Chapter Text
“Adam?” Brad yells as he walks through Adam’s front door.
“Upstairs. I’ll be there in a sec.”
“I’m carrying our food AND your mail. Get down here and help me before I drop everything on the floor. And I really don’t think this new and possibly overpriced wooden floor will appreciate the dressing!”
Adam's soft laugh filters out of the bedroom as Brad toes off his shoes and slams the door using his right foot. A second later Adam comes out with a huge smile plastered all over his beautiful face and he looks down at Brad.
“I’ll tell your momma she raised a queen.”
“Who? Me??” Brad raises an eyebrow trying for innocent and failing miserably.
“Yep, you.” When Adam reaches the bottom step he takes the bag with their dinner from Brad leaving him with the huge stack of mail.
“But honey, she already knows that!! I was a princess all through my childhood…of course I was gonna turn out a queen!!” Brad trails behind Adam into the kitchen, and puts the mail on the dining table.
“True! Hey, how did you get my mail?”
Adam begins unpacking the pasta salads and Brad puts a hand on Adam’s lower back as he reaches up to the cupboard to take two plates out. They move around in a quiet, familiar way born from years of knowing each other.
“Water or wine?” Brad asks before deciding which glasses to put on the table.
“Water please.”
“I met the mailman just outside your door. And WHY haven’t you told me that you’ve got a gorgeous mailman??”
“Yeah? He is? Never met him. Maybe I should make more of an effort to get the mail delivered personally instead of in the mailbox?” Adam smirks.
“Naw babe. He is sooo much more my type than yours.”
“So tall, dark and gorgeous.” Adam says winking at Brad.
Brad smiles wickedly and winks back. “You said it!!”
The table is set and they sit down to eat. Brad looks pointedly at the mail on the table.
“There is an envelope in there that looks….. special.”
“Huh? Special? How?” Adam asks without even as much as a glance at the mail. Instead, he reaches for his water.
“Hmm, like a wedding invitation or something.”
That gets Adam’s attention.
“Wedding invitation?” He looks at the envelope at the top of the mail. It has that expensive design that clearly speaks of a special occasion.
“Well? Are you gonna open it?”
“Sure, but let’s eat first.”
“We’re having a cold pasta-salad. It can wait.”
Adam looks at Brad who is clearly dying of curiosity.
“So can you! Now eat.” They eat in pleasant silence and Adam can’t help but smile when he sees the glances Brad continues to throw at the envelope.
“It’s killing you, isn’t it?”
“God yes, who do you think is getting married?”
Adam finishes his dinner and reaches out for the envelope.
“Dunno, let’s find out!”
In less than a second Brad is by Adam’s side so he can get a clear view.
“You do realize it’s for me, right?”
Brad flips him the finger.
“Open!” He whines.
Adam opens the envelope and carefully takes out the card. It looks handmade and there is no mistaking that it’s a wedding invitation. He opens and starts to read and when he sees who it’s from, he gasps.
“Oh honey!” Brad throws his arms around Adam and hugs him tight. “I’m so sorry, but you knew this was gonna happen eventually.”
Adam doesn’t answer he just stares at the invitation. “But-“
“They have been dating for two whole years now…”
“I know! That’s not-“
“And it’s not like you haven’t been dating-”
“Brad!! Shut up and read it!”
Brad looks at Adam puzzled. Adam makes an impatient gesture at the invitation so Brad reaches out and takes it out of Adam’s hand. Adam watches Brad’s face as he reads. What he sees there makes him curious and a whole lot suspicious.
“Brad? What have you told him?”
“Wait, what?”
“Don’t you dare play innocent. Why does he think I have a boyfriend? And why does he or THEY think I want to spend four days with them and my ex in-laws? BRAD??”
“Um…..”
“You told him that I have a boyfriend?”
Brad nods.
“Why would you do that?”
Brad takes Adam’s hand and drags him into the living room. “Sit down.”
Brad points at the sofa. Adam sighs and glares at him, a rather demanding look in his eyes. Brad looks pointedly at the sofa and Adam flops down. Brad carefully arranges himself on Adam’s lap and drapes his arms around Adam’s neck.
“So?” What did you say? And why did you say it?” Adam asks in a soft, calm tone, but there is no denying the steel underneath demanding that Brad answer the questions.
“Oh… I met him about a month ago, remember the night you wouldn’t go with me to the art gallery? You had something else to do.”
Adam nods.
“Yeah well they were both there and he had the impertinence to ask if you were home sulking and moping over him. He was kinda drunk and oh god Adam, I know he didn’t mean it the way it came out. But I wanted to slap him! And you know I’m not really a believer in violence, so instead I told him that NO, you were in a pretty serious relationship with a gorgeous blond and you were the happiest that I've seen you in YEARS. Then Thomas said something about maybe it was time to leave things behind and get back lost friendships and I just blurted out that I was sure you felt the same way. I’m so sorry I never thought they would do this! But you’re not going are you? To Jake and Thomas’ wedding? You don’t have to; you’re a big rock star. You have a huge fucking career and you can use it as the perfect excuse for not having the time to go to an ex boyfriend's/friend’s wedding!”
