LIFE’S A GRIND
Jack Scribe
__________________________
Chapter
16, DEGREES OF GRADUATION
Jeremy
fell into the routine of stopping by the club on Tuesdays after school to
pick up his tip envelopes and deposit the cash in his bank at the nearby Merchandise
Mart. Memorial Day weekend was approaching and Chicago suddenly burped from
late winter to summer. ‘Speedo weather at the beach,’ he thought as he pressed
the Barecats stage door bell, waved at the security camera and waited for
the lock to be electronically released.
“Hi,
Jer,” said the office manager’s voice from the speaker. A metallic buzz indicated
that the lock was momentarily released. Jeremy opened the door, went directly
to the dressing room and retrieved the money from his lockbox. He had just
finished counting and organizing the bills when he heard someone walk into
the room.
“Hey,
buddy. How goes it?”
“Oh…hi,
Garin. I didn’t think you’d be here.” Jeremy shoved the envelopes into his
backpack and walked over to his boss. “Final tests this week and then graduation
on June 10th.” He took the extended hand, shook it briefly and
continued, “Everything’s cool.”
“Really?”
Garin asked with a raised eyebrow. “Seriously, between losing your mom and
those assholes attacking you all within two weeks – is it really cool?” He
looked into Jeremy’s eyes and gently stroked the younger man’s arm.
“Well…I’m
doing mostly okay.” Jeremy frowned and looked at the floor. “I keep telling
myself that Mom’s death was unexpected but probably a blessing – she had a
really crummy quality of life. As far as the attack is concerned, my classmates
have really been supportive. I guess I was outed in a pretty dramatic fashion
but it doesn’t seem to bother anyone.” Jeremy had discussed his sexual orientation
with Garin shortly after becoming a regular in the Barecats cast.
“Sounds
like ‘mostly okay’ is getting closer to reality, Jer.” Garin’s look expressed
concern.
“I…end
up crying sometimes when I’m alone – without any warning. And, I’ve had some
pretty rough nights waking up in a sweat, recalling that afternoon. But it’s
getting better and Naomi’s become more of a close friend than simply a sister.
The principal at school set me up with a psychological counselor and the sessions
seem to be helping.”
“Stick
with the counseling…it can’t hurt. I got professional guidance when my parents
divorced and Mom got custody of me. My father didn’t seem interested in spending
time with me any more and it really bummed me out…big time. I was just a little
younger than you are now.”
“It
musta worked cuz you don’t seem to mind talking about it. I plan on seeing
the guy through the summer. The school’s paying for it and I think I see a
light at the end of the tunnel.”
“Just
make sure the light’s not the headlight of a train,” Garin threw out, with
a smile that quickly faded. “Please excuse the lame joke.”
“Joke
noted and excused. I do appreciate you looking out for me, too. The only thing
that concerns me, though, is the crap of having to be a witness at the trial.
I’m not looking forward to that or the publicity.”
“Understand,
completely. If you’re going over to the bank at the Mart, want some company?
We can talk while we walk. I’ve got some ideas on this trial and some
other stuff I want to share with you.”
“I’ll
never object to your advice, your company or you being my personal guard when
I take the loot to the bank. I’m ready.” Jeremy smiled as he gestured to Garin
to lead the way out of the dressing room.
He
turned off the lights and joined Garin crossing the backstage to the exit.
Jeremy hurried a few steps ahead, opened the stage door with a firm push on
the crash bar and held it for his boss. They headed out to Hubbard Street
and turned west in the direction of the behemoth landmark Merchandise Mart.
“How’s
the tip money doing?” Garin asked. “We really haven’t talked much since you
joined us but I notice that the audiences seem to really get turned on during
your routines.”
“The
tips have been great. The money will take care of all my bills and give me
a chance to save something for my old age.”
“Old
age? Like…when you’re 30?” Garin said with a chuckle.
“Come
on, you know what I mean. Maybe 35.” Jeremy stuck out his tongue and continued,
“This is a super job and I really thank you for the opportunity. Unless
I’m told otherwise, I plan on being here…at least through college. As a bonus,
I’ve also made some great friends.”
“Starting
with Charlie Barnett? Not snooping, you understand.”
