Lights camera passion, p.25
Lights, Camera, Passion, page 25
We’re getting ready separately with our own stylists, and we’ll be arriving at the red carpet around the same time.
Choosing to match the theme for the book cover—a sea of red tulips against a clear blue sky, I’m wearing a bright blue designer suit with a red trench coat draped over my shoulders.
My hair is slicked back and my facial hair is trimmed short, and with a couple spritzes of cologne, my look is complete.
I pose for a few photos in the suite of the hotel before I’m ushered downstairs and into a waiting car. The theater isn’t too far away, but the traffic is intense and slow moving.
My phone buzzes.
I can’t wait to see you.
Miss me or something?
Only a little.
I can’t wait to see you either.
I smile at my phone until my publicist, Alisha, clears her throat, getting my attention. “Jacoby will get there first. We’re probably two cars behind. Once both of you are on the carpet, they’ll likely try to get photographs of you two together. The rest of the cast will be there, but I’m not sure on their arrival timeline.”
“Okay.”
“Is there anything I need to know?”
“What do you mean?”
Her eyes flash to the driver. “Just anything I need to be prepared for?”
“I don’t think so.”
She nods once and we ride in silence the rest of the way.
When we pull up, someone opens the door, and I step out. There’s a ton of people, lots of noise, and the endless sound of camera shutters.
Some of the crowd notices me before I officially start walking the carpet, and I make sure to wave and smile. They have their phones pointed at me and happily jump up and down while screaming my name.
“Okay, we’re up,” Alisha says, gesturing for me to walk forward.
I enjoy this part. I love being in front of cameras, and I like talking to people about my work, so this is always fun.
My eyes scan the carpet ahead, searching for Jacoby. Unfortunately, there’s a lot of black suits, so it’s not like he’ll be easy to spot.
Alisha runs ahead as I step up to talk to an entertainment news channel.
“Roman, it’s so good to see you. You look amazing.”
The interviewer is a household name, having been a red carpet reporter for this station for at least ten years.
“Hey, Nessa. Thank you. It’s good to be here.”
Motion at my right steals my attention, and then the person doing the moving steals my breath. Jacoby rushes toward me, wearing all white. It’s not a bold color by any means, but it’s strikingly different than anything he usually wears on red carpets, and damn, he wears it well. The suit is crisp and fits him like a glove. My eyes trace his body before I realize I shouldn’t be looking at him like this.
“Hey, I just had to come say hi,” he says with a friendly smile, draping his arm around my shoulders like any friend would do. “Sorry to interrupt,” he says, directing the words at Nessa.
She’s wearing a bright grin on her face. “No, no. Please interrupt. Let me ask you two: How was it working on this movie together?”
Jacoby removes his arm from around my shoulders and we stand shoulder to shoulder in front of the statuesque reporter.
“It was…” I pause, wondering how to finish the sentence. “It was the best decision I ever made. I made incredible friends, had the best experiences, and came out of it a better person, I think.”
Jacoby nods along. “It was the perfect story to tell, and we’re so happy to have been chosen to bring these characters to life.”
After a couple more questions, we move on and get asked to stop and pose for photos from dozens of photographers lining the other side of the gate. We take them both together and separately. We laugh and smile along the way, stopping for a few more quick interviews, and finally we’re inside the theater.
After speaking with other actors and celebrities inside, we get settled into our seats and watch the movie.
Everyone laughs when they should, which is good. People let loose a few awws at cute moments, and then Jacoby and I shift when we know the first sex scene is coming.
“Try not to get turned on,” I whisper into his ear.
He leans back over. “You were the one calling out my real name during the scene.”
My cheeks heat up, and I have nothing to say back right now.
I spot a few people dabbing at their eyes during the emotional scenes—when William and Andrew are fighting because they want to be together, but William is unable to give Andrew what he wants at the time.
The camera zooms in on Jacoby’s handsome face as tears brim in his eyes. “Andrew, I want this. I want us. You have to know that. I’ve never had anything like this before in my life, and I never want anything else. I only want you and me for eternity.” He pauses, shaking his head. “But I can’t. Maybe in another life. If it wasn’t this one where I have parents who would disown me. If I could be myself with you in public. If I could love you the way you deserve to be loved.” His voice cracks. “You have to know how much this is killing me.” He grabs my hands in his as we stand in his dorm room. “But I don’t think I can do this.”
The camera pans to me, and I have tears falling down my face. “We only have this life, William. We deserve to live it. We deserve to find love in it. We deserve happiness.”
Jacoby knocks his knee into mine. A subtle touch to let me know the words mean something to him, not just the characters we played.
When the movie ends, the theater erupts into applause and cheers, and my heart feels full. Jacoby pulls me into a hug. Nothing intimate. Just a congratulatory hug between co-stars.