Brad inhales deeply and looks at Adam quizzically but Adam is lost in his thoughts
“Adam?”
“Hmm. I think I need to go. Get proper closure. And you’ll go with me because I don’t want to spend four days without someone to hold my back!! And then you can tell them why you’re with me instead of a fictious boyfriend!”
Brad shakes his head.
“No, if you’re going then we gotta find you a pretty blond to go with you."
He rushes on when Adam starts to shake his head. "I don’t care Adam. You’re gonna be miserable if they go into pity mode for four days no matter how much I have your back! I’ll find somebody to go with you, to fake being your boyfriend.”
“Geez thanks Brad. A fake boyfriend. Thanks a lot!!”
“Well it’s better than nothing and it’ll leave you to do your closure thing.”
“And where are you gonna find me a gorgeous blond, that’s what you said my fictious boyfriend was, right?”
“Let me worry about that honey. I got you into this, so I’ll find someone that fits perfectly.” Brad cups Adam’s face and pulls him in for a gentle kiss on the lips.
“Let me fix this okay?” He puts their foreheads together.
“Okay.”
“It’s gonna be fine. You’ll see. You don’t love him anymore do you? It’s more about the betrayal, right?”
“Yeah, I need to forgive them. I need to learn to trust in love again and I can’t do that without forgiving them. You know?”
Brad nods. “I’m so sorry you had to go through that again, I’m sorry that I hurt you in the first place.”
“Shss. Don’t. It’s okay. We were so young and we were in different places, in the end I still have the best friend in the world. But Jake…. We were making plans, big plans. We were gonna share the rest of our lives together. And then I find him with one of our friends. He broke my dreams… my heart. But mostly he broke my trust!”
Brad wiggles closer, hugging Adam tight.
**
The sun is barely up when Adam hears the phone ring. On autopilot he reaches for the phone, groping under the pillow, a groan slipping out. It's either Lane or Brad calling at this ungodly hour. Finally, he gets his hand on the phone, dragging it out to look at the screen. Brad. Briefly, he considers not answering it but if he doesn’t Brad will just show up on his doorstep in the next hour or so. Adam sighs and hits the button.
“What??”
“Haha good morning sleepy head! Go shower you got plans today!”
“Hmpf.”
“Grumpy? Don’t be, today I introduce you to your wedding date!”
Adam sits straight up at that sentence. “Wait. What? You actually found someone that is willing to spend four crazy days like that with me? I kinda gave up the on that whole idea a month ago.”
“Yes. I told you I would, didn’t I?? I texted you a pic of him ten minutes ago, look at it and then call me back. By the way……….” Brad held his breath dragging the time just to make Adam impatient.
“What? Brad.”
“He is soooo your type!!” Brad sounds very pleased with himself and Adam can’t help the smile that slowly spreads across his face.
“Really?” Adam isn’t convinced.
“Yes! It's gotta look convincing and there will be no doubt about why he caught your eye.” Brad sounds delighted.
“And you’re meeting him at noon. That’s why I’m calling you now. I know you wanna look all pretty for this dude!! He thought it would be a good idea to meet before you went away together, that way the two of you can discuss your cover story so you won't have to worry about it at the wedding.”
“Oh, that’s actually a good idea.”
“Yep, I’ll leave you to drool all over the picture, call me back hotstuff! Bye!”
“Bye.”
Adam ends the call and goes straight to his inbox. His heart beats a little too fast and he realizes that he is really nervous about all of this. He finds the message from Brad and opens it, and blinks. Wow.
The picture shows an elfin looking guy with blond hair that's shaved on both sides of his head leaving a long fringe shaped to emphasize his jawline and cheekbones, and almost covering up one eye. Adam takes a closer look at his eyes. They're golden brown and outlined with eyeliner and mascara making them pop right out of the picture. The man has a small almost-smile on his pretty plump lips that makes him look a bit shy and yet flirty all at the same time.
He's wearing skinny jeans, a black t-shirt under a leather jacket and boots. Adam swallows hard. Brad hadn’t been exaggerating; this guy is every dirty fantasy Adam has ever had and if he spends four days trying to be in love with him? Trouble with a capital T.
Adam is startled out of his thoughts when the phone rings but smiles when he sees the picture of Brad.
“How did you find this guy and why haven’t you told me about him before?? Why?” Adam demands and Brad giggles.
“Oh, I take it you like?”
“YES! He’s gorgeous, now I just hope he’s a nice guy. Four days is a long time if he isn’t, you know?!”
“I’m sure he is! Go get ready to meet him honey! You want help making yourself look pretty?”
“Nope, I got that covered.”