“Guess
nothing gets by you, does it?” Jeremy snickered as they turned south on Wells
Street. “We’ve become, as they say, an item…a serious item.”
“As
I told you, I have no problem with anyone dealing from that deck and Charlie
is a great guy…a real keeper. The two of you make a terrific couple. Ah, getting
back to what we were discussing in the dressing room, I think I’ve got a plan
that will keep everything concerning the attack very low key.”
“Any
help would be appreciated.” Jeremy looked at Garin when they stopped before
crossing Kinzie Street. His admiration and respect for his boss had continued
to grow since that first dinner last December.
“In
a way, what I’m going to propose is a little self-serving. I don’t want the
company to get negative publicity, and besides that, I want to spare you any
embarrassment. I’d like my lawyer to contact the lawyer for the two boys and
strongly urge him to change their pleas to ‘guilty’ if they can work out an
agreement on reduced charges. That should cut down the long waiting time for
a trial and avoid any interest by the press.”
“Reduced?”
Jeremy asked as they crossed the street and walked up the incline.
“I’m
told the prosecutors have a lot of leeway, and if it can guarantee a conviction
they will probably bundle everything under the hate crimes statute – a class
four felony. Even with all the evidence,
photos and witnesses of you being bound in that shed, kidnapping will be hard
to prove. And without actual…penetration, attempted rape is ‘iffy’. Confinement
is a given, and with the public statements they made, a hate crime will be
a slam-dunk. So, a hate crime is the way to get…those fuckers.” Garin sighed
and shook his head. “And, I’ve been assured that there’s no wiggle room on
that. Boring and Cortez will go down.”
“Wow,
you really have been researching this. Very impressive.” Jeremy’s curiosity
was aroused by Garin’s knowledge of the incident, but he decided not to push
it – at this point.
“Some
of this is public knowledge if you know how to dig for it. I understand maximum
time in Illinois for a class four felony is three years plus community service
for the first offense. Since no physical harm was inflicted, their attorney
could probably deal for maybe a year in prison and a couple hundred hours
of community service.”
“Seems
kinda light but I understand your point about wanting to keep it quiet. I
was hoping to send a stronger message.” Jeremy put a smirk on his face and
added, “Perhaps they can be someone’s bitch boys in the hoosegow.”
“With
TLC, of course.” Garin shrugged and added, “Couldn’t happen to nicer guys.
Seriously, it will send them a very strong message.”
“I
just don’t want those shits to show up on my doorstep some night,” Jeremy
said almost in a mumble. “I know they’re out on bail.”
“Already
thought about that. Our lawyer could suggest to the prosecution that the guys
be forced to wear electronic monitoring devices now and for a number of years
after they get out of prison. You know, like Martha Stewart. If they even
thought about getting near you, bells and whistles would go off.”
“That
would be sweet,” Jeremy replied without emotion. “Someone mentioned it’s Max
Boring’s dad who insisted on the not guilty plea. Cortez’s family is pretty
poor so Max’s lawyer is defending both of those turkeys.”
“I
was told about Mr. Boring’s feelings. A friend of mine has offered to go over
to Boring’s hardware store and apply a little pressure. He’s pretty sure he
can change daddy’s mind.”
“If
he’s anything like his son…good luck,” Jeremy replied while he shook his head.
“My
friend can be very persuasive and we’ve got some leverage. Boring’s store
has a very substantial gay and lesbian clientele and the father needs to understand
that the gay community stands together in Chicago. By the time my friend points
out that Boring would be out of business by the end of the year, I think there
will be a change of heart.”
“If
Mr. Boring does that, I’d be very happy.” Jeremy was aware that Garin had
many contacts in the Chicago area and trusted his boss completely.
The
men turned onto the front walk of the Mart and passed the first of the large
busts of Chicago merchandisers that lined the front of the massive building.
Jeremy admired the view as he looked south. The green-cast water partially
framed the dramatic high-rise architecture that lined the banks of the Chicago
River.
“Listen,
why don’t you go to the bank and meet me at the Starbuck’s in here,” Garin
said as they entered one of the front doors. “I’ll get started on this project
and make a few calls while you do your banking.”
