Page 65 of Jace 4Ever
Nelson
Mike was waiting with the limo tonight. It was a non-negotiable from Cary. We had to show in the limo, and we had to get into the limo line and we even had a designated time to be on the line.
“They’re trying to stay organized.” Cary laughed hard after delivering that line. “But in any case, they’re trying and you’re scheduled to arrive toward the end because of your drawing power.”
“Got it,” I said, pulling the vest straight. “The limo is waiting. You got my email with the PR release?”
“Yes, thank you. It’s perfect.”
“Good. I’m going to go. Jace is waiting, and we’re both hungry.”
Cary tsked. “Just passed canapes.”
“That’s fine. We’re going to Max’s after-party. He’s promised a full menu.”
“I’m jealous,” she said. “I have to go babysit Ellen at whatever party she’s going to float through.”
“That’s what you get for taking on the baby talent.” I laughed. “But that’s where the retirement money comes from. Text me if you need to let me know anything else.”
“You’re old hat at this,” she said. “Talk to you tomorrow afternoon.”
I grabbed the phone and dropped it in the inside pocket of the jacket with the ultra-slim wallet I used for the fancy suits. I headed down to the room Jace had gotten dressed in and froze in the door.
He looked absolutely perfect. His normally tamed hair was artfully mussed, and he wore a wisp of eyeliner, popping his eyes. He had put on a dash of blush and was swiping on a bit of lip gloss.
The tux was nearly identical to the one I was wearing, but his pants were slim fit and slightly high-hemmed. The biggest difference was his shirt. It was bright royal purple, a few shades lighter than the dark purple vest and tie, which were also identical to mine.
“It’s too much, isn’t it?”
I found him staring at me in the mirror, terror in his eyes. His hands were wringing together after he had put down the lip gloss.
“Too gay, right?”
“No, Jace.” I walked into the room and walked up behind him. “No. It’s you. It’s perfect. You look amazing and I want to know what you’re wearing under this…”
He shivered and whispered his answer, “Purple satin thong. And a corset.”
“Shit,” I whispered and stepped back before my erection made us late. “A corset?”
“It’s a thin one and doesn’t shape. Just hugs me.”
“…oh hell.” I coughed. “I don’t want to be late. Come on, you can show me later.”
He took the hand I offered, and we made our way out to our limo. Mike held the door open with a grin.
“Gentlemen, you look good.”
“No flirting, Mike,” Jace chided him.
His laugh was genuine. “No, sir, Jace. Not a chance. I have a beautiful wife at home waiting for me.”
The line for the red carpet was long, as usual, and I could see there were a lot of people lingering, giving interviews, greeting each other. The cameras were flashing like crazy. We’d have nearly twenty minutes to get into the building.
I knew from experience they would get the carpet cleared long before the broadcast started, so I wasn’t worried.
Jace would have plastered his face to the window to watch everything if he wasn’t so in control of himself. He was awed and it reminded me of myself at my first awards, over ten years before.
Mike called back, “We’re next.”
