Page 13 of Ambiguous
Kurt and I are the poster boys who don’t cause any trouble. We follow all the rules and are ever so grateful when legislation comes down—sponsored by our relatives. Legislation that generates more votes for them in the future.
This is how I spend my weekends. Taking pictures at political fundraisers because I support my family and fight for rights.
No matter what.
* * *
When I finally get home, it’s late, and I’m bored. I search on my laptop for one of Julian Hill’s live concerts and find a recent show. Now that I’ve felt his warm skin and seen his face in person, watching his performances is far more appealing than it was before I met him.
Jules cradles the microphone, closes his eyes, and sings. I unmute the video, and his strong, rough vocals blast through the speakers. He exudes a prowling confidence as he stalks about the stage. He’s magnetic, a glorious rock star all the way.
I’m struck by how much emotion he pours into this song. The only phrase I can use is he’s giving it his all—not a cliché; it feels like there’ll be nothing left of him once he finishes—and he hits high notes and carries an impossible vibrato and okay,damn, the man can sing. It isn’t just hype.
Thisis why he’s on the cover of every tabloid: underneath the sexy man who I assume dates supermodels lies a base of astonishing talent.
I’m not usually interested in famous people. They photoshop their appeal, say controversial things to get attention, and boost their “talent” with digital modifications and makeup or plastic surgery.
Not this guy. None of the packaging matters when he sings live.
Well, the packaging is nice.
But with one song—one song that I truly listen to, rather than just humming along at the grocery store—I morph into a fan.
Jules Hill doesn’t need Auto-Tune. He barely needs a band or a microphone. He could carry the show on his narrow hips.
He’s a solid performer.
It’s only when a YouTube ad cuts in that I realize I haven’t blinked for a really long time.
When the concert resumes, I’m still mesmerized, and I watch him sing four more songs.
But then the show stops. “Hold it,” Jules says into the microphone, holding up his hand. “Sorry, sorry,” he says in his melodious accent. “We need to get some help here. Can we please allow security and medical staff through?” He’s gesturing to someone in the crowd.
The camera shifts to focus on a commotion below him, someone being held up by her neighbor, head lolling to the side. Maybe she’s passed out. Jules gets down and sits on the edge of the stage, his long legs dangling off the side, reaching for the girl as security personnel keep other people away. His voice becomes hushed and soothing. “Shh, darling, it’ll be okay. We’ll get you some help.” Then he sets down the microphone and says something only she can hear.
The audience quiets, respectful, while a stretcher arrives. Jules watches to make sure the girl exits safely, then blows her a kiss and leads a round of applause. “Best wishes to you, love. Feel better.” He climbs back on stage, dusts himself off, and looks out into the crowd. “Thank you, darlings, for your patience. We can’t have any of you hurt. This is a safe place. Forgive me for stopping. We’ll start the song over from the top, shall we?” He catches the drummer’s gaze and nods, and they launch into the song again.
Wow. Who does that?
So many people don’t care about anyone else or would think something like that wasn’t their job. But apparently not him.
I’m impressed as I watch the rest of the concert. Then, because I can’t help myself, I check out the comments section.
ERMIGAH I LURV HERM
Look at his rings! On all his fingers! Look at him, people!
Hill hair is goals.
When he did that thing where he stuck his hip out? Omg I died. Did anyone else die? Are we meeting in heaven now?
Did you hear him talk about his sex life in that interview? Or how he didn’t? He didn’t answer the question. That’s because he’s totally bi. I think that’s so hot. I mean, he dates girls, but he has to like boys too, don’t you think? Like this comment if you agree.
Andthisis why I’ve ignored Julian Hill for a decade. There isn’t any room to like him, because so many people already do. Although, to be honest, I’ve probably ignored him more to tease Em than for any other reason. Now all those excuses fall apart.
Simply stated, his performance enthralls me.
Also, do those comments have a point about his sexuality? Is he really gay? Or pan?