“Double
espresso cappuccino, please.” Jeremy winked and added, “Give me a few minutes
and I’ll join you.”
“You’re
an expensive date.”
“I’ve
had good teachers and role models. See ya in a sec.”
Jeremy
trotted ahead and went into the bank branch off the building lobby to conduct
his business. He walked over to an empty standup counter and took the envelopes
out of his backpack. No one seemed to be paying any attention to him and he
tore open the envelopes and re-arranged the bills for the drop. Jeremy rapidly
filled out a deposit slip, verified the amount and turned to find a free teller.
Fortunately, late afternoon activity was very light and the transaction only
took a few minutes. He smiled when he reviewed the computer receipt and his
very healthy new balance; a balance that would grow larger when the police
returned his $200.00 impounded for evidence. ‘Maybe I should get some advice
from Garin about investing this money,’ he thought as he exited the bank.
It
appeared that he and Garin were the only people in the Mart interested in
coffee at this hour. He immediately spotted Garin, talking on his cell, seated
in a corner surrounded by empty tables and chairs.
“Guess
everyone is in a hurry to rush home without stopping by for coffee at this
hour,” Jeremy said as he sat down.
“Yes,
this is definitely a morning place.” Garin flipped his cell phone closed and
slid it into his pants pocket. “At 8:00 a.m., you’d have to fight off a long
line to get your caffeine fix. Good news. I got in touch with our lawyer and
also my friend. Everything’s set and we’ll just let our plan take its course.”
“Good.
I feel better already.” Jeremy set down his backpack and carefully took off
the paper cup’s lid. He savored the aroma from the cappuccino and brought
the cup to his lips. He was careful not to get his nose in the froth of the
steamed milk. He had learned that lesson already. “You mentioned that you
also wanted to discuss some other things?”
“Yes. I’m ready to move you into doing some
private parties…if you feel up to it.”
“The
only time I have any problems is when I’m by myself. School, Bally’s and the
Barecats keep me from thinking too much about recent events. And I’ve got
a few modeling gigs coming up soon.”
“As
far as the show goes, I’m really pleased at your dance solos and the way you
fit in with the cast. In fact, you’re really making quite a name for yourself.
The word’s gotten around that we have this hot model stud and the booking
agent is getting frequent requests for you.”
“I
don’t know about the stud part – you’ll have to ask Charlie,” Jeremy said
with a snicker. “But I’ll soon be doing some magazine fashion layouts for
the fall season and an underwear layout for the UnderGear website.”
“Hey,
it worked for Marky Mark Wahlberg in his Calvin’s years ago. Congratulations.”
“Garin,
I just want to support myself, get through college, find a decent job afterwards
and keep my other-half happy.” Jeremy rolled his eyes and took another sip
from his cup. “And I’m not getting any complaints in the last category.”
“Except
for noticing Charlie walking around with a shit-eating grin, I’ll take your
word for it. Are all the modeling shoots in Chicago?”
“Everything
except for the underwear gig. “I’ve got to go to New York next month: it’s
early in June…the day after I graduate. Scheduled to fly out on Monday and
return Wednesday evening.”
“Good.
Starting next week, plan on some extra rehearsal time at the club so the dance
coach can teach you the routines for the private parties. I’ll also get Charlie
lined up so you can learn the two-man dances with him. It’s a whole different
style of bumps and grinds when you’re performing in front of a small group
in someone’s home.”
“I’m
finding out what you meant when you said ‘life’s a grind’. It’s all how you
swing it,” Jeremy replied.
“Buddy,
you’re swinging it pretty well…and I mean the ‘life’ part. However, based
on the audiences’ reactions, everything else is swinging pretty well too.
By the way, if there are any contracts that need your signature, let me have
our lawyer look them over first. June’s a great photographer but you need
someone independent to check any legal documents.”
*****
Naomi
had invited Jeremy to a celebratory brunch at the North Pond restaurant in
Lincoln Park immediately before the high school graduation ceremony. This
was in lieu of the post-graduation dinner because he would be working. Jeremy’s
antenna went on alert when his sister casually mentioned that an intern she
worked with at Children’s Hospital was also coming.
