“Are you able to rest and recover today?”
“Yeah, I’ve got some work to do, but I can take it easy.”
Before Drew could reply, a second text came through.
“You want to hang out later? Maybe grab lunch or something?”
Drew’s pulse sped up and he smiled, but the lift was short-lived.
“I’m filming all day today. I won’t be done until late.”
“How late? Are you free for dinner?”
Drew’s smile grew. He should turn Lee down. He desperately needed sleep and rest. But somehow, the idea of going back to his generic apartment alone and spending the night in silence didn’t appeal to him at all.
“Yeah, I could do dinner. Why don’t you come over to the apartment later? I’ll text you when I’m leaving the studio.”
“Sounds good. I’ll see you then.”
Drew stared at the conversation long after it was finished, a wealth of emotions rolling through him. He liked people. He liked making new friends. Having Lee around would stop him from getting antsy and lonely, now that Abby and Jessica had gone back to the US. Everything was working out just how it should.
Which was only half the story of why he felt like he was walking on air when they were called back to resume filming the scene. He could ignore or compartmentalize the rest, though. Everything was working out exactly the way it should.
With renewed confidence and something to look forward to, Drew threw himself into filming for the rest of the day. He loved the process, felt like he had a good grip on his character, and was starting to feel like a family with the cast and crew. But the biggest confirmation that he was doing everything right, including being seen with Lee, came when he finished filming for the day and checked his phone.
He had a voicemail from an unknown number. In Hollywood, that could either be something really bad or really good.
It was really good.
“Hello, Drew. Simon Underhill calling. I’ve been following your work for a while now and I’d love to set up a meeting to talk. I’ve got some ideas percolating and I’d love to talk to you about them. Give me a call as soon as you can.”
Drew could hardly breathe, he was so excited, as he listened to Simon’s number and memorized it. Simon Underhill was one of the most respected directors of high-concept films in the world. He had more award nominations than almost anyone currently working. But he was adamant about only working with queer actors, especially when casting them in queer roles.
He’d called Drew. Simon Underhill had gone out of his way to make the first move.
Which meant Drew might be in the running for a part in a film that would get critical acclaim and maybe win him a few awards.
Which also meant Simon believed he was gay.
He must have seen the pics of him kissing Lee.
Drew went hot and cold, and his hands shook a little as he dialed Simon’s number and waited for the man to pick up. The chance of a lifetime had just been handed to him, and all because of Lee.
Which was as terrifying as it was awesome.
Simon’s voicemail picked up the call, sending a jolt of nervous disappointment through Drew’s gut. As soon as the beep sounded, he said, “Hi, Simon. It’s Drew Oberlin. Sorry I missed your call, I was on set. But I’d love to talk to you at your earliest convenience. You clearly have my number, so give me a call any time.”
He ended the message there, then immediately wondered if he should have sounded cooler or more eager or mentioned how much he loved the man’s work.
There was no point in second-guessing, though. Jessica had been onto something after all. Now that the world had been introduced to Lee and seen the two of them kissing, exactly the sort of opportunities he’d hoped for were flying his way.
He just had to keep up the illusion that he and Lee were more than friends.
eight
. . .
For the first time in years, Lee slept in the day after the concert and afterparty. It wasn’t surprising, since it was also the first time in years he’d had that much to drink. By most people’s standards, he hadn’t had much, but he’d certainly had enough to end up making out with Drew in the middle of a ballroom filled with celebrities and celebrity-adjacent partygoers.