Almost Famous

By Ryan Bartlett

Chapter 3

The next night Wiley put on a t-shirt and his navy blue pajama bottoms with white moose on them, grabbed the snacks he’d picked up at the grocery store and headed over to Cameron’s. He couldn’t recall the last time he’d been so happy. His first date with Cameron was a great success, and all Wiley had thought about since they parted was the kiss they shared on the front step. Every boy he’d ever kissed before had been so eager to shove his tongue in his mouth. There was no tenderness, no romance, just lust. With Cameron there had been lust, but it was restrained by a layer of gentleness.

When Wiley got to Cameron’s it was Bobby who once again answered the door.

“Hey, Coyote, come in,” said Bobby. He greeted Wiley with a hug and snatched the bag of groceries from him. “And you brought food! Dude, you can come over any time!”

“Thanks.” Wiley smiled. He’d never met anyone quite as flamboyant as Bobby. He’d always thought guys like that were kind of annoying, but Bobby didn’t seem to be putting on an act, he was just comfortable with himself, and Wiley found it refreshing.

“Cameron and Tucker are in the kitchen. Come grab a seat,” said Bobby.

He followed Bobby into the living room, where Bobby put his hands on Wiley’s shoulders and practically shoved him onto the chaise lounge of the sectional.

“That’s the best seat in the house,” said Bobby. “Oh and I love your jammies!”

“Thanks.”

“Is that Wiley?” Cameron shouted from the kitchen.

“Yeap, and he brought snacks,” Bobby exclaimed.

“We’ll be right out,” said Cameron.

“So you guys had a good time last night?”

“Yeah, we went out for a nice dinner and then walked down the pier,” said Wiley.

“Awww, that’s so sweet. Cameron hasn’t stopped talking about you since you dropped him off last night.”

“Oh yeah?” Wiley blushed.

“Yeah, he said…”

“What are you telling him?” asked Cameron as he and Tucker came in with a tray of nachos and some drinks.

“Nothing.” Bobby grinned wickedly.

“Sure, I believe that,” said Cameron, sarcastically. “Come grab this tray.”

“Bossy,” Bobby exclaimed but got up and took the tray from him.

Cameron took Bobby’s place and hugged Wiley.

“Hi.” He smiled.

“Hey.” Wiley smiled back.

“I’m glad you could make it.”

“Me too,” said Wiley. He didn’t think he’d ever seen anything cuter then Cameron in his t-shirt and plaid pajamas.

“Ok, Coyote, you’re the guest so you pick,” said Bobby. “Devil Wears Prada or Drop Dead Gorgeous?”

“Um, I don’t know. Which one do you think is best?”

“No, no, which one do you want to watch first?”

“Oh, um, surprise me.”

“The Devil wins again,” said Bobby as he skipped over to the entertainment center.

“Oh God.” Cameron rolled his eyes.

“What’s up?” asked Wiley.

“I swear we watch the same movie every week,” Cameron exhaled.

While Bobby put the movie on, Cameron introduced Wiley to Tucker and then snuggled up close. Bobby turned out the lights and handed out drinks before he sat down and everyone got engrossed in the movie; everyone but Wiley. He couldn’t think of anything other than how good, how natural, it felt to have his arm around Cameron and for Cameron to be using his chest like a pillow.

As the movie proceeded the guys talked and joked around a bit, and when it ended Bobby put on the second DVD. It had been a long day for Wiley; he’d had practice with Benji for five hours, run to the grocery store and then worked on some of the photographs he was still processing from the weekend. He started yawning and closed his eyes for just a moment and ended up falling asleep. When he woke up the TV was off, Bobby and Tucker were gone, Cameron was sound asleep next to him and someone had thrown a blanket over them.

Wiley examined Cameron’s face and thought he looked like a sleeping angel. He caressed Cameron’s cheek and let out a sigh when he yawned again. It really was late and he still had to drive home. He didn’t want to wake Cameron but he couldn’t just leave him on the couch either. Instead, Wiley scooped Cameron up in his powerful arms and carried him to his bed. He was just tucking him in when Cameron stirred.

“What are you doing?” Cameron yawned.

“Shhh, go back to sleep,” Wiley whispered.

“Did you carry me in here?”

“Um…” Wiley blushed.

“You’re so damn cute.”

“Get some sleep and I’ll call you tomorrow,” said Wiley.

“Don’t go,” said Cameron. “You can sleep with me.”

“Gee, Cam, I don’t know…”

“It’s just sleep, Wiley. I’m too tired for our virtue to be in danger.”

“Ok.” Wiley giggled. He climbed in next to Cameron and Cameron spooned himself into him.

“Goodnight, Wiley, I love you.”

“You do?” asked Wiley, stunned.

“Mmmhmmm,” Cameron mumbled then nodded off.

“Holy shit,” Wiley muttered and then yawned. Despite the shocking announcement, he was exhausted, had a warm boy in his arms, and quickly nodded off to sleep.




Cameron was pleasantly surprised to find Wiley in bed with him when he woke the next morning. As he watched him sleep Cameron remembered the night before when Wiley carried him to bed. He was amazed at the feelings he’d developed for the tennis player. They’d only known each other for such a short time, but Cameron knew his feelings were genuine.

