turns into a wonderful spark when he can feel Gene grasp a little tighter onto his waist. It’s all being caught on film, too.
Us being so close. Maurice takes one more snap, then lowers the camera.
“How about one more pose?” Maurice says, smiling with a peculiar sort of giggle in his tone. What’s so funny? Yet Ray can’t help but giggle as well.
“Sure, why not?” He turns his head to Gene.
“Why not, indeed?” Gene repeats with a smile.
His face is so close. The only time they’re ever this close is when they’re singing together on the same mic, but now they’re not singing.
Now they’re rather still, and Ray can see the subtle hints of stubble on Gene’s chin, the sweat caused by the hot lamps on his reddened cheeks, the mesmerizing color of his hazel eyes…
Snap!
Maurice giggles again. Oh, shoot. He got that on film, too.
Ray laughs it off, and so does Gene, as they take a small step away from each other.
At least Gene seems to be a good sport about this all, and hasn’t been too weirded out by their closeness.
Well, why would he be? They’re just friends, doing friendly things.
Nothing strange about that. Anything else is all in Ray’s head.
“Wait, I’ve got an idea,” Gene says. “I’ll sit down and you stand behind me.”
“Yeah, I like that,” Ray says. “How ’bout it?” He looks up to the photographer.
“All for it,” Maurice says.
Gene brings the bench back over into the scene area and sits down.
Ray stands behind him like was asked, Gene’s head touching his chest. Well, might as well get comfortable, like Maurice would suggest. Ray throws his arms over Gene’s shoulders and holds him close, resting his chin on the top of Gene’s head. That gets a giggle out of both of them.
“Oh my god, stay just like that,” Maurice says. He puts his eye behind the camera, and snaps the shutter.
Ray flattens one of his hands on Gene’s chest, feeling the gentle fabric of his button-up shirt—and the firmness of his muscles. Gene doesn’t seem to mind—actually, to Ray’s surprise, he puts his own hand on top of Ray’s. Now that kicks up another flutter of butterflies in his stomach.
“Perfect,” Maurice says. The shutter snaps.
They’ve never had photos taken like this together before, and Ray’s heart beats with excitement, thinking of how good they’ll look once developed. He doesn’t even think he’s gotten any quality photos with Harriet, now that he thinks about it, other than some quick Polaroids from Santi’s camera.
These photos with Gene are something special. He can tell Gene is thinking the same thing, with the way he can feel his warm heartbeat underneath his palm.