Chapter Seven
Cliff
“I think this look is better,” Simone said when I emerged from the bathroom.
The director, Marvin Jacobs, had given me a choice of two outfits to wear for the premiere. Either I could greet contestants in a formal black suit, which I had just modeled for Simone and my mother, or I could select the more casual outfit I had on now.
My mother’s lip curled. “But this is so…average.”
Only my mother would conclude that a designer white polo and pair of black trousers that cost over a thousand dollars looked average. “Mom, did you feel the quality of this material? It’s not like I threw on one of my old T-shirts and a pair of shorts.”
Simone seemed apprehensive that she might get caught in an argument. “I just thought it makes Cliff look more down to earth. But the suit was very nice, too, Ms. Walker. It made your son appear very distinguished.”
“He is distinguished,” my mother replied. “And those potential boyfriends should know that. Cliff is anything but average. If they’re looking for someone down to earth, they can go onto Grindr and search for an archeologist.”
I rolled my eyes. “Mom, you were the one who said I can sometimes appear unapproachable. Are you sure you aren’t worried that me dressing casually will make you look like you’re overdressed when you’re introduced on the show?
” I pointed at the outfit she had chosen from her closet.
Although she did look very pretty in her David Yurman jewelry and ice blue gown, it worried me that she was hoping to turn His Choice into The Alicia Walker Show.
“What? This old thing?” she asked, glancing down at her clothes. “I just like the color on me. It draws attention away from my face. I’m not sure I was able to beat it into submission today.”
Simone seemed genuinely surprised that my mother would question her beauty.
“Ms. Walker, you’re one of the most beautiful women I’ve ever met.
I’m sure the viewers will be shocked to learn you’re Cliff’s mother.
” She turned to me with a gulp. “I mean, because she doesn’t look old enough… not because you aren’t beautiful, too.”
I smiled. “I knew what you meant.”
Simone grabbed the black suit off the rack.
“Your mother is right. Even though you look great in both outfits, tonight’s premiere might be the only time you get to dress up.
People should see how dashing you look in formal wear.
I imagine most of the activities from here on out will be more casual. ”
I nodded, then turned to my mother. “Mom did say she was here to give good advice. Chalk one up for her.”
My mother smirked as she turned to Simone. “By my count, it’s Mom one million, Cliff zero. But I’m not dead yet. He still has a chance to be right instead of me at some point.”
I was about to share a few examples of when that had already been the case, but a gang of my other friends entered my bedroom. Myles was carrying a bouquet of roses.
“We came to wish you good luck, Mr. Walker,” Josh, one of Adam’s and Myles’ sons explained.
“We were going to bring blindfolds for the contestants to improve your chances, but Myles thought flowers would be kinder,” Adam joked.
“You promised today you’d stop with the put-downs you guys do,” Myles chastised. “Cliff needs our support right now, not mean-spirited humor.”
Adam frowned. “I forgot.”
“It’s true,” Simone cut in, turning to my mother. “You’ve probably seen the three of them together. They always regress to adolescent behavior.”
My mother nodded, acknowledging she had witnessed us together. “You boys behave today. Everyone needs to focus on making this a success.”
Adam appeared apologetic. “Sorry, Ms. Walker. Cliff, we are all proud of you. You’ll represent White Pines well.”
“Yeah, and folks everywhere in town are excited. Everyone’s talking about how business has ramped up,” Keller added. “Maybe because of the promotional work Flynt and I have been doing? Just saying.”
Flynt beamed in response, peering my way for affirmation.
“I’m sure that’s a big reason. Thank you, both,” I said.
“Which means increased work for me and my officers, keeping order in town,” Mitch added, pretending to be put out by it. “But hey, if it means more money for local businesses and our friend landing a partner, then it’s worth it.”
I pushed my hands in my pockets. “Thanks, but guys, the odds are that won’t happen. Come on, let’s remember. This is a dumb, contrived show. I’m happy to help commerce in town and maybe boost my own businesses, but I don’t expect to find the love of my life.”
My mother patted my shoulder. “I’m amazed you’ve amassed so much success with that positive attitude, darling.”
