He's Hot - I'm Not

Chapter 07

              Even at 9 in the morning I was staring at the office clock until it turns 6. Jeremy handed me a huge bunch of title card videos, three or four from one show to choose from.  I played them over and over, again and again. But the only thing that really played on my mind was the date, and what happened last night.

              Only when I thought of it in the morning it crossed my mind, that one thing the studio mainly focused on and used was Frank’s sexuality. Being gay brought him more attention than all the other straight performers in the show.

              If he turns straight, that would indirectly affect the studio’s ratings on him. This will not end up good for him or the studio.

              I haven’t talked to him since last night, but I knew that we have to talk this through before he tells this to anyone else. Especially before the brand meeting today, where he will be interviewed to represent a LGBT supporting cause that runs under a multinational business organization.

              Though I tried to dial his number several times now, I did not know what to ask or say. It’s weird enough to hear that Frank Epstein might turn straight let alone talk to him about it. Bi, maybe but straight?

              But I called him anyway.

              “Hey Mindy” he answered after two rings and said, “I think we need to talk.”

              Like he just read my mind.

              “Yeah we should” I replied.

              “Can you come over to my place?” he asked.

              “Yeah sure.”

              I went through the title cards once more and picked one for each show and gave them back to Jeremy before I leave.

              It was almost 11 and he needs to clear up his head before he say or do something in the brand meeting, which he might regret later. So I drove fast.

              “So, you think you are gonna go straight, right?” I asked him the minute I sat on his couch.

              “I don’t think I THINK so… I guess I’m pretty sure about it.” He replied.

              “Uh huh… um, I don’t know how to say this without sounding selfish, but do you know that the studio sells your sexuality more than your talent?” I asked.

              To which he nodded and replied, “That is why I need to talk to you about this. One, because clearly I have no one else to talk to and you are the closest I have for a friend, and two, you are my link to almost everything. So… what do you suppose I should do?”

              Well I did not expect that!

              “Um… I think you should keep it low you know. If the studio finds out, you’ll be in trouble. And the press and media will give you a serious hard time.” I told him, which was my honest feeling about it.

              “Yeah I know. But what about today’s brand meeting?” he asked so confused that made him look like a lost puppy. He is lost at this point.

              “You know that this is a big deal right? And it is your first contract apart from the studio.” I asked him.

              “I know, and god knows how bad I wanted to join them ever since I figured I was gay.” He replied disappointed and unsure staring at the floor, “but right now it doesn’t seem as important as this girl.”

              “So are we gonna let this go?” I asked just to make sure.

              “If Frank Epstein is a straight person, they would not want to put him into their promotions, would they?” he asked slightly smiling.

              “I don’t think they would, but I also don’t think you should put down their proposal saying that you’ve gone straight. Cause the studio still wants you to be gay. At least until a week after your album launch.” I said cautiously.

              “I know, so what am I suppose to tell them?”

              “Honestly, I have an idea.” I told him with the brightest smile I can give.

              “What’s that?”

              “You don’t have to tell them that you can’t. But also, you shouldn’t sign their agreement or give them a date that you would. Just tell them that you might have to consider the contract time period with the studio and sign their agreement. By the time the studio agreement is over, you can even date ten girls at once and no one will care.” I told him my genius plan and all he did was make a disgusted face.

              “Err… I don’t want to date ten girls at once. Not really. But I like the plan!” he said.

              I looked at the time and it was 12.28. If I get ready now, I can attend the meeting, and when it’s over by 5, I can go to the hotel! My DATE!!!

              “I should get ready. See you at the meeting.” I said good bye to him and left.

              The meeting went smoothly and Frank did exactly as we discussed. The managers obviously were not pleased with it, but they bought it anyway. And I couldn’t help but notice one of the Executives in their board was staring at Frank as if he is seeing the last meal on earth. And I could swear that Frank who obviously noticed it had a hard time ignoring the stare.

              I’m a fan girl. I mean who doesn’t love gay boys? They are just so sweet.

              The meeting ended and we walked out of the room.

              “You’ve got a big boy fan there!” I told him nudging on the side.

              “Yeah... I noticed. Freaky right?” he asked me and I looked at him putting on a confused look.

              “Dude, you are so weird!” I said.

              I went into a ladies room to put on some make up and then headed to the restaurant. It was few minutes passed six and Andy was already sitting there and I walked over to him and sat across the table.

              It was a very expensive restaurant and was so beautiful and breath taking. The table for two was lit up with candles decorated with some wild berries at the bottom of each stand. Like I said, elegant and pretty.

              Andy was sitting along with his signature smirk.

              “You look very pretty,” said him and the conversation started.

              We talked for hours sipping on wine. I talked mostly, and Andy listened. It’s been a while since I found myself so free to talk. I was a person who used to get really hyper and babble for hours. And with time, people change I guess.

              But old habits die hard, and here I am doing it again, and having a good time.

              All of a sudden, Andy leaned over and asked, “Does Frank date girls?” which made me anxious.

              I tried to smile it away and said, “Frank? You mean Frank Epstein? Pft! Like that will happen.”

              “I think he is on a date with a girl. And the girl is Felicia Simon, the one from the same show” Said Andy this time with a lot of assurance, making me get even tenser.

              So I asked, “What made you think so?”

              To which he replied slightly pointing at someone behind me, “Cause I can swear, that guy over there looks exactly like him.”