Patrick's Plight (2 page)

“You could always do porn,” Ronnie teased.

“Yeah, right. They’d take one look at my scrawny ass and toss me out, just like
Tropics
did.”

Patrick could already imagine that meeting.

“You could try one of those twink sites. I hear they love guys with blond hair and blue eyes,”

Ronnie said, warming to the idea.

“Yeah, I could just see it now.” Patrick rolled his eyes. “Did you forget that I just lost my virginity a year ago? I’m sure they’d want somebody who is way more experienced than me.

I’ve seen those sites, and those guys are as acrobatic as the Cirque du Soleil dudes.”

“When did you get the cash to pay for internet, let alone porn?” Ronnie asked.

“Niles loves to play it at the bar. He thinks it adds class to the place.”

Ronnie smirked. “Just think how shocked he’d be if you suddenly popped up on one of his screens. He’s been wanting to see your ass for so long, he’d probably cream his pants.”

Patrick’s stomach churned. “Are you trying to make me throw up?”

“I can almost see it now, him jumping over the bar, so he could tackle you and take you on the
grimy, sticky ground.” Ronnie’s eyes glowed as he warmed to his story.

“If I went into porn, I think I would be able to afford to quit working for Creepy Niley,” Patrick replied, using the nickname they’d made up for his boss.

Deciding it was time to turn the tables, Patrick smiled. “I’ll tell you what, I’ll do porn if you agree to become a stripper.”

Ronnie burst out laughing. “Are you kidding me? I can’t even do the
Running Man,
let alone work a pole. I’d be booed off the stage.”

Patrick highly doubted it. Ronnie was so good looking that all he’d have to do was walk on the stage, and he‘d have cash flying his way. Patrick didn’t voice that thought aloud because he knew Ronnie wouldn’t believe him.

“I could try calling my dad and asking if he could give us a loan,” Patrick hedged.

Damn, but it would be hard. Just thinking about his dad made Patrick break out in a sweat.

His pulse even began to race as he felt a panic attack barreling his way. Great, what a way to start what already looked to be a crappy day. The only things missing were some locusts and he’d be all set.

Ronnie reached over and grabbed his hand. “I’ll become a rent boy before I ever let you go crawling to that asshole for anything. Don’t worry,
we’ll figure out a way without his damn money.

We’ve made it this far.”

Touched by Ronnie’s support, Patrick nodded.

“You’re right, we’ll be okay.”

Patrick just hoped that they
both
weren’t deluding themselves.

atrick came home from the bar tired and on P the verge of tears. His feet hurt, his hands hurt, and if he saw one more ounce of liquor he’d puke. The night had been endless, and when he’d tried to cut off a particularly drunk customer, the man had become verbally abusive.

How could Patrick have known the guy had just won half the bar in a poker game? Creepy Niley had pointed out Patrick could save his job if he did some work on his knees. Patrick had thrown his last client’s drink in his boss’ face and stomped out of the bar. He hadn’t even had the sense to grab his tips.

“Damn I’m an idiot,” he whispered to the empty living room. Sinking into the couch he planted his face in his palms. Tears seeped through his fingers as his trembling hands couldn’t hold back the onslaught.

“Shh… Pat,” Oliver’s rusty voice reached his ears, and a warm arm wrapped around him.

“Shhh… I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to be a burden to you.”

Patrick turned his face into Oliver’s shoulder and let it all out. All the fear, the pain, and the
uncertainty poured out of him like a flood. He’d tried to stay strong for his friends but he had nothing left to give.

“I love you, Oliver,” Patrick said, sitting up and wiping his eyes with the heels of hands. For the moment the emotional storm had passed. “I don’t want you to feel bad.”

Oliver gave Patrick a half-hearted smile. “The fact I’m feeling anything except empty is probably a step in the right direction.”

“It’s not you that’s upset me. I was fired today,”

Patrick admitted.