I frowned. “This isn’t me being negative, Mom. I’m just being realistic. I always am. Believe it or not, I think that has contributed to my accomplishments. I expect the worst and have a plan to pivot if I’m right. If something good happens instead, I’m pleasantly surprised.”
“Well, I hope you will be again,” Myles added. “But it’s good that you’re here, Ms. Walker, to encourage your son.”
Simone noticed my smirk and eyeroll, then discreetly swatted my arm.
“Okay, I need to ask. Why do all of you keep referring to me as Ms. Walker? You can call me by my first name, you know,” my mother said. She looked to everyone in the room, all of whom had questioning expressions on their faces. My mother huffed. “Alicia!”
My friends murmured and nodded in unison, as if they recalled having been told that previously. Perhaps they had, but my mother didn’t give off a vibe of first-name familiarity.
“Well, Alicia, you’re looking very nice tonight,” Keller said with a grin that was too flirty for my taste…or Mitch’s.
Mitch cleared his throat. “I’m standing right here, Keller.”
Keller swallowed hard, recognizing he’d been too obvious. He put his arm around Mitch’s waist. “It was just an innocent observation. I’m surprised I even noticed with you here beside me.”
Mitch chuckled before patting his boyfriend’s behind and whispering something in his ear.
I wasn’t the best at lip-reading, but I had been able to make out the words ‘bullshitter’ and ‘spanking.’ I knew Mitch well enough to know he’d never hurt someone other than in self-defense, so the whole discipline thing must have been a joke or a painless part of their fun-time routine.
If it was the latter, it was information I didn’t need to know about my friends.
Simone’s boyfriend, Ezra, approached me and pulled me into an embrace. “Good luck, cousin. Remember, your selection needs to be every bit as good as you are.”
“He can’t choose them all,” Adam added with a snicker. When Myles shot him a scolding look, Adam’s face sobered. “Sorry. I forgot again.”
“You’re setting a bad example, Dad,” Flynt said in a mock-paternal tone, enjoying his chance to reverse the tables.
Adam nodded Flynt’s way in acknowledgment, then walked over and pulled me into a bro hug.
He only spoke loud enough for me to hear.
“I’ll tell you this once and don’t ever repeat it.
I was jealous when Myles and I met you. I was afraid he’d be more attracted to you because you’re so good looking.
” He patted my back. “You’ve got this. Go get ’em, bud. ”
I was surprised by Adam’s confession, and I hugged him again with gratitude for his admission. “Myles got the right guy, Adam.”
The rest of the group huddled around me and shook my hand, clapped me on the shoulder, or clasped me to them quickly before saying their goodbyes and well wishes.
Once everyone left, my mother turned to me. “You have nice friends.”
I nodded. “Yeah. I do.”
“The very best people have always been drawn to you. It will become clear on the show who they are, and they’ll come your way, too.”
I raised an eyebrow. “Mom, that almost sounded like cheerleading without an accompanying ass kick.”
“Naturally. You’ll need your ass to be in its best shape during the show,” she replied with a chuckle.
“Eww. Mom!”
She put a hand over her mouth. “I didn’t mean…for that! I meant to look nice…in pants.” She shook her head. “Speaking of, go put the suit back on. I’ll go change, too, into something less…desperate looking.”
“Mom, I didn’t mean to imply it looked like that,” I protested.
She didn’t appear offended. “Pretty sure you did. It’s fine. I told you, a smart woman never disregards the fashion advice a gay man gives her.”
* * * *
Marv, the director, had walked me through the scene he envisioned taking place under the front portico of the house. Although it was evening, there were enough stage lights around that I’d have no problem making out each suitor’s features as they emerged from a limo to greet me.
“Nervous?” Marv asked.
I feared I must be giving off a vibe. “Sorry. A little.”
“Don’t sweat it,” he replied. I nodded. “No, I mean don’t sweat the suit. It goes back to the designer in the morning.”
“Oh,” I mumbled, suddenly believing I was doing just that. My armpits felt sticky.
Marv burst out laughing. “That was a little showbiz humor. I don’t care if the clothes go back with stains. It won’t be me cleaning them.”
I forced a chuckle, though I’d rather he didn’t add to my anxiety. “So, when each guy emerges from their car, I just say hello and let them do most of the talking, right?”