41Author's Note: Hey, me again. I just wanted to urge anyone who is reading this to please, please review it. I encourage constructive criticism and would love to know what people think of the story so far/the newer chapters. Reviews are like fuel, and they keep me writing so, please...fuel me! ~Lia
Taylor
Today is just like any other day. Alison hands me a stack of memos and I spend the rest of the day between meetings and pitches or holed up in my office, pacing the floor and trying to gain headway with my projects. Every so often Alison comes in and places a black coffee on the desk in front of me. I honestly can't say that I care much for my colleagues here at Bryant International, but Alison is just the kind of assistant I need. I've felt no need to make my sexuality public – it's nobody's business but mine and the person I'm fucking – but Alison's sharp. She cottoned on pretty early on in the game and just asking me outright. I admire a person with balls, and it takes some balls to look your boss in the eye and say "You're gay, aren't you?" and not be terrified by the potential consequences.
"Aren't you going to head out yet?"
I look up to see Alison's head peering in from around the door. I glance at the clock on my desk and notice the time, realizing that everyone else has probably filtered out of the office in drips and drabs at least two hours ago. I sigh and lean back in my chair, motioning for Alison to come in.
"I don't understand why you still won't just come in," I chuckle, standing up to start clearing my things away.
"Well, I understand that your office is your own personal, private space…and I don't really want to interrupt you after hours…" she trails off, a slight grin curling her lips.
"Oh for god's sakes, Alison, it was just the one time," I mutter, rolling my eyes and snapping my briefcase shut.
"Taylor, trust me, I think seeing you buried inside a janitor just the one time is one time too many, thanks."
"Well aren't you lucky that I only believe in 'one time' being enough?" I smirk, "Seriously, what the hell are you still doing here? You should have left hours ago."
"Just checking on you. And you got a message from a Drew, who said to remind you that you're meant to come round to his when you could." Alison raises her eyebrow suggestively, "He sounded rather young, Taylor…"
"Shut the hell up, Alison. He's a friend of an…acquaintance. That's all. But thanks for the message – I totally forgot. Anyway, get out of here. I'll see you tomorrow."
Alison waves goodbye over her shoulder and I see her walk over to the lift. Fuck. I'd clean forgotten about the fact that I was meant to be going to Drew's to pick up Jamie. Oh, god, Jamie. I have a kid. I have an eighteen year-old kid living in my apartment. Aw, fuck. I mentally kick myself for that moment of insanity of actually offering to let someone else into my life – into my space – even if it is temporary.
A while later and I find myself making way to that kid Drew's house. I can't help but let myself think back to this morning. I genuinely don't think I've had breakfast with another person since…actually, since the second time I picked up Jamie. I have to admit, I like the kid. He's spunky, and hot, and pretty much the only trick I've picked up who doesn't seem desperate to attach themselves to me like a limpet. I don't envy him for what he's going through, but it takes some guts. It's not something I thought to do, come out to my parents. I didn't owe them a thing, and they don't know me, so there was never any need to. I was out of there as soon as I could, and they certainly are not part of my life. I know how they would have responded anyway, so there wasn't any reason to even consider letting them know who I really am.
I pull up in front of the little semi-detached house, get out of my car and wander up the driveway. I can see lights on inside and ring the bell, waiting for the door to be open. Within a few minutes the door is flung open and I see Drew, the redhead kid, standing there looking frazzled.
"Where the fuck have you been?" he demands.
"I've been at work, like the grown-up that I am, thanks. I think you need to work on your manners there, kid."
"I don't know what to do with him. He's…he's been out of it all day," he mutters, his brow wrinkling with worry.
"What? Jamie?"
"Look, just come in. I don't know if he should go back with you when he's like this. I don't think it's a good idea; he's in shock or something. We can look after him."
I step into the house and scan the room, expecting to see Jamie. Drew motions me over and I follow him up the stairs, where he leads me to a room. He slowly opens the door and sticks his head inside. After a moment he enters the room and I follow suit.
I immediately notice Jamie lying in bed with his head resting against the woman I recognise from yesterday, who I gather is Drew's mother. His eyes are closed but I can see his body trembling slightly as she strokes his dark locks and holds him close to her.
I glance over at Drew. "Was it really that bad?"
He shrugs, shaking his head a little bit and frowning, "I…I didn't think so. I thought it was pretty straightforward when we were there; we were in and out within the hour. It was after we left – I just don't know what happened to him. He just started hyperventilating or something and made me pull over, and he just started retching."
