Page 32 of Never To Suffer (The Hollywoodland #4)

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MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE

I flush the toilet and move to the sink, washing my hands before I scoop water into my mouth and over my face.

They should offer me a seat in here for the rest of the flight, considering we’re only halfway there and I’ve already emptied my guts twice.

I don’t even want to imagine what this would have been like if we’d taken a commercial flight instead of the company jet.

When I get back to my seat, Dad and one of his people are going through a contract while his assistant types up notes and emails as they go.

Part of me thinks that’s contributing to the air sickness, but that sounds too stupid to say out loud.

I head toward the back, grabbing a bottle of water on the way to the couch I’ve been occupying since we got in the air. My phone vibrates.

Beetle

How’s the flight? You’re almost there, right?

Xander: Nope. And if I hurl again, it’s going to be intestines.

Beetle

Did you take that stuff I got for you?

I swear under my breath and grab my backpack, digging through the pouch of stuff Dani makes up when I go on these trips.

She used to do herbal remedies, but when I almost ended up detained for drug smuggling, she got the hint to only send commercially available stuff.

About a dozen types of tea, those cheese crackers I like, candied ginger, and some over-the-counter meds.

I pop open the tube and take the recommended dose before I chew on a couple pieces of ginger.

If they don’t help, at least it gives me something to throw up.

Forgot, but just took some.

Beetle

The tea with the purple tags will help, too.

Okay. I miss you.

Beetle

We miss you, too!

Is it weird I’m already saying ‘we’?

Is it weird if I say no, because it kind of feels right for once?

Beetle

It does, huh? Speaking of, how’s the guy you were going to tell me all about?

I send her the screen shot from our chat after I got on the plane.

A list of affirmations, a link to a new fantasy book he bought me, and he called me baby at least three times.

Reading over it again, and knowing Dani’s reading it too, has the butterflies trying to drunkenly flap around in my desolate hellscape of a stomach.

Beetle

You know, maybe four…also feels right. I’m glad someone else finally told you you’re fucking worth it.

I smile and open the photos from earlier, flipping back and forth between the ones of Skylar and Dani, and to the one of Theo and me.

Could this work? The four of us? Should I even consider that possibility with a guy I’ve just met?

Are we asking for too much? Asking for this to implode by adding another to the mix?

This will hurt so much if it doesn’t work. Either of them.

A small part of me hoped a few hours into the flight, Theo would fade away and become another notch in my bedpost. Instead, we’ve been texting, exchanging pictures, and even talking about how much I hate traveling.

I haven’t said anything yet, but I want to ask him out, on a date.

Between trips to the bathroom, I’ve been looking up restaurants, knowing this trip will get me a decent paycheck.

Dani won’t mind if I take enough out of it for a date.

Skylar. Theo. They’re both too right to be wrong.

But the newness of both of them could have us all so turned around they drive us over the cliff and into stupid mistakes we’ll regret later, because I barely know Theo, and who knows what version of Skylar we’re getting.

I didn’t bring Skylar up to Theo yet, either. How could I?

Hey, I think I like you and all, but there’s this guy I’ve been craving for years, and he’s railing my girlfriend so she’s bringing him home. Cool, huh?

It’s crazy, but so are we. It’s also something I can’t do much about clear across the ocean. I curl up in my hoodie Dani wears more than I do, and a shirt from Theo’s closet, letting their scents come together and carry me off to sleep. Hopefully, I can stay asleep this time.

“Wake up, pal. We’re about to land,” My dad says as he shakes my shoulder.

I grab my things and move to one of the chairs, my head throbbing like one of those huge, deep drums. The bright light of the setting sun doesn’t help my head, so I slip on my sunglasses and check the time on my phone. A new message lightens my mood.

Doc

I’ve heard the Kandagawa Bakery is pretty good, if you end up anywhere near it.

See you when you get back?

The flutter of butterflies is a little less drunk now, getting some solid flapping going.

I told you I need to fix that sink.

“Hey, Alex? You still look a little, uhm, pale. How are you feeling?” Dad asks, leaning over and talking in a whisper. “Did you take the stuff your mother got from her doctor?”

“Yeah. It stayed down for about an hour.” I tuck my phone away so he doesn’t accidentally see pictures he shouldn’t. Some of those from Dani and Sky are straight up porn, and hot as shit. “Are we going straight to the hotel?”

“Dinner first, but you look like you’d rather not.

Your aunt emailed me earlier, and they’re switching your assistant.

The other one got sick or something. I didn’t get details.

He should be at the airport to meet us. I’ve already asked him to get you a second car to take you to the hotel and check you in.

We’ll start fresh tomorrow morning. Sound good, Sport? ”

“Sure, whatever.” I don’t even have the strength to respond to the outdated nickname. “I’m getting paid for this bullshit, right?”

“Uhm, yeah. Sure. Absolutely. Don’t worry about it. For now, here’s the company card. Don’t go too wild, okay? I’ve got a few day’s worth of meetings, so you won’t need to come in right away.”

“Why didn’t I fly over later?”

“Because you look like shit, and I wanted to give you a few days to recover from the flight. Sleep in, go sightseeing and get a feel for things here. I’ll have the assistant get you an itinerary for the first few things I will need you in the office for.

” He turns and goes back to talking to his people.

The plane makes a bumpy landing but gets us to a hangar.

Like Dad promised, two black limos wait nearby with uniformed drivers looking ridiculous as they stand outside each one.

I pull my backpack on and shove my earbuds in, so hopefully I won’t have to talk to whoever this assistant is.

I grab another water, my second since landing, and leave the plane.

The hangar adds to my headache with its bright white lights that reflect off the even whiter walls.

The tinted windows of the cars call to me, but I have to wait as Dad and his team of ass kissers go through their motions.

