BRENT/BRAD
The cookout the week after we all met was a lot of fun. Tom and
Mark were completely compatible with the entire group, and each couple respected
the personal boundaries of the others. Dumb, sexual innuendos and joking were
understood for what they were: young hormone-charged, male silliness. Tom
Feldman nurtured our new friendship further by encouraging casual get-togethers
several times during the remainder of summer, both in
Into the first week of shooting “Friendships,” the creator and
writers decided to build up my part. I was going crazy learning new lines and blocking
while dealing with the six stars, who were not too excited about sharing the
spotlight. However, after a meeting with the ‘suits,’ it was explained that I
was only there for network ratings ‘sweeps’ in November, and again in May.
Quite honestly, I could care less about their egos. This was a job. A hard job,
due to the script changes.
Staying with the Di Marco family during the shoot at Warner
Brothers was a pleasant experience. Doug’s brothers were now living in
When I came up to
~~~ “Brad, what can I tell you. Ya just won the lottery.”
“Lottery? I don’t understand,” I replied.
~~~ “This is a town all about who you know. And with whom you
build relationships. It’s great that Tom Feldman and you have become friends.
However, to be brought into TJ’s circle is something even major stars have wet
dreams about.”
“I follow what you’re saying. I guess I’m a little naïve to
understand why?”
~~~ “Basically for the same reason we’re together professionally.
If I had to guess, I’d say that what I saw in you last year are the same
qualities that TJ is observing. This is a business of always looking for the
brass ring. You are potentially a brass ring that doesn’t come along very
often.”
“So, you think that TJ is thinking about a project for me?”
~~~ “We haven’t spoken this week. But my advice is to go, have a
good time, and listen carefully. Monday night at Morton’s is a big night for
all the biggies to dine: kind of a chessboard for the players in town. With the
exception of Murdock at Fox, Feldman always sits at table one. Everyone will
wonder whom the drop-dead, gorgeous blond, young man is sitting with TJ. This
will be major exposure for you.”
“Sounds intriguing, Sam. Thanks for the advice. I’ll report back
on Tuesday morning.”
~~~ “Do that. Just remember two things. One, TJ Feldman is one
sharp and honorable man. Unusual in this town. Number two, when it comes to
negotiating a deal, I’ll always cut something that’s good for everyone. Bye,
buddy.”
That Monday, I drove my well-worn Cougar to Morton’s. Embarrassed
by the condition of my car as I observed a long row of valet-staged Bentleys,
Bimmers, and Benzes, I found street parking and walked to the entrance. The
pink stucco building façade was softly lighted, as were the surrounding banana
and palm trees.
Fortunately, my old wardrobe came in handy. With an Armani gray
suit, I wore a black open-neck shirt and slip-on loafers. As I entered the
restaurant, the maitre d’ picked up on my presence and gave me a quick visual
scan. I sensed that he was trying to categorize me: either some new actor or a
rent boy for the night with one of the guests. I knew the look.
“Good evening. May I help you?” he said, with slightly haughty
tones and a condescending smile, looking at me over his gold-framed reading
glasses.
“I’m looking for my dinner companions. My name’s Williams.” I
looked at the maitre d’ with an expression of confidence.
”With whom will you be dining, Mr. Williams?” I sensed that he was tiring of me
as another party arrived.
“Tom Feldman and his dad,” I answered innocently.
“Mr. Feldman? Of course, Mr. Williams, follow me,” he said with
renewed interest, as we moved only ten feet from the front desk to the first
table inside the doorway. I sensed every head turn my way as I was seated. The
maitre d’ solicitously smiled at me as he returned to the front desk. The
murmurs of the room were slightly unsettling, knowing that they were commenting
on my presence without a clue about who was sitting at table one tonight.
The waiter arrived and asked if I wanted a drink. I played safe
and asked for a chardonnay. Looking beyond the waiter, I saw the familiar face
of Tom and an older version who I assumed was his dad.
“Hey, Brent, sorry we’re a little late,” Tom volunteered.
Standing up with the father and son flanking me, I asked, “I just
got here and ordered a glass of wine. You’re Mr. Feldman?” As I shook hands
with him, we both gripped firmly while he placed his left hand on my shoulder.
The man, evenly tanned with dark hair just graying at the temples, was
flawlessly draped in a cashmere blue blazer, off-white shirt and light tan
trousers. Tom dressed without a jacket. However, now knowing his shopping
habits at Fred Segal, I was sure the well-tailored dark paisley shirt was as
expensive as any jacket.
“Ah, Brent…or, Brad…I’m Tom’s dad. Most friends call me TJ.”
