On the following Saturday night, Jeff tugged at his tuxedo lapels and then made sure his shoulder holster was concealed. “Okay. I don’t know what’s worse, being on-duty at these events, or being a target.”
Mickey pushed him from behind. “No one wants your photo, ya moron, so keep walking.”
“Hey!” Jeff was about to retaliate when he noticed a limousine pull up to the front of the theater. Both of them paused to see who it was. The crowd, being held at bay outside the theater, went crazy, screaming and whistling.
“Who is it?” Mickey asked.
“I have no idea.” Jeff held onto Mickey and got to his toes. “Mark.”
“Oh, shit. Scan the crowd and get ready for utter chaos.”
“Hang on. Billy and Steve are with them. And, Alex.”
“Fuck.” Mickey held Jeff’s arm and they tried to get into a position to protect the two men in case trouble found them.
The noise of squealing fans was deafening. Jeff stopped as the two couples posed for photographs.
“What should we do?” Jeff asked.
“Keep your eye on the crowd.”
Jeff tried to but the masses were clawing and shoving to get closer to the stars. “I can’t get over how much Alex looks like his dad.”
“It’s his hair. Alex will probably grow his long again.”
“What’s his new series about?”
“I don’t know. Not vampires though.” Mickey gave a quick scan of the crowd.
“They’re coming.” Jeff backed up.
Billy held Alex’s hand as they approached the entrance where Mickey and Jeff were waiting.
Alex broke from Billy’s grasp and rushed to hug them. “You’re here!”
Jeff picked him up off the ground. “I’m so proud of you!”
Alex reached for Mickey to kiss and hug.
“Chief.” Jeff extended his hand to Billy.
Billy took it. “Have you two clowns taken the detective test yet?”
“We did. Last week. It was brutal.”
Billy, obviously trying to be heard over the noise Mark and Steve were creating when they stopped to pose for more photos, said, “Don’t leave Stanton behind.”
“I told you. I never will… again.” Jeff turned his attention to Mark. “I hate when he stops for the cameras.”
“He has to.” Billy reached for Alex’s hand.
“See ya in there.” Alex looked excited, as he should be.
Jeff became anxious and caught Steve’s eye. He tilted his head for Steve to drag Mark away from the crowd. Steve did. He escorted Mark to the entrance.
“Well!” Mark stopped short. “Look at you police officers in tuxedos! My, oh, my.”
“Get inside, gorgeous.” Jeff pointed to the lobby.
Mark laughed and Steve made sure Mark obeyed the order.
Jeff was about to follow Mark inside, when Mickey tapped him. Another loud roar from the crowd hit, and Jeff spotted Jeremy Runner with a pretty woman, posing for photos.
“Another beard?” Mickey asked him.
“Is he gay?”
“There’s speculation.”
“Come on, Mick. All our buddies made it inside safely.” Jeff walked into the lobby, showing the security guard his private invitation. They were allowed in and headed to the auditorium. Jeff located Mark and Alex sitting near the front. Behind them were all of their friends. And Alex didn’t miss one invitation.
Blake and Hunter, Josh and Tanner, Keith and Carl, and Jack and Adam, were looking fine in their formal attire. Mickey excused himself and made for the two reserved seats, behind Mark and Steve.
Jeff leaned forward, and asked, “So? Is everyone pumped?”
Alex turned to look at Jeff. “I’m so glad you guys made it.”
“We wouldn’t miss it, Alex.” Mickey smiled.
“Is that everyone?” Jeff tapped Alex.
Alex had a look. “I think so. We invited Colt St John, but he said, Ash was back into rehab.”
Jeff looked at Mickey in concern. Colt was an attorney that worked with Jack in his law firm, and Ashton was a recovering drug addict. “What did he do?”
Alex tried to talk quietly but the room was buzzing as it filled up. “He hurt his back and got hooked on the pain meds. From what I heard about it, once his prescription was out, Colt found some pills hiding in Ashton’s stuff. Something like that. I don’t know all the details, and I would imagine Colt wouldn’t want everyone to know.”
“Okay, Alex.” Jeff patted his shoulder. “You just enjoy your moment, and I’m sorry I brought him up.”
“No problem.” Alex smiled brightly.
Jeff sat back in his seat to think about poor Colt, when he noticed Jeremy greeting Alex, standing in the row in front of him. Alex stood and kissed Jeremy’s cheek, and it appeared introductions were being made.
