Chapter 10 #2
After an hour of stuffing our faces and chatting, Alex re-appeared and headed to Jared’s side, bending down to whisper in his ear. It was clear from Jared’s tense expression that whatever was said, it was bad news.
“Excuse me a moment, I’ll be right back.” Jared followed Alex into the house and left Max and I alone. The sun dipped golden into the horizon and disappeared.
“Are you enjoying yourself?” I asked Max. He’d been quiet most of the evening, letting Jared and I steer the brunt of the conversation.
“Jared’s intriguing and has great stories. I can also tell he thinks very highly of you,” Max replied.
“What about Field of Blood and the studio backing out? I didn’t fully consider the controversy that might erupt when it’s released. I mean, the case is thirty years old.”
Max nodded. “You should talk to Warren about it. Plus, you’re about to come out in your personal life, which means you’ll face additional scrutiny. It’s a lot to handle at once.”
I leaned back and looked up at the darkening sky and the glimmering stars above me. It was clear tonight. I felt like I could reach up and grab one perfect light, as if somehow it held the answers I was looking for. “It’s too late to back out now, but I’ll talk to Warren about the PR plan.”
Max opened his mouth to say something, but Jared’s return stopped him.
“My apologies. Your soon-to-be co-stars Reed and Tate got into a physical altercation at a local bar and were arrested. I had to get our legal and PR reps on it right away.”
“What? But they’re best friends,” I responded.
I’d worked with Reed Larkin and Tate Aduma on different movie sets and had never seen them lose their cool with anyone, never mind with each other.
“I don’t know how or why it started, but it did. Welcome to my world.” Jared rolled his eyes and sat down with a dramatic sigh. Pulling a black elastic off his wrist, he gathered his hair up in a messy bun.
“Does that happen often?” Max asked.
Jared and I both laughed out loud at the same time. Max had no fucking idea. Directors should tape what happens behind the scenes and release that. They’d double the studios’ money.
“Film sets are like operas, Max. Drama within drama,” Jared offered. “Now, how about dessert, and then I can give you a tour of the house?”
We had a luscious cherry tart with whipped cream and chocolate macarons, and I had green tea while Max and Jared enjoyed espressos.
Jared then took us inside to show us all three levels of the house, including an impressive library with shelves on all four walls packed floor to ceiling with books.
Max’s expression made me think he’d fallen in love.
“I could sit in here all day and read,” he sighed as he looked over the leather spines. There was a massive number of titles, including many classics and other books I’d never heard of.
“You’re welcome to borrow anything,” Jared offered.
“I couldn’t,” Max said as he adjusted his glasses. “Some of these books look like first editions. They’re very rare.”
“At the weekly rate I’m paying for this place, you can afford to borrow a book or two.
Trust me,” Jared replied as we continued with our tour.
“I’m sorry about the issue with the phones earlier.
It’s been a fucktastic year for my personal life, and I’ve had to take extra security steps.
First, there was a stalker situation just after the Oscars and I hired new security.
And recently, a former lover tried to sell pictures of me, taken without my consent, to a tabloid.
Alex nearly re-arranged the man’s face and I almost let him. And people wonder why I don’t date.”
“I’ll admit I was a bit put off by the request, but I do understand given what you’ve just said,” Max replied.
“There’s a reason Max and I are working on Rowan’s ship. If the press smells blood…”
“You know it, Dylan. Sometimes I chafe at the security protocols, but this is the life I’ve chosen.” Jared nodded and led us out the front door.
“Thanks for tonight, it’s been great. I’m looking forward to being on set next week.” I reached out to shake Jared’s hand, but he pulled me in for another hug. I tried not to tense as much this time.
“It’s going to be great, and Alex will ensure that our security is tight.
In the meantime, if there’s any support I can offer, even if it’s just to talk, reach out.
It’s nice to have real friends in our crazy world.
” Jared smiled at me and then turned to Max.
“Max, a pleasure to meet you. If you’re ever interested in screenwriting, let me know. ”
“I’ve got my hands full with Dylan right now,” Max paused and then his eyes widened. “I mean, with his book. But maybe after?”
Jared smiled. “Excellent. Dylan can send you my details. And before I forget, I’m throwing a dinner party next week with the cast and crew to celebrate the start of filming. I hope you’ll both attend.”
We said our goodbyes, and Jared had his driver take us back to the marina.
“Holy shit!” I exclaimed as we arrived at the pier, waiting for the tender to take us back to Now, Voyager .
“What is it?” Max asked. “Are you okay?”
I leaned in closer to Max. “I just realized that Jared outed himself to us. I’ve never seen anything in the news about him being gay and he’s never mentioned it. Then again, the studio may have pressured him to keep quiet.”
“It was clear to me that he likes and trusts you. Now that he has independent power, maybe he’s decided to be more open with people in his inner circle.”
I thought about that as we got back in the tender and sped towards the ship . Jared’s admission, whether by choice or by accident, gave me a welcome comfort. I added him to the small list of people I intended to share my news with.
Sooner rather than later.