“I love you.”
I smile and pull away, but before I can reply, we’re surrounded by people wanting to congratulate us.
I long to reach for his hand and hold it in mine.
JACOBY
CHAPTER 50
The afterparty stretches into the wee hours of the morning. Normally, that would be fine, but I just watched a movie I’m extremely proud of with the man I’m now in love with, and I want nothing more than to hug him and hold him and kiss him. I want to tell him how grateful I am for his presence in my life. I want to whisper I love you over and over. I want us. I don’t want to spend the night apart, talking to everyone separately because I’m afraid I’ll slip and touch him in a way I shouldn’t.
I’m tired of acting like I’m not attracted to him, like I don’t want him or love him.
Faye sidles up to me. “It’s killing you, isn’t it?”
“Yes.”
“The movie is incredible.”
I finally tear my gaze away from where Roman stands amongst a group of three. Facing her, I smile. “Thank you.”
“The message is important, too.”
“Some of it hits pretty close.”
She nods and glances away. “I’m still waiting to host dinner.”
“We’ll be there.”
“Good. Here comes your man.”
I turn, too excited to see Roman making his way toward us. My smile grows and I feel light as I watch him. He grins and ducks his head in the shy way he only experiences when he’s around me.
“Hey.”
“Hey,” I reply, my fingers twitching, wanting to touch his.
“I don’t really want to stay away from you anymore.”
“Good.”
“He’s been staring at you this whole time,” Faye adds. “And don’t let him forget about dinner.”
“I won’t,” Roman says with a smile.
“Want to sit and have a drink?” I ask.
“Of course,” he says, grinning ear-to-ear.
We find our way to a table along the edge of the room and scoot into the small booth. We leave enough space between us, but considering it’s darker back here, I’m able to reach over and touch his thigh.
After only a few minutes, a couple other people from the cast join us, forcing us closer together. We do a lot of knee taps and quick hand holding under the safety of the table, but it doesn’t feel like enough.
When Eric and Marco leave, neither of us scoot farther away. I angle my head and study his handsome face, my smile never leaving my lips.
“I’m so happy we did this movie together. Regardless of how it started, I think it ended just the way it was supposed to. Or at least the way I wanted it to—even if I never thought it would.”
“I couldn’t have dreamed this up,” he replies with a grin. “I never thought it was a possibility, and every day I feel so lucky and extremely happy that it’s my reality. I love you.”
We automatically begin to lean in, our bodies doing what we’re so used to. We want to be close. We want to show each other affection. We want to live.
The both of us pause. Waiting, wondering, and questioning.
Roman’s eyes scan the room behind me. I don’t ease back.
“My publicist specifically asked if she needed to know anything about tonight.”
I grin. “I guess she’s gonna be mad at you.”
His smile stretches across his face. “Guess so.”
We lean in and kiss. It doesn’t last long. It’s not like we make out and lick each other’s faces for sixty seconds. It’s a quick brush of the lips. And then one more.
We hold hands under the table and look out into the room. A few people seemed to have been watching. Most don’t know anything happened. More importantly, the world does not come to an end.
CHAPTER 51
We don’t spend the rest of the night showcasing PDA, but if my hand lingers on his back, then so be it. If he leans into me when he laughs about something, I don't pull away. If I want to smile at him while he excitedly tells someone a story that makes him light up, I do so, and I don’t care if it gives away how much I adore him.
Faye notices first.
“Going public at the afterparty, huh?” she muses, nudging my arm.
I shrug. “Our publicists and management know already. I’ve sent them a message to alert them that it’ll likely be out there tomorrow.”
She scoffs. “More like in the next two hours.”
“I love him, Faye,” I say, watching Roman dance with some of our co-stars. “And I don’t want to act like I don’t.”
She slips her arm around my waist and rests her head on my shoulder. “I’m happy for you.”
Roman turns around and spots us. His mischievous gaze lets me know what he’s about to do.
“Oh, no.”
Faye chuckles. “He’s gonna get you out there.”
He slowly approaches, dancing his way over with a grin on his lips.
“He could probably get me to do anything.”
“Yep. You’re in love all right.”
“Come on, handsome,” Roman says, reaching for my hand. “Let’s dance.”
I feign reluctance, but I’d go anywhere with him willingly and with excitement.
At first, nobody seems to notice anything. We’re a group of people dancing together and having a good time. During a song change, Roman steps close and wraps his arm around my waist while whispering in my ear.
“I’m so happy with you.”
My fingers encircle his wrist as I smile at him. “You’ve made me the happiest I’ve ever been.”
Music rises and he slowly pulls away to continue to dance. I feel someone at my side and turn to find Jessica.
She looks shocked. “So,” she starts, looking between us, “a few things are beginning to make sense.”
