Constant, page 8
“I had a late night.” The tips of Roddy’s ears burned. “I’m sure you know why.”
“A certain boyfriend comes to mind.” Tory chuckled. “We are at the boyfriend stage, right?”
“Well, I am with Andrew. You and I? Not going to happen. River would kill me.”
“He’d be miffed, yeah.” Tory grinned. “I haven’t said anything, but there’s a pool going around the staff as to what made you so much happier. I didn’t have the heart to say you’ve been happier for, like, almost two years.”
“I appreciate your silence.” And the friendship he shared with Tory. “Today is one of the better days.”
Tory eased into the office and shut the door. “Darkness has been a positive experience for you, then?”
“Yes.” Without a doubt. “I’m sorry it wasn’t for you and River.”
“The more I think on the experience, the more I realize the place wasn’t at fault.” Tory turned one of Roddy’s chairs around and faced Roddy. “I’m not big into having someone spank my ass until it’s purple, but if that works for others and it’s consensual, then fine. As for the other—with River—she was a sadistic bitch and he was in the wrong place at the wrong time. I bet if we went there today it would be a whole new ballgame.”
Ah, Tory and his sports metaphors. “She?” Roddy scratched his chin. “Far as I know, there aren’t any female Dommes there now. The last one left, like, six months ago. Cover of darkness sort of thing. She just poofed.”
“If she was the one River dealt with, then good riddance.” Tory snorted. “Anyway, I’m happy for you. You needed this change and you wear it well.” He stood and turned the chair back around. “I need to go to makeup. Got this nasty hickey that will not look good on camera. Later.”
Roddy frowned. He hadn’t noticed a hickey on Tory. As he left, Tory swung the door shut. The latch clicked, leaving Roddy in silence. Funny how a situation like going to a fetish club could bring two people together in friendship. He never would’ve guessed he’d have such conversations with Tory.
A chuckle erupted in his throat. He’d made the right decision when he’d stepped into Darkness. The best decision ever.
* * * *
For Andrew, the rest of Sunday had flown by in a blur. He’d gone home and fallen right into bed. Funny, he’d just left bed with Roddy but had needed more rest. The next morning, he headed into the community center. He immersed himself in his work, helping the younger kids with the prepackaged breakfasts, making sure the kids got out to the busses and laminating membership cards. Although the interviewer remained in the same room, Andrew managed to stay off the guy’s radar. He refused to be on camera.
He spent Monday evening at the club, but his thoughts never strayed far from Roddy. Not a good thing in that he should’ve been focusing on his sub. Thankfully the man scheduled for his Monday nights didn’t want a long scene.
After the sub left, Andrew locked the door to his room. He needed to text Roddy.
Good day at work?
Not the most erotic text, but whatever. He simply needed to hear from his man.
Five minutes passed before Roddy replied.
I’ve had better days. Wish you were here.
Me, too. In for the night?
Heading home in a moment.
A moment later, a second text came through.
Want me to do something, Sir?
Andrew chuckled. Roddy knew him so well.
I want you to masturbate but don’t come. Think of me there with my hands on your body. Don’t you dare come until tomorrow night.
Yes, Sir.
Goodnight, handsome.
Goodnight, Sir.
Andrew tapped his phone against his chin then grinned. He couldn’t wait to go home to Roddy. He refused to masturbate until he and Roddy were reunited. Nothing mattered except his man and their connection. Hopefully the next day would fly by.
* * * *
Tuesday morning, Andrew walked into the community center. He hadn’t been able to sleep the night before. Too many thoughts had run through his mind—being with Roddy, wondering what Roddy was doing and counting the hours they’d be apart.
He sighed and picked up a wash bucket and rag. The tables wouldn’t clean themselves. The two little girls who’d left messes the week before smiled at him.
The one with the pigtails waved. “We remembered what you said, Mr. Andrew.”
At least he’d made a difference for them.
“There you are.” Liam strolled up to Andrew and took the rag away. “This is the man I’ve been telling you about.” He waved to another guy. “Andrew, this is Holden. Holden, Andrew’s one of my best teachers and coaches.”
