Eleven
JC
sat with Christopher as they “auditioned” the other members of the Star Theater
troupe, but it was already decided that they would all have parts. It was just
a matter of deciding who would get what. Joseph was slightly angered by the
fact that AJ and Nick would get main parts, but JC was not wavering. They were
his friends, and he wanted them in his show. He knew that Nick had a slight
crush on him, which flattered him, but he didn't base his decision on this.
While he and Christopher had been working on the show, Nick and AJ had given a
lot of good ideas and suggestions, and JC hoped to get their names in the
program somewhere as collaborators.
“Hello,”
Justin said, walking over to the table where JC and Christopher were seated.
“All through here?”
“Yes,”
JC said, rubbing his forehead. “Finally. Official rehearsals start in two
days.”
“Joseph's
making the announcement tonight about the theater closing for a while,” Justin
said. “People will be disappointed.”
“Not
when they see how wonderful this show will be!” Christopher exclaimed.
“Unfortunately,
the people that come to see my show won't come to see yours,” Justin said
gently. “They want sex.”
“And
you give them that, don't you?” JC said, and regretted the words immediately.
Justin looked hurt, but covered it quickly.
“People
get what they pay for. Speaking of which…how early will rehearsals be in the
morning? I have responsibilities at night, and they may run late,” Justin said
pointedly, and it was JC's turn to feel the knife of pain in his heart.
“I'm
thinking we'll only need you from around nine to noon, and then later in the
day, right, JC?” Christopher said, checking his notes.
“Right,”
JC said, paying close attention to his pencil.
“Okay.
I'll see you two around. Come to the show tonight,” Justin said, then turned
and gracefully walked away.
“Fuck,”
JC murmured, stabbing his tablet with his pencil. He shoved his chair back and
went after Justin. “Justin.”
Justin
didn't stop walking until he was safely hidden from view backstage. “Do you
enjoy making fun of me? Calling me a whore? It's what I am, you know. You've
known that since we met.”
“No,
Justin, I don't enjoy it. It slipped out. I…you…we've not even had one moment
alone together after the other night, and I'm jealous. You'll be with…with
him…and it will kill me.”
“I'm
sorry, JC, but you knew this,” Justin said, softening slightly.
“I
know.” JC scuffed his shoe on the dirty floor. “I hate that he gets to spend
the night with you.”
“Not
all night,” Justin corrected. “After tonight, I'll have to cut my nights short,
because of early rehearsals, remember?” Justin blushed slightly. “I just said
that to get back at you.”
JC
stepped closer, cupping Justin's face in his palm. Justin rubbed his cheek
against JC's soft hand. “You're so beautiful.” His thumb ran over Justin's
lips. “And you're not a whore.”
“I
am,” Justin whispered.
“Not
to me,” JC said. He looked around, then leaned in to give Justin a sweet kiss.
“You're delicious,” JC murmured.
“I'm
going to try to hold him off as long as I can,” Justin promised. His hand
fisted in JC's shirt. “I don't want anyone but you.”
“Oh,
Justin,” JC sighed, letting himself fall into the passionate kiss.
“JC?
Where are you?” Christopher called.
“Come
to the show tonight,” Justin begged, finally pulling away. “Please? I have a
song I want to sing just for you.”
“Okay,”
JC sighed. “I'll be there.”
“Good.”
Justin gave him the brilliant smile, then hurried towards the steps to the
second floor.