“Well, TJ, most friends call me Brent. I still can’t get used to
Brad.” We shook hands as I winked at Tom. I noticed the restaurant guests
looking and commenting on the latest arrivals at table one. Immediately, the
waiter came forward, took the Feldmans’ drink orders and left the menus.
“Brent, how’s the ‘Friendships’ shoot going,” TJ asked.
“Well, they’re giving me more lines, and I’m missing a few cues,
but aside from that everything’s going fine.” ‘Friendships’ was owned by Warner
Brothers and was considered a major profit center.
“Buddy, from what I hear, you are really creating some positive
buzz on the set,” Tom added.
“There was some initial reluctance from the regulars to accept me.
But, after the rushes, everyone seems to be cool,” I replied with a smile.
”You’re the first fresh face they’ve had on the show, Brent,” TJ commented.
“They haven’t been in a starring role long enough to be comfortable. Basically,
you threaten them.”
“Shit…I’m sorry…that’s the last thing I have in mind.”
“That’s the way it is. And, unfortunately, after the TV show runs its
course, some of them will not be around for long,” TJ concluded. “Let’s look at
the menu. I usually just order the cold lobster medallions and steak.”
“Sounds good to me. How about you, Tom?”
“Why don’t you and I share the seafood combination appetizer? It’s
got everything and enough for two. I’m opting for the veal chops.”
“Okay, I’ll share the appetizer, Tom, and have a medium rare
steak,” I answered, as the drinks arrived. Mr. Feldman ordered dinner for all
and asked that a bottle of 1991 Jordan cabernet sauvignon be brought over and
opened to breathe.
“I understand that you will be in the show for two sweep periods?”
TJ asked.
“I’ve got a contract for a total of six episodes. After that, I’m
history,” I replied.
“Brent, hardly history,” Tom added. “You’ve got lots of work
ahead.” I had told Tom what my projects were recently.
“Let’s talk about that, son. Tom tells me that you have the play
on Broadway and two movies scheduled next year?”
“Yes, TJ, I’m pretty well obligated for a while. Tom may have also
told you that I’m going to take a full load of credit courses at UCLA until I
graduate. Kind of limits what I can do.”
“Okay. Let’s talk about 1998. I’ve just given the greenlight to a
‘pitch’ for a screenplay called Virtual Force.
Some young guys who really have got the balls to do something original
are creating it. I’m talking to Sam
Barron about casting Keanu Reeves as the lead. There’s one character in the
script that, if developed properly, should send the film over the top. Critics
will revere the role as a daring approach to casting. I want you for that role,
Brent.” TJ was very persuasive in his presentation.
“Will it be on location?” I asked apprehensively.
“Almost entirely at the studio and locations around L.A. Most of
the shooting will be in the summer,” TJ answered with a smile.
“Your school schedule will be intact,” Tom added. “Dad, you want
to tell Brent about the director?”
“Oh, yes. Thanks for reminding me. He’s a new guy that has done
some interesting indie work. This will be his first major production. Tom
mentioned that you have an old Navy friend that’s about to be an AD on the film
at New Line?”
“Yes. Doug Di Marco. He’s just finishing up helping to edit your
film, ‘Confidential’.”
“And he’s also represented by Sam Barron?” TJ asked, with a smile.
“Yes, Sir.” ‘This guy didn’t miss a thing,’ I considered.
“Well, Brent, I’ll send the pitch notes over to Sam tomorrow and
ask him about Doug’s availability to be AD on Virtual Force.” I was aware that
the ‘pitch notes’ was the Hollywood term for a short synopsis of a writer’s
idea for a film.
“TJ, Tom, thanks. I think that Doug would do a great job for you,”
I said, beaming broadly. ‘Double fucking wow,’ I thought.
“If you take the role, you won’t have any problems taking
direction from an old friend?” TJ questioned.
“He’s very professional. I respect his judgment,” I replied. ‘No
reason to suggest to the Feldmans how well I take direction from Doug,’ I
thought, remembering the Memphis days.
The waiter appeared with the seafood combination, towering on a
three-tiered serving platter. Tom and I smiled as we speared a few shrimp from
the display. TJ raised his glass for an informal toast. “Brent. I’m glad Tom
got us together. If we can work out the details with Sam…and, believe me, I
know how tough he can be…I look forward to having you with us at Warner
Brothers.”
“I appreciate the break you’re giving me. You haven’t seen my
work,” I replied.
“Well, that’s not entirely true. I’ve seen your work from the
scenes already shot for ‘Friendships’. And, at Tom’s recommendation, I got down
to the playhouse last month. I’m confident that you’ll do well, Brent.”
