Exit Hollywood
By Chris James
Chapter Four
Dennis came home every night to sleep; otherwise he lived in Jim's fishbowl office or the editing studio. Ted made sure the boy went to bed when Jim dropped him off, and awoke him in time for a shower in the morning. If anything, it was all Dennis' fault.
Jim had bought the changes, all of them. The director quit and Jim shrugged while Karen called the legal department to see if the man could actually walk away like that. Jim slid quietly into the director's chair and would keep that job as they went back to shoot further scenes.
The animals were scheduled to resume filming the following week, but from what Barry could tell him Ted knew the actors were just glad to finish up and move on. By Thursday morning Dennis was dragging his feet. The only thing that kept him motivated was Jim's promise of a weekend off.
Ted was talking to Veronica when Stephanie at the front desk paged him. It seems Mr. Biddle had arrived in the lobby. The boy was standing all alone admiring the movie posters when Ted pushed through the doors.
"Steve Biddle? I'm Ted Cavanaugh, one of the production assistants."
They shook hands and Steve smiled. "You look like one of my relatives, it must be the hair."
"Are there any real blonds left in Hollywood? It's hard to tell these days," Ted replied.
"We already agreed to have mine cut for the part if that's what Jim wants."
Ted shook his head. "Relax, I don't think that will be necessary. We have about an hour before Jim breaks out of the studio, can I get you something to drink?"
"I'll take a coffee if that's not a bother," Steve said.
They stopped by to see Vince in security and get Steve a visitor's pass, then they retired to the production office for coffee and...Ted wasn't really sure what Jim expected. Steve was an experienced actor and a singer according to his bio. It was a place to start.
"Have you been with Jim long?" Steve asked.
"We're the same age, Steve," Ted said. "I came here as a summer intern."
"Oh...that's cool."
"Here's where we're supposed to bond so I can get your impressions of the script and report back that you'll be wonderful in the film," Ted said, and then he laughed. "I saw your last film, it was impressive."
"Uh...thanks. I just wish there were more of them out there, but then here I am. Well, I like the script, my manager likes the story and so do my friends. I'm sorry, I'm sure Hank Dobbs is pushing me for the part."
"Why sorry? Don't be modest, it's a difficult part...but I think you'll do it justice. So I read you have a theater background, I did a bit of that myself, just not as a performer," Ted said.
Steve nodded. "I began as a singer and thought that would give me a chance in a band when I first started. But I ended up singing in musicals...what did you do?"
"Oh, I never performed," Ted said. "I'm basically a writer at heart, but I did some backstage stuff too."
"Writing is important and my friend Mark has done a lot of that. Mark Harrison, my best buddy, we did television together before moving into film." Steve sighed. "Now he's off in Japan making a film, I miss having him around."
"I came down from Sacramento with my best friend, Dennis. We both know Jim and that's how we got the jobs, but our projects here are split up. I don't know the town that well so I'm kinda stuck."
Steve nodded. "I have a bodyguard, he knows the whole city. It took me a long time to accept that this movie star business meant someone has to follow me everywhere. At least we're friends...you should meet him."
Ted laughed. "Guess I will if he's going to be around during filming. So, one on one, do you have any problems with the script?"
"Would you change anything if I did?" Steve asked.
"Not me, but I would report it to the production team. Jim is trying to make this film relevant to our generation. I see that as an important facet of my job...and yours. That's why he's willing to risk a really young cast and I imagine you have the experience he needs."
"Wow, that's good to hear," Steve said. "I didn't see any major problems in the script. Maybe a few quirky lines here and there but that stuff always seems to go away during a shoot if the director knows his business. I wanted to do this because Jim chose Mickey Talon to direct, he's hot right now."
"In about three or four weeks we're going to do a benefit, a charity gig for the Children's Hospital," Ted said. "One of the things I hope to accomplish is to ask the kids in the audience about this film and look for information Jim can use."
"Todd mentioned that, he signed me up for an appearance. Oh, Todd Mason is my manager...and my step-uncle, if there is such a relationship."
"In Hollywood there are all kinds of relationships, most of them work," Ted said.
"We should get together and have some fun, do you like to sail?" Steve asked.
"Water is fine, I just don't like heights," Ted replied.
