Nicky and Steve were speeding along the Pacific Highway in total silence. Steve had just been told he wouldn’t be going to the premiere. The extra ticket had been given to Marco. Nicky felt bad for him, but compared to all the other shit he had on his plate, it was nothing. He kept asking himself, why Marco of all people?
Steve broke the silence. “Don’t think I’m going to sit home and watch you having a ball without me.”
“Listen, Steve, this isn’t the way I wanted it either. But for right now, I can’t handle any hassles from you.”
“So I’m a hassle now, am I? Well thanks a lot. I wasn’t a hassle when you called from Rome and said have patience. ‘Trust me. It’s for us honey.’ I remember it all. And I did just that, and you know what? I don’t like where we are! Or I should say, where I am.”
Nicky couldn’t argue. What Steve had said was true. When they arrived at the beach house he was relieved when Steve stormed into the bedroom and slammed the door. He collapsed into the new hanging chair with the built-in stereo they’d had such fun finding the week before. He didn’t want music, just the total encompassing feeling. It seemed to cut him off from the world for a minute. He was still trying to figure out where Marco came into the picture. With Karen behind the whole so-called surprise, it had to have to something to do with the gay scene. Whatever happened, Marco would never know from him. His stomach was in knots.