“Figured you would, still had to ask. I’m still coming over when he does. I’m the one who found him, remember?”
“Hmm, and where am I meeting him?”
“Home, I thought it would be best… no nosy ears or eyes and he only has an hour before an appointment so….”
“Oh, okay….I guess that makes sense.”
“Yay. I’m so excited!! This is gonna blow their minds!!”
Adam snorts loudly and Brad sounds properly offended when he says, “That wasn’t very attractive at all, you better get your act together before meeting mister Perfect. I’ll see you later…around noon.”
**
Adam hears the front door open and Brad’s voice travels up to him. He glances at his watch, almost noon.
“I’m here and I’m bringing you your favorite smoothie.” Brad yells from the bottom of the stairs.
“Why? What did you do this time?” Adam asks suspiciously, walking down the steps.
“What?”
“You heard me! Why are you bribing me? What did you do?”
“Um….”
“Brad?!”
“Nothing, I got you a date for four days with your ex and your formerly in-laws…..” Brad says, trying his very best to look insulted.
But Adam doesn’t buy it, not for a second.
“What are you not telling me?”
The doorbell chimes and both guys turn to look at the door. One with relief, the other with frustration written all over his face. Brad reaches out to open the door but Adam stops him by putting a hand flat on it. Adam glares at Brad, steel blue eyes looking into soft brown ones.
“Brad, now would be a really good time to fess up. Boy is waiting.”
“Um just let him in and all will be revealed.”
Adam really doesn't like the sound of that but Brad, the stubborn ass, pushes at Adam’s chest and Adam takes a step back, frustration still showing clearly in his gaze. Brad opens the door with a smile on his face beaming at the guy on the doorstep.
“Hi! You must be Tommy Joe, come in.”
Tommy curves his lips in a little smile and tilts his head a bit as he reaches out his hand to greet Brad.
“And you are?”
“Brad. I’m Brad. The guy that hired you.”
“OH. MY. GOD. “Adam says in a high pitch voice. “You hired me a HOOKER? God damn you Brad, that’s just low. I am not sinking to that level, NOT EVEN for Jake. Fuck closure.” Adam put his hands on his hips and looks horrified.
Brad snaps his gaze away from Tommy and spins around to face Adam.
“No, I didn’t, I hired an escort…a date. Not a fuck!! Geez Adam, be more of a dick why don't you?!” He turns around to look at Tommy
“I’m so sorry Tommy. I swear, normally he's a really nice guy.”
Tommy nods. “I’m sure he is. Maybe I should let you two to work out this….” He waves his hand in the air between them, “…..mess and you can just get back to me if the deal is still on, okay?”
“No, stay please.” Brad holds on to Tommy’s hand and pulls him all the way into the hallway before turning to look at Adam.
“Adam, honey. Don’t be like that. This isn’t an insult. I feel guilty and I promised to make it up to you. I promised to find you a gorgeous blond…. Well look at him damnit. He is perfect and he comes highly recommended. He is very good at what he does.”
A slight blush creeps up Tommy's cheeks. It's clear that although this is what he does for a living, compliments still make him uncomfortable.
Adam still has his hands on his hips but no longer looks as offended as before, in fact he looks almost apologetic as he gives Tommy a once over and makes a small nod acknowledging Brad’s point. “No offense Tommy,” Adam says. ”But I’ve never ever needed to pay someone for a date or fuck and when Brad promised to find me a date I honestly thought he would set me up with a friend or at least an acquaintance of his. I didn’t mean to judge you.”
“It’s okay. And it wouldn’t be a fuck. It’s a rule of mine.”
Tommy looks into Adam’s eyes with a stern look and holds his gaze. “I don’t sell sex, I sell my company. You need four days with what should look like a boyfriend, right?”
Tommy looks at Brad for confirmation. Brad nods. Tommy returns his attention to Adam.
“So what you’re paying for is; me acting like a boyfriend…. Kisses, hugs and conversations. That’s what's implied in that, right?”
This time Adam nods slowly.
“Is that gonna hurt your pride or self-esteem?” Tommy shoots him a curious look, his head tilted, his lower lip caught between his teeth.
Adam shakes his head slowly and swallows, hard. “No.”
“Well then…” Tommy shrugs his shoulders and Adam turns his attention to Brad.
“You could have told me, warned me.”
Brad closes the distance between them and envelopes Adam in a hug, resting his head on Adam’s chest.
“I know honey, I just…. I didn’t want you to say no. You need to go.” Brad looks up and puts a hand on Adam’s cheek slowly caressing it.
“Closure, remember? And no pity while getting it!”
Adam nods and puts his forehead against Brad’s.
“Tommy's gonna help make that happen, so play nice.”
Adam snorts and Brad pokes him in the side.
“Hey what did I say about that?”
Adam nods, knowing Tommy is watching them, probably wondering what their history is. He sighs, whispering softly. "I love you."
Brad squeezes him and whispers it back. Adam pulls away to look at Tommy.
