The Making of Matt (4 page)

“And that’s the problem. We live in different worlds. I mean seriously, how did us being friends even happen? I work in a club and you’re a freakin’ rockstar! I work my ass off every single day to make rent for a shitty studio apartment downtown while you have a condo the size of my entire neighborhood on every continent! I’m a nobody and you’re-”

“You are
not
a nobody.” Cutting him off once again I strode the last couple of steps toward him until I was right in front of his face. “What’s this really about, Alex? You don’t want the car? Fine. I’ll send it back, keep it with my others, give it someone else, hell I’ll do whatever the fuck you want with it.”

Alex sighed deeply, running one hand over his head and smoothing the bouncy curl back into place. “I just don’t want to be the guy who gets everything handed to him on a silver platter because he happens to know a few famous dudes.”

“People don’t think that.”

“That’s
exactly
what people think. I’ve had to listen to it all damn evening.”

“So what. Why do you even care?”

“Because they’re my friends, Matt! My colleagues. I’ve known most of them for years. I used to be one of them, you know. Just a regular guy with a regular job and regular friends. Now? Now I’m hanging out with rock gods and porn stars and getting photographed on my way to fucking Wal-Mart! I feel like I’m losing touch with who I am, with where I came from. Like I’m getting all wrapped up in this far-out world full of-”

“You’re being ridiculous.”

“Will you stop doing that?”

“Doing what?”

“Interrupting me! Now I’ve forgotten what I was going to say.”

“You were calling me a rock god.”

“Will you be serious for once?”

Sweeping the floor with my eyes, I snorted. We argued more often than a married couple, usually over trivial stuff just like this and so I couldn’t help find it amusing. “I’m sorry, dude, but I can’t,” I said, making my way over to the fridge to pluck out two beers. “I’m trying to understand your point, but I just can’t lose my shit over a damn car. Like I said, if you don’t want it, don’t use it.” Popping the caps from the beers, I shrugged and made my way back to him. “But if you’re gonna start spouting shit about our friendship not being real, or whatever the hell it is you’re trying to say, I’m just gonna ignore you.”

Huffing, Alex accepted the bottle in my hand, walked over to the white modular couch and practically collapsed onto it. “Maybe I’ll
borrow
it until mine’s fixed.”

A sly smile crawled onto my face, content in the knowledge that I’d won. I watched him as he glugged his beer. He was tense, his back rigid and eyes narrowed. There had to be more to his somber mood than a car, but it was late and I sure as shit didn’t want to risk provoking another outburst.

I forced another topic of conversation and with each sentence thereon I noticed him visibly relax. As we talked about the club, Ryder’s new
purple
hair and the opening of Elle’s latest salon venture, I found myself growing annoyed with that stupid rogue curl. I drummed my fingers against my knees in an effort to distract them from wanting to reach out and tuck it behind his ear.

The rest of his hair remained blow-dried to within an inch of its life, held together by copious amounts of product from Elle’s salon, but this freakin’ curl had broken free, simply to torment me it seemed. It bobbed with every move of his head, swayed every time he laughed. It relaxed further as the hours passed, clouding his right eye. Alex had beautiful eyes. Not the regular light-blue, but dark like the richest denim. Shiny too, like the Photoshopped kind you see plastered all over glossy magazines.

This had been happening too often lately. Just the other day I found myself staring at his ass while he was shoulder deep in the refrigerator. I didn’t
want
to look at it but I couldn’t seem to stop myself. It was almost like he wore magnetic pants that compelled my eyes to lock onto them. I’d never noticed before how perfectly sculpted it was. Tight and round and begging for a pinch. Something was seriously wrong with me and I was beginning to believe all the pot I’d smoked while on the road had started rotting my brain.

“Why are you looking at me like that?” Alex’s voice snapped me out of my reverie.

“I was just…”
thinking about your eyes.
“I’ve had too many,” I said, slamming my half-empty bottle onto the table in front of me. “I’m going to bed.”

Shrugging, Alex carried on sipping his beer. “I’m going to finish watching this,” he said, nodding toward the eighty-inch flat screen embedded into the wall. “See you in the morning.”

“Um, yeah. Sure.” Scratching at my head I virtually ran to the spiral staircase and leapt up them, taking two at a time. I wasn’t wobbly on my feet, yet I was obviously wasted. I mean, why else would I have been checking out another guy’s eyes?