“Sis,
why’s this newbie doctor coming? Excuse me for reading between the lines,
but is there something going on that we should discuss?” Jeremy remembered
Naomi had mentioned going out with someone with whom she worked at the hospital
– but she’d said nothing more than that.
“Tom
Goldsmith and I have been dating off and on for a while. It’s just gotten
a little more serious this past month.”
“A
little more serious?”
“Serious
enough that I want the two of you to meet. It’s important to me that you approve
of Tom. He’s only six years older and that’s not a big deal. He’s going to
be a pediatric resident at Children’s Memorial in July and I’ve got two more
years of nursing school to get my B.S.N. So, we’re both going to be pretty
busy for a while. This is just a first step.”
“I’d
love to meet any guy that really rings your chimes and brunch certainly is
a good way to check him out,” Jeremy said with a sly grin.
“I’ll
tell you he’s adorable, bright and…well, that’s all for now. It’s just…”
“I
got it: looking for a brother’s seal of approval. Kinda like what we went
through with Charlie. By the way, does he know that you’ve got a gay brother?”
“No.
I figure that if you want to mention something, that’s your prerogative. I
will tell you that Tom’s originally from Highland Park and pretty liberal
about things. I’m meeting his parents sometime next month for dinner.”
Brunch
at the North Pond went very well. The two men in Naomi’s life liked each other
immediately and Jeremy did mention his orientation. There was not a moment
of hesitation in Tom Goldsmith’s demeanor when he said he had been around
gay men for quite a while and that included some gay friends in medical school.
He smiled when Jeremy mentioned his partner Charlie and suggested that the
foursome should get together very soon.
Later,
when Jeremy received his diploma, he knew he was ready to move on. Robert
Stein – Bobby – was his life friend and he supposed that the others in his
core group of friends would continue to be in the picture off and on for many
years. Charlie was his anchor and Zach still filled the important role of
big brother. In fact, aside from the free membership that he could now easily
afford, Zach was now the only reason he still worked at Bally’s.
*****
Monday,
less than 24 hours after receiving his diploma, Jeremy boarded the Blue Line
train in the Loop for the 45 minute trip to O’Hare International and his flight
– his first flight anywhere – to New York. Charlie had finished his spring
exams and decided to be Jeremy’s escort and tour guide to the airport. He
wanted to show his lover the most economical mode of ground transportation
and pointers about getting to, and taking a flight from, America’s second-busiest
aviation hub. At $2.00 per head, the train was cheaper and much faster than
driving on the constantly clogged expressway or paying a hefty forty bucks
for a cab.
Charlie
had suggested Jeremy travel light and lent him a small suitcase to hold the
basic necessities. In that most of the time in New York would be spent in
a studio wearing UnderGear’s latest line of underwear, it was decided to only
pack a couple of pair of jeans, socks, a few fitted tees, a black polo shirt,
gym shorts for lounging around, Jeremy’s black Doc Martens and toiletries.
For books and a few documents associated with the job, Jeremy lugged along
his backpack. He was very careful not to pack anything that was considered
dangerous – hair gels, mouthwash and sharp objects.
At
O’Hare, Jeremy was given a quick tour around the American Airlines terminal
and a briefing by Charlie before the newbie traveler checked in at the ticket
counter. They gripped each other in a firm handshake for a quick goodbye when
it was time for Jeremy to get in line for the security checkpoint before entering
the gates concourse. By the time he had been herded on board and figured out
the seat configuration, Jeremy felt like a seasoned pro, tired of it all.
The
Chicago photographer, June Stillman, who had now taken on the additional job
of being his modeling advisor and mother-protector, arranged for him to be
met at La Guardia. A beautiful, ‘lipstick’ lesbian model friend of hers was
assigned to be the official chaperone for Jeremy during his three-day visit.
Aside from the taxi rides, a room in the small, luxury Mercer Hotel, the SoHo
photography studio and some restaurants in the Village, he wouldn’t get much
of a chance to explore the city.
By
the time their cab arrived at the hotel, Jeremy decided that he was a little
weary from his first plane trip and begged off dinner. He was checked in at
the front desk by a woman who could have been a model in the latest Sports
Illustrated swimsuit issue and then was shown to the room by a hunky bellman.