“So I guess we should talk details then??”
Tommy looks at his phone check the time and frowns.
“Yeah, I don’t have much time left so we better make it quick.”
“Oh.. okay….let’s sit down in the kitchen.”
Adam makes a gesture for Brad to lead the way and Tommy follows, smirking a bit.
“I’m not checking you out.” Adam grins.
But his eyes go down to gaze at Tommy’s tiny ass anyway and Tommy throws a glance over his shoulder and laughs.
“Liar! But, I don’t mind. You’re supposed to like what you see.”
They sit down in the kitchen and talk briefly about where they’re from, birthdays, and other stuff a couple is supposed to know about each other and then they make arrangements for the next week.
When Adam stands in the doorway saying goodbye, Tommy gets up on his toes and pecks Adam on the cheek. Adam’s eyes widen but before he has a chance to say or do anything Tommy is already halfway down the driveway waving and yelling over his shoulder,
“See you Wednesday!”
Adam reaches up to touch his cheek, letting his fingers trail over the skin Tommy just kissed. Brad snickers behind him and he turns around, glaring at him.
“Oh my god, look at you, you are so screwed!”
“Fuck, Brad what am I gonna do?” he hisses.
Brad grins wickedly, “Make him bend company rules? And maybe add a little sex to the deal!”
Adam rolls his eyes but his heart flips on the inside at the mere thought of that happening.
**
Adam's nerves are jangling as he drives up to the curve in front of Tommy's apartment. He takes a deep breath and exhales slowly using the same technique as when he gets the jitters before a concert. He's opening the car door just as Tommy is coming out of the front door. He gives Adam a little dismissive wave telling him to stay put and lifts his suitcase off the ground and walk towards the car. Adam gets out of the car anyway and walks around to open the trunk.
“Hi” Adam says.
Tommy returns the greeting and put the suitcase in the trunk. He can tell that Adam's nerves are making him hyper and he looks like he's about to burst from discomfort. Tommy reaches out and squeezes Adam’s hand a little.
“Don’t worry Adam it’s gonna be fine! They’ll never know, just trust me okay?”
Tommy feels his skin tingle at the contact and he mentally shrugs it off. They get in the car and Adam turns the key, the engine springing to life and within moments they are on their way.
“How long is the drive?” Tommy asks.
“About two hours depending on the traffic.”
Tommy nods.
“You look stunning.” Tommy's eyes rake over Adam, taking in everything about him. He takes his time looking at him, studying him. Tommy knows people, he studies them, which is what makes him good at what he does for a living. He sees what people need and has made a career out of making sure they get it. And now he needs to know more about Adam, so he watches.
“Um… “
Tommy watches as heat creeps up Adam's face despite the makeup and sees him mutter a silent curse. He smiles a little at the blush and treasures the little bit of information it supplies him with.
“Thank you.” Adam keeps his eyes on the road, obviously determined to not look at Tommy, at least not yet.
“So do you. Is this… “ he waves a hand towards Tommy, “Your normal look? Or is it Brad’s influence?” Tommy laughs quietly giving Adam points for asking.
“It’s all me… the makeup too, but Brad asked me not to change it.”
“Hmm, of course he did.”
“What’s your story?” Tommy asks.
“Who’s?”
“Yours and Brad’s. You seem very close. I was just wondering and you don’t have to answer if you don’t feel like it.”
“Oh..it’s fine. We kinda grew up together, were boyfriends when we were teenagers, but we weren’t a good match. Somehow we survived the clusterfuck that was our relationship and he remained my best friend. I don’t know what I would have done without him when I found out about Jake and Thomas.”
“Hmm. It really hit you that hard when you got the invitation?”
“No, not the invitation itself.”
“Ooohhhhh….What then? Jake is your ex, right?” Tommy is pretty sure but wants to be certain; it will mean something when they all meet in the next hour and a half.
“Yeah, he is and Thomas was a very dear friend of ours. I found out about them when I walked in on them," Adam paused, his jaw clenching. "In my bed, a day when I got home early from the studio. It’s not much fun when your fiancé spends his afternoons like that while you’re busting your ass off trying to provide for him.”
“And then with a person supposed to be a friend. Yeah that's gotta leave a bruise.” Tommy adds when Adam's voice trails off and he lapses into silence.
“Yeah, it did.”
“So is that why you needed an escort, because you’re still in love with him?”
Tommy is kinda hoping it isn’t the case and as soon as he realizes what he just wished for he kills the thought. Not going there, ever again.
“No, and you’re here because Brad couldn’t keep his big mouth shut, told Jake that I was in a relationship. Well, mostly you’re here because I couldn’t stand the pity looks from them when I showed up without a boyfriend when my supposedly best friend said I had one.” Adam laughs.
“Why are you even going in the first place?” Tommy asks and Adam shrugs.