I stripped naked quickly, throwing myself straight into bed. When I closed my eyes Alex’s face was right there on the back of my eyelids. That curl, those eyes…

I shuddered, shook my head and slapped my cheek before pressing a pillow over my face, as if that would somehow block out the image. Oddly, it didn’t, and those damn eyes persecuted me throughout the entire night.

Huh.

I woke around eleven with a dick so hard I could’ve drilled through concrete. Stretching my arms above my head, I could almost hear the big guy calling to me to pay him some attention. Digging my hips into the mattress I wrapped my fingers around the base and gave it a couple of long, firm strokes. Rolling my head to the side I groaned into my pillow. There was only one thing, apart from a woman, that would’ve made this better. A shower.

By the time I stepped into the steaming spray, my dick had softened a little. This was easily resolved with a little shower gel and a few flexes of my wrist. “Holy shit,” I moaned into the water as it cascaded over my body. With one hand cupping my balls, I tugged roughly with the other until I felt a slight wobble in my knees which told me the end was near. The tingle started softly in my spine, growing more intense with each pull.

My breaths came short and heavy as I steadied myself with one hand pressed onto the wet tiles. As my balls began to throb I increased the speed and pressure, tipping my head back while panting into the steam. “
Fuck!”
I grunted, closing my eyes as the jet of hot cum darted in violent spurts onto the wall. Then…

I saw those eyes.

“What the…”

~Matt~

I
punched in the code to Sawyer and Jake’s gates like I wanted to kill the damn thing. I heard the click of the security cameras zooming in on me as soon as I got out of the car, so I gave Neil a little wave, knowing he was no doubt watching me. Another code and a fingerprint later, I was inside and walking from room to room trying to find Sawyer.

“By the pool!” I heard Sawyer call. Neil had probably told him I was here. I plopped myself down on the sun-lounger next to his and huffed like a sulking child.

“I’m so pissed at you for being gay, dude.”

“Um,
okay
. Any reason why?”

“Because right now I need to talk to someone straight, and since you joined the butt-bandit team all of my friends seem to be raging homosexuals.”

“Have you tried Kip?”

“He’s busy in the studio. Fucker.”

“Maybe I can help anyway. I did have sex with women once upon a time, remember? What’s up?”

“Alex’s eyes.”

“His
eyes?
”

“Yeah. I’m telling you, man, I can’t stop thinking about ‘em. Last night I dreamt about them. This morning I was whacking one out in the shower and
bam!
There they are again. What does that mean?”

Sawyer’s eyes widened and then his lips started to curve into a grin.

“Fuck you, Saw. This is serious.”

“Well how long have you been thinking about his eyes?” The fucker actually snorted.

“Since last night.”

“Look, Matt, I really don’t think it means anything. You guys spend a lot of time together. He was probably just on your mind for some reason. When was the last time you got laid? Maybe you just need a distraction.”

“Hmm.”

“Hmm? What do you mean ‘hmm?’ You don’t usually need an excuse to pick up a woman.”

“I can’t seem to be bothered with the hassle lately. See? I told you it was serious.”

“Maybe you’re finally becoming an adult,” he teased. I wanted to punch him in the face. “Maybe this club venture will help give you something to focus on.”

“How’d you know about that?”

“Your mom brought us a pie last night.”

“She does that?”

“Oh yeah. She’s constantly offering to do our laundry too, bless her. I’d never say yes of course. Even if I didn’t pay someone to do that, she has enough on her plate cleaning up after
you
.”

“She’s my mom. It’s her job,” I said with a sly smile. I knew I’d be lost without her though. She meant the world to me. “So what do you think? About the club?”

“I think it’s a great idea. Suits you perfectly.”

“Alex’s boss was sick yesterday, but he’s gonna talk to him later. Get the insider knowledge.”

We stayed out by the pool until early evening; swimming, sunbathing and talking about the band days. It made me realize how long it’d been since Saw and I had really had a decent catch up. We saw each other pretty regularly, but were always surrounded by others.

I was about to leave when Jake came home, armed with bags of Chinese takeout. He walked straight over to Sawyer and planted a soft kiss on his cheek before setting the bags down on the counter.

