“Steven Jay!” Mark Antonious Richfield called to his husband, “We shall be late to my son’s premier.” “I’m here.” Steve hustled to the door, wearing a black tuxedo as was Mark. “Don’t you look smart.” Mark ran his fingers over the lapels of Steve’s jacket. “Now, that’s what I call a bargain.” Mark grinned wickedly and kissed him. A ringtone sounded and Mark perked up. “That’s me.” He took his phone out of his pocket as Steve opened the front door. “The limo is here.” Steve patted his pockets as if doing a check to make sure that he had everything he needed. “Alex?” Mark answered the phone. “Love, you’re right outside my door.” “Sorry, Dad. I’m really nervous.” “Hang up and let’s chat in the car.” “Okay.” Mark disconnected the line and said to Steve, “He sounds like he’s a wreck.” Steve led them outside making sure the door was locked and the alarm was set. “Well, this ain’t the TV show. It’s a big Hollywood feature film. I’m nervous for him.” “I’m afraid to see it.” Mark ran his hand over his shoulder-length hair. “The last thing I need is to see my own son nude.” “Shut up and don’t say shit like that. Alex is already nervous enough.” Mark paused before they made it to the curb where the chauffeur had opened the door for them. Mark pointed a warning finger at his ex-LAPD cop husband. “You behave. Do not have a go at Billy.” “Whatever.” Steve hooked Mark by his elbow. “I mean it, copper. You two need to move on. I’m in no bleedin’ mood for your nonsense today. Not for my son’s first film premier.” “Fine. Go.” Steve kept Mark walking to the waiting limousine. Mark greeted the chauffeur who tilted his cap politely. He leaned down to get into the stretch limousine, and knew it would just be himself, Steve, Billy and his son. Mark imagined anyone else who they knew would either manage to get into the VIP area, like Adam Lewis, Alex’s agent and one of his closest friends, as well as Jack Larsen, Adam’s husband. That is, if they chose to attend. Mark had no idea what their final decisions was. So much had happened in the last few months to their tight group, that things were not the same. Jack and Adam used to come to their home every weekend for a four-way romp, dine together, have a laugh and spend the night. It seemed those days may be gone. Jack had made an excuse not to join them each weekend. He said he was either working on legal cases or too tired. Mark didn’t pester Adam about it. They all had enough to deal with. “Hi, Dad.” Alex leaned over to kiss his father on the cheek. “Don’t you look handsome.” Mark caressed his son’s hair. Steve entered the back of the car and the door closed behind him. Mark noticed the two alpha males exchange menacing looks. Ignoring Steve’s rudeness, Mark reached to kiss Billy. “Hello, lovely.” “Hi, Mark. You look amazing, as usual.” As if on cue, Steve opened the panel for booze in a compartment of the interior, as the limo began its way to the red carpet event. Mark didn’t know if time healed wounds. It certainly hadn’t done a thing for Jack, Steve, or Billy. Luckily he and Alexander didn’t share their knack for grudge holding. Steve offered Mark a shot of alcohol. “No, Steven. There will be photographers there from the celebrity magazines.” Steve tossed the shot of booze down. Mark knew the former LAPD cop didn’t care about the media now that he was an advertising executive with Parsons and Company. Alex shifted in his seat and wiped his palms on his trouser thighs. “Lovely,” Mark touched his chin. “Just be yourself. You’re so wonderful there is really no need to get wound up.” Billy put his arm around Alex and to Mark’s chagrin Steve flinched at the act. Mark ignored it. “We heard there may be some anti-gay activists there. I have no idea the extent. But word on the department was the police are on stand-by.” “Thank you, Captain.” Mark smiled at him. Steve made a noise of disapproval in his throat. Alex rested his head on Billy’s chest as if he needed the strength of his powerful police captain. Billy’s lip curled. “If anyone tries to lay a hand on him or says something disparaging—” “Captain,” Mark wagged his finger at him, “You will be under scrutiny. Do not hit anyone.” Billy kissed Alex’s hair and held him close. Mark peered at Steve. He was staring into space, the empty glass in his hand. “And?” Mark asked him, “Will you be my knight in shining armor?” Steve perked up. “Why would anyone hurt you?” “I guess that answers my question.” Mark interlaced his fingers on his lap. Steve set the glass down. “They have security. Don’t worry. And I’m not a cop anymore. I will punch people.” Alex laughed and Mark smiled at his husband. “That’s my man.” Mark held Steve’s hand and kissed him. After he did he noticed Billy spy it and turn away. Mark wished he had a way to erase bad memories. His head was so filled with trash, he needed a ‘delete’ button. Sadly, life didn’t work that way. And some of the men he surrounded himself with were full of pride and testosterone. I cannot control everyone. Mark caught his son staring at him and forced a smile. This was his day. And his alone.
