Chapter 6

 

 

TODD WAS nervous. He checked the trunk of his car to make sure he had everything he needed. The sun was barely peering over the horizon, and only years of athletic discipline kept him from yawning and then turning around to go back to bed. No, he’d made a commitment. And no matter how nervous he was, there was no way he was going to leave Trevor or Duncan in a lurch.

This commercial was important. It was Todd’s chance to show that he could be a spokesperson, which could lead to other sponsorship opportunities. He needed that, because glancing at his credit card statements last night had been enough to send a tremble all the way down to his toes. And Duncan needed this campaign to be a success so he could get more of this kind of work. But none of that was going to happen if this commercial wasn’t effective.

He closed the trunk and got into his car. He made it to the garage, where equipment and lights had been set up at the edge of the parking area. He pulled his car around the back and came through the garage.

“Where’s Duncan?” he asked Trevor. “Is he coming?”

“He called and is running late. His mother is bringing him over in a few minutes.” Trevor pulled his fingers away from where he’d been biting his nails. He seemed as nervous as Todd felt.

A dark-haired man with a touch of gray around the temples approached. He smiled pleasantly. “I’m Gavin Temple.” They shook hands. “It’s going to be great working together.” He guided Todd to a spot with an X taped on the asphalt. “Okay. We’re going to get started in a few minutes. I thought we’d run through it as a rehearsal and then try for a take. Don’t be discouraged if it takes a few times. That’s fine. If you get comfortable and are enjoying the process, the audience will feel that. So smile and be yourself.”

“I can do that,” Todd said.

“Great. We’ll have you change before we actually film. But go get your sled and let’s run through it to see what we have.”

Todd hurried to the trunk and pulled out his sled. He carried it around and stood on his mark, wondering where Duncan was and if he was all right. It was unusual for him to be late. “Right here?”

“Yes. Now smile and let’s give it a try.”

Gavin hefted the camera onto his shoulder, following Todd as he put the old sled on the ground and lay on it as though he expected it to go. The sled skidded about two inches and came to an abrupt halt.

“I’m Todd Hamilton,” he said as he got to his feet, lifting the sled with him. “You probably don’t know me because I’m not a famous winter sports athlete, at least not yet.” He smiled and did his best to look happy and energetic, but he didn’t feel it, not right then. When Gavin didn’t say anything, he went on. “I love my skeleton, but sometimes I can’t get it to take me anywhere. It works when I’m on ice. At other times I bring my car to Michaelson’s Service. They keep my car running at its best so I can get where I need to go and have a chance to be my best.” He smiled and looked into the camera. “With six locations in greater Milwaukee to serve you, and a support staff second to none, they are ready to bring home the gold in customer service.” He paused, and Gavin put down the camera on the table. “There is still some more.”

“It’s all right.” Gavin motioned him around, then played what he had, and even Todd could see that he looked about as wooden as a stump after he got up from his mini sled run. “You need to feel comfortable in front of the camera.”

“But how?”

“You have to forget the camera is there and pretend you’re talking to a friend, someone you like. And you’re telling them about something important that they’re interested in. When we’re filming, nerves and insecurity come across as stiffness and fear. As you can see, that’s what we don’t want.” Gavin fiddled with the camera for a minute. “Okay, that’s all gone, deleted, history. Do you want to try again?”

Todd did. They ran through the commercial two more times, and he felt better after each one. “How was that?”

“Much better. Just remember to enjoy yourself.” Gavin smiled, and Todd felt more confident. “Go and get changed. I’ll make sure everything is set up, and we’ll do a couple takes and then see what we’ve got.”

Todd went inside and used the restroom to pull on his new practice unitard. There were no official markings, and the suit only had his name on it. They had decided he wouldn’t wear the hood so his face could be seen, so he let that fall behind him. When he came out, the heat hit him harder than he expected. The suit was designed to provide some protection from the cold, so in the summer heat, that built up pretty quickly. He loosened it to get some circulation.

Duncan sat with Trevor off to the side, and Todd went over to them. “I was wondering when you were going to get here,” he said softly with a smile.

“That’s what I want,” Gavin said, hurrying over. “That smile. I want to see that. When you talk to the people out there, give them that smile and lightness. Make it seem like you have something very important to tell them.”

“Okay. I’ll try.”

“Everyone quiet. We’re going to try a take.”

Todd got into position. He waited until Gavin was ready and then did his fake slide, which worked perfectly. He got to his feet, and as he said his first line, Duncan glided into his field of vision. “I’m not a famous winter sports athlete, at least not yet.” He winked at Duncan, and got a smile in return, before continuing on.