“You staying for dinner?” Jake asked, popping the top button on his crisp white shirt. Despite leaving the security game, it was still rare to see him wearing anything but a suit and jacket. “There’s plenty.”

“No thanks. I’m heading home.”

“I’ll see you out.” Jake looked over his shoulder and seemed appeased that Sawyer was busying himself with the food bags. I raised an eyebrow and Jake followed me to the door. When I stepped outside he leaned against me, positioning his mouth next to my ear.

“I’m throwing a party Saturday night. You can be here, right?” he whispered, his eyes flickering back and forth to make sure we weren’t overheard.

“Hell yeah. What are we celebrating?”

Once again he made sure we were alone. “I’m going to ask Sawyer to marry me.”

“Holy fuck, dude!”

“Shh! Obviously, it’s a surprise, so keep it down,” he scolded, bumping my shoulder.

“Sorry. But that’s seriously awesome. Congrats, man.”

“He’s not said yes yet.”

“He will. I’ve no doubt. I’ve known Saw a lot of years and I’ve never seen him so happy. Where I was known as the band’s slut, he was known as the miserable fucker.”

“Um, think you’re getting slut mixed up with
twat
.”

“Screw you, dude.” Laughing, I clapped him on the back and congratulated him once more. “Does this mean I get another vacation?”

“I doubt it. Sawyer has no family left in the UK, at least none that care for him, and gay marriage isn’t legal in Australia so I’ll probably fly my parents out here.”

“That sucks,” I said. “I don’t understand how two people in love can still be segregated in this day and age.”

Jake shrugged. “I agree, but that’s not my call.”

“Well I think it’s shit. I’m boycotting Australia. Never been a fan anyway. Koala bears look like evil little shits.”

“You know that might just work. I don’t think they have any idea how much alcohol you can actually drink and the revenue they’re going to miss out on.”

“I’ll be sure to drink even more now. Rub it in their damn faces. By the time I’m finished they won’t just legalize gay marriage, they’ll be asking me to run for president.”

“Prime minister.”

“Huh?”

“Australia has a prime minister, not a president.”

“That too. Anyways I gotta run. See you Saturday.” 

“And remember,” Jake called after me. I turned my neck to look at him. “Don’t be shooting your mouth off.”

Why do people have such little faith in me?
“Yes, Dad.”

**********

Bored, I decided to go see Alex at Kaleidoscope before going home. I noticed I was being followed almost immediately in my rearview mirror. The paparazzi had gradually started to tail off since the band split, but over the last couple of weeks they seemed to have found me interesting again. I assumed some chick was selling her story, but so far I hadn’t heard anything and I was usually kept informed of that kinda shit.

“Matt! Matt! Over here!”

My eyes involuntarily squinted at the intrusive flashes of light. I nodded and smiled but kept walking, grateful to see the door security coming over to help me fight my way through.

“Are you visiting Alex Clark?”

“Did Sawyer introduce you to these bars?”

“Matt! Look this way!”

“Matt! Matt, are you and Alex Clark living together?”

“Huh?” I muttered under my breath. Security ushered me inside, stretching their arms and placing a barrier between me and the savage reporters. One of them escorted me through the crowd inside. I breathed a sigh of relief when I reached the stools in front of the bar. I was quite a regular here now so was rarely bothered with requests for selfies or autographs.

Alex was nowhere in sight so I told Paul, his coworker, to surprise me when asked what I’d like to drink. A minute later he presented me with something sparkly and pink in a tall glass, complete with a fruit kebab and an umbrella. Winking, I thanked him, took a sip and handed over my cash.

“Well, hey, good lookin’.” Swallowing my mouthful of pink stuff, which actually tasted pretty good, I turned to see the face of the hand pressing on my shoulder.

“Ah, Miss Martina! How’s my favorite Kaleidoscope girl?”

Miss Martina was one of the club’s resident queens who I’d gotten to know pretty well in the last few months since the night she dragged me on stage and serenaded me. She was pushing forty, and a good six inches taller than me with perfectly sculpted legs that went all the way up to her armpits. By day, her name was Alan; her long red curls traded for a buzz-cut and her Swarovski crystal encrusted dresses for jeans and a jacket. Both Alan and Miss Martina’s personalities were equally ravishing however and I could see why he and Alex were such good friends.