"Then we should go sailing. In fact we're going out this weekend and you're welcome to join us."
"Can I bring Dennis? Well maybe, he might be basket case by the weekend."
"Oh, sure, bring him along...what is he doing?" Steve asked.
That conversation filled the rest of the hour until they were paged to the fishbowl. Ted had decided this actor named Biddle was a real person, and he liked that. He also thought the boy was gay, which would not be a subject for conversation unless Steve brought it up.
If he was or not had nothing to do with his role in the film, or his association with Curry Productions. But if he was it would allow them both to grow closer and be honest about their feelings. Ted knew he couldn't go on concealing his relationship with Dennis for long around other people, especially if they were to make any friends.
Jim was in his office and Ted showed Steve to the door for what he thought would be a private conversation, but Jim waved him in.
"Steve, good to see you again," Jim said. "I guess Ted explained where I want to go with this film."
"He did, and I agree," Steve said. "I'm looking forward to working with you."
"I'll try not to disappoint you," Jim said with a grin. "Any problems you see with your part?"
"Not at all. I told Ted sometimes the lines encourage changes, but we'll see that during the shoot."
"Very good, my attitude exactly," Jim replied, the he turned to Ted. "Will you go down to the editing room and please drag Dennis out of there? I'm taking you three to lunch whether he likes it or not."
Ted got up to leave, but not before he heard Jim explain that Dennis was a totally committed individual and needed to get the hell out of the studio for a while. Ted understood, the past three days had been intense. But when the boss said quit you did just that.
Dennis wasn't at all surprised, he just stood up and walked away from a stack of paper that he had been reading. They met Jim and Steve out in the lobby and Dennis was introduced before they stepped through the door.
Raul was waiting at the curb with Jim's car, but there was another SUV sitting right behind it. As Steve came outside this very large man stepped out of the vehicle.
"That's Tommy, and I have to tell him what we're doing," Steve said.
"Lord, he's huge," Dennis said after Steve walked away.
"Steve said he had a bodyguard, he looks like a football player," Ted said.
Raul drove them west towards the beach, and then south into Marina Del Rey where they pulled up at the Chart House a few minutes later. Tommy was right behind them. Jim solved the awkward moment by inviting Raul and Tommy to come inside and get their own table, everyone had to eat something for lunch.
"I like this place," Jim said. "You can almost be invisible here."
"It never lasts, at least not for me," Steve said. "Your film is all about such things."
"What things?" Jim asked as they were seated.
"The electronic age, instant communications. While we're here someone will take our picture with a camera phone, or send a text to a friend saying they've seen us."
"I hope not...but you're probably right. Where did you come up with that gentle giant of a bodyguard?"
"Tim Real, Real Deal Security," Steve said. "At first they were watching out for my buddy Mark Harrison and then I became a client after they pulled the plug on the television show. Mark is in Japan so Tommy has been assigned to me for a while, he was a Navy Seal."
"No worries about you then," Ted said.
"I never worry," Steve laughed. "I mean, who would be crazy enough to tangle with Tommy?"
They ordered lunch and Ted mentioned that Steve had invited them to go sailing. Dennis looked interested but exhausted. "Whose boat?" Dennis asked.
"Mine," Steve said. "But we'll have a professional sailor with us just to be on the safe side." He looked at Dennis with empathy. "All that salt air and sunshine might do you a world of good, and then you can sleep the rest of the weekend."
Dennis nodded. "Sounds like a plan."
Jim looked the boys over. "I think once we get past the pain of what Dennis and I are doing then we'll have smooth sailing this fall."
"Can we talk about that?" Ted asked.
"Sure, what's on your mind?" Jim asked.
"I want to stay on, finish my school work here instead of Sacramento. I feel like working on this project is an investment and I don't want to walk away just when it's getting interesting."
"What will your parents say?" Jim asked.
"It will be my father I have to deal with, but I'll be eighteen in seven weeks. I just don't know what kind of schools they have down here," Ted said.
"I can hook you up," Steve said. "They have an actor's program most of the studios subscribe to."
"He's right. We use that service when we go out of town on location. So you want to stay?" Jim asked.
"If you want to keep me working," Ted said.
