Page 18 of Pain Play

Eric grinned. “As soon as he was introduced, he yanked his hand away, grabbed a beer and has been lurking in the corner ever since. He’s trying to be cool and not poach from me. Love it.” Eric winked at Phil. “You two catch up for a bit. I’m gonna speak with poor Marty and reassure him they aren’t off-limits.”

Phil smirked. “You two are a couple of conniving little devils.”

Gerard elbowed Phil. “You should’ve seen us back in our university days. We’ve got stories.”

Eric grunted. “I think I’d need a couple glasses of wine before I felt brave enough to go downthatmemory lane. Our rep as respectable men will be ruined forever.”

“Oh my.” Phil glanced between them. “I’ll bring an extra bottle next time then.”

Gerard chuckled. “Off with you, Eric. Go save Marty while I have a chat with Phil. Then our boys should be back with the cheese and cold seafood platter. Marco is turning it into a work of art, I believe. And Terry’s artistry will certainly be an asset to his cause.”

Eric laughed again then sauntered into the living room toward Marty. Gerard let go of Phil’s arm then turned to face him.

“I’ve had to be out of town on business quite a bit lately, otherwise I would’ve brought this up sooner. I remember you mentioning briefly that you’re a producer, which of course Eric also explained when he originally vouched for you, but you’d also said in passing that some deal had recently fallen through, that you were between projects? Did I get that right?”

Great. He’d told himself he wasn’t going to allow his career failings to intrude on the holidays. It was his and Terry’s first Christmas together, he’d just collared his boy, and he only wanted it to be about enjoying each other and celebrating with their friends.

“Essentially, that’s correct. Although, the word ‘between’ implies there’s something else in the wings, which there isn’t.”

He wasn’t going to embellish his situation to make himself appear better to the clearly successful man. If Gerard was going to judge him because of it, then they probably should put the brakes on their friendship.

“That’s great.”

Gerard sounded thrilled, and appeared even happier, which only confused Phil more. It had been that kind of night. It wasn’t a state that Phil relished finding himself in.

Phil sighed. “I don’t understand. Why would my lack of employment be great?”

Gerard hooked their arms together again. “Because then you’re available formeto hire. Eric told me you you’ve been in the business for years and only left L.A. at all because the studio of the series you did in Toronto wanted you so badly that they paid top dollar. But even better than that, he also said you didn’t re-up, even with a huge raise, because you were determined to come back here and claim your boy.”

Phil wasn’t sure how he felt about all the sharing of information regarding him that had gone on, or why it had gone on at all. “Wow. I guess my ears should’ve been burning.”

“Don’t blame Eric.” Gerard offered him a warm smile. “After you mentioned that you’re a film producer, I pried. And everything Eric told me was from the standpoint of a recommendation. You see, Eric and I have been good friends for a long time, we have each other’s backs. When he vouched for you, I trusted him and let you and Terry into my home because of his word alone. There are hundreds of producers in Hollywood, all who would be only too happy to have me back a project for them. But I’m new to this aspect of business. I’ve been in the art world for years, understand all the sharks in that tank, but film is a mystery. I need someone I can trust, someone whoI believe in to begin this journey with me. I sensed you could be the right one, but I had to know for sure. I had to hear it from Eric.”

This can’t be real. But he wanted it to be. He wanted it so damn much. It wasn’t only a job offer, but a working relationship he could forge with a decent man, someone he already knew and was friends with.The way I’d hoped it would be with me and Ellery.

“That’s…I don’t know what to say, Gerard. I think it would be amazing to work together. Did you have something specific in mind you’d like to back? Are you looking to acquire the rights to anything?”

Gerard grinned. “I think it would be amazing too, and the rest is all details to be worked out later. We’ll meet up in the New Year and make a plan of action then. In the meantime, let’s enjoy the holidays. How does that sound?”

Phil let out a relieved laugh, his spirit lighter than it had been in quite a while.I can take care of Terry the way I’d intended all along.

“Sounds perfect.”

Gerard peered over his shoulder. “Ah, here our boys are now with the drinks and food. Let’s say we get this party started for real.”

Phil didn’t think he’d stop smiling like a loon for the rest of the evening. “Also sounds perfect.”

Gerard led him into the living room on the heels of Marco and Terry who were both pushing elegant carts of refreshments. In addition to the platters that Gerard had spoken of—and whichwerevery much like works of art—colorful frosted cookies in the shapes of stars and bells, along with the chocolates they’d brought, were tastefully displayed. Champagne and sparkling waters rounded everything out and Phil discovered that he was rather hungry.

As Terry and Marco arranged everything, setting out plates and napkins from where they’d been concealed at the bottom of the carts, Phil caught Eric’s eye. He gave a quick dip of his chin then mouthed, ‘thank you’. A smile spread across Eric’s face and he gave him a thumbs up.

As Phil surveyed the gathering of people around him, all brought together to celebrate the joy of Christmas, he marveled at how blessed he truly was. His boy had gifted him with his complete submission, he had great friends who genuinely cared about his welfare, and he’d be able to begin the New Year knowing he could take care of his boy the way he’d always dreamed of.

Walking away from what he’d thought would be the greatest job he’d ever have had been the best move he’d ever made.It brought me to this moment. Terry glanced up from where he’d been placing the settings and flashed him a bright smile. Phil smiled back, his heart so full he thought it might burst.It was the move that brought me to Terry.

Chapter Seven

Terry had kept the week between Christmas and New Year’s free of any business or sessions. He’d intended to do it all along, so he could have some time off with Phil at the holidays, but he was even happier he’d already set the time aside after the unexpected collaring on Christmas Eve. Terry relaxed on the couch, having just gotten off the phone with his mom. His sister’s pregnancy was overdue, so they’d been chatting about how unfortunate it was that they hadn’t spent Christmas together. Terry was getting caught up with his family while Phil was at the gym.