Fuck. Andrew bit back a groan. He’d planned on avoiding the cameras at all costs, but Liam had another idea. Discomfort settled low in his back. Damn.
Liam glanced over at Andrew then put one hand in the air. “Give us a moment.” Liam steered Andrew away from the reporter. Once they were out of earshot, Liam muttered, “I’ve kept your secret, but are you really going to stay at Darkness forever?”
“No.” He wasn’t kidding. The idea of leaving had crossed his mind—especially if Roddy were involved.
“I promise Holden won’t mention the club. As far as I know, he knows nothing of your connection.” Liam folded his arms. “You’re going by your real name and being recognized for your work with the kids. That’s all.”
Liam might be right, but still. Andrew groaned. “You know how I feel. Remember how it feels to be outed? It fucking sucks.”
“I’m not outing you. On the contrary, I’m proud of you. The kids are doing great because of you and you deserve some recognition. I’m not saying, hey this guy is a Dom at night, but he’s a hell of a coach during the day. I’m saying, this guy is vital to me keeping the center running and I’d be up a creek without him.”
“I don’t know that I want the recognition.” He was being a smart ass, but wasn’t sure how to stop.
“If it wasn’t for the kids, I wouldn’t be pushing this,” Liam snapped. “Buck up for them.”
Andrew rubbed his forehead. He wasn’t doing anything wrong by talking to the reporter. If he kept his other identity concealed, then he’d be fine. The kids did deserve the best. Too bad the past and the truth always came to the forefront to bite him on the ass.
“You won’t regret it, I promise.” Liam nodded.
“Uh-huh.” Andrew tamped down his irritation and frustration. God help me to not regret this.
Holden strolled up to Andrew and stuck out his hand. “As you know, I’m Holden. I work for Channel 25.”
“So I’ve heard.” He shook hands with the reporter. “I’m not much of a talker.” God damn it. Holden worked for Channel 25 with Roddy. No doubt Roddy would see the story and put the two together. Shit, fuck, piss…
“I’m focusing on the work being done here at the Lyon Community Center. You’re part of the breakfast group as well as one of the tutors and coaches.” Holden waved to the cameraman. “I want you to get this on film.”
The guy wielding the camera eased up behind Holden and pointed. “Ready.” The little light came on, signifying that they were rolling.
“Are you ready?” Holden nodded. “Yes?”
Andrew didn’t reply right away. He sighed. “Can—? Just a moment.” He stepped away from Holden. He needed to get his head into the game and just do the fucking interview.
“Cut.” Holden growled. He stood beside Andrew. “Is this your first interview?”
“Yes.” Not really, but that was beside the point.
“Ah.” Holden folded his hands. “Once I start talking, the camera goes on. I don’t want to embarrass you, but I can’t get the story done if you don’t cooperate.” He snapped his fingers. “Pretend this is a normal conversation between two friends. When I get back to the station, I’ll edit this. It’ll be good and I can show you before I set it up to go on the evening edition.”
“Sure.” He wasn’t sure how he’d be able to see the interview early, but whatever.
“Ready?” Holden nodded again. He took the microphone from the assistant.
“I guess.” If he didn’t give in, they’d never get done.
“Cool. Adrian?” Holden snapped his fingers again. The little red light shimmered on the camera. “And we’re rolling. What do you feel is the biggest impact of the Lyon Community Center?”
Andrew fixed his attention on Holden. He might as well be honest. “Most of these kids have nowhere else to go. They come here or they end up running the streets. I’d rather channel their energy on the basketball court or in the pool. The activity keeps them moving, and the rewards help them to strive to keep doing their best. Take the community center away and many of them will be lost. All of them have great potential and it’s our job here to tap into it. We can and are doing that so they can be whatever they want to be.”
“Cut.” Holden turned to the cameraman. “Adrian, I got what I needed here. You’re good if you want to pack up.” He whipped back around to Andrew and chuckled. “See? Very good and not painful at all. I doubt I’ll have to edit much of that. You’re passionate. You know, you could be a spokesperson for the center if you wanted. You’ve got great presence.”
