Part 15, GOOD VIBRATIONS
DOUG
When we returned to L.A., Brent jumped right into his summer film
production, feet first, and I continued my AD gig on ‘American X’. I was
running his lines every night after I got back from the studio. It was crazy,
in my opinion, that Brent’s director didn’t want to rehearse. But several of
the big guys worked that way. I was fortunate that the directors I had worked
with demanded prep and rehearsal from the actors. This would be my M.O. for
years to come.
He finally shed the old Cougar in favor of a sensible, dark-green
Explorer with heavy window tinting. The Bimmer and the Explorer were very
comfortable parked next to each other in the subterranean garage.
A month later, we had our first houseguests up to celebrate a
former Navy guy’s birthday. Dave was turning 23, and the ‘Fab Four’ were
together again. The condo, while not as well furnished as Casa Swenson, got
high marks from the guys. Although we were only on the 10th floor,
the condo had a great ‘green’ view facing north and the Los Angeles Country
Club, with Beverly Hills as a backdrop.
Brent and Dave compared notes. They were both close enough in
credits to be almost sophomores. All of Brent’s credits from Columbia
University were accepted after he was admitted to the fall class. Ditto with
Dave and his MSU – Mankato credits at UCSD. With luck, they would both be going
for the state bar exams in four or five years.
“Brent, you have any problem if I invite Billy Forrest and my brother,
Louie, to join us for dinner soon?” It was mid-August, and Billy’s WB show was
back in production. Brent, on the other hand, had completed all the primary
scenes in his film. He would be starting school at UCLA in three weeks. The
only challenge would be the ‘Friendships’ shoot in September. Brent would be
starting another movie in October.
“Naw, if he’s cool with being discrete. Billy’s career is on the
rise, at least on TV, and I don’t see him wanting to do anything to jeopardize
it. I’ve spoken with him a couple of times in the commissary. Seems like an
okay guy even if he did come on to you. But hell, I did the same thing a couple
of years ago,” Brent said with a laugh.
“Why don’t I ask if he and Louie are available in a couple of
weeks. Billy did say that he had a long talk with my brother last month. They
had met for dinner in Newport Beach. From what Billy said, Louie wasn’t all
that surprised about his friend coming out.”
“Let’s do it on Saturday night before Labor Day. I’ll have
‘wrapped’ the movie and Billy’s show usually does the final scenes on Fridays.”
As it turned out, Labor Day was on September 1st.
Fortunately, no one had any plans for the entire weekend. Louie and his wife
were going to visit her folks on Monday for a cookout. So the Saturday of the
long weekend, Brent and I planned on cooking at the new place for Louie and
Billy, while Louie’s wife and their baby daughter stayed in Anaheim with her
folks. Louie would stay overnight at our place and return to Orange County the
next day.
*****
“So, when Artie got his big break with the TV show, I was fucking
amazed. Here is my pal from grammar school, Artie Shapiro, now the new hot stud
on ‘Heaven,’ with this new wasp persona…Billy Forrest. Come on, what’s the big
deal in a name?” Louie said, as we waited for his old buddy, Artie/Billy to
arrive.
“Image build-up, Louie, is everything,” Brent interjected. “Billy
Forrest creates a certain style. I gotta admit that I still don’t react to the
name ‘Brad’ half the time.”
“I understand, Brent. It’s just that Artie and I go back to when
we were kids and I think of him as my good friend from the neighborhood. Like,
I think of you as my brother’s partner and…since, you’re okay with it…my
brother-in-law,” Louie replied with a smile.
“Brother-in-law, friend, whatever you want to call it, I do look
at you as a younger brother, Louie. I’m very lucky to be included in the Di
Marco family.” The telephone from the lobby rang, and the doorman announced the
arrival of Mr. Forrest.
“I’ll get another beer. Who’s ready for another?” I asked.
“Since I’m not driving, I’ll go for one more,” Louie said, almost
seeking approval from his older brother. Louie, like Artie/Billy, was not yet
21.
“Cool, Louie. Brent, would you listen for the door? I’ll also bring
some more cheese and sausages,” I replied, walking to the kitchen. Tonight was
Di Marco Italian food night. Mom had made her famous chicken cacciatore in
Chianti sauce and cheese raviolis that I had picked up at her kitchen earlier
on my way home. Brent pulled together an impressive green salad and brought
home fresh tiramisu from an upscale Italian deli in Beverly Hills.