Mickey tapped Steve and he turned around.
“Who’s the woman?”
“Jeremy’s sister.”
Jeff blinked. “That’s pretty damn cool.”
Steve shrugged. “He probably didn’t want to bring a date, and well, a man either.”
“Then, he’s gay?” Jeff asked.
“No idea.” Steve grinned and Jeff knew, yes, most likely Jeremy was, but coming out wasn’t anyone’s decision but Jeremy’s.
“Got it.” Jeff touched his nose.
The lights flashed and everyone took their seats and quieted down. Jeff held Mickey’s hand, but low, out of sight, because, they weren’t out to the public either.
He glanced at his hunky hubby, and then focused on the man with a microphone in front of the curtain.
~
Billy read the program for the film premier. Director’s cut? No rating? He was going to ask Alex what that meant, when Alex put his finger to his lips and pointed at the man speaking.
Billy folded the program and tucked it into his tuxedo jacket pocket, already bored with the droning on in front, and not thrilled Alex’s gorgeous costar came to the premier, with his sister, not a date.
That’s fucking odd.
Billy knew he had to come to the premier. Just like Alex had attended his promotion ceremony. It’s what loving partners did. But Billy had a feeling he wasn’t going to be thrilled to see Alex ‘acting’ ‘simulating’ sex.
He ran his fingers over his shaven jaw and glanced down the row. Mark was beside his son, and Steve was on Mark’s opposite side. Jack and Adam were beside Steve.
The rest of their friends were behind them, and Billy didn’t know the older man seated on his right.
The babbling introduction finally ended, and the M/C walked off with his microphone. The room darkened and the curtain drew back to an enormous screen.
As the opening sequence began, Billy adjusted his shoulder holster and tried to get comfortable for a long-ass film.
~
Knowing what he was going to witness, Mark had taken his little vial of pills with him. He snuck one into his mouth as the music score and credits ran. Mark shifted on the theater seat, not wanting to see this film. But, he had to.
It was his job as a parent to support his son’s career. And, every one of his friends, including Adam, Jack, and Steve, would kill him if he refused. But, if they think I’m doing this without valium, they’re insane.
During the week, he and Steve worked at Parsons and Company, and Mark had put this event on the backburner. But, here it was. And he had to deal with it.
Seeing his son have second billing in a huge feature film should have filled Mark with pride, but to Mark, it felt as if he was about to see a horror movie. And he detested violent films.
His shifting on the seat got Alex and Steve’s attention.
Both of them gave him looks of warning.
Mark blew out a loud exhale and touched the vial, wanting to be numb. He realized his actions were spied by the chief. Billy gave him a look of concern.
You will find out soon, my pet, if Alexander has not warned you.
After last Sunday’s fiasco with the gun, he hadn’t spoken to Billy or Alex all week. Billy was busy with his new job, and of course, Alex was back to his television filming.
Mark didn’t have a modeling shoot until next month, so he and Steve had fallen into their routine; work, run, sex, and sleep.
The beginning of the film did not contain sex. So, Mark watched it, trying to become absorbed in the plot, and not zone out until his son’s sex scenes.
The movie, Save a Horse, was about two men, a cowboy and a sheriff, who lived in a small town and had successfully avoided each other, until a woman’s body is found on the cowboy’s ranch.
Seeing Alex in his boots and hat, skin-tight jeans, and flannel shirt, Mark was amused. And there was Jeremy, to die for, in his beige sheriff’s outfit. Okay. He’s hot.
He lost track of everything for a moment as he became intrigued. He knew nothing of this script, and not only was it a gay love story, it was also a who-done-it mystery.
Seeing Jeremy in a police uniform, Mark glanced at his former LAPD police officer husband. Steve was riveted to the action on the big screen, and the audience was so quiet, Mark had a feeling this film was going to do very well.
If nothing else, the eye-candy was worth watching. Not only was Jeremy gorgeous, but the supporting characters were as well. And it was a cast of fabulous young men.
Mark was in heat. Until… the first moment of sexual contact hit between his son and Mr Runner.
Bloody hell. Mark looked away. He peeked and winced as Jeremy and Alex began making out in a dark alley and Alex’s tight pant were unzipped. Mark caught sight of his son’s erection and covered his eyes. No. No. No!
~
Billy choked in shock at seeing Alex’s cock, hard, on screen. When Jeremy’s was exposed, his was erect as well.