“Great,” Gavin said, interrupting him. He looked through the film. “I love the wink. It’s perfect and playful. Keep it in and let’s try another take.” He checked his watch. “We have about an hour, so let’s run it again.”

Todd did the commercial over and over, wondering just how many times he was going to have to do it and realizing why he didn’t do this for a living. It was hard work. Running through the scene, six or seven times with the sled, saying the lines, trying to do them right each time.

“So no matter the time of year, just slide on in to Michaelson’s Service and your car will come out a winner.” He smiled.

“Cut. That was awesome.” Gavin set the camera down and hurried over. “The last two takes were great. I think we have plenty.” He turned to Trevor and Duncan. “What I’m going to do is cut a twenty-second and a thirty-second spot. That way we can sell it in more times if you want.”

Duncan rolled over and squeezed Todd’s hand. “You were great.” He kissed his fingers and turned to Gavin. “What about the footage I sent you?”

“I’ve already picked a few very dramatic moments that we can use. I think this is going to be a lot of fun.”

“Excellent. Also cut a few teasers we can use on the website,” Duncan instructed.

Gavin nodded. “I’ll see if I can pull some great stills as well. That way you can use those too.” He was already starting to pack up.

Todd went inside to get out of his gear. He was sweaty by the time he peeled his unitard off and folded it into his bag. The fresh air on his damp skin felt good, and he stood still in the bathroom, just relaxing.

There was a knock, and then Duncan rolled inside. “That was great. I loved the way you started warming up to the camera. You’re a real natural, especially once you got over your initial jitters.”

“It was pretty cool.” Todd pulled on his work clothes. “I could do it again.”

“Good, because I’m hoping people will see it and contact you.” Duncan smiled, and Todd leaned down to kiss him hard.

“This was all your doing. I would never have been able to do anything like this if it weren’t for you.” He checked his watch. “And as much as I’d like to stay in here and make out with you, I have to get to work.” He moved away, because Duncan was like candy. One kiss led to more and more, and he truly had to go. He opened the door and let Duncan roll out first before following.

“Come to the office,” Trevor told him seriously. Duncan rolled out toward the front, and Todd followed his boss.

“This is for you. That went above and beyond, and I really appreciate it.” Trevor handed him an envelope. “I also need you to sign an official release that says that we have the right to use your image in our promotion. It’s safest this way.”

Todd signed and then opened the envelope. He almost dropped it when he saw the check for two thousand dollars. “It’s too much.”

“No, it’s not. You worked hard, and I know you and Duncan spent a lot of time preparing. You had the lines down and did some good work.” Trevor pulled open the door. “If this promotion works, then we’re going to need to think of something super cool for this winter’s spot. Using a run is too obvious. Maybe taking your skeleton down a sledding hill or something.”

“We can come up with something.” Todd chuckled. “Maybe a version of ski jumping. I’d wipe out for sure. That could be funny.”

“Perfect. We’ll see how it goes.” Trevor clapped him on the shoulder with an excited grin. “This is going to be good—I can feel it.” He went to his desk, and Todd thanked him for everything and hurried away, clutching the envelope.

Todd found Duncan still talking with Gavin. They exchanged cards as he approached, shaking hands.

“This was a great concept. I’ll be sure to recommend you.” Gavin loaded the last of his gear in his truck and went inside to the office.

“How are you getting home?”

“Mom said she would come back to pick me up. I just called her a while ago.” Duncan grinned from ear to ear. “I know this is going to be good.”

Todd sure hoped it would be. It was hard for him to tell, but everyone else seemed to like what they saw.

“When you’re done with work, come over to the house. I want to take you out to dinner to celebrate.” Duncan squeezed his hand, and Todd leaned down. They shared a quick kiss, and then Todd left to go to his regular job.

 

 

TODD WAS tired by the end of the day. Once he finished his last job, Brent told him to go on home and get some rest. Todd didn’t need to be told twice, and he took off quickly.

He went right home and changed his clothes, then messaged Duncan that he was on his way over before leaving his roommates’ ongoing discussion of whether the new version of Will & Grace was better than the old. “The old one was better,” Todd said just before closing the door and hurrying away.

Todd pulled into Duncan’s drive ten minutes later, thankful that for once traffic had been with him. He got out of the car and headed up the walk.

Duncan opened the door in a shimmering red shirt and a pair of dark dress pants. He smiled. “I thought we’d go somewhere nice.”

“Duncan, are you leaving now?” his mother asked from behind him. “Corinna just called and said that she was on her way over.”

