Tenement Funster

Where The Wilde Things Are...

A/N -  this chapter contains homophobic content and mild violence.

"I've got the layout for you to have a look at..."  the graphic designer informed Brian.

"Wonderful...I'll be down in a minute..."  Brian replied in the phone.  He smiled with excitement at hearing the book cover for Graham Barton's novel was ready.  He stood up from his seat and Ellis looked over at him.

"Is the cover ready?"  Ellis questioned.  Brian nodded.

"Yes...that was Richard on the phone...they've got the mockup finished..."  Brian confirmed.  Ellis smiled at him.  

"I remember my first book cover..."  Ellis reminisced as he leaned back and laced his hands behind his head.  Appearing sentimental.   "Unfortunately, no one else does..."  he said with a light chuckle.  Brian laughed too.  Knowing full well his first book as an editor may be a failure.  Ellis had advised that his was.

"Let's hope mine fares better than yours..."  Brian remarked as he walked from his desk.  Ellis gave him a thumbs up.  His telephone rang so Brian turned around and sat on his desk to answer it.

"Brian May..."  he answered.  Feeling quite professional.  

"Brian...I'm Trevor Robins...Walter Kingsley's assistant..."  the man stated.   Brian instantly felt a rush of excitement in his body at hearing who was calling.  

"Hi..."  he answered and glanced over at Ellis.  Glad he had resumed going over a manuscript.

"Mr. Kingsley asked me to give you a call and arrange a time you could meet..." Trevor advised.  "He's out of town for a few weeks but wondered if you were free the week of November 2nd?"  he queried.  Brian got up and walked around to get his calendar.  Quickly flipping to the week in question.

"I'm free except for Tuesday the 3rd..."  Brian answered.  He picked up a pen to write down the time to meet.

"Are you free to meet around 7 on Wednesday the 4th?"  Trevor asked.  Brian smiled.

"I am..." Brian confirmed and began writing in the engagement.  

"Wonderful..."  Trevor replied.  "He can meet you for dinner..."  Trevor explained.  "I will phone you closer to the date with the location..."  he advised.  Brian jotted down the entry.

"I've got it down and I will wait to hear from you...thank you..."  Brian answered.  "Goodbye..."  he added and hung up.  A little disappointed he would have to wait so long to get Walter's reaction to his story.  He left his office and headed to the lift.  Eager to see the book cover and eager for November 4th to arrive.  It would be a long wait.

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"I think you should try it in a smaller size..."  Roger suggested as he looked over the young man he was assisting with some shirts.  The young man seemed hesitant.

"I don't know..."  he responded and looked down at his feet.  Clearly insecure about something.  Roger grabbed the smaller size shirt and gestured at the dressing room.

"At least try it on and see what it does for you..."  Roger proposed.  "You've got a nice lean torso and chest and you could show it off a bit more..."  he suggested with an engaging smile.  The man shrugged and let Roger guide him to the dressing room.  Hanging up the shirt inside and stepping out as he slid the curtain across to give the man privacy.

Roger stood and waited as he watched Freddie assist someone at the counter.  They were looking at a watch in the display case.  Both men shared a look of satisfaction across the shop in what they were doing.  Helping others look their best and making some money in the process.  The curtain finally drew back, and the young man stepped out.  Roger put on his best dazzled expression.