“Good morning,” said Cameron as Wiley’s eyes fluttered open.

“Hey.” Wiley smiled.

“Sleep well?”

“Yeah, I can’t remember the last time I slept so well.” Wiley yawned.

“Great,” said Cameron as he snuggled against him and rested his head on Wiley’s chest.

“Um, there’s something we should talk about though,” said Wiley as the fog of sleep lifted and he remembered the events of the night before.

“Uh oh, that can’t be good,” said Cameron.

“No, no, it’s fine, it’s just, last night…”

“You’re talking about when I said I loved you, right?”

Wiley was silent for a moment as he remembered how good it felt to hear those words. “Did you mean it?”

Now it was Cameron’s turn to reflect and as he did his lips curled into a happy smile.

“Yeah, I did.”

“But, how? I mean, it’s only been a few days…”

“I’m not saying it isn’t crazy,” said Cameron. “But I’ve dated other guys before and I’ve never felt this…well, I don’t really know how to explain it, but it’s gotta be love. You know what I mean?”

“I do. I get it.”

“You feel it too, don’t you?”

“Yes,” Wiley admitted.

“I thought so. I could totally tell,” said Cameron.

“How?”

“Admittedly I didn’t know what it was at first; it was just this vibe I got. But then I started to notice it in the way you looked at me and talked to me, the way you’re so gentle when you touch me. Looking into your eyes, I don’t know; it’s like a reflection of my feelings.”

“You don’t think we’re both just nuts?”

“Probably, but who cares? It feels good, doesn’t it?”

“I don’t know, could you remind me?” Wiley grinned.

“I love you.” Cameron smiled and then sealed it with a kiss.

“I love you too,” said Wiley.

“But I’ll love you more after you brush your teeth.” Cameron giggled.

“You’re such a dork.”

“Welcome to my life. Make yourself at home.” Cameron grinned.




Three weeks later Wiley sat in the car and stared out at the passing mountains. They were heading up to Santa Barbara for the Gold Coast Classic, and while Benji drove, Wiley moped. His prospects for the tournament were excellent, none of the big names were playing; it wasn’t even being televised. Wiley expected to perform well and finish in the top four; what had him feeling blue was Cameron. It was the first time he’d gone twenty-four hours without seeing his new boyfriend since the pajama party, and he already missed him.

It was as if Cameron read his mind. Just when Wiley was about to break out his phone and give him a call; Cameron’s number flashed across the screen with a text. Wiley smiled at how in sync they seemed to be, and then read, ‘Check out the video I shot this morning when you get a chance. Kick some ass in Santa Barbara. Miss you already!’

Not for the first time in the last three weeks Wiley was glad he had an unlimited data plan. He’d always been a fan of Cameron’s, but now that they were dating he seemed to spend a lot more time watching YouTube on his phone.

“Uh oh,” said Wiley as he pulled up the video. It was titled “Boyfriend?” and the thumbnail showed Cameron flashing a goofy smile and holding a stuffed Wile E. Coyote doll next to his face. The Coyote was one of Bobby’s random thrift store finds; after Cameron and Wiley started dating Bobby insisted his roommate had to have it.

“What’s up?” asked Benji.

“One of Cameron’s videos.”

“Hey everyone, it’s Cameron,” he said when the video started. “Ok, so, I wasn’t planning to do a Q&A video this week, in fact I had something totally different in mind, but that plan flew out the window when I checked Twitter this morning. Is it still a Q&A video if there’s only one Q? A Q is a Q, right? These are the things that occupy my mind…”

“Quit stalling and get to the question, bitch,” said Bobby, off camera.

“My friends are so supportive.” Cameron rolled his eyes. “But he’s right, on to the question! Amy from Tacoma writes, ‘Cameron, something seems different about you in your videos lately. Did you get a boyfriend?’ First off, props to you, Amy, for being so intuitive. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, yours truly has finally found someone willing to be seen in public with him!”

Cameron held the Wile E. Coyote doll up to his face and smiled his goofy grin. He kissed the doll and then threw it over his shoulder.

“Trust me, that’ll make sense one day,” Cameron told the camera. “So yes, I have a boyfriend, and he’s great and wonderful and charming…”

“And hung?” asked Bobby.

“I don’t know!” said a scandalized Cameron, then he turned back to the camera. “I really don’t, we’re not there yet, and thank you, Bobby, for that awkward interruption.”

“We were all thinking it,” said Bobby, sticking his head into the frame. Cameron pushed him away and refocused his attention on the camera.

“Anyway, my boyfriend…let’s call him the Coyote for now. See, I’d love to tell you his name and more about him, but to be honest we haven’t discussed it yet, which is weird. I spend my life recording these videos for your entertainment, and he probably expects me to talk about him, but it’s just never come up. So, I present you guys with a challenge. If you want to know more about the Coyote, how we met and how he swept me off my feet, be sure to give this video a thumb’s up and comment below. If I get half a million likes I’ll see if he’ll come on and make his YouTube debut with me. And on that note, that’s all for today…”

“You’re not going to do that? Are you?” asked Benji when the video ended.