Duncan huffed. “Mom, I don’t want to see her right now.”

“But you’re friends and I didn’t think it a big deal.” Her expression fell. “I’m sorry.”

“She’s a little nuts,” Duncan said, then sighed. “Call her back and tell her that I had to go.” He slid out the door, closed it, and rolled down the ramp. “Let’s get out of here. I don’t want to deal with her again. I can’t figure out why I have to keep telling her no over and over again.”

“You shouldn’t have to.” Todd followed Duncan to the car and they got inside. “Where are we going?”

“I made a reservation at Tindall’s,” Duncan said, grinning.

“How? That place is impossible to get into.” Todd pulled out and headed downtown toward the exclusive restaurant. He wondered how Duncan could afford such an expensive restaurant.

“Their son, Albert, and I were in the same ward at rehab. He fell off the roof of their home while trying to work up there. They spent a lot of time with Albert, and the two of us became pretty close. He was able to regain his ability to walk after a number of weeks. His mom and dad were always so nice to me, and on Sundays when the restaurant was closed, they brought dinner into the room and Beverly always included enough for me.”

“That was very nice of them.”

“They were wonderful to me. I called Albert this afternoon, and he made sure there was a table for us.” Duncan seemed so pleased with himself. “I wanted to do something special to celebrate.”

Todd followed Duncan’s directions and pulled up in front of the restaurant, where a man he thought was the valet met the car. He opened the passenger door and hugged Duncan tightly, and Todd realized he was probably Albert. Todd helped Duncan into his chair, and then Duncan made introductions while the real valet took the keys to park the car.

“It’s good to meet you.” Albert firmly shook his hand. “Come in. Mom has your table ready for you, and she’s standing by to fuss.” He smiled, and Duncan motioned for Todd to go first.

“Duncan!” a woman called. She hurried over to them and bent down to hug him enthusiastically. “I’m glad you’re here.” She beamed at Todd. “I’m Beverly,” she said as she motioned them toward the subdued dining room. “I reserved you the table right by the window.” It had been set with a single chair so Duncan could roll right up to his place. “How is your mother?”

“Very well,” Duncan answered.

“So…,” Beverly said as she handed them menus. “Is this a date?” She seemed so pleased.

Duncan sat straighter. “Yes. This is my boyfriend, Todd. I’ve known him for years, but the relationship is new for us. Todd is really gifted, and with luck he will be leading our skeleton team at the Olympics.” Duncan squeezed his hand. “Is Claude here this evening?”

“No. He’s been under the weather for the last few days, so I gave him the night off to rest.”

“Mom, let’s let Duncan and Todd have their date. You can talk to them again before they leave, I promise.” Albert clapped Duncan on the shoulder. “We’ll see you a little later.” He guided his mother away, and their server came to the table with a bottle of champagne.

“I’m Vale. Please take your time. Beverly said for you to order main courses and leave the rest up to her.” He was about Todd’s age, midtwenties, but with a fresh professionalism about him. Vale poured them each a glass, quietly left, then returned with bread and a tapenade.

“I’m thinking of the veal. How about you?” Duncan asked.

“Frutti di mare, I think.” Todd loved seafood.

“Very good,” Vale said without writing anything down, and left their table.

Todd leaned slightly over the table. “What did you do to deserve all this? I know you know the family, but….”

Albert circulated through the room, and Duncan followed him with his gaze. “Albert became very depressed when he was in the rehab facility. Healing took a lot longer than they expected, and Albert had a hard time of it.” Duncan looked back at Todd. “About a week after I got there, he was about to do something I knew he’d regret.” Duncan shivered, and Todd understood what he meant and was grateful he didn’t spell it out. “I sat up with him all night, the two of us talking about nothing… and everything.”

“I see….” Todd nodded and grew quiet.

“No. It was like seeing him through the darkest winter with spring just around the corner. At least that’s what Albert told me later. His family, on the other hand, seems to think I’m a hero. I don’t know what Albert told them, but after that, they treated me like family and made sure I was never left out.” Duncan shrugged, swallowed, and took a gulp from his glass. “I was jealous of him for a while. I watched him get better while I barely improved at all.”

“That must have been so hard for you,” Todd whispered, trying to put himself in Duncan’s place. “I wish I could have been there for you.” A wave of guilt washed over him. He should have been there. Instead, he’d been training or working every waking hour. That was bullshit, and he knew it. “I was afraid. I didn’t know what to say to you, and I….” Todd shivered. “I should have come to visit you whenever I was in town. You were my friend and….”