Jim looked first at Dennis and then back to Ted. "I am more than pleased at the way you both have taken on the responsibilities, and we've just begun. I'd love you to stay."
"We'd probably have to find a new apartment..." Dennis began.
Jim waved that off. "No, stay where you are. This is all at my convenience so it's the least I can do. This is all very exciting. I really need you guys on my team."
Steve sat there smiling, idly listening to the chatter at the table. He liked Ted and he would probably learn to like Dennis as well. He could see the advantages of having a friend on the production staff, but there was something else. If they did become close friends then Steve knew he would have to tell both boys about himself. It would remain to be seen what they thought of his partner.
He could think back three years to the time when he first met Mark Harrison. Although he could still be embarrassed about the crush he had for the boy back then, it always made him remember how kind and sweet Mark had become because of that affection.
Steve had assumed that Brian Simmons was just another production assistant on the set for the brand new television series, Adam Conquers Earth. Steve had been given a huge role in the show and understood they were plowing new ground with the series. And then he had discovered that Brian was not only gay but Mark's lover as well.
It had crushed his hopes and his adolescent desires for Mark. But then in a moment of crisis Brian had sat down to talk with him and recognized the feelings Steve held inside. Being able to tell someone he had gay feelings was liberating, and he became fast friends with Mark and his partner. That was how he had met Tim.
Brian was twice Mark's age and yet they were deeply in love. It made Steve realize he wanted something like that, and someone he could hold in his arms with a deep and abiding love. He was shocked when he first met Tim Real and came to understand he could love this man, a person old enough to be his father.
The relationship had blossomed, and with it had come the confidence Steve needed to pursue his career. Tim was his everything, and he had never felt so safe and alive in someone's arms. Not only did Tim provide his security company for their protection, he provided a sense of well being through the martial arts both Steve and Mark had learned from their partners.
But Tim had provided the best source of solace when he taught Steve about sailing. Nothing could take the place of those calm loving moments on the sea, and to that end Tim had bought Steve his own sailboat. It was a modest craft compared to the Real Deal that Tim's father had owned.
But that large craft had been found dismasted and drifting in the waters off the coast of the Philippines. There had been a typhoon and it was assumed that all hands aboard, including Lee Deal and the owner of Triton Studios, Walter Triton, had washed overboard and drown. The families had kept it quiet, not wishing to stir up the media who would again drag up all the sordid business that had set the studios in such turmoil the year before.
Tim and his mother were still dealing with lawyers and judges over the estate, but that would take years while the work of Triton Studios went on. Corporations never fail because the head gets lopped off. Tim could have taken over but he refused. The courts would decide and Tim would become richer for the experience. Money was not an issue in his life, but Steve was.
It seemed a wonderful notion to take Ted and Dennis sailing. Steve had become quite the accomplished sailor and introducing friends to the things he loved seemed a practical idea. This way they could be introduced to the two things he loved most, sailing and Tim. And then Steve realized Jim had asked him a question.
"I'm sorry...just spacing out over here," Steve said.
Jim smiled. "I asked if you were aware of Mark Harrison's commitments in the coming year."
"No, not really. Todd Mason would be your best source for something like that. The Japanese movie should be over in a few weeks, they're doing the final takes about now. Mark said he would be back in mid-August."
He stopped to look at the smile on Jim's face, something was up. But Ted redirected the thoughts almost immediately.
"Is he making a Japanese film...like in Japanese?"
Steve nodded. "Yes, it's a multi-cultural thing. There are only three Americans in it, Mark's character and the two actors playing his parents. It's based upon an old 1950's movie called Holiday in Japan, but of course there have been some huge script changes."
"I don't remember that film," Jim said.
"Wasn't an A list production, a low budget thing with lots of scenery. They were going to call this The Reluctant Tourist, but that's still up in the air."
"Okay, now you have to tell me what's different from the original," Ted said.
"Mark is the difference because he has a black belt in martial arts. He's a year older than me but I'm taller by a few inches so he can still play the younger parts. The film is about a boy who makes some Japanese friends through his martial arts only to discover that the Sensei of their Dojo is under a death threat from the Yakuza, the Japanese mob.