“All the better for seeing you, girlfriend! Alex is in the back. He’ll be out in- Wait, here he is now.” I followed her gaze to the back door where sure enough, Alex waded through carrying a crate. “Toodles!” she sang in my ear before kissing my cheek and sauntering off toward the stage. I eyed up the size of her heels as she sashayed away and wondered how the fuck she managed to make it through each night without snapping several bones.

“Oh, hey,” Alex greeted, lowering the crate onto the floor. “I’m glad you stopped by. I have some news.” Pulling my stool closer to the counter I leaned in to listen. “So, I was talking to Gary earlier and he wants to sell this place. Now, I assumed you wanted a straight club, and maybe something more central, but he said to ask you before he officially puts it on the market.”

“Seriously? Why’s he selling?”

“He wants to move back home to New Jersey. His dad’s sick, like
real
sick, and he wants to be there to support his mom. So what do you think? Interested?”

“Abso-fuckin’lutely.”

“Bear in mind you won’t be buying the pussy magnet you’d hoped for,” Alex added with a tooth-flashing smile.

“Maybe not, but it makes sense. I already know the place, and most of the people in it. And
you
know it even better, which is perfect seeing as you’ll be running it.”

“You really meant that?” A look of genuine surprise washed over his face. I didn’t understand why. Who would I trust more than Alex?

“Sure I did. I don’t have a clue how to run any kind of business.”

“Great!” His smile beamed so brightly I would’ve been able to see it from miles away. “I’d take a couple of days to think it over, and if you still want to go ahead I’ll get Gary to come by your place and talk about it.”

“Screw thinking. Let’s just do it. Bring him over tomorrow and I’ll get my lawyer to be there too. No point wasting time.”

“
You
have a lawyer?”

“Well the band did. I’ll need to ask Saw for his number but I assume he can deal with this kinda thing.”

Alex tried to talk me out of making any rash decisions, but in my eyes the worst that could happen was I’d just sell it again. I was tired of being bored out of my freakin’ skull. I wanted a new adventure and I wanted it
now
.

Feeling excited and determined, I headed straight home ready to make some calls, but not before grabbing Alex’s jacket, hat and sunglasses from the back room and then sneaking out amidst a group of strangers. Thankfully, I made it back to my car without being recognized until it was too late. Only once I pulled out of the lot did the waiting photographers notice they’d been duped, and by the time they’d scurried over to their own vehicles I was already out of sight.

After getting back to the condo I spent the next few hours on the phone. One of those calls included my mom, who told me Ashley and Adam were back in town and would be visiting in the morning. That meant there was no doubt my mom would be round before dawn making sure the place was pristine. With that in mind, I went to bed before midnight for the first time in years.

**********

As expected, I woke up the next morning to the sound of the vacuum cleaner, shortly followed by a knock on my bedroom door. Scrambling wearily out of bed, I stretched my arms above my head and sighed when I noted the time. Seven AM.
Seriously?

“Come in, Mom,” I said through a yawn.

“You need to get your butt downstairs. I told Ashley and Adam to come over for breakfast. They’ll be here in half an hour.”

“You’ve got to be kidding me. Mom, it’s practically still the middle of the night! I need a shower, my mouth’s drier than a prude’s cun-”

“Language, Matthew.”

I adored my mom but I swear sometimes I still felt like I was fifteen years old.

“Fine, fine,” I muttered, surrendering my palms. “I’ll be there in ten.”

Ugh.

I couldn’t wait to see Ashley but Adam was hard enough to stomach at the best of times. The thought of pretending not to hate his guts this early in the morning made me nauseous. Nevertheless, if I didn’t want an ass-kicking from my mom, I needed to drag myself to the bathroom and get myself ready for a morning of fake smiles and tongue biting.

I smelt the silver lining the second I stepped out of the shower.

Bacon.

Wrapping a towel around my waist, I made my way to the closet, which was actually a giant fucking room filled with racks, shelves, cupboards and mirrors. I grabbed the first pair of jeans I came to and a black t-shirt, shrugging into them quickly before running toward the delicious smell of breakfast.

“Now that’s what I’m talking about,” I said, rubbing my hands together as I entered the dining area. Bacon, eggs, pancakes, bagels, cereals…
Fuckin’ hell yeah.
I reached out to pluck a slice of toast from the rack and my mom swatted my hand away. “Ah, come on. Just one slice?”