Joey

He doesn’t kiss and tell

 

“How do you like the workshop so far?”

Marlon sits across the scarred bar table from me, his head tilted in anticipation of my answer. We’ve been here for about an hour, eaten some greasy pub burgers and a basket of fries, and have sipped on beer in the humid bar.

I’ve enjoyed chatting with Marlon. Why wouldn’t I? He’s a great guy. Handsome, has a devilish sense of humor, and boundless energy.

But I’m second-guessing my decision to go out with him. I’m afraid he counts this is a date. Which it is not. At some point, this night is going to get progressively awkward if I don’t clarify things soon.

“It’s definitely not something I ever thought I’d do, not in a million years. I wasn’t even interested in acting in high school when some of my friends were in the theater productions.”

He nods, one of his dreads falling over his ear. They look really heavy. I wonder what they feel like? I kind of want to reach over and touch one but I think he would get the wrong idea.

“So, you’re a theater virgin, huh?” he chuckles. “That’s cool. We all have to pop our cherry at some point.”

I roll my eyes. “And how about you? It sounds like this isn’t your first?”

“Nah, I was your typical theater geek in high school and I’ve been in a few productions in college. But I wanted to try something different this summer, ya know? Get a new perspective. Hopefully make a name for myself in a small theater company. My big dream is to get to Second City.”

My eyes widen. “No way. That’s so cool. So many awesome comedians and talent have come from there. Gosh, the list of alumni is huge. Belushi, Akroyd, Martin, Faye, Carrell, Murray. All the greats.”

“Wow, you really know your history. I’m impressed with your knowledge.”

I shrug one shoulder. “Well, you can’t live in Chicago without knowing about the John Hancock tower or Second City.”

Marlon laughs. “Yeah, that’s for sure. But don’t get your hopes up about me. I’ve tried out twice in the last two years and can’t make the cut. I’m also wait listed for their improv program. Sometimes I just want to give up.”

I make the mistake of reaching my hand across the table and giving it a friendly pat. His dark orbs gaze into mine and he slips his fingers through mine.

While it’s flattering that I think he’s into me, I don’t feel that same zap of attraction that I do with Theo. Marlon is extremely gorgeous, there’s no question there. And he is downright funny. On several occasions throughout the course of the week, he’s put me in stitches with his witty comments or inappropriate jokes. Humor is so attractive on a man. And his arms are a sight to behold, prominently displayed in the sleeveless tank he’s wearing tonight.

I squeeze his hand and try to gently tug it away. He won’t let go. Instead, he leans over the table, his lips aiming at mine like a heat seeking missile. And just as he’s two inches from my face, we hear a throat clear and out of my peripheral vision, I see someone standing at the side of our table.

“Hey guys. Fancy seeing you here.”

As if I’ve summoned him right to our table to thwart the unwanted kiss, Theo stands there looking comfortable and at ease. Although I do notice a slight tick in his jaw.

“Hey, teach,” Marlon greets amiably, finally dropping my hand and sitting back. “Pull up a seat and join us. You don’t mind, do you, Joey?”

He looks so sincere and concerned, I almost feel bad for being relieved at the interruption.

Um, that would be a resounding no. I don’t mind at all.

I shake my head. “Of course not. Hi Theo.”

Theo smirks and pulls out the chair from the table, sitting between Marlon and me. He looks between us and then it’s like it dawns on him what we’re doing here.

“Oh shit. Did I interrupt something? I can leave you guys alone.” He begins to twist his body to get out of the chair and I grab hold of his forearm.

ZAP!

There’s the electric current that I feel anytime I’m with Theo. The same shocking pulse that cratered through my body when we kissed on my couch last night. And here it is again and can’t find the strength to let go.

Thankfully, Theo takes charge and shifts back in his seat and my hand drops to my side. His eyes spark with mischief as he looks down at his arm and then at my hand.

Marlon’s voice breaks up our little moment.

“So, Teach. Have you and Birdie selected your leads? Are you going to make us go all weekend before we find out?”

Theo rubs his chin, which is covered with a soft bristle in the color of sand. I shiver, remembering exactly what it felt like against my lips. Oh, how I want to feel that everywhere.

Unfortunately, Theo would more likely want to use it against Marlon’s skin versus mine.

I sigh and take a sip of my beer, which is already flat and warm, the condensation dripping on the coaster.

“Birdie and I had some good discussion around the cast member selection. It’s never an easy decision and we have some very good class members this time around, present company included.”

Marlon’s broad smile is so cute I can’t help but smile too. From the little that I know about Marlon so far, I know he’s destined to make a career out of acting. And I’m glad that Birdie and Theo see his abilities and talent. While I may not be interested in Marlon in a sexual way, I’m proud of him for going after what he wants.

As for me, taking the acting profession seriously is not going to happen. Not only would my mother absolutely freak over the idea that I wasted my expensive degree, but I don’t think I have the type of competitive drive that’s required for acting.

Working actors have to be thick-skinned, with the ability to eschew negative criticism and avoid getting their feelings hurt from rejection and hearing the word ‘no’ audition upon audition.

Or if they do get work, there is always critical feedback about their performances.

I’m not sure I could stomach that. I’m far too sensitive and get my feelings butt-hurt too often. I know some of my teaching colleagues think I’m made of steel and can stick up for myself, but it’s not easy for me.

That’s what’s made it so difficult for me as a teacher. I can’t seem to let things go with the kids and their lives. I invest too much of myself in them and when it doesn’t work out the way I hope it does, I’m devastated.

Marlon finishes his beer and gives Theo a teasing smirk. “You gonna give us an inside scoop? We promise not to tell anyone, right Joey?”

He waggles his eyebrows at me mischeviously, as if we’re in cohoots.

Theo laughs, undeterred. “Not a chance. My lips are sealed.”

And, of course, that leads me to stare right at his lips. The lips that I’m intimately familiar with from that one, very real kiss last night. The ones that have the perfect texture and pressure when they’re smashed against mine.

As if he knows what I’m thinking, Theo smacks his lips together, his eyes gleaming with humor and secrets shared.

Marlon has no clue and hopefully never will. I can totally understand if Theo isn’t into me because of my gender, but there’s no way I want him to fall for Marlon. Even though I’m pretty sure Marlon isn’t into guys, considering he’s been making his moves on me for the past hour, I am jealous of the possibility Theo likes him more.

“And I don’t kiss and tell.”

Theo looks at me knowingly and a thrill passes through me, lighting me up like the stage on opening night.

Damn, him. He’s such a tease.

My stupid body and emotions betray me because I can feel the heat rising along my chest and neck, straight to my face. How the hell can he possibly think I’m a convincing actress if I can’t even hide my feelings toward him?

It’s only a matter of time before the cat’s out of the bag and I make a fool of myself.

Let’s just hope it’s not publicly and I can embarrass us both.