Total pages in book: 90
Estimated words: 87933 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 440(@200wpm)___ 352(@250wpm)___ 293(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 87933 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 440(@200wpm)___ 352(@250wpm)___ 293(@300wpm)
Times have definitely changed. Before, not identifying as the social default of straight and cis would invoke existential crises. Now, he’s able to freely accept who he is with barely any questioning. It’s not like that for everyone, and I’m assuming his surrounding support system has to do with that. Having people in the same situation certainly helps the process. Blake knows he’s not alone.
I’d joke about having a magic dick—one taste and he’s hooked—but I don’t have the energy or the enthusiasm for it. I didn’t lie—I am happy for him, but also a little sad, because it’s usually right after the acceptance part that they walk away.
“Ready to head to set?” Blake asks as I’m finishing shaving in his bathroom with the little battery-powered electric shaver I keep in my car for situations like this.
I hate having to shave every day for a movie. If it were up to me, I’d shave once a week, if that. I don’t love a full-on beard, but some scruff never hurt anyone. At least not in a bad way.
The feel of Blake’s permanent stubble was heaven on my skin last night.
I splash my face with some water. “Almost. Did you call your agent back?”
“Yep. He wants a meeting with me and my manager today.”
“Mine too. They’re coming to set. Did yours say what it was about?”
“No, but I can guess.” Blake shoves his phone in my face, and there’s a photo of us kissing.
“What the fuck? How did they— Oh, wait, that’s from the set yesterday. And not even the over-the-top display we put on for Ben. This was from the film.”
“Someone must’ve had their phone on them and leaked it as a real photo instead of what it is. But this is a studio problem, isn’t it? Not ours.”
I whistle. “Well, whoever’s problem it is, I guarantee people are getting fired today. I can see Ben doing the whole ‘If someone doesn’t come forward, I’ll fire one person every hour until the culprit is found.’ He’s done it before when something like this has happened.”
“So, what you’re saying is today will be so much fun.”
“Yep. Can’t wait.” Just what we need. Ben on a warpath.
“Should we go to set separately? We don’t want to add fuel to the fire.”
“It’s probably a good idea.”
Blake shifts from one foot to the other. “I’m going to head out, then. I told my manager I’d meet him in my trailer before my call time. Denver’s house locks automatically when the door closes, so don’t forget anything or you won’t be able to get back in.”
“No problem.” I can’t look him in the eye because suddenly it’s awkward.
I want him to give me affection, but I don’t want to ask for it.
He looks like he has the same reservation, but he quickly steps forward, plants his lips on my cheek, and then leaves.
I get dressed and follow him five minutes later.
As suspected, when I get to set, the crew is being yelled at, though surprisingly, it’s not by Ben. A producer is laying into everyone about the NDAs every single member of the crew signs when being hired for a job.
Leaks happen. Some authorized—mostly to generate buzz about the movie—but most are unauthorized. I can’t see anyone from higher up the food chain ordering this to happen.
Cheating scandals are a killer in Hollywood, and even the ones where it doesn’t affect box office sales like with Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie in Mr. and Mrs. Smith, they’re the kind of scandals that follow actors around.
Teams will be chosen. Screenings will be boycotted. Hell, this could even affect the Eleven reunion tour. Though, that seems to have its own problems with four out of the five members now coming out, with Harley planning to take the leap next.
At least with Blake acknowledging his sexuality so fast, coming out won’t be an issue for him. Unless …
I stop walking. Blake’s team might be here to tell him to save his career, and to do that, they might pull some old-school Hollywood denial shit.
Taking my phone out of my pocket, I text Jojo and tell her to send my team to Blake’s trailer if they’re here. I leave the set, ignoring everyone who’s staring at me, cross the lot to where our trailers are, and knock on Blake’s door.
There are low murmurs inside, but I can’t hear any actual words.
One of Blake’s people answers and scowls with the fire of a thousand suns. “Good.” That’s all he says before he turns and goes back inside. I guess that’s my invitation to join them.
As I climb the steps, all stares are turned in my direction.
“Jord, this is Tony and Anthony, my manager and agent. Or as I like to call them, Tony One and Tony Two,” Blake says from the couch.