“Oh good, but I don’t like being on camera.”
“You’re quiet, but when you do talk you make waves. It’s impactful.” Holden lowered the mic. “You should talk more. You’ve got a nice voice.”
“Thanks, but I’m fine the way I am.” Andrew narrowed his eyes. Something about the way Holden grinned made him uncomfortable.
“Do you have another moment?” Holden stuffed the mic into a small hard shell case. “I wanted to ask you something.”
God damn it. Now the reporter would want to know about the other part of Andrew’s personality. “I’m needed in the gymnasium at one.”
“Are— Are you seeing anyone?” Holden asked.
“Yes.” Andrew stood tall. He liked being able to say that.
“Oh. I didn’t see a ring.”
“I have a boyfriend.” The words sounded so good in his ears.
“He’s lucky—whoever he is. If you’re ever on the market, look me up. I’d love to go for a whirl with you.” Holden winked. “I’m a sucker for the tall, quiet types.”
Andrew didn’t say anything as Holden strolled away. He wasn’t sure what to say. At the club, he could’ve pulled rank on the forward man and whipped him into submission, but this wasn’t Darkness. He waited until Holden had walked out of the front doors before he sighed again. Talking to the media hadn’t been nearly as painful as he’d expected, but he needed to find Roddy. Like now. The man wasn’t stupid. He’d figure everything out as soon as he saw the interview with Holden. Hooking up with a Dom was good if they kept the relationship a secret. Why? A man in the news business needed a more…fitting partner. Not him. Maybe if he was only a worker for the center and not a Dom, maybe then he’d be good enough. Did he want to leave his job at Darkness?
Andrew debated his options. He could wait until the interview showed and brace himself for the fallout or he could get the ball rolling and suffer the consequences. The decision should be easy, but he wasn’t sure what he wanted to do.
* * * *
Roddy stood at the control desk at the station. According to Holden, the piece about the community center was ready. Roddy had personally seen the lead-ins. The story would be dynamite—if it ran. The way Holden was going, he’d never get the damn thing edited in time to run in the expected slot.
“It’s ready,” Adrian said and flopped onto the chair beside Roddy. “Christ, that man takes his time. He conned Lou into doing the camera for him back at the center. Should be good, but he needs to hurry up next time.”
“I agree.” Roddy eased away from the desk. “Play when the story is cued up.” He folded his arms and leaned on the desk on the far wall of the room. Once the other stories about the gun violence in the streets played, then the interview with the mayor, the piece about the community center played. He recognized the director of the community center, but the moment he heard a familiar voice, he paused. Vegas? Andrew?
Roddy grinned as he listened to Andrew speak. How cool. Andrew had a life outside the club and was making a difference in the city. Very freaking cool.
Once the story had finished and the broadcast went to commercial, Roddy headed onto the set. He delivered the new mic to Tory. “Here you go.” He leaned in and whispered, “That’s my boyfriend—the guy at the community center. Collared me, too.”
“Andrew?” Tory’s eyes lit up. “Really?” When Roddy grinned, Tory laughed. “Awesome. He’s the…”
Tory didn’t have to finish the question for Roddy to know the answer. “Yeah.”
“Looks like you got a good one. Hold tight.” Tory dropped the lid on the laptop. “Coming back from commercial.”
Roddy strolled off the set and down the hall to his office. Happiness like he’d never known flowed through his veins. He couldn’t wait for the news to conclude and his work day to finish. He wanted to see his boyfriend.
“Roddy.” Susan yanked him into the break room. “Can we talk?”
“Sure.” Roddy leaned on the doorframe. “What’s on your mind?”
“I did some checking,” Susan said. “Found some interesting things.”
“About the animal rescue group story?” Roddy asked. “Have you made some headway?”
“No.” Susan frowned, pinching her eyebrows together. “I…forgot about that story. Anyway, I heard you tell Tory you had a boyfriend. The guy from the community center, is his name Andrew?”
