CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE – CHANCE ENCOUNTER
Howie watched AJ with growing irritation, annoyed over the time it took for his friend to decide. He had been here nearly an hour, aimlessly wandering around the small boutique while AJ see-sawed between two distinctive hats. He turned to Howie. "I don’t know. Which one do you like?"
"Bone, are you deaf? For the tenth and last time, I like the white one. And why are you asking me anyway?" Howie complained, noticing AJ favoring the black-striped one. "You never listen to me anyway."
"That’s not true," argued AJ, as he handed the cashier his credit card. "I listen when you agree with me." He gave Howie a playful grin at the joke and Howie smiled in return, shaking his head. Feeling a poke in his ribs, Howie looked up from a watch display to see AJ motioning towards a young woman who was wandering around in the small store.
"Does that look like Claire to you?" he hissed. Howie craned his neck, trying to get a better look.
"Yeah," he said slowly. "I think so."
"Damn!" AJ hurriedly signed the receipt, stuffing it into his pocket. He slipped up behind the woman, swiftly placing a kiss onto the nape of her neck. She stiffened in surprise and swung around to see a grinning old acquaintance.
"AJ! You scared me half to death!" She gave him a warm hug, which turned into a warmer kiss. Howie came forward, coughing a little.
"Hi, Claire." Claire broke away from AJ’s grasp, delighted to see him. "Howie!" She reached for a hug. "How are you?" She eyed him appraisingly. "You’re looking better everyday!"
"Hey!" argued AJ. "What about me?"
"For a thousand bucks, I’ll tell you," teased Claire, her green eyes full of mischief.
AJ whistled his admiration. "A thousand. Didn’t cost me a thousand last time, sweetheart." He winked at her.
Claire took the bait. "It will now." She gazed at Howie, a grin forming. "But for Howie, it’s free. He’s so cute."
Howie smiled at her, then turned to smirk at his friend. "I’m free," he boasted and AJ ignored him.
"So, I heard you guys were in town. Good timing. How’s Kevin?"
"Taken."
"Rats." Claire pouted, then brightened. "Nick?"
AJ was enjoying their teasing. "Immature."
"Not where it counts, I’m sure." Howie and AJ laughed at her lewd joke.
"So, how’s choirboy?"
"Bri? He’s..." AJ paused, lost in thought. He had seen Brian this morning changing into sweats in the dressing room of the arena. Curious, he had watched as Brian stretched a little, jogging into place. "Wassup, man?" he questioned, "gonna play some ball?" Brian had shook his head, not answering him, grabbing his duffel bag and a couple bottled waters as he roughly walked passed AJ. Pissed by Brian’s attitude he almost called him on it, only to stop when he saw the passing look on Brian’s face as he hurried down the hall.
Haunted by that look, AJ turned to Claire, an idea forming in his head. "Say Claire," he drawled slowly, "are you busy tonight?"
* * * * * *
"B-Rok is so gonna kill you, man," warned Howie, as they leaned into the backseat comfort of their bodyguard’s car. AJ shoved his foot at the many packages lying on the floorboard, trying to find some legroom.
"I tell ya, D, you shoulda seen him. If he doesn’t need to get laid, I’ll eat my new hat here." He patted it happily of his head, leaning over the backseat to get a glimpse of himself in the rear view mirror.
"Hey," warned the bodyguard. "Sit down. I can’t see."
AJ shrugged and leaned back into the leather seat. He tried to ignore Howie’s accusing look, but couldn’t. "Besides, Claire is something special, man. On top of being a great lay, she can really look into the ‘ole mind. She’s smart. Didn’t I ever tell you she almost has a degree in psychology?"
Howie shook his head. "Uh, no. I don’t think you ever talked about her "abilities" in that category."
AJ punched him. "Very funny. Anyway, I’m worried about Bri. He’s not himself. I think Claire can figure what might be going on."
"And if she can’t?"
AJ shrugged and tilted his hat over his eyes. "Then he gets the fuck of his life."
CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO – CLOSE ENCOUNTER
Brian threw the duffel bag down onto the floor, stripping the sweat-soaked clothes off his body. He glanced at the clock on the wall, noting he had three hours before showtime. Good, he thought. I plan on spending it all in the shower. His shoulder and arm ached as he reached for the shower handle, trying hard not to remember how many curls Xavier had made him do with weights. He turned the water on full blast, steam rising instantly as he slipped into the stall, savoring its warmth. He stood there as the water cascaded over his face, neck and chest, letting the heat soak into his tired muscles, relaxing his body as much as possible. After a while he turned around in the shower to let the stream flow down the back of his head and back, his forehead resting against the tile, willing his mind to relax to the heat as much as his body now was. It didn’t work. His mind played over and over the events of the last hours, the drilling of Xavier’s monotonous voice, the jogging, the weightlifting, even boxing. Brian gazed down to look impassively at the bruises forming on his body, wondering if he would ever look normal, trying to figure out a way to explain if any of the guys saw them. He stared at the fog-free mirror that was hanging on the tiled wall, hardly recognizing the expression that stared back at him. He looked trapped, like a caged animal. He shuddered for a moment, remembering the last hour. Exhausted from a run in the local park, Brian begged for a moment’s rest. Xavier had frowned, but motioned for him to sit on a bench. Noticing a refreshment stand nearby, Xavier had jogged over to get them some juice. Brian watched him wearily, his gaze turning towards a church nearby. Almost mesmerized, Brian got up and crossed the street, yanking the heavy oak door open. His senses were assaulted by the quiet coolness of the interior, the smell of burning candles, the soft glow of the stained-glass hanging above. Noticing no one around, Brian quietly sat in the last seat, closing his eyes and enjoying the solitude. He said a small prayer then opened his eyes to see a well-worn Bible sitting next to him. He tentatively touched it, running his finger over the cracked binding and the faded gold-embossed name of the owner who had accidentally left it behind. A small flow of calmness enveloped through him and he didn’t hear the creak of the front door open but felt the oak pew groan as Xavier sat down next to him, placing his hand carelessly on Brian’s inner thigh. Or was it careless? Brian jumped up as if scalded, shocked and confused. Oh God, was Xavier gay? Was that what this was all about? His disgust showed clearly on his face as he looked at Xavier. "Stay the hell away from me," he hissed, incensed. Xavier stood up, his eyes glittering with an almost mad-like gleam as he grabbed Brian by the collar, hauling him close.
"I should beat the shit out of you right now," Xavier whispered. "Don’t you ever, ever, think that I’m queer." He shoved Brian roughly out the church door, past the surprised look of two elderly women who were walking in.
The surreal scene floated before him and Brian grabbed for the bar of soap, as if washing his body would cleanse him of the sight. He finally shut off the water, toweling himself dry and threw on a clean T-shirt and pants. He padded barefoot into the dressing room, scanning the area for something to eat. It seemed like he had gone for days without food, his stomach growling, his hunger pangs almost matching the soreness of his stomach muscles. He found a couple of apples lying in a wooden bowl and devoured them, relieved that for the moment it would suffice. He rummaged around his duffel bag and brought out his ever-handy Advil, reaching for a bottled water. He downed three in one swallow, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. Hearing a small knock on his door he sighed, not wanting to see anyone just yet.
"Come in, it’s open," he yelled, closing the cap back onto the bottle. The door slowly swung open and, half-expecting Xavier to pop through, Brian held his breath. He watched in amazement as a girl peeked her head through the door, then hesitantly enter. Clearly she was trespassing and Brian shook his head, wondering how a fan had managed to sneak pass security.
"Look, no one is allowed back here..." he began, then stopped as he eyed her, thinking she looked somewhat familiar. Brian noticed that she was almost as tall as him, her curly auburn hair framing an incredible pair of green eyes. She wore a muted-gray silk shirt with matching skirt, a soft black leather jacket finishing the outfit.
She tossed her purse and coat casually onto a chair and gave him a friendly smile. "Hi, Brian, remember me?"
Brian gazed at her, at a loss, until it struck him. "Claire?" he questioned, disbelieving.
She nodded her head yes. "In person."
Brian smiled back, taking her in. The last time he had seen her, her hair had been longer, the makeup more pronounced, the clothes quite a bit more revealing. He recalled now where he placed her and coughed. "Uh, if you’re looking for AJ, he’s not here at the moment."
"That’s okay, I’m not looking for him," she said lightly, her smile widening even further as she gazed frankly at him.
Uncomfortable at being scrutinized, Brian shifted uneasily, at a loss for words. "You look great," he said finally.
Claire watched him carefully for a moment then quickly closed the distance between them, slipping into his embrace, bringing her arms around his neck and drawing his mouth down to hers. She kissed him warmly, savoring the clean, fresh smell of him. Slowly she pulled away from the kiss, still in his arms, frowning slightly. "You look tired."
"I am."
"Want to talk about it?"
"No." Brian smiled tightly, gently easing himself from her hold. He stood a few feet from her, his arms crossing his chest, puzzled by Claire’s sudden interest in his well-being. He found it difficult making small talk with someone he barely knew and struggled with something to say. "Well, I’m sure AJ will be glad to see you again."
"I guess."
Curious, Brian watched her as she casually wandered about the room, taking everything in. She stopped when she came next to him. "Actually, I’m not here to see AJ. I came to see you."
"Me?"
Claire nodded. She moved in closer, her face and body mere inches away from Brian’s. She noticed that he didn’t move away, his blue eyes clear and steady, watching her intently. She held his gaze with her own, searching, waiting for a sign from him.