As I returned to the living room with fresh beers, Brent was
opening the front door for our guest.
“Hi, I’m Billy For…fuck, it that you, Brad?” Artie/Billy asked,
with his mouth flung open.
“Yep, but I prefer Brent. Welcome to Doug’s and my home.”
“Holy shit, I mean…well, I just didn’t expect to see you here,” he
said, shaking Brent’s hand. Looking past my partner, he visually was brought
back to reality. “Hey, Louie, how they hanging? Doug, good to see you,” he
concluded, nodding.
“That’s something you’re probably not going to find out,” Louie
answered, as he walked over to his childhood friend. “Hi, buddy.” They
naturally leaned into each other for a hug.
“Billy, glad you could make it,” I said, as I handed him and Louie
their beer. I tapped Billy’s knuckles, and added, “I guess you know Brent?”
“Well, yeah, who doesn’t know him at Warner’s. We’ve spoken to
each other a couple of times. His recurring role on ‘Friendships’ is the talk
of the studio. I’m sorry, ahhh…Brent, I just never put you and Doug together.”
“Hey, that’s cool, Billy. Or, should I say, Artie?”
“Billy’s fine. I’m more used to it, now.”
“Doug told me about you guys meeting at the bar. I hope that Sam
Barron’s suggestion made sense to you?” Brent asked.
“A lesson learned,” Billy answered. “I’ve just discovered that you
are his lover.”
“Come on over to the living room, guys. I’m going to get a few
more snacks. We’ll eat in 30 minutes,” I said, gesturing everyone to sit down.
“Louie, could you help me for a few minutes in the kitchen?”
“Sure, bro.” He grabbed his beer and obediently followed me back
to the kitchen.
“Basically, Louie, I wanted those two to be together for a few
minutes. They need to feel comfortable with each other. Hiding your sexual
orientation is the shits…but that’s the way it is in this business.”
“I understand, Doug.
They’re two men in the next room who are turning the crank for millions of
women, and they couldn’t be less excited about the prospects of getting laid on
the hour, 24/7.”
“Well, Brent and I discussed it. But, I just couldn’t keep it up
beyond 12 hours,” I said with a laugh.
“Ewww, gross,” Louie replied, playfully patting my back. “T.M.I.”
“Listen, Louie. I’m serious when I congratulate you on being so
accepting of both Brent and Artie. A lot of guys couldn’t have done that,” I
said, looking into his eyes.
“Dougie, I love you. I’m amused and really impressed that your
partner is one of the hottest, new, young actors in Hollywood. Even as a
straight guy, I know how fucking sexy he is. As far as Artie is concerned,
we’re friends for life. I only hope that he’s as lucky finding a man in his
life.”
“I might just have a guy in mind,” I replied, with a little air of
suspense.
“Yeah? What’s up?”
“An old friend is getting out of the Navy the end of the year and
plans on coming out here to go to school. Could be Cal State Northridge would
be a good choice?”
“And, your friend is…”
“Handsome, single, gay and kinda Jewish.”
“Kinda?”
“He told me that his mom is not Jewish and his folks compromised
on raising him in the Unitarian Church. I guess it worked for everyone. He’s
tight with his family but just couldn’t bear the thought of returning to
Buffalo, New York. So, Brent and I encouraged him to come out here. He’s coming
out here for a visit in October. Maybe, I can arrange a little dinner,” I said
with a smile.
“Hellooo, Artie,” Louie said, doing a dreadful Carol Channing
impression. Doug was amused that his brother remembered music that their mom
played in the house when they were small.
“His name is Jim Weiss. I’ll drop a few hints to Billy, later. Go
back to the living room. I gotta get this dinner show on the road. Tell everyone
that we’re eating in 15 minutes.”
*****
BRENT
“That was fun, babe. I’m ready to broaden our social contacts.
Maybe I’ll find some friends at school?” I said, as we were preparing for bed.
Billy went home around 10:00 p.m., and Louie was settled in the guest room.
“Yeah, great. Billy’s a nice guy. And I’m really enjoying knowing
Louie as an adult,” Doug replied.
“What’s your idea about Billy and Jim Weiss?”