“I need to forgive them, they’re happy, they didn’t do it to be mean to me, they just loved each other. Besides, I love the family especially Jake’s sister. She is one of my best friends and I can’t wait to see her again.
Tommy nods, it all make sense to him. They drive in silence for a while, Adam drumming the beat of the music with his thumbs on the steering wheel while Tommy does the same thing on his thighs. Adam keeps sneaking glances at him while he's driving and Tommy sees the questions and the curiosity play on Adam’s face. It doesn't take long for him to realize that Adam isn’t going to ask unless invited too.
“Just ask Adam, whatever it is, it can’t be that bad.”
Adam looks slightly embarrassed. Tommy guesses he's probably not used to being that transparent and hopes he continues instead of shutting him out.
“I’m…… I was just wondering, um, how you started doing this, you know, for a living.”
Tommy sucks in his lower lip, worrying it a bit before answering.
“I don’t know exactly but this isn’t my dream….it isn’t a bad job, Adam. Not at all, I like to make people happy and that's basically what I do… I mean the clients all have different needs, but very often it comes down to loneliness, I fill out an empty spot at the moment. It matters because for a brief time that person isn’t alone. Do you understand?”
“I guess, but how do you not get invested?”
“Oh….. but I do. Sometimes more than others, but I do.”
“Hmm.”
Adam sits for a while obviously thinking about that. When Tommy sees a crease form on his forehead he decides to change the subject. After all, this is supposed to be about Adam not Tommy.
“So, tell me about the people we’re about to meet.”
Adam smiles softly and fills Tommy in on all the family secrets, the love he has for them shines right through every word and gesture Adam makes. Tommy listens and stores the information he is given. It's very easy to like Adam. He is a big hearted guy who wears his heart on his sleeve. After he loosens up he's chatty and laughs really easily, but Tommy can still see the vulnerability lurking just below the surface. It makes him even more determined to make the relationship look as real as possible.
When they get off the freeway Adam falls silent, lost in his thoughts. Tommy puts a hand on his knee stroking it lightly. He feels Adam tense under his hand but he doesn't move it away, instead he squeezes lightly.
“Hey, it’s going to be okay. Trust me.”
Adam looks down at Tommy’s hand, uncertainty etched all over his face. Tommy smiles knowingly.
“We’re supposed to be a couple, remember? You got to be able to handle me touching you. For the next four days we’re like this," he holds a pair of crossed fingers. "We’re in a relationship, and you have to behave like that around me too, if we’re gonna make them believe it.”
Adam bites his lip and puts a hand over Tommy’s, a smile twitching at his lips. Tommy turns his hand and laces their fingers together.
“See? It doesn’t hurt one bit.” Tommy says making Adam laugh loudly.
“You are trouble wrapped up in a nice package Tommy!”
Tommy laughs and looks out the side window.
**
When they drive up to the house of Adam’s formerly in-laws, Adam feels anxious as well as excited. He kills the engine and turns to look at Tommy, insecurity written all over his beautiful face.
“Amy, um Jake’s mom, is probably already standing by the front door to welcome us.”
Adam feels like fidgeting but forces himself to stay still. It must be obvious to Tommy how uneasy he is because he reaches for the door handle with a calming smile and says, “Then let the games begin.”
The comment makes Adam smile and he gets out of the car. They both walk around to the trunk, Adam opens it and takes out both suitcases. He sees Tommy sneak a peek at the front door and smiles when he realizes he was right. The door is open and a middle-aged woman is standing with her hand on the doorknob ready to greet them. Adam is startled when Tommy makes a sudden move and reaches out to cup his chin stroking his lower lip with a thumb. Adam’s breath hitches.
“Relax and kiss me.” Tommy softly whispers as he takes a step closer and rises to his toes.
Adam looks down into Tommy’s eyes.
“Now? Here?”
“It’s just a kiss. Don’t think so much, just do it.” Tommy says.
He licks his lips and Adam follows the pink tongue with his eyes, mimicking the gesture on instinct. Adam forgets everything around him focusing solely on Tommy as he pulls him in for the kiss.
Tommy snakes his arms around Adam’s neck and his fingers play with the soft hair at the nape of Adam's neck. Adam pulls Tommy a little closer, supporting him with hands on his back. They slowly explore each other lips and Adam has to suppress a small moan when Tommy’s tongue licks his lower lip asking for permission to deepen the kiss. Adam opens up to Tommy and the slow languid licks from Tommy almost kills him. He could get used to this, very used to this and pretty damn fast too. Tommy pulls back pecking Adam's lips twice. A mischievous glint sparks in his eyes.
“Not bad Adam. I’m sure she bought it.”
Adam blushes heavily and looks toward Amy waiting by the front door. He waves at her and she returns the gesture with a huge smile on her face. She begins to walk toward them and they lift their suitcases off the ground to join her. She opens her arms to Adam and he walks into the embrace.
“You came, you really came!”
“Of course I did.”
