[ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]
the stairs. He let out a sigh, then turned as Bernice slid her arm into
his and smiled up at him.
Will you escort a lady to dinner, sir? she asked. She wore
a flowing white gown that accentuated the tan she had spent all
day perfecting. Her glasses reflected the lights in the ceiling, and
Charlie could see a touch of highlight in her soft curls that had
been brought out by the sun.
He grinned down at her. I would be delighted.
She leaned in and sniffed at his collar. I must say, your cologne
is exquisite.
They made it down the steps and around the tables without
incident. Pulling out Bernice s chair, Charlie waited until she was
settled, then sat beside her, noticing that Ken had done the same
for Kinitia. Billy was off talking to a table full of blond, tan actors
he had met during his afternoon fluffer duties.
Several men stopped by the table to talk, and each one sniffed
warily when they came close to Charlie. They glanced around with
questioning looks on their faces, and one actor was so bold as to
ask Charlie, Did you order extra vinaigrette dressing? Charlie
kept his mouth shut.
During the meal, Charlie noticed Rock and Cedric sitting a
few tables away. Rock looked distracted and edgy, his eyes jumping
from face to face around the dining room, and, from what Charlie
could see, he barely touched his dinner. Charlie frowned, then
winced as he creased his sunburned lips. How was he going to fluff
anyone in this condition? He found himself actually hoping he did
not get scheduled in the next few days.
79
Following the four-course meal, they were all working on
dessert, a crème brûlée with raspberries, when Gregory Gianelli
stood up and tapped his fork against his water goblet. The steady
murmur of conversation died away, and he smiled as he looked out
over the men surrounding him.
I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you all
aboard the Dominatrix. As you know, we are sailing down the coast
of Mexico, docking in Acapulco for two nights, and returning to
Los Angeles. I chartered this cruise line to inject some passion
and excitement into the films my directors have been working on.
There were three directors recently signed to my studios that I felt
would make good use of this time and be able to produce quality,
interesting images for the adult gay film industry. At this time I
would like to introduce them to you, starting with Rod Mandrake.
Rod, would you stand up please?
Rod stood up and took a bow as the room gave him a round
of applause and several men at a neighboring table lifted their
bare feet into the air and whistled. Everyone laughed, including
Charlie, who was surprised that so many people knew about Rod s
foot fetish.
Next I would like to welcome Cedric Wilmington who has
just signed on with us as a director. The movie he is working on
will be his first for us here at Bruised Knees studios, and we re all
very excited to see what he will create. Cedric, if you please?
Cedric stood up to mild applause during which he smiled
brightly and turned to wave to the entire room. He sat down
beaming, and Charlie noticed with interest that Rock did not
acknowledge Cedric nor did he applaud for him.
And last, but most definitely not least, please welcome one of
the newest directors in the gay adult film industry, Simon Marshall.
Simon? Gregory held out his hand and a young, bookish-looking
man stood up with obvious embarrassment. He was attractive in
a college-professor kind of way with round silver glasses, close-
cropped dark hair and quick, alert eyes. He had a shy smile and
deep dimples that endeared him to everyone at Charlie s table
immediately. He waved to the room and quickly sat back down.
80
He s a porn director? Charlie asked, leaning over to whisper
to Billy.
He looks like a history teacher I had in high school. Billy
chewed on the tiny red straw from his drink. Too bad my teacher
wasn t gay. I d have gotten a better grade.
Or not, Ken said with a grin. Depending on how well you
performed.
Billy gave Ken a dirty look, then turned his attention back to
Gregory Gianelli.
In closing, I would like to thank all of you for joining me
on this cruise, and I wish you a great amount of fun, sex, and
adventure over the course of the trip. Thanks again.
A loud round of applause and many whistles as Gregory
Gianelli resumed his seat at the captain s table. He smiled, nodded
and raised his hand in response, and then everyone ordered after-
dinner drinks from their handsome waiters.
So, Ken said as he leaned back and patted his full stomach.
What are the plans for the evening?
Obviously nothing that involves much movement for me,
Charlie moaned. I m thinking of taking a bath in aloe vera gel
and calling it a night.
Hey, you can t poop out on us like that, Billy said. I need a
dance partner.
Charlie rolled his eyes, but felt his spirits pick up. He may have
been having a tough time so far on this cruise, but his friends would
always be there for him. With his mood lightened, Charlie followed
them to a disco where a trio of drag queens was dancing, including
the flirtatious Chantilly Lace. Bernice immediately joined her new
friend on the dance floor and showed up several songs later glowing
beneath a sheen of sweat.
I just love gay men! she exclaimed and fell laughing into
Kinitia s arms.
Kinitia laughed along with her. I know exactly what you
mean, Bernice.
Some time later, Charlie left the disco to lean on the deck
railing for a breath of fresh air. A full moon hung luminous in
the clear night sky, and he sighed with content. Maybe this cruise
81
wasn t so bad after all. A footstep over his shoulder startled him,
and he turned to find the ship s doctor, Garth Tanner, leaning in
the doorway. The man looked very handsome in his dark suit.
I heard you got a bad sunburn, Garth said, walking up to
stand beside him. He sniffed and frowned. Did you spill salad
dressing on your suit?
Charlie smiled sadly and shook his head. No. It s a Minnesota
recipe for relieving sunburn pain: white vinegar.
Ah. Garth nodded. I ve heard of that.
Really? Charlie asked with surprise.
No. Garth shook his head and smiled. Hey, I ve got a gallon
of aloe vera in my cabin. Do you want to stop by?
Oh, yes, Charlie said with relief. I didn t bring any with me.
Thank you, thank you.
- - -
Back at Garth s cabin, the doctor helped Charlie ease out of
his clothes and spread the cool, green gel over his simmering skin.
Charlie jumped and shivered as the gel touched him and goose
flesh broke out over his arms and legs.
Charlie clenched his teeth.
Your skin is hot, so the difference is making you shiver. Garth
finished applying the gel and stepped into the bathroom to wash
up. He returned a few moments later with two aspirin. Here, take
two of these. They may help the sting.
Charlie swallowed the aspirin and then looked up as Garth
examined his nude body. What?
Well, I know you re sunburned and all, but I was just thinking
how much fun I had the other night& Nanny Charlie. Garth gave
him a sexy smile. Think you can still wear the dress?
Charlie took a breath and shrugged. Why not? Probably the
closest I ll get to sex in a couple of days.
Ah, you should be fine day after tomorrow. Stay out of the
sun and keep putting aloe on the burned areas to prevent peeling.
Garth opened the armoire and pulled out the garment bag. His
[ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]