“He’s actually getting out of the Navy in September. Jim promised
to finish up with Tan Man at the end of the year. I’m going to call him
tomorrow and suggest that he start communicating with Cal State, Northridge. He
could start school in January.”
“Good idea, but how about you and I communicating tonight, lover?”
We were both down to our briefs. I winked at Doug and slowly slipped my CK’s
off. Doug did the same and walked up to me.
“You interested in receiving a long distance call?” Doug started
his now-familiar tongue bath around my cheeks, neck and ears. I felt us both
‘rising’ to the occasion.
“Oh yeah I like the word, ‘long’. And it feels like you’re about
ready to place that call?”
“Get into the phone booth, Brent,” he said with a wink. After
pulling down the covers, I crawled into bed and lay on my back. Doug got into
bed and brought his body to a position between my thighs. On his knees, he
massaged my pecs and rolled my nipples between his fingers.
“You get me turned on, lover, when you do that,” I growled.
“That’s the idea.” Doug leaned down and met my willing lips. The
tongues playfully darted around each other. He won out and inserted his tongue
in my mouth. Reaching down, he gently stroked my hard, dripping cock while
continuing to kiss me with forceful passion.
When he pulled away from my lips, I said, “I think I hear the
phone, babe.” I stared into his eyes, and smiled.
“This is a service that AT&T doesn’t advertise,” Doug replied,
as he grabbed the bottle of Wet. Slowly, he applied lube to both cocks and his
fingers. At this point in our relationship, it didn’t take much to relax our
chutes. I knew that Doug would probably be on the receiving end tomorrow night.
I raised my legs and helped guide his hard dick. When he was positioned, I
wrapped my legs around his waist and felt the familiar, slow entry.
“Oh, fuck, babe, I need you tonight,” I whispered. We were both
mindful that Louie was in the next room.
“Not as much as I need you. Brent, I love you,” he said. He
steadily pushed his cock in and didn’t stop until I felt his pubes brush
against my butt.
“Fuck me, lover.” I placed my hands on his biceps and hung on for
a wild ride. He slowly started a long in ’n’ out motion that increased with
speed and intensity, grazing my prostate on the up-stroke. “Ahhh, shit…” I
mumbled, as he started varying the angles and strokes. One minute, he was in a
staccato motion; the next he switched to long, deliberate movements. My lover
was always considerate to create something fresh and different every time we
were together.
“Kee-rist, Brent…uhhh…I’m ready…to…” I felt the forceful hot blast
of cum enter my love tunnel. This sent me over the edge. I tightened my
sphincter around his almost-spent dick, and shot an initial, powerful volley of
cum up to my chest. Subsequent shots lessened in strength. Doug, leaving his
softening dick in me, scooped some of my cum onto his fingers and brought it to
his lips. He smiled and licked them clean. He repeated the actions; this time,
offering me his fingers. I eagerly tongued them and took my seed.
“Babe, you amaze me. I never get tired of you.”
“And you never will. Nor, will I of you. He leaned back down, and
softly kissed my lips.
*****
DOUG
September came and went in a nano-second. Brent successfully
started the fall semester at UCLA. When walking on campus, he reverted to the
camouflage of a baseball cap and sunglasses. And after the usual curiosity of
having a known face in the classroom wore off after a week, his classmates
treated him as one of the crowd.
Another part of Brent’s collegiate transition was into intramural
sports. He signed up for the Thursday night basketball league as an open
player. Within two weeks, one of the teams from the law school asked him to
become a regular on their team. Funny, I never knew that Brent loved
basketball. My gorgeous lover was also a jock. He was aware that people were
taking pictures of him. ‘What the hell,’ I thought. ‘It’s good image material.’
I was amazed at his discipline in juggling so many things in his
life. In addition to class and studies, he had a script to learn for
‘Friendships’, late afternoon rehearsal and Saturday filming. The principal
stars of the show had accepted Brent into their group and didn’t whine about
working on Saturday. The one thing that wasn’t juggled was our relationship. In
addition to sleeping with each other, Brent and I reserved Sunday mornings for
snuggle time, a read of the New York and L.A. newspapers, and brunch.
‘American X’ finished shooting in September. I would be occupied
with the editing process and a determination if any scenes needed re-shooting.