“I missed everyone. I knew you were all at training centers whenever you could get the time. Besides, you did come. Remember? You visited me a few weeks after the accident.”

“Yeah, and I was so nervous. All I could see was you in that bed, unable to move your legs, and it freaked me out. I knew that could have been me.” Todd emptied his glass as all that came back to him like a punch in the gut. “It was so hard visiting you, and I meant to do it more often, but….” He turned away. “I was so stupid, Duncan. I didn’t know how to react or what to say, so I stayed away.”

Duncan shrugged, and Todd furrowed his brows. “When I was going through all that, I really didn’t give visitors and things like that too much thought. I was pretty miserable and would have been terrible company.”

“But I’m your friend. I was supposed to come and help cheer you up,” Todd said, trying to make Duncan understand.

“I wasn’t in a cheering-up mood. There was nothing you or anyone could have done then. I was pretty much a miserable person to be around. Just ask my mother. She saw me at my worst, and I swear she has the patience of a saint.” Duncan reached across the table. “We can’t undo what happened, and Lord knows I don’t want to go back to those times. They’re behind me and I’ve moved on. You need to let it go too.” Duncan smiled.

“But I wasn’t good to you.” Todd had been carrying this around for a while, but it seemed to be coming to the surface.

“You’re good to me now, and that’s what’s important.” Duncan shook his head. “God, those days were filled with pain and hurt like you can’t imagine. I never want to go through that again.” He took a deep breath and looked Todd in the eye. “What happened wasn’t your fault, and there was nothing you could do about any of it. If we had connected earlier, I somehow doubt things would have turned out the way they have. I would have been different, and so would you.”

“So you’re saying that sometimes things happen for a reason?”

“Either that or we step into a pile of crap and then clean ourselves up and move on.” He finished the last of his champagne and reached for the bottle. “This isn’t why we came here, you know. I didn’t intend to take a walk down the creepy woods portion of memory lane.” He poured some more for both of them. “We’re here to celebrate the commercial and the start of what’s ahead of us.” Duncan lifted a piece of bread. “Tapenade?” he asked with a glint in his eyes, and Todd nearly lost it.

“You’re so poetic sometimes.”

“And at others I’m just full of crap.” Duncan snickered, and Todd shook his head slowly. “So here’s to your first endorsement.”

“Our first endorsement,” Todd corrected, and lightly touched Duncan’s glass. He sipped and then set the glass down, taking a few seconds to look around.

“I love this place. It’s like one of those warm, romantic places you see in the movies, with dark wood and huge upholstered seats you could get lost in,” Duncan observed, and Todd had to agree.

“Do you want me to have them bring a chair so you can use one?” Todd asked. “I’ll help you into one.”

Duncan shook his head. “No. There’s no need to make a big production of it. Besides, I finally got this chair pad so I don’t sweat,” he added in a whisper that made Todd smile.

Vale brought salads with poached pears and a wonderful vinaigrette that tingled Todd’s tongue, pecans that added crunch, and the salty bite of blue cheese. Duncan seemed to love it as much as he did, judging by the way his eyes closed and his lips closed sensuously around his fork. The sight of a happy Duncan sent a little shock of excitement running through him.

“I love this.”

“I remembered it’s your favorite,” Beverly said quietly as she filled their glasses and took away the bottle, replacing it with some sparkling water. “I have a pasta course coming for you. Just a small nibble.” She smiled, and Todd understood why the restaurant was so popular and had been for a long time. It felt like they were at Beverly’s table in her dining room, eating something prepared especially for them.

“It’s as delicious as the first time you brought it in for me.” Duncan blinked and turned away.

Beverly placed her hand on his shoulder. “You were always such a sweetheart. It’s as much a pleasure to make you happy now as it was then.” She gently kissed him on the cheek, then wiped the touch of lipstick off his skin with a wicked smile. She reached across and took Todd’s hand. Todd wasn’t sure how to react and just went with it. “I’m happy you’ve found someone.”

Duncan colored.

“I’m the lucky one.”

She sighed softly. “Friends make the best lovers. Claude and I were friends for a decade before he finally understood.” She rolled her eyes, and Todd realized she was gearing up for a story. “I had eyes for him in high school, but he was dating someone else then. He went to culinary school, and I went to secretarial school but learned quickly that I had a head for business. After he graduated, I rescued him from the girl he’d been dating for years and had just left. I convinced him to open his first restaurant. That was in Shorewood, just a small place. He cooked in the kitchen, and I cooked elsewhere….” She winked and tried to look demure, but failed completely. “The rest, as they say, is history.” She squeezed their hands. “You boys enjoy your meal. I’m needed in the kitchen, but I’ll say goodbye before you leave.” She released their hands and left the table, chatting with each diner as she made her way toward the back.