“I missed you…we missed you!”
“I know, I missed you too.”
She turns to look at Tommy. And then back at Adam.
“Introduce me!” She insists.
“Amy, this is Tommy Joe, my boyfriend.”
“Tommy, this is Amy, Jake’s mother.”
Tommy reaches out to shake her hand but she looks at the hand shaking her head.
“Not in this family, come here.” She says, opening her arms and almost pulling Tommy into the hug.
“Welcome,“ She squeezes him lightly, “and now, let’s go meet everyone else.”
Adam and Amy take the lead and Tommy walks behind listening to their chatter. The house is filled with laughter and raised voices but when the trio stops in the hallway and Adam and Tommy put their luggage down, the silence that falls is almost deafening.
Jake gets off the couch and comes over to greet Adam. Adam watches him closely, searching his heart and mind for signs of the lost love but all he feels is numbness, there's no sadness or anger, but there isn't any happiness at seeing him either. Tommy must notice because within seconds he snugs his hand into Adam’s, entwining their fingers. Adam tightens the grip for a second to acknowledge the gesture. He holds out his other hand to greet Jake. Jake looks pointedly at Adam and Tommy's joined hands and smiles softly.
“Hi Adam. I’m happy you’re here.”
Adam nods. “Hi. So I want you to meet Tommy.”
The guys shake hands and Adam can tell that Jake is measuring Tommy up and vice versa. Jake returns his attention to Adam.
“So I guess we both have a Thomas now?”
“No,” Tommy interrupts, taking back Jake’s attention.
“Only one person in the world gets away with calling me that and she is not here….. please call me Tommy or Tommy Joe.”
Adam puts an arm around Tommy’s shoulders and Tommy leans in, and suddenly Adam is very grateful for how well they seem to fit.
A door slams upstairs and a hoarse girly voice squeals.
“Did my ears deceive me or did I hear the voice of Adam fucking Lambert!!”
Adam turns around so fast that he almost puts Tommy on his ass. Tommy looks up at the stairwell as a pretty longhaired woman with big brown eyes and all the right curves appears at the top.
“OH MY GOD GIRL, COME DOWN HERE AND GIVE ME A HUG!!”
She sits down on the banister to slide down and lands on her feet right in front of Adam.
“You came! How are you?” She throws her arms around Adam and hugs him tight. Adam returns the hug fiercely. Closing his eyes and inhaling her sent.
“God I’ve missed this…you, Alli.”
“Yeah, me too hotstuff.” She pulls back and spots Tommy standing one step behind Adam. She looks up at Adam disbelief written all over her pretty face.
“And you brought someone…ooh and a pretty someone!”
“Hmm.”
“But… I said to mom that I didn’t believe it. That you would have told me if there was someone special in your life. I even told Jake that I thought Cheeks totally made up the boyfriend.”
“Oh, I’m sorry I should have told you.” Adam frowns.
Allison smiles as she pushes him affectionately.
“Yes, you should have. You and me Adam, we don’t have any secrets, right?”
Adam hates this. He tenses up and he can feel his spine going rigid and he knows Tommy can tell because he takes a step forward and introduces himself.
“Hi I’m Tommy. And please don’t blame Adam, it’s my fault. Not his. It just takes a little getting used to…dating a rock star. I’m still not sure if I believe it sometimes. And I certainly don’t want to jinx it by letting the world in on it, just yet.
Allison ignores his hand and pulls him in for a hug.
“Oh…I see. Well, I’m Allison and welcome to the house of terror.” She lets go with an evil laugh that brings a smile to Tommy's face.
The rest of the day is spent on hellos and getting reacquainted and slowly Adam begins to relax and breathe again. He's eased and impressed with the way Tommy handles everything. He actually doesn’t say much, he mostly watches and listens, answering when asked something but he's always close and even though it's subtle he seems to know exactly when a hand on the small of Adam’s back or a soft grip of his hand will make it clear that they are in fact lovers. Adam catches Allison looking at them several times and the look in her eyes makes his gut clench. He isn’t too sure she's buying the act.
**
After dinner Tommy offers to help Allison and Amy with the dishes while the rest of the group chats at the table. When he reaches out to take a plate from Allison to dry off she takes his hand and turns it so his palm is upwards, she trails a finger along his calluses and tilts her head.
“Guitar or bass?” She asks.
Tommy smiles, obviously impressed with how observant she is.
“Both, but the guitar is my favorite…my true passion.”
“How long have you been playing?”
“Since childhood.”
Adam listens to the quiet conversation, kicking himself for not noticing the calluses. He's been holding Tommy’s hand for most of the day, but if he is honest with himself even he has to admit to having problems focusing on anything except the waves of desire running through him whenever Tommy is near.
“Is that how you two met?”
“No, um Cheeks introduced us.”