The film was slotted for a late spring release. We would be pressed to have a
‘rough cut’ of everything put together, except for the musical score, by
January 15, 1998.
Brent and I were excited
about Jim Weiss’s visit over the Columbus Day weekend. He had just got out of
the Navy and, except for his ‘work’ for Tan Man, had a very flexible schedule.
Jim arrived on Thursday night. He insisted on renting a car, so that he could
go over to Cal State Northridge on Friday and speak with an admissions
counselor.
“This really seems like old times,” Jim said. We sat around the
living room with a second cup of coffee Saturday morning before going over to
Nate and Al’s Deli in Beverly Hills for a late breakfast. Brent, using Brad as
the name, called ahead for reservations.
“I can’t believe it’s almost two years since we left Memphis,”
Brent added. Jim, except for a more mature expression on his face, was the same
hot, athletic stud that we had known from our Navy days.
“And now we’ll all be in L.A. Brent and I will help you in any way
you need help in settling in. How’d things go at the school?”
“The admissions counselor said that all of my paperwork and
transcripts were in order. The credits from Erie Community College may not be
transferable, but my SAT’s were accepted. The woman said that I could probably
start with a freshman curriculum in January.”
“Cool. What about housing?” Brent asked.
“I’m not going back to Memphis until Wednesday. I figured I’d look
around for a studio that might be coming up in January.”
“If you want to live in a gay area of town, West Hollywood doesn’t
get much gayer. But it is a somewhat of a commute. Think about finding
something for the spring semester that doesn’t require you signing more than a
six-month lease. This will give you time to find an apartment for the long
haul,” I suggested. “If you need to stay with us a couple of weeks when you
return, ya got it.”
“Thanks, guys. Let me ask you about tonight. You said that you
were inviting a guy who is one of your brother’s old friends to join us for
dinner?”
“Yeah. He’s an actor and also attends Cal State Northridge. His
name is Billy Forrest. Although when I knew him, he was Artie Shapiro,” I said
with a shrug.
“He’s part of the tribe?” Jim asked with a smile.
“You know, we’ve never talked about it. I suspect that Billy –
that’s what he really prefers – is probably about as good a Jew as I am a
Catholic.” I waved an ‘iffy’ hand.
“And, he’s…”
“As a goose. I ran into him at a gay bar this summer. He’s a nice
guy.”
“He’s on a TV show called ‘Heaven’ on the WB,” Brent added. “But
he really isn’t full of himself like some of us can be.” We all laughed.
“You said that you saw Trev this summer?” Jim asked.
“We all got together at Dave Swenson’s summer cabin in Minnesota.
He’s into his first term at graduate school,” Brent said. “You two still
friends?”
“Oh, yeah. I think that the combination of ‘working’ together and
trying to be a couple just didn’t pan out. I saw Trev before he moved to
Chicago. Apparently, he’s become really good friends with an old buddy of
Swenson’s.”
“His name is Russ. They met up at Dave’s lake cabin in Minnesota,”
Brent added.
“Hey guys, we’d better get going to ‘Nate and Al’s Deli’. We’ve
got reservations at 10:00 a.m. I thought, after breakfast, we’d drive around West
Hollywood and show you some of the spots you might want to check out on your
own.”
“That’s super. Sounds like I’m in good hands.”
JIM
Brent and Doug’s hospitality was amazing. Although nothing was
said, I was taken aback at the condo my buddies now called home. Brent had
certainly come far from the days of sharing a barracks shower. The understated,
masculine feel of the place subtly announced the residence of two young men
successfully rising in their professions. More impressive was the way that Brent
and Doug treated this ‘house in the sky’. It was nothing more than the two
partners’ home. End of story.
It was interesting to
watch Brent interact with the crowd at Nate and Al’s. This was clearly a local
place, catering to an older Beverly Hills crowd with close ties to the film
industry. He waved at some of the diners when we entered and walked over to
speak with the tables’ occupants once we were seated. Occasionally, someone
would come over to our table. In each case, he would politely introduce us as
close friends. One man smiled when he picked up on my last name and suggested
that he had a daughter I should meet. Brent winked at me and explained that I
was visiting from Memphis. He explained that several of the men were agents,
producers, or writers.
I got my bearings on how to find my way around West Hollywood.