I turn up the volume on the ambient noise meant to help my head, pull the hood over my head, and close my eyes, dozing off again as I lean against a wall.

I jump about ten feet in the air when someone’s hand grabs my shoulder. “Shit, what the hell?!” I yell, pulling the ear buds out.

“I’m so sorry, Mr. Maxwell. I didn’t mean to frighten you, but I did address you several times prior to breaking the boundaries of your personal space, I assure you.

” His posh British accent isn’t what I expected from an assistant from the Tokyo office, but the company hires from all over the globe, so it shouldn’t surprise me.

“As your father requested, we have a car waiting for you since you’ll not be attending the dinner. ”

“Cool. Let’s get the hell out of here.” I hold out my hand. “Don’t call me Mr. Maxwell, I’m Xander.”

“Oh, right? In that case, I’m Oliver.” His crooked smile and freckles are cute, but the suit and striped tie have me weirded out. He looks like he belongs in one of my old prep schools. “I’m your new assistant, so if you need anything, please don’t hesitate to?—”

“Bro, what I need is a joint. I’ll settle for some morphine.” I rub my temples as we walk. “Can you get either of those?”

“Uhm, I should have some tablet for your head in the car. However, I’m sorry to say, I doubt we’ll be able to accommodate your request for?—”

“Oliver, I don’t have a clue why I’m here, but I’m aware weed isn’t legal, so do me a favor? Relax, would you? I’m stressed enough for both of us.”

“Absolutely, Mr.... sorry… Xander .” We shake, and he goes back into robot mode and jogs over to the car, pulling open the door for me. “We’ll have your bags loaded in a moment, sir.”

I turn and look at my dad, trying to figure out why I’m on this trip and why I’ve got an assistant, when my phone buzzes.

Melodious

How was your flight?

It landed, so I guess it was ok. Not going to dinner though, it wouldn’t end well.

Melodious

I figured.

If you’re up to it, let Oliver show you around town. He was very excited to meet you. He’s a good kid.

And he’s single…. Wink wink.

Oh thanks, that’s not…awkward!

And who types out wink wink?! Psychos! That’s who!

Melodious

You’re such a dick. Love you, kiddo.

Yeah, cause you have to. See you soon?

Melodious

As soon as I can get free. Your idiot father has me in about 200 meetings.

He was your idiot brother first. See you when I see you.

I climb into the car and get comfortable as the driver loads the bags in.

I didn’t bring much, so they must be getting Dad’s, too.

While they’re busy, I pull up the website and check my stats.

Fifteen news subscribers, not bad since I haven’t posted in a week.

I need to do more, though, so we can all be covered financially while Dani and Skylar travel.

Japan and a stupidly expensive hotel room should give me something to work with, a change of background scenery at least. Maybe more.

I close the app and open a browser, searching for tips on increasing my revenue and how to make money faster.

The ways I’ve found, the legal ones anyhow, go way past my comfort level.

I type out an update for a hookup or five while I’m here in Japan, but I delete it.

Adding instead that I’m dropping the in person meet ups, which will piss off a few people, possibly some here in Tokyo.

But after spending the night with Theo, and knowing I’m coming home to Dani and Skylar, too, that’s enough for me. Solo stuff from now on.

I deserve better.

Maybe I can get Skylar to do a POV I could post to make up for it.

They’ll be down for some on camera fun. Maybe Theo would be up for stuff like that, too.

I can blur their faces, although with all those tats, I don’t think Skylar will ever be unrecognizable.

The reality that I’m off the meetup market is like a boulder being lifted off of me given how they usually end.

Someday, I’ll be able to tell Theo I stopped because of him, but I’ve got to dance around a few things before I start dropping all these bombs about the guy he hooked up with.

Skylar sure as hell will, but I’m used to that.

We’re like an emotional see-saw. When they’re up, I’m down and vice versa.

I don’t cry often, but I bawled like a baby around both Theo and Skylar.

I hate sounding cliche, but last night opened my eyes even though it’s the same shit Dani’s been trying to tell me for years.

Accepting I’m worthy of respect and love from men and getting to love them back?

Foreign concept. Boarding schools can be like that for kids like me, messing with our heads and brainwashing us into touch-deprived perfect little Richie Rich replicas.

“Sorry for the delay, sir. We’ll be headed out shortly.” Oliver says as he joins me in the back, straightening his jacket and tie once he’s in. I’m asleep again before the car starts rolling.

A bump in the road wakes me up to the bright lights of the city.

I stare across the way and find Oliver staring at me, stiff as a board.

“Oli, if we’re about to spend the better part of a month together, I’m gonna need you to loosen up a bit for me.

Loosen the tie…and the leash.” He’s got that pale complexion that lights up like a forest fire when he blushes.

It’s a damn good thing I’m changing my ways, or Oli would be in for a world of eye-opening experiences.

Many of them are right here in this limo.

“Yes, sir?—”

“See, that right there. I’m just a dude, so don’t call me sir. Only my girlfriend calls me sir, and that’s only when we’re role playing.”

He stares at his feet, shifting them awkwardly. “What, uhm, what do your, uhm, your male partners call you?”

“Male partners?” His head snaps up, and I catch that look in his eye. He thinks he’s wrong, that I’m not bisexual. Maybe he heard that from my aunt, who he now thinks lied to him. I can make out the beads of sweat forming on his forehead. “Boyfriends, Oli.”

“Oh, right, yes? Boyfriends.”

The crooked smile that spreads over my face is genuine as the reality spreads through my body.

A few nights ago, I would have scoffed and said they DO call me sir, trying to play a game with him while hiding that they call me the worst things they can think of.

Now I have an answer, and it’s one I want to share.

“He calls me baby .”