Todd was a little overwhelmed as the food arrived: pasta with a pesto and pine nuts, a little plate of carpaccio, and then their entrees. By the time dessert was served, Todd could barely move, but the tiramisu served in a chocolate cup was beyond expectations. He again was wondering how Duncan could afford all this when Beverly came back out.

“Did you like the food?” she asked, beaming with pride and taking Duncan’s hand once more. “Remember, you are like family, and we want to see more of you.” She kissed him on the cheek again. “I forgot to ask if you were celebrating something special.”

“We were, actually. Todd just filmed his first commercial. I’m starting a marketing business, and his boss was my first client. We shot their commercial today, and Todd was brilliant.” Duncan actually beamed.

“Can you help us?” she asked, then motioned Albert over. “Duncan is starting a marketing business.” She looked back at Duncan. “Albert has wanted to open a second location in Wauwatosa, and Claude and I like the idea, but we’re worried about pulling business from here.”

“It’s far enough away, and we could do a single website for both locations that would allow the patrons to make a reservation at either location.” Duncan smiled.

“I’ve been telling you we need to modernize,” Albert said. “How about if I call you and we get together to work up a proposal for the folks?”

Just like that, Duncan’s smile rippled through him. He deserved some success. He had brilliant ideas. Todd sat back, sipped his water, and listened as they talked.

“I can do that, though I have mobility issues. I’m working to get my license again, but I have to get a van and I haven’t gotten around to it yet.”

“I can take you,” Todd volunteered, and Beverly patted Todd’s hand.

“You have yourself a good one here. Both of you do.” She left the table, and Albert hugged Duncan once again.

“Don’t be a stranger. You’re family, and we want to see you.” He straightened up. “Besides, I have some news of my own. I’m getting married.”

“Congratulations!” Duncan said, and Todd added his own.

“I want you to be my best man,” Albert said to Duncan, holding his hand. “You saw me through the darkest part of my life, and I’d like you with me for the happiest.”

“Jessica?” Duncan asked, and Albert nodded. “You finally let her convince you?”

“I wasn’t going to marry her until I was worthy. My head was a mess, and now that it’s where it should be, we’ve set a date for next spring. She wants an Eastertime wedding. Will you do it?”

Todd grinned happily, and Duncan’s smile grew even brighter. “Of course I will. I’d be honored.” Then he bit his lower lip, and Todd saw the worry and doubt creep in.

He reached for Duncan’s hand. “I think you’ll look amazing in a tuxedo,” Todd encouraged.

“So do I,” Albert said. “And Jessica will too.” He grinned. “I need to go back to work, but the bill is all set, so you enjoy some coffee. Take your time and have a wonderful evening.” He hugged Duncan once again and shook Todd’s hand before leaving.

Vale refilled their cups, and Duncan pressed some money into his hand for his superior service. Once they were done with their coffee, they said goodbye to everyone, and then Todd drove him home.

He parked in the driveway, staring at the garage door through the windshield. “I don’t want to say good night,” he said quietly. “But I can’t go in and expect to stay. Your mother has been tolerant, but….”

Duncan nodded. “I know. I don’t feel right sleeping together in her house when she’s in the next room. Well, maybe those aren’t the right words, but….” He shivered. “There’s something about having sex while knowing my mom is nearby that gives me the willies. Like she might hear us and….”

“I know.” Todd turned to him and smiled. “Next weekend I don’t have to work at all. Trevor gave me paid time off as part of my pay for the commercial. So I was thinking you and I could maybe go to Chicago. We could drive down on Saturday morning and come back Sunday night.” He could probably come up with the money for a single night’s stay provided he could find a room that wasn’t too expensive. He could use some of his commercial money.

“Let me check. I have some hotel points that I could use.” Duncan leaned closer, and Todd kissed him. “You and I could have a whole room all to ourselves.” Now that sounded like a heavenly idea. “I’ve always wanted to go to the planetarium. I got to go to the museums when I was a kid, and the aquarium, but never there.”

“Then let’s do that.” Todd slid his fingers around the back of Duncan’s head and kissed him harder. “We could have street food and go window-shopping, take in the fountain by the lake.” There were plenty of things that didn’t cost a lot of money, and it would be awesome just to have quiet, one-on-one time with Duncan.

“I love it when things work out,” Duncan said without making a move to get out of the car.

“Me too,” Todd agreed, then kissed Duncan again.