Page 6 of Social Sinners

“Go for it. Without Easton, I have nothing of importance left to lose.”

“Don’t do this, Ethan,” Easton pleaded.

“You’re worth it.” I reached over, wiping the single tear that had found its freedom from his face.

I turned, glaring at Sal ready to go to battle but was met with his smirking face in return. “Welcome to the family, son. Sorry to put you through that but given your playboy status I needed to see if this was more than just a game to you. Contrary to whatever you believe, my son does come first with me and always will. Easton’s work ethic hasn’t changed over the last year. Nor do I see it faltering but we will need to turn this PR nightmare into a positive. Keep in mind boys,” he paused, making eye contact with the two of us, “business comes first, and if I see anything that shows me otherwise, I will be forced to make changes.”

“Understood,” we both replied at the same time.

Wow… seems my asshole side passed some unknown test it was just given. Guess maybe I should go into acting if my drumming career doesn’t pan out…

“Question Sal, what would happen if we just let this fizzle out on its own? I mean, why does it matter? We didn’t break any laws, and no one was hurt, why is there a need to feed the media?”

“Well,” he began, “you’re the token straight guy in the band who has now been seen not only kissing a man but a man who’s the band’s manager.”

“So?” The issue to be found here still wasn’t registering with me.

“Some may see that as a conflict of interest,” he explained.

“Wouldn’t that be their problem and not ours?” I’ve never been one to conform, let alone give two shits what others thought about my choices. I’m the stoic guy who stands in the back, arms crossed over his chest with resting bitch face. I don’t interact unless I need to, and I don’t live my life by anyone else’s rules. I love who I love, and I trust very few.

“Easton,” Sal turned, addressing him, “what did they teach you in marketing class?”

“That it’s better to diffuse a situation or potential situation on your own terms proactively versus reactively due to others having forced the hand for you,” he quoted, sounding much like a textbook.

“Correct. This is your band. I gave it to you to manage, and outside of a few minor hiccups, I’m pleased with your work,” Sal told him, and Easton blushed at the compliment. “What do you think should happen?”

Silently, Sal and I watched as Easton’s face bore the emotions of the internal struggle he was combating. “I agree with both of you. I don’t think our dating is the bigger issue, but the lack of his coming out will be to the general public. Especially to the fans in the LGBTQ community. Remember how the guys reacted when you told them?” Easton asked me.

I groaned, recollecting Stoli and Mickey’s reactions the day before. In the end, they both came around, but neither were shy about telling me it hurt that I hadn’t trusted them enough to share something this monumental.

“Exactly,” Easton continued when I didn’t answer. The reply he sought was written all over my face. “I think we should tie this in with a community service event.” Sal grinned at his suggestion. “Before we left for the second leg of the tour, you guys had mentioned doing more for the kids at the Lambert House. I’ve been working with the director to try and set something up and now with this fresh in everyone’s minds, I’m going to move it to the top of the list. I suggest, and we’ll discuss it with the guys first if Dad agrees, that we establish an outline for the music program we’re going to offer and tie it in with a formal announcement regarding our relationship. I don’t want us to be in the forefront overshadowing the Lambert House. I’ll keep the mention of us short but put it out there in layman’s terms and leave the details out of it. You’re right, Ethan, it really is no one’s business but ours, but whether you like it or not you’re a role model for a lot of kids. Coming out as bi will definitely resonate with more of them than you think.”

“I think that’s absolutely brilliant, son. I’ll step aside and let you run with this. If you need me, you know I’m only a phone call away. I will be in attendance for the press conference, so let my assistant know the details to put into my schedule.”

Easton nodded to his father, but before he could speak his phone rang, “Excuse me, I need to take this,” he told us as he headed out of the room.

I stood to leave, but Sal stopped me. “Ethan, can I have a word?”Here it comes…“You spend more time with Easton than I do, but I’m worried about him. Should I be?”

“Worried about him how exactly?” I knew what my concerns were, but would Sal’s be the same or would his be centered around me?

“His therapist called me, didn’t divulge any details outside of sharing with me that Easton had canceled his last three appointments.”

“Shit,” I said, raking my hands through my hair which had become my nervous crutch as of late. “I knew East missed one because of Vegas, but I wasn’t aware of the other two.”

“I’m gonna be blunthe looks like shit. Is he sleeping?”

I never lied to Sal before, and I wasn’t about to start now, “No, not at all.” Did I tell him about the other issue? Was it my story to tell? The lines between concerned boyfriend and being a narc were blurring.

“Why do I feel like there’s more you’re not telling me?”

Fuck…

“Hey guys,” Easton came back in, glancing between the two of us, having sensed the oppressive tension in the room, “is everything alright?”

“Yes, of course, son,” Sal answered for us, for which I was thankful. I knew there was no way I could or would lie to Easton.

“That was the director at Lambert. I have a meeting set up with him on Friday while the bands at the studio,” he informed us.

“Excellent,” Sal said. “Let me know if I can do anything to help. I’ll leave you boys to your afternoon. I’m sure you both have things to catch up on after your Vegas trip. By the way, how did things go with the new security detail?”

“No issues at all, but we should keep an open dialog with Ventura Security. I think the band's success is to the point now that security will be required at events as well as on the next tour.”

“Agreed,” Sal said. “Tell Joe and Maggie I said congratulations.”

“Will do and let me say what you did for them with the jet blew them away,” I told Sal. “They said to tell you, thank you.”

“Not a problem. The parental units, as you guys call them,” he laughed, “have been more than supportive of all of you. They’re the foundation that built Social Sinners and the glue that helps keep you guys grounded.”

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