"The cast and crew are all Japanese, but this is no Karate Kid film, it's a dark and dangerous adventure piece. Two of our friends are in it, Kenji and Edward, both sixteen..."
And here he paused wondering just how much of his life he ought to tell. That first holiday Steve had spent in Japan had been spent at Namuko's martial arts school in the mountains. It was there Steve and Mark had met Kenji and Edward, but it was also the place where his love for Tim had blossomed. He was trying to figure out a way around expressing that here.
"As you might guess, after Mark and I poured our hearts out on the first television season together we needed a break from the stress. Tim Real took us to Japan and up in the mountains to a small village named Koru. I have to tell you, it was like visiting ancient Japan, so isolated, so primitive...and all in the shadow of Mount Fuji.
"It was where I began my introduction to martial arts and meditation. It was the most awesome experience in my life, and now I'm jealous because Mark is back over there working with our friends."
Jim nodded. "I know that what we're doing may not be as exciting, but we'll try to keep you challenged."
"I'm sure you will, that's why I'm here," Steve said.
The lunch came and went down well. Ted had decided that Jim had really wanted to study the dynamics between them before he went off casting the rest of the film. Steve's character would be a good foil for Arty D. It was one of the most important parts of the plot.
Steve gave them directions to the slip where his boat was moored and told them to get there by eight Saturday morning. He didn't say where they were going, just that they would be out all day and he would provide lunch. They walked back outside and saw Tommy standing by the car.
"Tommy, this is Ted and Dennis...new friends and co-workers," Steve said.
Tommy smiled and they shook hands. Ted looked up at the big man towering over him.
"Whoa, you are one big man, Mr. Tommy," He said.
Tommy laughed in return. "It's all an image. I'm just a small man inside."
"I hardly believe that," Ted said. "But you won't get any arguments out of me."
"See you guys on Saturday," Steve said, and then he was whisked away.
They returned to work and Dennis followed Jim back into the studio. Ted knew Steve was right about Dennis. He did need to get away for some fresh air. But to his surprise Dennis was home by nine o'clock with a smile on his face.
"Jim is satisfied now. We know where to make the changes and can start next week."
"That's good news," Ted said.
Dennis was still smiling. "I know you're the writer and I'm...well, I've never written anything except term papers, but Jim is going to give me a line in the credits for the film."
Ted was stunned, but he threw his arms around Dennis for a big kiss. "You earned it and one of us had to take that first step."
"I sure thought it would be you," Dennis said. "At least the film won't be such a dud if we make all the changes."
Friday brought a change of attitude around the studio. Jim was happy so the feeling was contagious. Ted was smiling because his father had agreed to be in Los Angeles for a birthday celebration. But Barry looked glum.
"Warner Brothers is not cooperating, which means they don't want to let us use the cartoons. I imagine they also have some sort of celebration in mind and they don't want us watering it down."
"That's absurd," Ted said. "What about going to Disney?"
"I don't know anyone there. Usually a personal contact works best, maybe Jim can pull some strings," Barry said.
"I met a guy in the office at Sony last week," Ted said. "Maybe we can get something from Pixar?"
"Oh, now that would be a coup. Who is he?"
Ted smiled and realized maybe it was time to let Barry know where things stood. "He's one of the managers, a nice looking young gay man."
Barry looked a little shocked, but that eased after a moment. "I...I didn't know how to bring that up, but several of us assumed that you and Dennis..."
"We are, and have been for a long time," Ted said. "It didn't seem necessary to say anything. Jim knows...and now so do you."
"Thank you...I suppose you know I'm gay, although I don't flaunt it around here. But it doesn't matter...I don't have the time for a relationship anyway."
"That's not right, you need someone," Ted said. He stopped for a moment and dug in his desk. He found the card with the name Michael Albright. "This is the manager I mentioned, you'll find him in the visitor's center office at Sony...why don't you go visit him, take him to lunch."
"Oh, this is about the Pixar..."
"No, Barry. You can discuss that if you want, but I think he's one of us, so take him to lunch."
Now Barry understood. "Are you setting me up?"
"I would, he's cute, the rest is up to you," Ted said. "I'll bet he likes red-heads, and besides that we might get our Pixar movie out of this."
"Do you think this will work?" Barry asked.