What-the-fuck? Billy thought erect cocks were the stuff of X-ratings. Is this what a director’s cut is?
He looked at Alex, angry that Alex didn’t tell him. But? Did Alex know? He could see Jeremy’s dick as he simulated anal sex with Alex, who was obviously turned on. Yes, Billy knew it was acting. Yes, he knew it was a job, but, did he have to sit through this bullshit?
He tried to watch and then it occurred to him; in this audience were their peers, their friends. Thinking about them seeing his husband erect and simulating blowjobs and anal sex, not to mention the amount of kissing, with tongues, Billy was about to explode.
He shifted on the theater seat and looked down the row. Alex was enthralled, so was Steve. Great. Just great. Steve and Jack are staring at Alex’s dick.
Hearing Alex’s character make the same sounds for Jeremy that he did when he and Alex made love, Billy couldn’t look any longer. It was then he noticed Mark had covered his eyes, discreetly, with one hand over his forehead.
I don’t fucking believe this.
Billy fought with his urge to leave. He glanced at the stranger in the seat to his right, and saw the man gawking, licking his lips.
Fuck. Billy began to fidget and Alex leaned away from him, as if Billy was disturbing his viewing.
The scene in the dark alley ended, and both Alex and Jeremy were back to dialogue and fully clothed.
Billy knew how many days Alex had filmed the sex scenes in LA. Nearly a week. So, this was only the beginning.
He didn’t know how much more he could stand, and the thought that Steve and Jack may be getting off on this crap was driving Billy crazy. He didn’t get to see Mark’s erect dick on a big screen! Why should they get to see Alex?
As the movie continued, Billy tried to tolerate it.
Then another sexual moment hit. Again, both Alex and Jeremy were excited and this time they were naked.
I’m done. Billy stood and tried to make his way out of the row of seats.
~
Mark had covered his eyes and was staring at his lap, but could still hear Alex’s orgasmic moans. When a little commotion occurred and Alex made a snarling noise beside him, Mark realized Billy was leaving. Mark stood to allow him to pass and then followed him out, walking the aisle to the back exit.
Mark didn’t make eye contact with a soul.
He and Billy left the screening room. Billy had his fists balled up and Mark knew how he felt.
“Billy.”
Billy spun around, as if he had no idea Mark was there. He scanned the nearly empty corridor and then threw up his hands, showing his frustration.
Mark touched Billy’s arm and tried to find a spot where they could talk. It was bad enough they had walked out of Alex’s premier.
He located a men’s room down a long hallway. It was empty. Mark and Billy entered it, and Billy immediately faced Mark. “Did you know?”
Mark winced. “Alex didn’t say a word to you about it?”
Billy removed the program. He shook it. “Is this what a director’s cut means? What the fuck? Not only full-frontal, but erect? How can they show that? Isn’t that an X-rating?”
“It is usually. Yes.” Mark touched the vial in his pocket, craving more. “They do this at times. I imagine the film that will be released after this screening will be an R-rated film, with most of the nudity edited out.”
“Did you see how turned on Alex was?” Billy pointed to the direction of the auditorium.
“I tried not to.” Mark felt revolted.
“Now everyone out there, including our friends, know what Alex’s dick looks like hard, and what he sounds like in bed!” He tore the program and tossed it away.
Mark kept cringing, as if Billy were throwing things at him.
“Un-fucking-real.” Billy paced and ran his hand over his hair. “They get to see him and I don’t get to see you?” Billy pulled back as if he was going to put a hole through the plaster wall. Mark stopped him.
“Jack and Steve?” Billy yelled, “They get to sit there and see this? Are you kidding me? And don’t justify this as acting! Simulated! They’re both hard as hell and going at it. Maybe not in holes, but where’s the line, Mark?”
Mark’s hands shook as he took out the vial.
Billy grabbed Mark’s hand. “No. No way.”
“How do you think I feel seeing my son exploited? Knowing Jack, Steven, and everyone else is going to pleasure themselves tonight, thinking of him? I’m going out of my head!”
Billy drew Mark into his arms.
Mark held back a sob of frustration. “I tried. I tried to simply not watch. Steven and Adam begged me to be here for him. Now, the two of us have just walked out of his film premier. Billy, Alex will be so angry at us. We’ve humiliated him.”
Billy backed up and pointed his finger at Mark. “He’s done this. Not us.”