“Oh, hon. I’m sorry.” Oliver pulled Patrick back down and cuddled him close. There wasn’t anything sensual about the embrace, just one friend comforting another. Since Patrick tried to be the strong one, he didn’t usually lean on his friends. It warmed his heart to be reminded that he could. Even Oliver, as broken as he was, cared enough to try to make him feel better.

“I don’t know how we’re going to pay the bills.” He could feel a panic attack starting to steal his air and fuzz his vision. Only Oliver’s hold kept him grounded.

“Shhh.. we’ll figure something out. I’m off the painkillers. Soon I can look for a job, and you can get a new one tending bar.”

Patrick snorted. “I barely got this one.”

He had hardly any skills, and he didn’t know
any of the flashy flair moves a lot of bartenders used, so he couldn’t get into the high-end clubs.

Hell, he dreamed of going to school for architecture, but those hopes had faded when his father kicked him out and Oliver became injured.

“Hey you’re back.” Ronnie’s cheerful voice broke into Patrick’s pity party. He glared at his friend’s happy demeanor.

“What’s up?” he asked, almost reluctant to find out what caused Ronnie’s happy expression.

“I found this.” Ronnie handed over a free circular opened to a large ad for adult entertainment auditions.

Patrick’s head hurt. “Are you applying?”

Ronnie blushed. “I haven’t even had sex yet, so how am I going to convince anyone I’m hot enough for film? You’re the only one of us with real experience, well except Oliver, and he’s not bendy.” He flashed Oliver an apologetic look.

“That’s all right, Ronnie. It’s true. I’m definitely not bendy,” Oliver replied with a wry smile.

Patrick sighed but stared at the ad. “I wonder how much they pay?”

“More than a crappy bar,” Ronnie said.

Patrick raised an eyebrow at his friend’s tone.

“And are you going to become a stripper as we agreed?”

“You get the job, and then we’ll talk.” Ronnie’s eyes glowed with excitement. It was the happiest
Patrick had seen him in a long while.

“Deal.” After all, what did he have to lose?

“You shouldn’t make deals with Ronnie,”

Oliver said, a smile flitting across his lips. “You know he always wiggles out of them.”

“Hey!” Ronnie protested.

Patrick laughed. His friends knew how to make him feel better. Even on the crappiest day, at least they had each other. Comforted by the nearness of his best friends, Patrick spent the next few hours reconnecting with the people he felt closest to in the world.

Patrick blinked at the sight of approximately two-dozen men waiting for an interview. He hadn’t thought so many would apply for the chance to be in a porn movie, but then the economy was bad, and he probably wasn’t the only one hard up for funds.

Sighing, Patrick sat down on the hard tile floor to wait for his turn. He had to get this job. His friends were counting on him. They needed the money desperately. As much as Oliver said he would get a job, even with him working they wouldn’t get money anytime soon. Besides, Oliver didn’t have a degree or much work experience, so Patrick doubted his friend would be raking in the bucks.

“You here for the job?” A deep voice said
behind him.

Patrick looked up to see a young man about his own age towering over him. He had smooth golden brown skin and rich brown eyes.

Gorgeous. “Yeah, you?”

Please tell me no.

If this was the competition, Patrick didn’t have a chance.

The guy smiled, showing off a perfect set of teeth. “Yep. I need money for grad school. I’m going to be a social worker. Unfortunately, I also have to take care of my brothers and sisters, which doesn’t leave much food in the house even with student loans. Hopefully, they’ll give me a good part.”

The man had to be gorgeous and altruistic.

Patrick decided to work harder at hating him. If he liked him too much, Patrick would feel bad if he got the job.

“I’m Mark.” The stranger crouched down and held out his hand.

“Patrick.” They shook then Patrick leaned away. Mark sat too close for comfort. Patrick thought the man attractive, but there definitely wasn’t a sexual spark.

“Don’t worry, I’ve been to these things before.

They love skinny twinks with pale skin, so they’ll eat you up,” Mark promised.

Patrick didn’t know if he should be pleased or
concerned. His nerves jangled louder than Christmas bells in his mind.