Drew's mother looks up at us in the doorway and shakes her head silently, but suddenly Jamie speaks.
"No. I want him to stay."
He lifts his head and looks up at me, and I can see that his sapphire eyes are red-rimmed and puffy. His complexion is a little pallid and his hair has matted to his forehead – he looks so…fragile. This isn't the cocky smart-mouthed kid I met in 'Silk' a few weeks ago.
Drew gives me a little nudge and I step towards the bed.
"Hey kid. So…y'want to stay here tonight? You know you don't have to come back with me. It's up to you be wherever you want to be. It looks as though you're covered here."
His eyes meet mine and something tightens in my stomach, a strange desire that seems to come out of nowhere.
"I want to go out. I want to go to 'Silk'."
Out of the corner of my eye I can see Drew and his mother exchange a quick look between them but I ignore it.
"Then fine – let's go to 'Silk'. Are you coming, Drew?"
Drew hesitates and glances at his mother before saying carefully, "Well, sure I guess…but Jamie, are you really sure you don't want to take it easy tonight? We could just chill here."
"No. No, I want to go out," Jamie says firmly, but quietly.
"Okay, fine. I'll come with you then," Drew nods, coming over to sit by the bed with Jamie and slinging his arm over his shoulder, "Someone's gotta look after you, right?"
Jamie shrugs, "Give me a few minutes. I'll meet you guys downstairs – I think I should probably wash my face or something."
We leave Jamie in Drew's room and make our way down the stairs to wait for him in the hall. As soon as we get downstairs and are out of earshot, Mrs Mcnamara turns to me.
"Now, listen to me when I say this as I will not be repeating myself. You so much as lay a finger on that boy and you will be answering to me personally, d'you understand?" she says firmly.
"I don't see how it's any of your business what he decides to do, frankly," I retort, somewhat taken aback by her tone, "So, no, actually, I don't think I need to listen to you. I mean, who the hell are you to tell me what I can and can't do?"
I can see her visibly bristle as she starts to take a step towards me, but Drew steps in front of her, placing a hand on her shoulder.
"Mum…it's okay. I'll look after Jamie."
Suddenly we hear a voice behind us, "I said I'm fine – seriously." He comes over and gives Mrs Mcnamara a hug and she gives him a reluctant smile.
"I'm just worried about you, sweetie," she sighs, patting his cheek affectionately.
"Laura, I'll be fine, I promise," Jamie smiles gently, "I just…need to blow off some steam."
She gives Jamie another quick hug, then the three of us head out to my car. As we climb into my car, I realise that I'm still in my work clothes, so take off my tie and start peeling off my jacket and shirt, until I'm just left in a white vest and my suit trousers. Hmmm, not quite my usual look.
"I think you should leave the shirt on," Jamie says from the passenger seat beside me, "It looks good on you."
"Oh no. No. You are not fucking him tonight!" Drew exclaims from the back seat, "No way. I know you've had a shitty day, hon, but this is not going to make it any better."
"I wouldn't be too sure about that, kid – you've clearly never fucked me," I chuckle, but then turn to Jamie seriously, "But he's right. You will not be fucking me tonight. I told you before – this isn't anything. And I don't do second times."
Jamie raises an eyebrow and gives me a pointed look. "Oh, really?"
"…Okay, I don't usually do second times. And I'm certainly not doing you any more than I already have."
"Yeah, we'll see about that," he smirks, and Drew reaches over to smack him across the head.
"Now, now children – no bickering in the car or you'll just have to walk," I sigh, rolling my eyes and pulling out onto the road.
A few minutes later we pull up by 'Silk' and pile out of the car. We make our way to the entrance and I walk straight up the bouncer, flash him a smile and slip him a $20 note and he pulls the barrier aside for me. I pause, glancing behind me to see Jamie and Drew lingering sheepishly before the entrance. I sigh and roll my eyes.
"Sorry, Ted – they're with me."
He nods and lets Jamie and Drew slip through. Jamie gives me a grateful smile, but I just nod and motion towards the dance floor.
"Now, go play nice with the other kids. I've got grown-up work to do," I grin, making my way towards the bar, where I think I spy a group of familiar faces.
As I slip through the crowds up to the bar and order my usual, someone slaps my arse and exclaims, "Christ, Taylor! What the hell are you wearing, sweetie?"
I roll my eyes and turn around to face my assailant. "Don't even try to pretend that I don't pull this off. I can pull anything off," I smirk.
"You could have tried returning my calls, y'know," a second voice mumbles, sounding a little hurt.