‘Must be one of those places where all the staff are really actors in disguise,’
he decided as he gave the guy five dollars as a tip. The bellman had spent
a lot of time explaining all the features of the hotel and sold Jeremy on
the idea of ordering room service. ‘Heck, I’ve got a per diem allowance to
use. It’s just tough to spend it on a $15.00 burger.’
He
phoned Charlie to let him know about his maiden air voyage and joked he wasn’t
part of Manhattan ‘road kill’…yet. Jeremy promised to call again the next
evening and settled in for a movie on HBO. One of the amenities of the hotel
was a complimentary access to a nearby Crunch Gym and Jeremy decided he wanted
to take advantage it for an early-morning workout the following day. ‘It wouldn’t
hurt to pump up a little bit for the camera,’ he thought as he arranged for
a 7:00 a.m. wake-up call. ‘I’m not due at the studio until 10:00 a.m.’
A
ringing of the room telephone announced the new day and Jeremy immediately
answered it. An electronic voice pleasantly wished him a “good morning” and
recited the time along with the New York weather forecast. He eased out of
the king bed – a luxury he wasn’t used to – and got into his clothes from
yesterday. Jeremy used a hotel laundry bag to lug his makeshift gear, change
of clothes and toiletries around the corner to the gym.
An
older man at the Crunch reception desk checked the hotel card, issued a towel
and brusquely described the facilities without showing any emotion before
pointing in the general direction of the locker room. ‘Toto, you’re not in
Chicago any more,’ Jeremy thought as he worked his way back to the men’s locker
area. It was barely 7:30 a.m. and the gym was very busy. He felt the pace
of the people working out – mostly men – was at a more determined, aggressive
level than what he was used to. He also noted the equipment was very new and
the décor was more current than the Bally’s back home.
The
large locker room had several bays of changing areas and he found a vacant
locker conveniently located in the middle of the room. The guys he saw appeared
to be mostly young executive types and he smiled at himself as he felt more
than one pair of eyes linger on him for a few extra moments. He organized
his locker with the toiletries, hung up his clean clothes, quickly changed
into his shorts and secured the door with the lock he had used for the suitcase.
One handsome guy smiled and nodded when Jeremy walked out to the gym. ‘Guess
this place must be have a gay following,’ he decided. ‘But, then, what decent
gym doesn’t?’
As
he had done many times, Jeremy went through a series of hand weight exercises
and used a few machines to exercise his upper body. When he was finishing
his workout on the mat in a serious attack on his abs, someone’s shadow fell
on his face.
“Dude,
you’re really doing an effective job on your six-pack,” came a friendly, low,
male voice. “Sorry to invade your space…just had to say ‘hi’. I’m Kent. Your
wet t-shirt really clings.”
“Morning,
Kent. I’m Jer.” Jeremy’s curiosity was piqued and he decided to sit up for
a better look. Standing above him was a handsome young man with a trim body.
Kent’s dark hair was a contrast to the light complexion and blue eyes. “No
coyness with this guy,’ he judged. ‘Is this a New York thing?’
“I’m
usually here every other day but I don’t recognize you,” Kent said as he lowered
himself to a squat position next to Jeremy. He extended his hand and Jeremy
instinctively grabbed it for a brief shake, pointedly ignoring Kent’s bulge
in his shorts.
“That’s
because I’m visiting.” Jeremy noted that Kent didn’t release his hand right
away. It felt warm and strong. “In from Chicago for work and I return tomorrow.”
“Welcome,
then, to the Big Apple. You’re a nice addition to the scenery.”
“Aw,
shucks, Kent. I bet you say that to all the guys,” Jeremy replied with a laugh.
‘Hmmm. I can only imagine where this is heading,’ he thought. ‘I think we
both verified what’s on his mind.’
“Only
the cute ones.” He sat down on the mat and allowed his leg to rest next to
Jeremy’s arm. Kent pressed slightly until his leg hair brushed against Jeremy’s
arm hair.
“You’re
pretty cute, yourself.” Jeremy decided to play with the guy and see if he
could navigate in these Manhattan, shark-infested waters.
