Page 100 of Ambiguous
I nod.
“Did he ever break up with that boyfriend of his? Or do I need to prepare for a PR disaster far worse than ‘OMG, Jules Hill is queer’?”
“He’s going to talk with the campaign about it and work something out.” I grind my teeth and crack my knuckles.
“You can’t be seen as a cheater, Jules. That would undermine your whole persona.”
Grimacing, I nod. “I know. I’m not one. And I’ll… discuss it with him.”
“On to another happy topic: is Colin still staying here?”
“Yeah.”
“Is he doing anything at all to get back on his feet, or is he just lounging around, enjoying your beach access and eating your food? Oh, wait, that’s not really a question.” They give me a long look. “I know he’s your brother, but even so… I don’t understand why you keep someone around who uses you as much as he does.”
“I promised my mum,” I blurt. I don’t know why I’m telling Loren this now. Maybe talking with Sam is making me more… open? Something like that.
“Promised her what?”
“That I would take care of him. No matter what.”
“Oh, Julian. That’s a tough promise to keep when he’s such a slacker.”
“What else am I supposed to do? I got the job he wanted, the exposure he wanted, the money he wanted. I get all the attention. He’s forever standing in the wings, waiting for his chance. I can’t say no to him. If he needs something, I’ll give it to him.”
“Do you feel guilty that you got picked and he didn’t?”
“Yes.”
“Don’t. You have a better work ethic than him. You give it all to your fans. I think the producers could sense that about you, even back when you were first auditioning. Colin’s only out for himself.”
“That may be, but I’m the only family he has. And I can’t let him down.”
CHAPTER37
Sam
Afew nights later, I make my way to Julian’s house again. After another gourmet dinner, we sit outside on the beach-level patio, our bare feet up on a coffee table, drinking Bordeaux and watching the sky go inky purple. It’s dark, but you can still see the water, gunmetal in the creamy moonlight. Paolo’s in the kitchen cleaning up, which is why Jules and I are still clothed.
Well, that, and his brother coming in and out.
“I’m worried,” Jules says into the nighttime quiet.
“Why?”
“I haven’t heard from the label with the final approval on the album.”
“Is that unusual?”
“Not necessarily, but I don’t know. It feels weird. Loren said they’d follow up, but no word yet.”
I lean over and kiss him. “I’m sure it’ll be fine. It’s a great album. They’ll love it.”
Seagulls caw in the distance, and a cool breeze ruffles our hair. Jules is wearing a silver lamé tank top and loose black shorts. I’m in a short-sleeved shirt and twill shorts, having changed when I got here. Not for the first time, I think we’re an odd couple.
It doesn’t feel odd, though, with his arm over my shoulders. The heat of the day has evaporated, but I’m warmed by being at his side.
I trace the tattoos on Julian’s fingers, then slide off one of his silver skull rings and try it on. It fits.