Adam recognizes that Tommy is keeping things as close to the truth as possible. However, having Allison asking questions along this line is making him nervous so he leaves his chair to go join them. It doesn't even occur to Adam that this is the first time he's initiated any kind of tactile contact, but Tommy leans naturally into the embrace when he snugs his arms around his waist from behind. Tommy looks up at him through his lashes with a soft smile on his lips.
“Hey there.” Tommy says.
Adam puts a finger under Tommy’s chin and plants a chaste kiss on his lips. Tommy lifts an arm and let his fingers curl up in Adam’s hair, tugs gently at it to make the angle better and deepens the kiss. Nothing but lips and a little bit of tongue, but Adam feels a wave of heat roll through his entire body.
“Oh, get a room you two,” Allison grins.
Tommy lets his hand fall down on Adam’s and turns to face Allison again. “Speaking of, it’s getting late and it’s about time we catch some zz’s. Where are we sleeping tonight?” Tommy asks.
Adam tenses behind Tommy, realizing that not once had he thought about their sleeping arrangements. Tommy automatically strokes Adam’s hands calmingly trying to ease him.
“Mmm. I think mom said something about the attic room but let me check.”
When Allison goes to find her mother, Tommy looks at Adam and asks, “You okay?”
“Yeah, I just… I hadn’t thought about where we were gonna sleep.”
“Don’t worry about it; I’m sure we’ll make it work.”
They both turn as Allison comes back.
“No, sorry guys, but it looks like you’re staying in Jakes old room. Need any help with the suitcases?”
Adam frowns and says something about being perfectly capable of carrying two suitcases.
“Don’t be an ass Adam, it’s just a room and you’ll be sure to get your cuddles ‘coz that bed is SMALL.” Allison laughs loudly.
Adam sticks his tongue out at her and goes to say goodnight to everyone. He can feel Jake's eyes on them as he and Tommy climb the stairs.
When they enter the room it becomes pretty obvious why Adam didn’t feel good about that room or rather the bed. It isn’t exactly a single bed but it's pretty damn close. The room itself is small and the bed is pushed up against the wall so Adam hopes that Tommy will sleep closest to the wall. He really doesn’t feel like crawling over Tommy in the middle of the night if he has to take a leak. Adam drops his luggage and closes the door behind them.
“Well, I guess I can sleep on the floor,” He says, offering Tommy a way out.
Tommy looks at him, soft brown eyes searching his blue ones, looking for anything in there to help Adam to come to terms with the cards they have been dealt.
“That’s up to you, but I’m a big boy and sharing a bed with you isn’t scaring me.”
Adam didn’t miss the challenge lying hidden in those words.
“I don’t know if you noticed Tommy, but I take up a little more space than you do. And I can be an octopus when I sleep.” Adam raises an eyebrow throwing the challenge right back at Tommy.
“Doesn’t bother me.” Tommy answers with a shrug of his shoulder. He is so not backing down.
“I’ll just steal some body heat from you. It works for me.”
“Fine. And by the way…I sleep in my boxers.” Adam turns to unpack. Thinking that Tommy is perfect. Perfect like, made for him perfect.
“That only makes the body heat easier to steal,” Tommy giggles and opens his suitcase to unpack too. When they finish Adam flops down on the mattress.
“Is it okay if I use the bathroom first?” Tommy asks. He pulls out a pair of PJ pants and his toiletries.
“Yes, it’s fine.” Adam turns on the TV and flips through the channels. He's watching but not really seeing anything, his mind stuck on the fact that he is actually going to be sharing a bed with Tommy tonight, no, for the next three nights. Maybe it would be easier than he first thought persuading Tommy to bend the rules about no sex.
Adam can hear Tommy undressing and the shower spray as he turns on the water. The intimate sounds of another person and the mental pictures of Tommy in the shower make Adam’s blood rush south and he curses his vivid imagination. Adam turns up the volume on the TV drowning out the sounds coming from the bathroom.
Ten minutes later Tommy opens the door letting steam follow him into the room. Adam is trying to keep his gaze locked on the TV but it seems he has left his willpower somewhere at home. Tommy’s hair is still damp and his face is clean, all the makeup gone. His PJs hang low on his hips and he looks so much more innocent that way. Adam’s eyes wander and grow big when he spots Tommy’s tattoos. He practically jumps out of the bed to see them up close. He grips Tommy’s arm gently and inspects them with joy in his eyes.
“Big fan of horror?” He is not even trying to disguise the laughter in his voice.
“And OH MY GOD, is that John Wayne??”
Tommy looks a little coy and doesn’t meet Adam’s eyes. Adam notices a blush creep up Tommy’s neck. The sight of that delights Adam. Finally. It is good to know he isn’t the only one capable of that. Tommy gently releases Adam’s hold on him.
“Yeah, big fan of horrors and The Duke.”
“That is so cute.” Adam voice is filled with laughter. Tommy shakes his head.
“Not cute. Badass!” Tommy sighs.
“No, babe. That’s cute. Sorry but it is.”