“Score
one for the visitor from Chicago. By the way, what kind of work do you do?”
“I’m
getting paid to pose in underwear,” Jeremy said with an impish shrug. “Actually,
I’m doing a photo shoot for a company’s website. They make, among other things,
briefs and stuff like that.”
“Explains
why heads turned when you were walking around the gym. I’m sure you’re very
well qualified to do your posing.” Kent winked and continued, “Listen, if
you’re about finished, why don’t we clean up and I’ll treat you to some breakfast.
There’s a neat café around the corner in the Mercer Hotel.”
“That’s
where I’m staying. It’s cool…only…”
“Only,
what?” Kent pressed his leg a little harder and casually moved it up and down
against Jeremy’s arm. “You wanna skip breakfast and go on to the main event?”
“In
your dreams. I’m not interested in anything else except a little conversation
and maybe a bagel. I’ve got a boyfriend at home.”
“Jer,
the boyfriend is 800 miles away and I usually get my way. Especially when
the guy is as tasty as you are.” Kent moved his hand down and rested it on
Jeremy’s hand. “Do you know who I am?”
“A
handsome man who’s on the make with someone not available.” Jeremy looked
sternly into Kent’s eyes, pulled his hand away and rotated around to a sitting
position. “Who are you that I’m suppose to know?” He briefly studied this
aggressive stud and decided he didn’t have a clue as to Kent’s identity. “Other
than being a walking fuck machine,” he added with a smile.
“You
really don’t know?” Kent feigned surprise and continued, “I’m on ‘Westport
Wives’. I get most of America’s women’s panties in a wringer every afternoon
during the week at 1:00 p.m. Noon in Chicago.”
“Oh,
the soap? I don’t watch it but I’m sure you do that with the women…and probably
several of the men. You’re an interesting combination of a bright, good-looking
guy who is atypically modest for an actor,” Jeremy said with a laugh. “Probably
need some counseling in developing self-esteem.”
“Ha,
looks like I’ve met my match.” Kent pulled away and joined Jeremy laughing.
“I
don’t know about that but I am off the market.”
“Not
even if I dangled a romantic dinner tonight over in the West Village?”
“Even
that and all the battery-operated toys in your apartment. I’m saving myself
for my boyfriend…and that’s no bullshit.” Jeremy was having fun sparring with
Kent but decided to bring this topic to a close.
“Here’s
the white flag. I get the point and reluctantly accept defeat. Truce?”
“Truce…absolutely.”
Jeremy impulsively took Kent’s arm and squeezed it.
“Bullshit
aside…since I can’t get in your pants, why don’t we get cleaned up and settle
for just breakfast? Even if I can’t dazzle you with my sexy looks, maybe we
can amuse each other for a little harmless repartee while we eat.”
“I’m
up for harmless repartee. Let’s go.” Jeremy pulled himself up and waited for
Kent to do the same.
“This
guy you’re with…”
“Charlie.”
“Charlie
must be a helluva man. You two have ruined my batting average.” Kent lightly
patted Jeremy on the shoulder in a friendly manner as they walked away from
the mat area.
“He
is. We’re fairly new at this steady stuff but it’s the real thing.” Jeremy
was intrigued as the show biz Kent was replaced by a much more likeable real
guy.
“Then
maybe we can all get together some time when I’m out your way this fall. My
hometown is Glen Ellyn and the folks still live out there. I usually get out
there a couple of times a year.”
“Another
Chicagoan…well, almost.” Jeremy had never been to the Western suburb and only
knew the name and its reputation as a mostly white community whose citizens
strived hard to be considered ‘upper-middle class’.
“Close
enough. After high school, I went through Northwestern’s drama school and
graduated a couple of years ago.”
“Charlie
will be a junior at Northwestern this fall.” Jeremy moved slightly ahead when
they entered the locker room entrance.
“Is
he in a fraternity?”
“Phi
Delt house. He’s very active.” Jeremy stopped at the bay and added, “My locker’s
here.”
“I’m
in the next one. By the way, I almost pulled an inexcusable faux pas.”