“Tom didn’t mention that you were down to see the play,” I said,
looking at the son with a raised eyebrow.
“Don’t blame Tom,” TJ answered. “I asked him not to mention it
until I had a chance to see you work before a camera.”
“I guess I passed?”
“With flying colors, Brent. I’ll be proud to have you as a co-star
on this project.”
We clinked our glasses and got to work on the food. ‘Jesus,’ I
marveled. ‘He said co-star.’
The rest of the evening was quite enjoyable. Tom, his dad and I
really enjoyed getting to know each other better. We were upfront in our
conversation, although I knew I was being ‘schmoozed’ by the best. The father
was developing an honest, professional relationship on top of my friendship
with Tom. We all understood that Sam Barron would cut the best deal for
everyone.
Throughout the evening, other guests stopped by the table. It was
a parade of agents, actors and senior level ‘suits.’ After the air-kiss and
pat-on-the-back greetings, TJ would introduce me as an up and coming actor who
he was interested in signing. I was clearly the topic of the moment. When
dinner was over, Tom told me that my name would be the buzz of the day on
Tuesday all around town. I felt like a million dollars until sliding into the
seat of my 1989 Cougar brought me back to reality.
*****
I arrived at the Di Marco residence around 11:00 p.m. Since Dad Di
Marco had to be at the produce market at 5:00 a.m. and this was a school night
for the girls, I was pretty comfortable that Doug and I would be the only
people up. Letting myself into the house, I found the interior darkened except
for the hallway above.
Walking into the bedroom, I closed the door and visually drank in
the form of my man in the bed. Lying on his back, Doug was completely stripped
except for a pair of briefs molded to his crotch. His eyes were closed and he
was breathing heavily. I neatly took off my ensemble and hung up each article
of clothing. Removing my shorts, I felt relief from the confinement as I moved
over to the bed and eased in under the sheets.
Doug’s body stirred slightly as I shifted closer. Lifting my leg
over his as we lay together, I started slowly moving my hard cock on his thigh.
I noticed the bulge in his crotch start to grow.
“Hi, babe. How’d dinner go?” He said, in a semi-awake state. “I
guess I fell asleep.”
“Great. You wanna talk now? If not, let’s hit the sack and get a
good rest. I know you’re tired, buddy, and we both have to get up early,” I
said, looking at his face and the half-opened eyes.
“Not too tired to talk with you. I do want to know what happened
tonight and then figure out how you can make me hard just hearing your voice,”
he replied with a chuckle. Grabbing my cock was a signal that he was awake.
“Well, if you really want to know, Mr. Feldman suggested that you
and I work together on a new film. It’s not going to be for almost two years,
but I think the job is ours if we want it.” His body moved, and he shifted
slightly to look me in the face.
“You and me together making a picture? Fuck, Brent, I’ve been
dreaming about this. What’s the deal?” Doug was clearly wide-awake.
“No deal yet. I’m getting the notes on the concept tomorrow, and
Sam will be contacted about your availability. Something that two young writers
are scripting that TJ is really high on. Keanu Reeves may be the star. The director
is also new with some great buzz. TJ and Tom think that it will be great for
both of us.”
“This sounds great, babe. Will it work with school?”
“Yep. They will respect my schedule. Prolly hafta learn lines
while I’m taking finals, though.”
“So we’re talking early summer of 1998? I should have editing on
the New Line film wrapped up sometime in the spring. We can run lines wherever
we’re living,” Doug added.
“I like the idea of wherever we’re living, babe. I know it’s only September,
and I’ll be in New York for the first half of next year. But, we gotta figure
out where we’re going to set up shop,” I replied.
“I think we definitely agree on the Westside. With UCLA located in
Westwood, I suggest that it might be a great place for us to live. Besides the
school and tons of movie theaters, the location is not too far from the Sports
Club/L.A. Its a great gym that a lot of people in the industry use for
workouts.”
“You think a house, Doug?”
“Okay, here’s what I’ve been thinking,” he answered, as he sat up
in bed. I moved around so I was facing him, sitting cross-legged. Both our
cocks were back in ‘energy-saver’ mode. “You can’t conceive of this yet, babe,
but you’re going to need security. This town is full of nut-cases and whack-jobs
that stalk actors.”
“Oh, come on, babe. You’re serious?”
“Completely. Here’s my suggestion, based on some research. There
are several high-rises on Wilshire Boulevard. There’s one called the Remington
I’ve checked out that’s pre-selling condo spaces that will be available next
summer. We could buy a two-bedroom and a den. The smallest is around 2200
square feet. If we specify a lower floor, we could get it for a better deal
than up higher.”