"Go, find out, be a hero. I know he'd love to work here so be sure and mention my name."
Barry looked at his watch. "Okay, I'm outta here."
Ted laughed as Barry almost ran out of the office. Now he could get back to business and the stack of folders on his desk. Jim had received the biographies and photos for over two hundred child actors who wanted to audition for a Jim Curry film. Ted was sure Jim had glanced through them, it was now his turn.
They needed four leads to stand with Steve as the Chips Club. Each of them had lines to say, although the lion's share went to Steve. Jim had an image he was trying to build with those kids, and although he would be the final judge of their performing abilities, Ted was going to choose his favorites based upon image alone.
Three boys and a girl, how hard could that be? Ted opened the first folder and looked at the eight by ten glossy resume photos. Ricky Martinez was fifteen with slicked back dark hair and big doe eyes. Jeez, he's a handsome kid, Ted thought.
Ricky had played roles as a child on soap operas and in two films. Bit parts, no lines, just the image in a scene or two. But he'd had a union card for eight years which meant he was aggressively attending casting calls and looking for work. Ted wrote a small number seven on the front of the folder, initialed it, and then he set it aside.
It would be good to have a Hispanic kid in the film and broaden the audience appeal. One of the boys ought to be African-American as well or maybe the girl. There was so much to consider and acting ability was only one piece of the puzzle. Ted looked at the stack of folders and knew he would be at this for hours.
It wasn't until Ted was a quarter of the way through the pile that he came to the folder which contained Beverly Cooper's resume and photo. She was almost eighteen, a raven haired beauty, and one of the best looking African-American girls Ted had ever seen.
A singer, dancer and actor, the triple threat that most directors found so attractive. She had just finished a run in a revival tour of The Wiz, the musical version of Wizard of Oz. Ted glanced through her resume, and was already sure he was going to give her at least a nine on the cover when he came across a television credit.
Beverly had been on television in Adam Conquers Earth, a supporting role just like Steve's. Oh, now that made a huge difference. Ted wrote a large ten on the cover of the folder and circled it. They had to have this girl.
They were trying to build an ensemble and Beverly already had some kind of rapport with Steve. Ted could not imagine any young actor holding their own against the on screen talents of Jim Curry, but a group of talented kids might have a chance. At least he would ask Steve what he thought of the girl.
Dennis wandered in the office for lunch and they ordered a pizza for delivery.
"What are we doing for dinner?" Dennis asked.
"Nothing special, I'm cooking for you tonight. I thought we could sit on the balcony with a glass of wine and stare at the smog," Ted said. "I want you well rested for tomorrow, that way you won't fall overboard."
"Works for me. Have you seen Barry? Jim was asking for him."
"He's over at Sony trying to pry a Pixar film out of them for the charity event," Ted said.
"Oh, that would be good. Maybe we can show WALL-E. I really liked that film. Imagine spending almost two hundred million making an animated feature. That takes guts."
"How much did they gross?" Ted asked.
"Around six hundred mil, a profitable gamble," Dennis laughed. "But Finding Nemo was still their biggest hit. Maybe Jim ought to invest in animation, no actors to mess up."
The pizza came and then they both went back to work. Ted plowed through the folders and came up with about eight more that he thought would work, but it was still Jim's decision. It was just about four o'clock when Barry came wandering back to the office.
"Jim was looking for you earlier," Ted said.
"I talked to him, and we have a Pixar film to show...I met the executive VP of Sony this afternoon," Barry said.
"Wow, how did you manage that?"
"Mike was extremely helpful and his father is the VP." Barry smiled and shut the door to Ted's office. "I'd kiss you now but that might get awkward. Mike is a gem, and we have a date tomorrow night."
"Oh My God...really?" Ted laughed. "Wow, you really work fast."
"We talked over lunch and then I met his father. They're willing to let us use Monsters, Inc or WALL-E, whichever we want."
"I'd go for the robots," Ted said.
"My favorite too," Barry said. "What do you have there?"
"Resumes, Jim has me looking at potential cast members." And they discussed that until Dennis was done around five-thirty.
Ted broiled two steaks and they drank half a bottle of good wine. They were both in bed by nine o'clock for some passion and well deserved sleep. Ted couldn't help but think as he drifted off, life was beginning to feel like a movie script. Curry Productions, week two, take one...roll film, and the slate would slap shut to synchronize the sound track.
