Page 95 of Nathan
“His lover got sick, and Christopher chose to move in with him and care for him. I read his memoir about that time in his life when suddenly he wasn’t cast for the roles he used to get. Coming out of the closet was very costly to him, but after some years, he had a comeback in a Shakespeare production, which set off a second wave of his career with roles that made him one of the most highly awarded actors on Broadway. He got those awards for roles he would have never gotten if he’d been stuck playing the lover.”
“You think Storm’s career will benefit from him coming out of the closet?”
Denise took my hand. “I have to tell myself that, or I can’t justify giving Kevin that picture.”
“Then you’re a bigger person than me because right now I don’t care one bit about Storm, Gomez, or any of those haters. They’re all part of why the world is attacking Nathan and me. Storm threw me to the wolves and because of him my family is hurting.
“I’m tired of them seeing all the horrible slander and for them to worry that I’m with a man who abuses me. I’m not a slut, and Nathan isn’t a dangerous monster.” Pointing to the picture on my phone, I used a firm tone. “It’s his own fault that I’m desperate enough to use everything within my grasp to fight for my family and the man I love.”
Denise studied me for a moment. “Love is a big word.”
“Love!” My chin lifted as to underline that I meant it. “My relationship with Nathan is special. He makes me feel like a priority. He always answers my texts, and when he says he’ll call me, he does. I’ve never been with anyone like him and I don’t want to lose him.”
“It’s not enough that he’s committed. The man lives in a different country. You have to be critical, sweetheart. The chances of you two making it work…” Denise made a sound of doubt. “It’s already crazy pressure because of your celebrity status, but to start a relationship in the middle of a shit storm like this one is like hanging your laundry out in the middle of a monsoon rain shower and hoping it’ll dry.”
I teared up, knowing she was right.
“Oh, honey.” Denise came over and pulled me in for one of her maternal hugs. As she was a little shorter than me, her ample bosom felt soft against my stomach. “Don’t cry, baby girl.”
My voice broke when I whispered, “That’s how it feels… like I’m in a monsoon and no matter what I do, it won’t stop pouring. Every day is something new and I don’t think we’re gonna make it. I’m gonna lose Nathan, aren’t I?”
“Hush, now. No one wants you to find love more than I do. You deserve it! We’ll just have to…” Denise trailed off and pulled back to look at me with concern.
“What? We’ll have to what?”
“Hmm… Forward the picture to me, and I’ll pass it on to Kevin. If we’re lucky, his article will have the power to stop the monsoon or at least move it along to rain on someone else.”