From the look on his face, Adam can tell Tommy is a little taken aback at his endearment and wonders briefly if he overstepped his bounds. But when the surprised look disappears and a small smile takes it's place, Adam relaxes, figuring that Tommy must have decided it was a good thing that he let his guard down a bit.
“Whatever, it’s your turn to use the bathroom. I’ll get under the covers.”
Adam finds the stuff he needs and goes to get ready for bed. When he comes out Tommy is lying his the side, both hands under the pillow and Adam can’t help but to think he looks adorable like that. Face of an angel with tattoos of hell covering up the pale skin. He glares at the bed sighing involuntarily over the size of it. He gets under the covers and is very careful about not touching Tommy as he finds a somewhat comfortable sleeping position. For a while he lets his mind wander while looking at Tommy.
“Tommy?”
“Hmm.” Tommy keeps his eyes closed, looking relaxed.
Adam doesn’t know how to ask what is going on in his head so he just keeps silent. Tommy opens his eyes and his lips curls when their eyes meet.
“Just ask, I won’t bite you.” He shifts a little so he’s more comfortable as he studies Adam. Adam feels very self-conscious as if those brown eyes can see right through him.
“I don’t know…… you said you do get invested…. In your clients…. I was just….. well, what did you mean by that?”
“Hmm. Well, I guess I see the people I’m around and I carry them with me because I care about them. I want them to be happy or at least satisfied in their lives. I know I can’t make them happy, but I can be there for a short time and let that time be the best possible. They all leave imprints on me help, shape the person I am, so I guess I do the same for them and I like that idea.”
“Have you ever crossed the line?” and yeah that was the real question here wasn’t it? Adam desperately wants to know if he has any chance at getting Tommy to bend the no sex rule, because the more he learns about Tommy, the more attractive the dude gets.
“What line?”
“The line where it becomes more than a job?”
“Yes. You know the woman I mentioned earlier? The only one that’s allowed to call me Thomas?”
“Yeah.”
“Mary is seventy-five. I met her five years ago on her seventieth birthday. I escorted her to the theater. She wanted me to go with her because I reminded her of her grandson. She is a riot and we had a great time. She made appointments every month and we became friends. Real friends…with her I’m just me, there’s no boundaries and I’m pretty damn sure she feels the same way. When I realized it had stopped being a job I just made it a habit showing up on her doorstep at least once or twice a month often even more. I know how happy that made her……and I loved that she didn’t ask about money once after I showed up without an appointment. She felt the same as me. She’s great and I love her……she is the grandmother I never got to know and a fierce friend.”
Tommy sounds so happy when he tells Adam this that Adam feels a little jealous. He wants to know everything about Tommy too. He wants to be the reason Tommy smiles like that.
“So is that the only time?”
“No it isn’t.” Tommy’s voice is nearly reduced to a whisper.
“No?”
“No, I…” Tommy worries his lip.
“You what?” Adam pushes.
He wants to know more; to learn everything he can about the enigma that is Tommy Joe. Tommy snorts and Adam smiles thinking of Cheeks reaction towards Adam when he did it.
“I fell in love once.” Tommy closes his eyes. And Adam wonders if it’s still too painful to think about.
“Ohh.”
“Yeah, I thought she was the sweetest thing ever and so beautiful.”
Adam feels his gut clench. He turns so he is looking up at the ceiling instead of Tommy. He damns Brad to hell for finding him a gorgeous, and really fucking sweet, STRAIGHT and off the limits dude and curses the circumstances that's put him in the same room or bed for three fucking nights. “She hired me to make her ex-boyfriend jealous, to get him back. She did and I learned an important lesson. She is the reason I don’t mix business with pleasure.”
“I’m sorry you had to go through that Tommy.”
“We all do eventually, don’t we? It’s okay, I’m over it. But I don’t want to go there with a client ever again. I’m saving my heart for someone I meet outside the job. And before giving it away completely I’ll let Mary have a say in the matter too. She is way smarter than me.” Tommy sighs.
Adam really wants to kiss away the pain, but goes for a diversion instead.
“Oh now you’re mentioning your life outside the job…that reminds me, why didn’t you tell me you’re a guitarist?”
“Why should I? It has nothing to do with this… and I don’t want you to feel like I’m one of those people that expects something from you.”
“No……. but it’s something that’s important to you…and Alli noticed.”
“Yeah she did. She’s an observer isn’t she?”
“She is….and I’m not too sure we’re convincing her.”
“Then we just have to make it more obvious, don’t we?” Tommy snickers.
“Yeah, I don’t see how, though.”
“Let me worry about that. Get some sleep, Adam. It’s going to be a long day tomorrow.”
“Yeah. Goodnight.” Adam closes his eyes and focuses on his breathing instead of the warm body lying next to him.
“Night.” Tommy’s voice is soft. He too, closes his eyes and shifts a little to get comfortable. Within minutes he is asleep.