The air in the city was laden with mist, a slight fog developing as the moisture in the ocean hit the hot air swirling down from the hills. Dennis had been the first to awaken and set the coffee pot going. Ted heard the noise and got up in time for a sexy shower scene with his man.
Two cups and a bagel later they were on the road back to Marina Del Rey. The sun was burning through the haze and the water along the coast highway sparkled with the promise of a fine day ahead.
"Who did Steve say was going to crew the boat?" Dennis asked.
"He didn't say except that the guy was an experienced sailor. Somehow I think Steve knows all about sailing," Ted replied. "He has that kind of confidence in his abilities, haven't you noticed?"
"Not really, but then I only spent a couple of hours with him. You think he knows about us?"
"Barry does, and that was just from observing...I don't know, but he's gay so I imagine he can tune into the feelings."
"Gaydar, do you really think it exists?" Dennis laughed.
"Definitely, but then I didn't have to use it to find a mate, did I?" Ted said.
"No, Baby...I was tripping all over myself to get close to you. And there's the sign...turn in here."
There were the public docks and the private; it took no thought to know which one Steve used. There was a guard at the gate who had them on his list. Down to the end, second slip on the left and they parked beside a red Ferrari.
"Whoa, nice car," Ted said. "I wonder where Steve's bodyguard is?"
The dock sign said 7A and they could see some activity down at the end where several sailboats were tied up. Dennis smiled at the huge yachts across the way, reminding him of Ted's father and the Cavanaugh II. And then he saw a tall muscular man and Steve standing beside a beautiful little sailboat.
"Ted...Dennis, glad you came," Steve called out and hurried towards them.
They shook hands and Steve led them to the boat where they were introduced to the man. The guy had on a tank top which exposed his muscles. There was only one word for it...the guy was hot for a middle aged man.
"Ted, Dennis this is Tim Real," Steve said.
"Mr. Real," Ted said, and he watched as Steve frowned.
"Tim," The man responded with a broad smile. "Just call me Tim."
"Nice to meet you, Tim," Dennis said. "Is this really your boat, Steve?"
"Yup...come look at this," Steve said.
Emblazoned across the stern was the name Steve's Deal, Long Beach, California, and Dennis could tell the boy was proud of that name.
"Does this mean we have to call you Captain?" Ted laughed.
"Only if you expect a free ride," Steve replied.
"Aye, aye, Captain," Dennis said. "I'm a tourist when it comes to boats, Ted is the expert."
"Oh yeah?" Steve said.
"Coast Guard certified," Ted said with pride.
Tim nodded. "That's good to know, shall we board?"
Ted and Dennis sat on the stern locker as Tim and Steve motored out of the marina and then set the sails. It was done with finesse and showed a good deal of practiced movement. The name Tim Real finally resolved itself in Ted's mind, this was the security man.
Once they cleared the harbor Steve relaxed and Tim went below. The breeze was light but the boat still leaned as the wind was coming in off the starboard quarter.
"Where's your gentle giant today?" Ted asked.
"Tommy gets the day off, even giants need their rest," Steve said. Now he looked pensive and Ted knew it was because the next question was going to be focused on Tim.
"I gather Tim is the head of the security company. Do they all look that...um, fit?" Ted laughed.
Steve grinned, never taking his hands off the wheel. Ted could see the boy had a good feel for the boat and the way it handled.
"Tim is a lot more than a bodyguard. We met when I did that television show with Mark, that's when he started teaching me all about sailing and martial arts."
Tim returned to the stern with a bottle of sunscreen, and he looked at Ted. "If you're anything like Steve then you'll need some of this," He said, handing Ted the bottle. Then he went to stand beside Steve.
There was something about the man, Ted thought, something gentle. The man was muscle bound but he shared a quiet quality much like Tommy. Ted spread the sunscreen on his arms and legs, and then allowed Dennis to do his back. When they were done Tim took the bottle and applied some to Steve's back and shoulders.
Ted sat and watched, giving Dennis a glance. What was he seeing here? Tim's large hands seemed to spread the cream with a dose of affection. And when he was done Steve looked up into the rugged handsome face and smiled.