“He cannot control the studio.” Mark dabbed at the corners of his eyes. “He is not responsible. We can’t pin this on him.”
“He didn’t know? Are you telling me he didn’t know they were showing this version?”
Mark stared into Billy’s blue eyes. He couldn’t lie. “Chief, yes, he did know. He was terrified to tell you.”
Billy’s jaw dropped. He ran his hand over his hair and paced in the narrow corridor between stalls. “He knew.”
“Yes.”
“He knew they were going to show an X-rated version tonight, and he didn’t say anything?”
“Yes.”
“But- you knew?” Billy stopped pacing. “Steve knew? Jack knew?”
“Billy. I’m sorry. It wasn’t my place to tell you.”
“Well, someone sure as shit should have!”
Mark cowered at Billy’s tone. He opened the vial and shook out pills into his palm.
“What the hell are you doing?” Billy grabbed Mark’s wrist.
Mark fought him and managed to get two more tablets into his mouth.
“Mark!” Billy pushed Mark against the wall with a thud.
Mark capped the vial and shoved it into his trouser pocket, chewing the tablets and swallowing them.
“How many pills did you just take?”
“Two. It’s only valium.”
“Only—” Billy showed his teeth. “Did you just OD right in front of me?”
“No!”
“Oh, my fucking God! I’m in hell!” Billy pulled back and punched a huge hole in the wall next to Mark’s shoulder.
Mark jumped out of his skin and his back hit the wall when he did. Billy kept punching the plasterboard until not only were his knuckles bleeding but the hole became enormous.
“Stop it!” Mark grabbed Billy’s arm and pinned it down. “What are you doing? You think my solution is bad? You’re destroying the theater and yourself!”
Billy closed his eyes and had a mini meltdown.
Mark tried to see Billy’s hand, but he jerked it away.
“I’m in hell…” Billy moaned. “I’m in hell…”
~
Steve was furious the two men had walked out. It was unbelievable. He moved over to sit beside Alex, putting his arm around him for comfort. Alex’s expression was passive, but Steve knew what a blow this was for him.
He looked down the aisle to gauge Jack’s reaction, but he was watching the film. Adam glanced at Steve quickly, but he too, ignored the two men’s exit and kept his focus on the film.
Just when Steve thought Alex was okay, he heard Alex stifling a sob. Steve took his arm down from behind Alex and held his hand, squeezing it. “Hush. Okay.”
Alex hid his face on Steve’s shoulder and sobbed quietly.
Steve held onto him. “Shh. Okay. It’ll be okay.” He kissed Alex’s hair. “Alex, you’re amazing. Don’t let what they did upset you. Please. We’ll deal with it. Right now, be here, in your moment of glory. Witness it. Don’t miss this.”
Alex wiped at his eyes and sat up. He held onto Steve’s hand tightly and composed himself.
“That’s my man. You’re a fighter, Alex. You’re tough.” Steve held Alex’s hand in both of his. “They’re weak. They can’t deal with your success. But we can.”
Alex faced Steve. “We can.”
Steve kissed Alex’s knuckles and put his arm around him again. “You’re on fire, babe. You’re going to knock everyone’s socks off. You’ll win that award this time.”
Alex smiled at Steve. “Thank you.”
“Shh. Let’s watch this amazing film together.”
Alex rested his head on Steve’s shoulder and Steve’s attention was back on the movie. He blocked out thoughts of the pain Mark and Billy had just inflicted on Alex. He understood why they did what they did, but this was for Alex. And to Steve, that was all that mattered.
~
After Mark and Billy left their seats, Jeff took a look at their row of friends. Not only was he angry at the two men for doing what they did to Alex, but he could see Blake and Hunter, and Keith and Carl exchanging furious expressions. Jeff whispered to Mickey, “I can’t believe they just did that to Alex.”
“Unbelievable.” Mickey shook his head.
Jeff tried to stay passive, but that act enraged him. He glanced at Tanner, and then realized even Josh, the young lifeguard who had set Mark up on a pedestal, appeared annoyed.
Jeff was glad Steve was there to comfort Alex. He didn’t know how to cope with that act of betrayal at the moment, but one thing he knew. Mark and Billy never should have taken out their issues on Alexander. Jeff felt Mickey squeeze his hand. At the gesture of comfort, Jeff was drawn back into the movie, and kept his mouth shut.