“Um, thanks.” Surely Mark meant it to be a good thing.

Mark shook his head. “Don’t be nervous. Do what feels natural. You like guys, right?”

Patrick nodded.

“Good, that’s half the battle. There’s some men who do it but aren’t gay. They just like the money.

I can always spot them,” Mark boasted.

“Really, how?” Obviously Mark knew a lot more than Patrick about these kinds of things. As much as he wanted to dislike the guy, he found it difficult to.

“They never touch like they mean it. You can always tell when two guys are into each other even if it’s only for film,” Mark said, passionately.

Patrick tilted his head as he examined Mark closely. “It sounds like you’ve given this a lot of thought.”

Mark blushed adorably. “Yeah. I’ve been wanting to do porn for a while, but my school schedule and taking care of my siblings didn’t allow it.”

“You don’t worry about a future employer seeing it?” Patrick worried his porn career might endanger his possible future.

Mark shrugged. “If they see it and say anything, they’d have to admit they watch gay
porn. What are the odds of that happening?”

Patrick had to admit Mark had a point.

“What about you? Are you worried?” Mark asked.

“I’ve got bigger concerns right now.” Patrick explained about Oliver’s medical bills and lack of family support. Although Patrick might be concerned about the future, food and shelter today were more important.

“That’s tough man. You’re a really good friend.

I can’t think of anyone who’s got my back like that.” Mark’s eyes lit with admiration.

Patrick waved it off. “He’s like a brother to me.

Like you, I take care of my family, or at least I try to.”

Patrick sighed. Some days he didn’t think he could catch his breath much less help out his friends.

“Hey kid, you’re next.”

He wondered how much time had passed while they chatted since the line had disappeared.

Butterflies transformed into crazy rabid bats in his stomach as he approached the man beckoning him forward.

“Hi,” Patrick said shyly.

“I’m Rob Lowen, what’s your name?”

“P…Patrick Martin,” he stuttered.

Rob gave him a wide smile. “Newbie, huh?”

Patrick nodded. He probably looked like a
skinny simpleton or a bobble-headed doll.

“Do you have ID?”

“Yes.” Patrick pulled his wallet out of his pocket and showed his driver’s license.

Rob handed over a clipboard with a piece of paper clamped to it. “Good. Here’s a form. Check your likes and dislikes and what you won’t do under any circumstances.”

Patrick accepted the pencil and scanned the list.

With a quick glance he crossed off everything involving being peed on, spit on, bled on, or shit on.

“Eww.” He gave a shudder at the image flashing through his mind.

Ménage?

Hmm he couldn’t think of a downside to two men rubbing their hands all over him. He swallowed the drool pooling in his mouth. He didn’t really know what he’d do with two men but he figured there would be some direction involved.

Patrick crossed out gang banging. There wasn’t enough lube in the universe for him to take a dozen guys. Maybe after he’d been a porn star for a while, he’d try to be more adventurous.

Taking a big breath, Patrick handed over the form.

“Here you go.”

Rob scanned the list and laughed. “Rather
vanilla for a porn star, aren’t you?”

Patrick blushed. “Give me a break, man, I’m just starting out.”

“Head on to studio three and strip down. One of our models will join you soon. Then we’ll see how you interact.”

“Okay,” Patrick didn’t know what else to say.

Goose bumps popped out across his skin. He hoped they faded before he stripped. He didn’t want to look like a pale chicken when he finally got naked.

Taking deep breaths so he didn’t faint before he got to the end of the hall, Patrick followed the numbers to studio number three. The room was empty as expected. He glanced around and spotted a camera in the corner and a large one-way mirror along the north wall.

* * * *

Vance Cullain sat up in his chair at the sight of the young man entering the studio. After watching over a dozen guys wander in and strip, Vance was growing bored. For a man who founded a movie studio specializing in porn, he had to admit it was becoming routine. There were only so many ways the same body parts could be combined. They needed fresh blood, and this group of men they were interviewing could help establish new names
for the studio.