Flip does some contract work to fill the time
This is an original fictional story. All characters portrayed in sexual activity are over 18. Š Brunosden 2024. All rights reserved.
Flip....
(Saturday) I had worked all day at the theatre arranging and rearranging lights. One of the directors told me that I easily did the work of three menâbecause I knew what I was doing and because I understood directions. He also complimented my leadership and mentoring skills.
After a quick shower, I had prepared for and done a performanceâanother special night for our child wonder stars. I'm home, exhausted and ready to turn in. I expected that Michael was still out "entertaining" so I sent a "Good night, love." I had two performances tomorrow. So I knew that I would have time only for a quick gym visit in the morning. But, I really needed a workout. And I was becoming more and more concerned about the lack of communication with Michael. It's funnyâwhen we're together, it's okay if we don't talk a lot, but when we're apart I need to hear his voice and see him on Facetime.
I slept in Sundayâuntil 9 and headed for the gym after reading Michael's brief text. His announcement and brief "review" of his afternoon in bed with Marylyn didn't surprise me. And, it didn't upset me. I think I knew him well enough that she was not a threat to us. Just another rung on his ladder to success.
For a Sunday, the gym was crowded, but they were mostly "Sunday warriors"âthose who workout once or twice a week and were mostly cruising. So I was constantly resetting weights. And I was constantly aware that other guests were watching my every move. I was becoming a celebrity even though I tried to maintain anonymity in day to daylife. I did notice that one of the techs that I'd spent the previous day with was there. He wasn't in designer gym wear. In fact, he looked rather ordinary in sweat shorts and old sneakers. I noted that he was wearing a 'Bama tee that announced his support of the Crimson Tide and probable Deep South origins. He greeted me when I arrived and thanked me for the leadership and good will that I had demonstrated the previous day. Then he asked If I had a partner, and whether we could spot each other. I readily agreed. I loved the slow drawl. And he appeared to be in shape. Maybe he'd encourage me to reach for more.
Ninety minutes later, both exhausted, we headed for the showers. Trey was a nice guy, with a decent build, about my age. He had flaming red hair, deep green eyes and a double-dimpled smile that made me think of home. I had enjoyed the workout more than usual, even though we were mostly silent, anticipating needs as we progressed through the free weights, spotting each other. And, as we parted outside the gym, Trey remarked that he was looking forward to working with me again on Monday. I guess I had agreed to Mondayâor at least the BTE thought I had. So, while it was on my mind, I called my agent and postponed our meeting to discuss a rock tour or a follow-on musical.
Brent, Kirk and I met for quick saladsâat their place. It was early summer in the City and two to three hour brunches were in swingat the restaurants. I had a 12:30 report for make up before the afternoon curtain. Kirk was rejoining Oklahoma! next Saturday night so he and Brent had an "empty" afternoon to look forward to. I had decided to call Michael between the two shows when I had a few hours to myself. This Sunday was the last matinee for BonTemps and Tammyâsince they were leaving the company after Friday night's show. And, of course, we expected near riot conditions. The producers had even hired extra security and alerted NYPD.
Over lunch, I mentioned that I was doing some tech free-lance work as a favor. I casually talked about the possibility for a rock tourâperhaps after making a few music videos. And that Michael had said that he was probably coming back to New York on Thursday. We didn't know when filming would start, but he was pretty confident that he had the part.
Both listened carefully, but didn't comment. Nor did they ask anything about the terms of his departure or our calls since he arrived in LA. I was obviously concerned, but didn't want to unload my fears on these two friends. But, as I was leaving for the theatre, Brent walked me to the door. "We are here for you, Flip. Don't cut us out. Funny things happen to people in La-La Land." We bro-hugged and I left, deciding once again to walk to the theatre.
As I neared the theatre, the crowds were immense. I did my best to look incognito and was successful until the last few feet when someone, watching the stage door made the recognition. Then I spent the next ten minutes signing books and photosâuntil I protested that I was late. They actually applauded as I entered the theatre.
The show went longâwith three encores and numerous interruptions during the performance, and I only had a couple of hours to prepare for the evening show. I called Michael from my dressing room. He answered from the poolâwearing those Speedos again. We had a short chat, but he seemed distracted. The circumstances were not right for video sex. But, it was good to see him relaxed and enjoying the LA lifestyle. I asked about the schedule, but he said that things were up in the air. He explained that Ross had taken ill, and that he needed his sign-off before he left to ensure he had the part. He'd call me as soon as he had definitive plans. Somehow, I knew he wasn't telling me everything. It was like the beginning when he didn't mention the drugs until after we were moving along in our relationship. I assumed it was because he was no longer so certain that he had the part. But who knows?
******
I got up early Monday, put on "work clothes" and headed for the Barrymore where we were doing the lighting. I wasn't late, but the team was waiting when I arrived. I charted out the day's work and assigned pieces to each of the crew. We would work in teams; Trey was going to be my partner.
Unlike Saturday, the work went well and the guys seemed to have picked up a year's experience in one day. (Later Trey told me it was because of my teaching expertise.) We broke for a quick lunch, and finished by 7. I offered beers to the team and we headed for an Irish pub that was just down the street.
Being Monday and in the dark theatre district, the pub was empty. So we commandeered a booth. After a few, Murray and Chris, who lived in Jersey, left for home. Trey and I continued talking for a few minutes. I was mesmerized by his deep Alabama drawlâwhich reminded me of my own that I had carefully overcome. Then, I invited him to dinner. He accepted quickly. I had learned he was living with a sister on the West Side, off Broadway, while he tried to establish himself. That explained his use of the gym which was near his place and my coop. So I suggested we grab take-out and head to the coop.