“It is, but why does he concern you?” Roddy narrowed his eyes and rested his hands on his hips. “You’ve got your own assignment.”
“Do you know about his other job?” She tipped her head to the side and a sly smile curled on her lips. “What he does when he’s not at that perky center?”
“Susan, I’m not seeing your point. What’s this got to do with you?” Truth be told, he wasn’t sure of her play, but he knew he wasn’t going to like the outcome.
“Your boyfriend assaults people for a living. He gets paid to beat people. That’s sick,” she snarled. “He’s an abuser.”
Christ. This was what happened when people assumed they knew what went on in the club. “You don’t know the whole story.” Roddy forced himself to remain calm. Getting upset wasn’t going to help the situation. “Whatever he does in that environment is his own business. The club of which you speak is a vetted establishment. Safe practices are used at all times.” He hated to sound so defensive, but Jesus. She had the wrong idea.
“I knew you’d believe that crap.” She snorted. “If you don’t tell Eric the truth and try to convince him not to fire me, then I might have to talk.”
Damn, the woman was vindictive. “Why?” Defending himself had little to do with believing crap. He’d been to the club and knew what went on. Everything was monitored and kept very safe.
Susan folded her arms and cocked her hip. Her green eyes blazed. “I’m not leaving this job. It’s all I’ve ever wanted to do. I was born to anchor the news and you’re not going to take it away from me.”
“You want to be at the anchor desk? You’re not ready.” Or dedicated enough for the position. “I can’t have someone who doesn’t follow up on stories or even show up for tapings work the anchor desk. It’s a responsibility.”
“If you play your cards right, I will be ready and the best anchor you’ve got. I’m irreplaceable.”
“Don’t threaten me.” God, she pissed him off. He held his anger in check, but just by a thin thread. He gritted his teeth to keep from saying something he’d regret.
“I can and will threaten you.” She yanked his tie, pulling him close. “Understood?”
“Perfectly, but that doesn’t mean I agree.” She wanted to blackmail him into giving her the job she wasn’t suited for? Bullshit. He turned to leave the room when Eric appeared in the hallway. Roddy’s blood chilled. What if Eric had heard the conversation? Roddy could be misunderstanding the situation and actually be the one about to get fired. He waited for Susan to leave before he opened his mouth to speak.
“You look like you’ve been through the wringer.” Eric nodded.
“I think so.” He appreciated the lighthearted conversation. “What’s up?”
“I wanted to talk to you. I saw the newscast. Good as usual. A few more changes and we’ll have this place back to top shape.” Eric waved. “Let’s head to my office. Shall we?”
“Sure.” A little bit of good and potentially a little bit of bad. Swell. The day just kept getting better. He trailed behind his boss down to the larger office and closed the door. “I’m ready for the inquisition. Who’s pissed now and who wants me fired?”
“Inquisition. Cute.” Eric rounded his desk then stopped. He sat on the edge of the massive piece of wooden furniture. “I had an interesting conversation with Susan.”
“Already?” Roddy blurted. He collapsed onto the closest chair. His head hurt with a dull throbbing ache. What the hell was going on?
“I saw the piece on the Lyon Community Center,” Eric said. He folded his hands. “Positivity always a plus.”
“Holden did a good job.” Roddy bit back his grimace. Positivity always a plus? What was Eric drinking? “I think he’s ready to do full-time as a reporter.”
“I agree.” Eric dipped his head. “I also heard you talked to Tory about the man in the story. Andrew?” He sighed and his eyebrows knitted together. The lines in his forehead deepened. “Look, I’m not sure what’s going on here. What is Susan fired up about?”
He’d have to deal with her sooner or later. Might as well bring Eric into the conversation. “She’s pissed about losing her job. She’s not performing up to par. Not because she’s a woman but because she doesn’t do her job. I’d love to let her work the anchor desk, but she doesn’t bring anything to the table. She won’t discuss what she’s not doing or suggest stories. All she wants to do is be on camera. That’s not enough.”