The understanding hit Ted like a ton of bricks...he often smiled at Dennis in the same way. No way, Tim was old enough to be Steve's father...and yet...
"Where are we headed?" Dennis asked.
"Avalon Harbor, Catalina Island," Tim said, seating himself on the stern bench. "Steve has been there many times. It's a good run to relax and learn all about sailing."
Ted watched Tim watching Steve. The boy stood with confidence at the wheel, his broad muscular shoulders relaxed, blond hair streaming in the wind. He could understand Tim's attraction since Steve was a handsome young man. But they had an ugly name for guys like Tim who preyed on young boys.
It was certainly hard to be a gay person in the spotlight and Ted understood what other actors like Vince had gone through. But for a boy so young to choose an older man...he didn't understand. Ted sat still for a while and then went to stand beside Steve.
"You really have all this down to a science," Ted said.
"It isn't hard. You can see the GPS tracking there on the chart screen, along with the wind speed and direction. That display icon shows me we'll have to tack in about fifteen minutes. The computer knows our destination and shows me the route. It's simple...all we have to do is move the sails."
"I can see that Tim taught you well," Ted said. "I imagine he could teach you a lot of things."
Ted caught that fleeting look of concern and then Steve smiled. "He's an expert at martial arts, ran his own dojo for a long time and that gave birth to the security company. I've been studying Tai-Chi and Tae-Kwan-do with him for almost three years now. I may not be as good as Mark at the fighting skills, but it does give me confidence."
Ted nodded and was about to ask more when Tim led Dennis forward on the boat to look at the sails.
"Dennis will get a sailing lesson today," Steve laughed.
"I took the Coast Guard class, he didn't have the time," Ted said. "But he read the manual, he often learns quite well about a subject by reading."
"You've been friends a long time?" Steve asked.
"He's been my partner for three years," Ted said. Now if that didn't break the ice nothing would.
Steve got a silly grin on his face and nodded. "I thought it might be like that, you're very lucky."
"I understand the limitations placed on an actor," Ted said. "I know at least a dozen gay men in the entertainment industry. We're friends and that means no one talks to anyone about private lives."
"I...I think that's wonderful," Steve said.
Ted looked towards the bow where Tim was showing Dennis the rigging. "I don't know what to think, Steve."
"About Tim?"
"Yes...it isn't hard to see you share something with him, but I don't get it."
Steve was silent for a minute, and then seemed to come to a decision. "I was fifteen and madly in love with Mark. I made a fool of myself over that but discovered something about myself in the process. Mark and Brian, and then Tim, all sat me down and allowed me to express my feelings.
"Tim had no thoughts about having a relationship with someone my age until I fell in love with him. I had to convince him that what I felt was real, and that we could build a relationship based upon love and trust. I know the age difference confuses you, but he's exactly what I need."
Ted could see the man crouched on the deck beside Dennis, both of them smiling at something. It was sad to think that Tim would be condemned for what he shared with Steve. Maybe it was sadder still that like Vince and the others that Steve could not be open about his feelings because of a career.
"He looks like a kind and gentle man," Ted finally said. "I just hope it doesn't have any negative consequences."
"My mother knows, my father never will, at least not anytime soon. In a few months it won't matter. I just couldn't bear the thought of waiting until I turn eighteen to openly love him. I trust you to keep our secret."
Ted laid a hand on Steve's shoulder. "I will, that's what friends are for." Then he smiled. "You know I'll want all the details at some point, it has to be a fascinating story."
Steve nodded, and Ted watched him wipe a tear off his cheek. "Wind in my eye," Steve said. Sure, Ted believed that.
Tim and Dennis walked back to the main mast and Tim pointed upwards, describing something to Dennis. Ted was still standing there with his hand on Steve's shoulder when they returned to the stern.
"Learn anything?" Ted asked.
"Yup, sailboats are complicated," Dennis said. "Have you learned anything?"
"Yup," Ted replied. "Sailing is almost as complicated as love, but all it takes is the right partnership and you have smooth sailing."
Tim looked at Ted and then Steve who smiled, and then nodded. "I always wanted my own gay crew," Steve said. "It seems we have overcome that hurdle."
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