"Yeah, you really should have, honey. He's been sulking all night."
"Look, Matty, I'm sorry. I've been really busy at work this week and…yeah. I've just been busy with shit. But it's sorted now, and I'm buying you a drink" I grin, slinging my arm over the shoulders of my best friend, Matthew Davies.
He shrugs, nudging me in the side with his elbow, "Yeah, whatever Taylor. We knew we'd find you here eventually. But you're making that drink a double, thanks."
"So, exactly what 'shit' have you been busy with, hmmm? Because, I'm going to take a wild stab in the dark and say it has something to do with that adorable little twink making eyes at you over there," Elliott chuckles knowingly.
I glance over my shoulder and, sure enough, Jamie is there with Drew, dancing suggestively and flashing me a little look. I ignore the little tug of desire in the pit of my stomach and turn back to my drink.
"Not really. I met him a few weeks ago, I think. He's just…been in a bit of trouble. He might be…staying with me for a little bit. I'm not really sure," I shrug, attempting to remain cool about the whole matter.
Matty chokes on his drink, spluttering, "HE'S STAYING WITH YOU!?"
"I said might be. I don't know. We'll see how I feel," I reply breezily.
"Oh, honey, this has got to be one of the stupidest things you've ever done. I love it," Elliott smirks, "And, hey, look – your new roomie is coming over. Perfect. Hello, sweetheart!" he exclaims, practically pouncing on Jamie.
"Uh, hey…?" he trails off, looking a little taken aback. And, well, understandably so. Elliott isn't exactly the most subtle character; today he's wearing purple leather trousers and a pink mesh tank-top.
"Taylor says that you two are…acquainted," Elliott winks, "Are you new here, honey? I don't think I've ever seen you around."
Jamie flashes a winning smile and perches himself on top of a bar-stool. "Yeah, I guess you could say so. I guess this is all a bit new," he shrugs.
"And just how long did it take for Taylor to work his magic?" retorts Matty, with a roll of his eyes.
"What magic?" Jamie grins and I turn to him in disbelief.
"Oh, shut the fuck up, kid. I didn't hear any complaints," I smirk, tipping my head back and downing the last few drops of my drink. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have work to do to. Can't keep the eager masses waiting."
"Come on, sweetheart – you can dance with us!" Elliott chirps, grabbing hold of Jamie's hand and dragging him onto the dance-floor with us. "Oh, you're coming too, hon," he grins waving Drew over.
"By the way, don't think you have a chance with Elliott. Not your type," I chuckle into Jamie's ear.
"Oh, he's right sweetie. I'm a great, big, nelly bottom and proud of it!" Elliott grins, twirling Jamie around.
"And what makes you think you know my type, hmmm?" Jamie asks me, turning to look at me steadily.
I ignore his question and allow myself to scan the sea of bodies, trying to figure out my target for tonight. I spy a tall brunette who I don't think I've seen before and try to decide whether I should settle on that for tonight, when he catches my eye and smiles. Hmmm, I guess he's quite cute. I try not to appear too interested, giving him a nod before turning away and back to Matty, Elliott and Jamie. By this point Elliott is spinning Jamie around madly and laughing hysterically while Matty regards them with a confused mixture of disdain and amusement, and Drew tries not to get in the way.
Suddenly, out of nowhere, Elliott spins Jamie away from him and straight at me, and before I can do anything I find that Jamie has been flung right against me and is now looking up at me, his body pressed against mine.
I look down at him glancing up at me and find myself gazing down into those irresistible eyes of his. Something changes in his expression, his gaze locking on mine and I find myself swallowing in an attempt to steady my heartbeat. I can feel his hand on my hip, just resting there gently. Before I can say or do anything, he's suddenly pulled away from me by Drew, who starts dancing with him. I don't have much time to react before I can feel someone else's hands on my hips and I glance over my shoulder to see the guy I'd spied earlier.
The music is throbbing in my ears and just too loud for me to hear what he says, but I grab hold of his hand and lead him through the throng on the dance-floor and to the back of the club. As soon as we get there, I push him up against a wall and start kissing him fiercely. I don't let him speak, just lead his hands to my zipper and let him unzip me, reaching inside to start stroking me. I just close my eyes, trying to get lost in the feeling of his hands moving over me and, when he tears his mouth away from mine and drops to his knees in front of me, I try not to think about Jamie's deep blue eyes. However, as I lean my head back against the wall, they are all that I can see behind my closed eye-lids.
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