“Sure, why not?” Wiley replied.

“He’s got what, four million subscribers?”

“Yeah, so?”

“You’re going to go in front of four million people and talk about your feelings? You, Wiley Grace, who got so nervous when that ESPN reporter asked you about your win in Auckland that you clammed up tighter than a mute with a speech impediment, are going to do that?” Benji teased.

“It’ll be different when it’s just me and Cameron sitting in his living room,” Wiley rationalized. “Besides, I love him and this is his life. When you love someone you support them, right?”

“Yeah but, Wiley, come on.”

“What?”

“You love him?”

“Yes.”

“It’s only been three weeks,” Benji exclaimed.

“I told him on our second date.” Wiley smiled at the memory as he looked out at the passing scenery.

“Oh my God, that didn’t scare him off?”

“He said it first.”

“Wiley, you just met this guy,” said Benji.

“I know. I can’t explain it other than to say the heart wants what the heart wants.”

“Ok, look, can I say something without hurting your feelings? I mean I’m coming from a place of concern here,” said Benji.

“Go ahead.” Wiley sighed.

“Wiles, you’ve been alone for a long time. First your parents died and then your aunt. I know that’s been hard for you. Are you sure you’re not just… starved for affection?” asked Benji as gently as he could.

“It’s not as if I’ve never dated before,” Wiley reminded him.

“Right, and you never loved any of those guys,” Benji retorted.

“Nope, not a one. None of them ever made me feel like Cameron does. It’s not lost on me, or Cameron, that things are moving awfully fast, but neither of us can really help it. I mean what are we supposed to do, pretend we don’t have the feelings we have until an appropriate date on the calendar arrives?”

“I just don’t want you to get hurt is all,” said Benji.

“Benji, you’re a great friend and it means a lot to me that you’re so concerned but, well, I’m happy.”

“That’s all I want for you. I just worry.”

Wiley patted his friend on the back then turned his attention to his phone. He hated to keep Cameron waiting and quickly texted back, ‘Half a million likes? Done, I’m in.’




Wiley put on a great performance at the two-day tournament, and after collecting his second place check he had Benji drive him straight home. He didn’t even take the time to shower first, he simply threw a pair of track pants on over his gym shorts and away they went. Benji was anxious to get back too; he had a girlfriend, and seeing how excited and happy Wiley was about being reunited with Cameron made him long for Mia.

Wiley texted Cameron as they pulled out of the parking lot. He told him about his second place showing and asked him out to a celebratory dinner. Cameron readily accepted and made arrangements to meet Wiley at his apartment. The timing was perfect as Wiley saw Cameron walking up the street just as Benji pulled into the drop off zone. Wiley reached across the center console and honked the horn to get Cameron’s attention.

“Hi,” Wiley exclaimed as Benji stopped the car and he jumped out.

“Hey! I missed you.” Cameron smiled broadly as he put his arms around his boyfriend and welcomed him home with a bear hug.

“Ah, careful,” Wiley grimaced.

“What’s the matter, did you hurt yourself? Can you get hurt playing tennis?” Cameron fussed.

“Yeah, you can,” said Wiley, “but I’m ok. My shoulder’s just sore.”

“Oh, thank God,” said Cameron, blowing a sigh of relief.

“I missed you too.” Wiley grinned and kissed him. It was a gentle kiss but grew slightly more passionate when Cameron nibbled his bottom lip.

“Uh hem,” Benji coughed. He’d hopped out of the car to pop the trunk and grab Wiley’s bag, then got tired of standing there waiting to be noticed.

“Oh, sorry.” Wiley giggled as he pulled back from the kiss. “Cameron this is my best buddy, Benjamin Wilson. Benji, this is Cameron.”

“Nice to meet you,” said Benji as he shook Cameron’s hand.

“Likewise,” said Cameron. “Wiley’s told me a lot about you. Did you do well in Santa Barbara too?” asked Cameron, then he turned back to Wiley and pecked him on the cheek, “I’m so proud of you.”

“I’m not on the tour yet,” Benji explained. “I’m hoping to make it next year.”

“Remember, Benji’s my practice partner and helps me out at tournaments and stuff,” said Wiley.

“Yeah, he’s too cheap to pay a coach anymore so he suckered me into being his water boy,” Benji razzed his friend.

“Hey, I’m not cheap,” Wiley protested. “Not everyone’s dad is a rich Beverly Hills gynecologist who pays all his bills.”

“True, pussy has been good to my family.” Benji grinned. “Speaking of, I gotta get to Mia’s. It was nice meeting you, Cameron.”

“So, what do you want to do?” asked Cameron as they watched Benji drive off.

“Well, we came straight home when the tournament ended. I need to go up and take a shower, and then why don’t I take you out for dinner?”

“I’d like that.” Cameron smiled, kissed Wiley on the tip of his nose and then put his arm around his boyfriend’s waist.

With his free hand, Cameron grabbed Wiley’s bag and they walked arm in arm into the lobby. Wiley lived on the 19th floor of a nice building complete with a doorman who held the elevator for them.

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