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“Damn.”
I’ve never given it much thought like he has. Maybe it was because I didn’t care who was with who, or perhaps it’s the privilege of never having to deal with the weight of people being offended who I’m spending my time with. But I meant what I said, it changes absolutely nothing between us.
“Okay, man. You don’t have to worry about it. I won’t say anything.” A new thought hits me, and I lean back on the couch. “That must suck for him. Who is he, anyway?”
He lets out what seems like a sigh of relief. “I told you Jules was an actor, and he is. We met while filming my last movie. He’s …” Finally, all the tension and apprehension seem to leave him, and he cracks a small smile. “He’s amazing. He’s out and gets annoyed with me sometimes. We’ve gotten in a couple arguments over it, but he’s still here.”
His grin grows wider, and I quirk an eyebrow. “Hold on a minute,” I say, chuckling. “Is someone crushing over there?”
He laughs, lifting his shoulders. “Yeah. Actually, I’m a little more than crushing. I …” He eyes me, nervously biting his lip. “I think I’m in love with him.”
“Get the hell out of here!” I shout, pushing him over. “Dude, that’s amazing!”
He looks at me like he doesn’t recognize me, laughing along. “What?”
“This is crazy. I was actually gonna tell you that I don’t need you as a wingman anymore.”
“Whoa, what? Why? Are you serious? Who are you—” His words cut off, and a sneaky smirk crosses his lips. He shakes a finger at me. “Ohhh, you and Baby Mavin? I seriously did not see that coming.”
“You and me both. Wait, how does Julian feel? Have you told him?”
His joyful demeanor evaporates a touch, and he crosses his arms. “No. How can I when I still can’t go public with it?”
“Do you really think it’ll hurt your career? Adam, you’re one of the top stars out there right now.”
He lifts his shoulders, letting out a long sigh. “I don’t know. My manager’s been telling me for years to keep quiet about it. He’s sure if studio heads find out I’ll barely be able to find work as a background actor, much less a leading man.”
I release a long breath of my own, commiserating and trying to put myself in his shoes, but I don’t know how. I guess if our manager told me I had to act a certain way, or only be seen out in public with certain people, I’d put up a fight. Our manager is my uncle, but even then, I might tell him to go to hell. But what if everyone else depended on it? What if there were no Kings, no music, and everything I’ve ever gotten in life through living my dream was taken away because of one thing? Then how would I act?
“Sorry,” I tell him again, unable to decide if I’d do anything other than what he’s forced to do. “That sucks, man.”
“Yeah,” he grumbles.
“Hey, but at least you don’t have to worry about it while you’re home now.” I grin, hoping to lighten the mood.
He eyes me suspiciously. “You’re seriously okay with it?”
“Of course I am. You’re my boy!” I start laughing. “Well, okay, I guess technically you’re not my boy anymore since you’ve got your own boy now.”
“Shut up.” He chuckles.
“But you know what I mean. You’re one of my best friends, Adam. It’s all good.”
“Thanks, man. And I guess congratulations are in order for you. Mr. King of Bad has finally found a girl who has him whipped.”
“Whoa, watch it there, buddy. She may be my boss, but she ain’t got me whipped.” He quirks a skeptical eyebrow. “Damn it, fine,” I acquiesce. “That girl … I don’t know what it is. She’s amazing, and the more I get close to her, the more I want to stay close to her.”
“Wow, you do got it bad.”
“Says the guy who’s always going to ‘hang out’ with ‘Jules.’” I make air quotes.
“Touché.”