Brian felt his heart begin to race, a rush of desire and desperation flooding his mind and body. They stood apart, not touching, barely breathing. He broke his gaze, nervously glancing over her shoulder towards the door and she traced his look. Breaking into a grin, she walked over to the door, locked it, propping a chair against it for extra security.
She came back, this time wrapping her arms around his neck, her mouth next to his ear.
"There’s nothing worse than being interrupted in the middle of something," she whispered teasingly.
He tried to turn his head only she wouldn’t let him, her hands gently framing his jaw. "Claire," he pleaded gently, but she saw denial only in his eyes, his body hungrily responding to hers. Claire found his mouth again and this time kissed him in earnest, her kiss promising of untold pleasures to come. He circled his arms around her waist, his hands sliding lower as he press her closer to him. She could feel his growing need for her and she broke the kiss, giving him a sly grin in which he returned. Grabbing his shirt, she yanked it off him in one swift pull, tossing it to the ground. He did the same for her, admiring her for a moment before capturing her in his arms again. Claire laughed as he whispered something in her ear. AJ was right, she thought. He did need this.
CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE - AFTERMATH
Giving her hair a quick brush, Claire watched in some amusement as Brian slipped his shirt back on. "Brian, it’s inside out," she informed him.
Balancing on one leg as he was pulling on his pants, he glanced at her, confused. "Huh?"
Claire laughed, pointing with her brush. "Your shirt. You put it on inside out."
He gave her a charming grin. "Oops." He corrected his mistake, yanking the shirt back on but not before Claire got a better look at his bruises. She bit her her lower lip in distress, reminding herself to talk to AJ about it.
Brian sat down on a chair, lacing up his shoes. He watched as Claire straightened her skirt then glance for her purse. Brian got up and picked up her purse, handing it to her.
He gave her a small kiss, his eyes reflecting the warmth she felt in his kiss. "How much do I owe you?" he said softly.
Claire shook her head. "Nothing."
Brian raised his eyebrows in surprise, not believing her. "Come on. Are you telling me this was a pity fuck?"
Claire laughed and came close, tracing her finger across his mouth. "My, my," she said, sounding shocked. "Such a nasty word coming from a such a beautiful mouth."
Brian kissed her finger, giving her a wicked smile. "I can say more, if you want."
Claire laughed again, a smirk spreading across her face. "I think you said plenty of them a short time ago." She turned and snatched up her shoes, tucking one under her arm as she slipped the other one on. Hopping on one foot, she attempted to place her other shoe on, trying not to lose her balance. Brian caught her before she fell and she giggled as she watched Brian lightly kiss the top of her foot before sliding her shoe on.
"Ah, a Southern gentleman. Is Kevin as chivalrous as you?"
As he stood up, Brian winked at her and shrugged comically. "Don’t know. I’ve never had him kiss my foot." Claire laughed and pushed him playfully. He caught her hand, pulling her closer, his eyes more solemn.
"Seriously, Claire. How much?"
"It’s already been taken care of, Brian."
For a moment Brian panicked, his heart racing. He tightened his grip on her hand. "From Xavier?"
"Whose Xavier?" Claire answered, troubled by the tension she felt in his voice and grip. "It was AJ."
"AJ!" The astonishment in his voice was obvious. Brian rubbed the brow of his forehead with his hand and turned away from her, struggling to comprehend this. He paced a moment before turning back towards her. Brian gave a small sound of disbelief, then began to laugh. "You know, I am so going to kill him," he vowed, shaking his head at Claire.
"I ran into AJ today, shopping," explained Claire. "He figured you could use a little R & R." She smiled as she touched his face, relieved that he wasn’t angry.
"And this is AJ’s idea of R & R?"
"Well," said Claire, "it always worked for AJ!" She laughed when she saw Brian’s face. "And from judging, it worked for you, right?"
Brian rolled his eyes upward. "Yeah," he finally admitted. He looked at her. "Mind if I ask you a personal question?"
She heard the hesitancy in his voice and looked at him curiously. "Sure."
"Well, don’t take this wrong, but I always thought you girls faked it."
Claire knew where this was going and for the first time in a long time she found herself embarrassed. "We do," she said softly.
"And?" he pressured gently.
She cursed him silently for being so perceptive, angry at herself for allowing her emotions to overrule a business transaction. She sighed, afraid to admit the truth to herself, knowing damn well he already knew the answer. She met his stare. "Yes, we always fake it. But I didn’t with you. It was real." Her voice dropped even lower. "I enjoyed it. And I haven’t enjoyed sex for a long time." She gave Brian a shaky laugh. "I guess I should be thanking you."
Brian gazed at her for a moment then reached out to pull her into his embrace. He kissed her, holding her until she stopped trembling. Claire rested her head onto his shoulder for a moment, then pulled back, giving Brian a small smile. Neither said a word as he opened the door for her, her hand enclosed in his. She squeezed it once and he returned the squeeze quickly, feeling her hand slip from his. She never turned back to look as she hurried down the hallway.