“It’s a long story.”
“I bet. I knew he liked you, though. He was sort of obvious, but I didn’t think for a second that it would be reciprocated. At least not until that night at the wrap party.”
“I’ve probably liked him longer than he’s liked me. We had some issues that kept us from realizing the truth sooner, but none of that matters now.” I turn to face her. “I’m sorry if I hurt your feelings or—”
She holds a hand up. “Don’t. It’s okay. It wasn’t my business to know. I’ve lied about things a lot less important or personal.”
“Thank you.”
She smiles. “The fans are gonna go crazy. You know that, right?”
I don’t have a response. We’re not together for the fans, but if people end up loving our relationship, I’d consider it a good thing. There will be some that won’t like it, so I’ll take all the support I can get.
Roman walks over and grabs both of us, dragging us back to the dance floor. We dance for another hour before we decide it’s time to go.
When we walk out, we do so hand-in-hand.
In the morning, we’re all over every magazine and the headline of every news article on the internet.
We give the go ahead for our publicists to release our personal statements, and a joint statement from our agents, and then we shut off our phones and spend the whole day in bed.
I’ve been gay my entire life, and in order to keep that part of me hidden, I’ve lied and snuck around and kept myself from living authentically. I’ve been afraid for many reasons, but I’ve finally reached a point in my life where I no longer want to hide and no longer want to be afraid. Love shouldn’t be hidden. People shouldn’t be hidden. Going forward, I’m living my truth and hoping for a world where nobody has to “come out” because we should be able to love who we love without needing a public announcement.
-Jacoby Hart
I’ve never felt like I was lying. I’ve felt like I was figuring things out on my own, and I’m aware that, as a public figure, people think they are owed personal details of my life. The truth is, I’m bisexual, and that changes nothing about me. I’m only saying this now because as you know, I live out loud. I want to love out loud as well.
-Roman Black
Our clients, Roman Black and Jacoby Hart, are in a committed and loving relationship. They fell in love on the set of Another Life, a movie about two queer men who struggled with their relationship due to fear of rejection and other outside factors. Roman and Jacoby don’t want to mirror their characters' struggles, but understand it’s a common occurrence in the world. They both believe people should be able to love who they want and that everyone is deserving of acceptance, respect, and love regardless of sexuality or sexual orientation. They don’t expect absolute privacy on this matter, as they’re both public figures, but they do ask for respect. They ask that if you find yourself having negative thoughts about queer love, think about your kids, family members, or friends who could be in the closet right now, listening to your opinions. Make sure you are someone that others could go to and know they are safe. Don’t be the reason anyone is afraid to come out. Be the reason they feel supported.
CHAPTER 52
As expected, the internet blew up over the news. If we thought there were a lot of video edits before, they’ve at least tripled now. We’re constantly being sent clips from our friends who come across them online. People have gone through every public interaction Roman and I have had and discussed the way they should’ve seen it—how it was so obvious.
The movie is doing exceptionally well. I’m sure the news of our relationship helped push people to the theaters, but the critics reviews are positive, so we definitely have a hit on our hands.
In the last week, we’ve laid fairly low, talking only to friends and family. Our sisters both came over to hang out a few days ago, and we all had dinner and drinks together. My dad called to say he and my mom love me and hope to see Fallyn and I soon. I imagine he got wind of the news, but he didn’t specifically say he knew anything about the announcement. Based on the timing, I’d assume they know it’s out there. The phone call and invite tells me they’re trying, and that’s all I want.
We have about a weeks’ worth of primetime interviews and daytime talk shows to further promote the movie, and then soon, both of us will be starting new projects. Since our schedules will become a little more hectic, tonight I’m taking Roman out for our first, official, public date.
He’s wearing a dark green, short sleeved button up with a pair of black pants, and a gold watch around his wrist that matches a thin chain that hangs around his neck. And I’m wearing navy blue chinos with a light blue button up, and a black-banded watch.
We look like opposites, but we’re perfect for each other.
“Ready?” I ask as he slips his phone in his pocket.
“Oh yeah,” he replies with a grin.
I step toward him and kiss his lips before we hop into my car and make our way to Nobu in Malibu.
Paparazzi find us almost immediately, snapping photos and following us as we drive along the highway. When we park, we try to get out quickly before they can swarm, but it doesn’t matter. I don’t know how they all seem to know where to go or how to be readily available at any time, but there are several guys already surrounding us, taking photos, and asking questions.
We do our best to politely nod and smile as we try to get to the building, but the flashes are blinding, even if the sun is still low on the horizon.
I take Roman’s hand in mine and rush us along.
“Hey guys. How long have you been together?”
“Is this your first date?”
“Look here. Jacoby, please. Roman, I like the shirt.”
“When did you first realize you were attracted to each other?”
