Page 66 of Conquest

“So this is the busy life of a rock star,” Brandon said.

“Brandon!” Jesse leaped up and dashed toward him. He threw his arms around him in a crushing hug. “You’re late, asshole!”

“It’s good to see you too, jerk-off,” Brandon laughed, embracing him in return.

“It feels like it’s been forever! I was talking to Ev this morning about how it sucks that we haven’t gotten to see each other and he said we should set aside a specific night every week for us to have dinner so we’ll always see each other. I think that’s an awesome idea, don’t you? I know Friday, Saturday, and Sunday are out because you always have shows those days. But hell, sometimes you’re performing or rehearsing six days in a week, so I’m not sure what night would be best. What do you think?”

Trying to catch up with Jesse’s light speed oratory, Brandon said, “I think you need to cool it on the caffeine, spaz boy.”

Jesse huffed and frowned at him.

Brandon chuckled. “I think it’s a great idea, and we can always get together before I have to be at the theatre on performance nights. Tuesdays are usually quiet. How about then?”

“Sounds fine to me, and since today is Tuesday, we can get together tonight.”

“That works out perfect because we actually have something really big to celebrate.” Brandon grabbed Jesse by his upper arms. “Guess who’s going to be playing the Phantom in the new production of The Phantom of the Opera? That’s right! Only the greatest stage actor to ever hit Chicago! Playing the Emcee in Cabaret was one thing, but this is the freakin’ Phantom! It’s gonna be a huge production! And it’s set to run for a whole year!”

Jesse wrapped Brandon in another embrace. “That’s incredible! I didn’t even know you were going for that role. Why didn’t you tell me?”

“It all went down so fast. I just auditioned Saturday, and then I thought it’d be a good surprise in case I got it.”

“It’s a great surprise! I’m so proud of you!”

“Thanks,” Brandon said softly, “but I never would’ve gotten it if it wasn’t for you.”

Jesse startled at the confession. “Me? What did I do?”

“All that time you spent helping me with my voice when I was going for Cabaret really meant a lot. I never would have gotten the part if it wasn’t for you, which means I never would have been given the chance to audition for Phantom. The director of Phantom was only seeing the big boys for the role, but he had seen me in Cabaret and called me to come in.”

“Well, I’m glad you think I helped so much, but you need to give yourself some props, too. If you didn’t have the skills, all the coaching in the world couldn’t have gotten you where you are. I can’t wait to tell Ev. He’s going to be so happy for you.”

Brandon nodded, but looked doubtful at Jesse’s words. He caught Jesse’s wrist and pulled him out in the hall away from listening ears. “So how are things going with you guys? Is he treating you good?”

Jesse smiled and leaned one shoulder against the wall. “He treats me like a prince.”

Brandon looked him up and down. “Well, you look good. You look like you’ve put on a little weight, actually.”

Jesse sucked in a horrified gasp. “I have not put on weight! If I’ve put on anything it’s muscle, because I’m working out a lot since he’s got an entire gym in the house.”

Brandon let out a sarcastic snort. “Yeah, that must be it. And settle down. I didn’t mean you look fat. I just meant you look healthy, like you’re eating better.”

Jesse winked at him. “Well fed and well fucked.”

Brandon rolled his eyes. “Cute. I’m kind of surprised you haven’t gotten bored with him yet.”

“You wouldn’t say that if you had any idea of what he’s like.”

“Well how am I supposed to know when your stingy ass hasn’t given me hardly any details?”

Jesse squinted at him in an accusing glare. “Do you think I don’t remember all the things you used to say that you’d like to do to him during your fanboy days? You’re hard enough for him without me feeding it.”

Jesse looked past Brandon and saw Evan walking toward them. He moved to greet him, but Brandon pushed him on the arm and stopped him.

“You’re not getting out of it this time,” Brandon said. “I’ve always shared all the details of my sexcapades with you. Be fair.”

Evan stopped behind Brandon and cocked his head, smirking as he listened to him continue.

“He’s got those slender hips that are built for sex and an ass so perfect it had to have been chiseled by a god. I bet he takes it as good as he gives it, doesn’t he?”