With Wilshire and Santa Monica Boulevards intersecting in Beverly Hills, I
could find my way back to the condo on Wilshire. I made mental notes to stop
back at ‘Rage’, ‘Mickey’s’, and the ‘Gold Coast’ on another evening. Before we
all returned to the condo to get ready for the dinner party, Doug took us to
Farmer’s Market. We did a short walk-around checking out the food stalls and
inspecting the tourist ‘chotskis’.
“Guys, what can I do to help before dinner,” I asked. It was
around three.
“Everything’s set. I’ve got ‘Along Came Mary’ catering to drop off
dinner at seven. Billy’s due at 7:30 p.m. Brent’s going to get some study time
in. Why don’t you go down to the pool or exercise room? We’ve got great
facilities,” Doug suggested.
“Could I borrow some gym shorts? I’ve got everything else. A
workout would be great.”
“I’ve got a pair that’s a little snug on me. Prolly fit you just
fine,” Brent offered. He went into their bedroom and returned moments later
with shorts and a laundered jock.
“Thanks, Brent. Imagine what I could get on eBay if I auctioned
off a used jock worn by Brad Williams,” I said with a laugh.
“A big swat on your beautiful behind, buddy,” Brent replied. “Have
a good workout. I’m going to the den and study.”
*****
We were just finishing a terrific dinner. The catering company
dropped off a standing rib roast, au gratin potatoes, and puree of carrots on
top of artichoke bottoms. Doug had made a salad, and for desert Brent had
picked up a cheesecake from a place called Paul’s over by Marina Del Ray. I
smiled, thinking of how many college guys would be entertaining with a catered
dinner in a Westwood high-rise tonight.
“If you’d like, I could give you a walking tour of the campus
tomorrow? I don’t have much doing,” Billy said. “We could grab a Chinese
Chicken Salad over at Chin Chin on Sunset Boulevard in the afternoon. It’ll be
a nice day for eating outside.”
“Super, I can get a good handle on the layout of the school. Maybe
you could show me some good neighborhoods for housing?” Aside from Billy being
a very attractive young man, he had natural warmth that didn’t seem fabricated.
After getting permission from Billy, Doug informed me that we were all batting
on the same team.
“Consider it done. Brent, can we help clearing the dishes?” Billy
asked.
“Naw, just leave five bucks under the coffee cup,” Brent replied
with a laugh. “Seriously, I’ve got waitress duty tonight, and Doug’s doing the
dishes. Relax and enjoy the rest of the merlot.”
As Brent cleared the table, my eyes casually watched Billy as he
talked to Doug. ‘I wouldn’t mind jumping on his bones,’ I considered. ‘Wonder
if he has a boyfriend?’ He turned and caught me staring. He smiled and winked.
“Jim, you want to go out tonight and check out a few of the
straight clubs in Hollywood? I’ve got door passes to the best ones, and we can
boogie with a few young actresses that’ll be there. I think you’ll have fun,
and it’s good image-builder for me.”
“That would be fun. Are my clothes okay?” I said, a little
concerned.
“Sure. In Hollywood, anything goes. The gals get a little carried
away, but most of the guys will be wearing jeans and shirts. Doug, do you and
Brent wanna go?”
“No, us oldsters will just stay home. You kids have fun,” Doug
replied with a sly smile.
“Kids? Whaduya mean,” I said. “I’m 22 and Billy is…what, 21? I
hardly consider 27 to be old.”
“Who’s old?” asked Brent, carrying four plates of cheesecake.
“The guys are going to go clubbing in Hollywood and asked if we
wanted to go,” Doug replied. “I told them that we’d stay home and let the
‘kids’ have fun.”
“Speak for yourself. I’ve got all my studying done and it might be
fun to get out. Let’s do it.” Brent said, enthusiastically.
“Okay, buddy.” Doug answered. You and Billy can be the
chick-magnets.”
“I don’t think any of us will have any problems,” replied Billy.
“But we can get into the VIP rooms. We can start out at ‘Forbidden’?”
“You’re the leader. In fact, Billy, if we get some photo ops with
some hot women, I’m sure CAM and Sam would approve,” Brent suggested.
“Good idea. Let me make a few phone calls. I know of a few
actresses that we could hang with…just for a while.”
“Use the phone in the den,” Brent suggested.
_______________________
TO BE CONTINUED