“Wow, Doug. You’ve really thought this out. What kind of money are
we talking about?”
“I figure if we both dig into
our Memphis money, say 25K a piece, we can make a nice down payment. Sam can
prolly find us a good mortgage deal. Right now, a unit on a lower floor is
running around $300,000. But with the real estate market starting to go up, the
unit will start increasing in value. The salesman told me that the prices
quoted are valid until the end of the year. He expects at least a 10% increase
after the first.”
“That’s pretty heavy bread for two young guys, Doug. And that’s
just for four walls. We gotta furnish and decorate it. Just to get a decent
look, that’s prolly another hundred grand?”
“First, think of it as an investment. The Westside is the hottest
area in town. Second, we’ve both got good savings and making pretty good money
for two guys just starting out. But third…and, this is a big third…the earning
potential for us is fucking fantastic.”
“Well, yeah, I guess that you’ve got a point.”
“Brent, I’m not going to bullshit you. I’m going to do okay. The
New Line film will pay $75,000. And if the project with TJ comes about, I
figure that I can get $150,000. But you’re going to be a big thing. Think about
the ‘Friendships’ gig. And, that’s just the beginning. I just hope that you
don’t leave me in the dust when you’re a big star.” Doug looked at me with a
wistful expression. I reached over and took his hand.
“That’s not going to happen. I won’t bullshit you, either. I’m
just starting to realize where my acting career might go. And you’re right: I
will make a lot of dough. Maybe the need for a business manager some day? But
let me make on this definitely clear. No way I’m going to trade you in for next
year’s model. You don’t trade in love, whatever the temptations are. And, I’m
sure they’ll be plenty.”
“You’re okay with me not being able to bring an equal paycheck to
the table?” Doug asked.
“Let’s not let this get in the way. I think that we should buy the
condo as equal partners and start from there. If we want to upgrade to a gated
house later, that will be a point of discussion at that time,” I replied, with
a big smile. Doug relaxed as I moved over and lay by his sitting body. He
scooted down and joined me.
“Buddy, I’m glad we talked. Whatever posturing we do in public, it
doesn’t apply when were together alone,” Doug said, proudly.
“In our new home. You wanna talk to the salesman at the Remington
late tomorrow afternoon? I should finish on the set by three.”
“Why don’t we meet back here around 4:00 p.m. and go together? I’ll
set up an appointment for five, allowing for rush hour traffic. We can check
out the models and write a deposit check, if you like it. I think you’ll love
the layout.”
“My man is on top of things as usual,” I rejoined with a laugh.
“Speaking of ‘top,’ you into a little lovemaking?”
“That’s an offer, Brent, that I can’t refuse. Come make me happy.”
“Non, I’m going to make us both happy,” I answered, moving up and
over so I was positioned between his legs on my knees. Doug rocked back his
legs to his chest and gave me easy access to the prize. As he spread his
cheeks, my tongue played with the short dark hairs that surrounded his rosebud.
“I need it now,” Doug commanded. “Please put your hard cock in me.
I’ve thought about this all day.”
“Your wish…” Using only the saliva and pre-cum as a lubricant, I
positioned, with Doug’s help, and slowly eased in.
“Love me, babe,” he said, as my pubes touched his buttocks. Doug
lowered his legs to my shoulders and pressed his body into mine and concluded,
“Love me full force.”
“You got it,” I replied, starting a long movement, bringing the
tip of my glans just inside his ring. Slowly, I began long-dicking him, mixing
short crescendos when I was deep inside to stimulate his love nut. “You like
that, fucker? You like my cock up your ass? Tell me how much you like it…”
“Ahhh, shit…give it to me…Kee-rist…yeah…uggh,” was his reply when
I would hit his prostate. His body would shutter with pleasure, while a
contented smile spread across his face. Our eyes were locked on to each other.
We were united, as two men in love should be.
Slamming away, I felt his sphincter start to tighten as his ball
sac was contracting. “Hon,’ I yelled a little too loudly, “Let’s come home
together.” With that, I sped up the strokes. That caused a major release of my
hot seed in his bowels as Doug’s cock erupted. His chest and stomach was
covered with his cum after the eighth volley. Leaving myself in his canal for
natural deflation, I leaned down and lapped his chest before treating Doug with
a jizz-laden kiss. I looked into his eyes and said, “I love you so much. Never
worry that I’ll stray.”
“I know, Brent. Me too.”
TO BE CONTINUED