“Faux
pas? As in…”
“A
Phi Delt never, ever goes after another Phi Delt’s girl…or guy. I’m a Phi
Delt alum from the same chapter as Charlie. Small world, isn’t it? See ya in the shower.”
“Okay.”
Jeremy chuckled as he removed the sneakers and damp clothes. He wrapped a
towel around his waist, grabbed the mini-bottle of hotel shampoo and followed
the corridor down to the wet area. He saw Kent in the middle of the shower
room. There were a few guys in the tiled room and it didn’t seem strange for
Jeremy to choose the shower next to Kent.
“There
you are. I’m not going to take long cuz I don’t have to shave right now,”
Kent said. He discretely scanned Jeremy and added in a low voice, “Brother
Charlie is a lucky man. What’s his full name, by the way?”
“Charlie
Barnett…and I’m the lucky man.” Jeremy winked and unscrewed the shampoo bottle.
“Oh, I don’t have to shave, either.” He had been told not to shave for a few
days. The photographer wanted the opportunity to take a few sets with a casual
stubble effect. There was to be a person at the studio who would groom the
models for later in the day. The following day’s schedule was primarily to
do re-takes of any shots that were judged not satisfactory.
The
two men finished their shower, got dressed and went to the Mercer Hotel’s
café. Over coffee and scones, they traded more details of their lives.
“This
is another first for me, Scones...who’d have thought?” Jeremy said with a
laugh as he signed the check before Kent had a chance to grab it.
“And,
clotted cream plus strawberry preserves – all very English. Only thing missing
is a pot of tea. You’re sure I can’t pick up my share of the tab?”
“Naw.
It’s all paid for by a per diem allowance I have. How about a little more
coffee?”
“If
you’ve got time, I’d love one more cup. Especially since I’m with this stud
from Chicago,” Kent said, and established eye contact with the waiter for
service. “I’ve really enjoyed getting to know you better, Sloan. The modeling
will be a great way for you to pay the school bills. You can make some good
bucks and the hours aren’t bad.”
“I
haven’t done it too often but the money is good. And as a fringe benefit on
this shoot, I can keep any of the underwear I wear on the shoot. Actually,
I have another part-time job you should probably know about if we’re going
to be friends,” Jeremy said cautiously. “I’m also kinda in show business.”
“Kinda…as
in…?”
“You
ever hear about a male dance show in Chicago called the Studz Barecats?”
“Sure.
It’s a great group. I saw the show last fall with a group of friends. Wait…you
mean that you’re also a dancer?”
“Thought
you should know. I’m always upfront with people I want as friends.”
“Well,
I’m not some sort of Bible-thumping Baptist if that’s what you’re concerned
about. I think it’s rather cool that my new friend is a Barecat.”
You
might as well know the rest, Kent. It’s where I met my partner. Charlie has
been in the cast for about a year.”
“Wow…something
they don’t include in Phi Delt initiation. I probably saw Charlie when I was
there. What’s his schtick? Um…role in the show?”
“He’s
the fireman with all the equipment,” Jeremy said with chuckle.
“Sonofabitch,
I do remember him and his…equipment. Brother Charlie is one sexy dude. You
guys probably make a great couple, I expect.”
“We’ll
all get together this fall and you’ll see. I think Charlie will enjoy getting
to know you. It’ll be fun.”
They
finished their coffee and decided that working on a friendship would indeed
be worthwhile. After Kent left the restaurant, Jeremy went upstairs to brush
his teeth and grab his backpack. His official chaperone and car was due in
ten minutes. Jeremy could hardly wait to tell Charlie about the meeting on
the telephone that night…and did so in animated detail…glossing over the initial
pick-up attempt.
The
two-day underwear photo shoot went well – if the positive comments were any
indication – and after some minor extra shots at the studio, Jeremy hustled
directly to La Guardia for the return American shuttle late on Wednesday afternoon.
He was thankful that he had been advised to pack and check out of the hotel
before going to the studio for the final day of shooting. As the 737 approached
cruising altitude, he thought over the final words from the New York photographer:
“Kid, don’t lose that innocence you have for the camera. I have several clients
who can use you.”
He
smiled, closed his eyes and thought, ‘Innocence…if he only knew.’
____________________
TO BE CONTINUED