Almost Famous

By Ryan Bartlett

Chapter 5

“Game, set and match,” Wiley shouted in victory.

“Damn it.” Benji panted. “What’s gotten into you today?”

Not that long ago Benji beat Wiley for the first time in their many years of friendship. Benji knew that part of his past victory was the result of Wiley’s distraction, but he was still stunned to have just lost both sets 6-0 and 6-0.

“I guess I’m just in the zone,” said Wiley, taking a swig of Gatorade.

“Hmmm,” said Benji, raising an eyebrow and studying his partner’s face.

“What?”

“I’m just wondering…”

“Wondering what?” Wiley inquired.

“This sudden spring in your step…Wiles, did you get some?” Benji giggled.

The question caught Wiley just as he was taking a sip and he blew sports drink all over the court as he simultaneously choked and laughed.

“What? People do have sex from time to time,” said Benji.

“I know.” Wiley began to settle down. “Cam and I just aren’t there yet.”

“What’s the hold up? You love each other, right?”

“Very much,” said Wiley with a contented sigh. “I kind of wanted to talk to you about it…”

“Ok,” said Benji, as they sat down on the bench. “I can’t say I didn’t see this coming, what with you being so innocent and pure. You see, Wiles, when a man loves a woman and wants to show her, he puts his whowhodilly in her cha-cha. I suppose with two guys you just put your…”

“I know how it’s done.” Wiley laughed and had to catch his breath before continuing. “I, well, when the time is right I want Cameron to feel how much I love him. I can’t just fuck him, it has to be…”

“Special?”

“Yeah.” Wiley blushed.

“Are you pretty good at reading each other?”

“I think so,” said Wiley. “I mean I can tell when he’s in a good mood or when something is bothering him. Lately I’m starting to get the sense he’s ready for the next step.”

“Then just let him guide you. Watch his face. If he looks uncomfortable, stop what you’re doing and try something else. Don’t rush. Let him adjust to things.”

“That’s it?”

“It wouldn’t hurt if you made it romantic. Candles, soft music, that sort of thing. Maybe take him for a romantic weekend.”

“Hmm, a romantic weekend,” Wiley muttered as he stared off into space.

“I see your gears turning,” said Benji.

“Yeah, I think I’ve got an idea.”

Wiley showered at the club that afternoon and afterwards dressed in street clothes so he could run a few errands. His mind was churning. Benji had given him a great idea, and the best part was he didn’t have to guess—he knew exactly how to plan a romantic weekend for Cameron. The advantage of having a boyfriend who lived his life on the internet was that he told his audience everything, and Wiley had seen all of his videos. He knew what would make Cameron happy, because his information came straight from the horse’s mouth. He was excited about the plan that came together as he drove down Wilshire Boulevard.

He was just getting ready to stop at the grocery store when the phone rang and he put Cameron on speaker.

“Hi, baby,” said Wiley.

“Why hello,” said Cameron. Wiley could tell his boyfriend was smiling on his side of the line just from the chipper tone of his voice.

“What’s up?”

“Nothing much, I just thought I’d give you a call and see what you wanted to do for dinner tonight,” said Cameron. They’d eaten dinner together almost every night since they’d been together.

“Great minds think alike,” said Wiley.

“Oh yeah?”

“I just pulled into the grocery store. I thought I’d make you and the guys dinner tonight.”

“Really? You cook?”

“Don’t sound so surprised,” Wiley scoffed.

“I just figured a guy who doesn’t have time to unpack his trophies probably doesn’t have time to learn to cook,” said Cameron.

“Well, you, my dear, are in for a treat.”

“What are you going to make?”

“It’s a surprise,” said Wiley.

“Ohhh, I love surprises.” Cameron squealed.

“I know you do,” said Wiley. “I’m going to grab some stuff at the store, swing by my place to pick up a few things, and I’ll see you in about an hour.”

“See you then.”

An hour later Wiley pulled up outside Cameron’s apartment and honked the horn. Cameron came trotting out to help him carry in the groceries.

“So, can I help?” asked Cameron as Wiley put on an apron over his t-shirt and jeans.

“Sure.” Wiley smiled at his enthusiasm and kissed Cameron on the nose.

“Cool, now you have to tell me what you’re making.” Cameron smirked triumphantly.

“Spaghetti and meatballs.”

“So what’s all this stuff?”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, don’t you just boil some noodles and open a jar of sauce?”

“Cameron, no, no, no, real Italians don’t get their sauce from a jar.” Wiley shook his head.

“I wasn’t aware Grace was an Italian name.” Cameron chuckled.

“It isn’t, smartass,” Wiley retorted. “But Massetti is.”

“And…”

“That was my mom’s maiden name.”

“And she taught you how to cook?”

“The two most important things I learned from my mom are a wicked double backhand and the family sauce recipe.”

“Ok, now I’m excited. This is going to be good.”

“Bet your ass it is,” said Wiley as he playfully snapped Cameron in the butt with a dish towel.

“Ouch,” Cameron yelped and rubbed his butt. “So what do we do first?”

“You start chopping the onions and I’ll shave the garlic.”

“Hehehe, you’re going to shave the garlic?”

“I shave it paper thin and let it dissolve in the olive oil,” Wiley explained.

“I’m getting hungry already,” said Cameron as he licked his lips.

After Wiley dissolved the garlic in the oil he added the onions Cameron chopped. He sautéed the onions then poured a bottle of merlot into the pot. Once the alcohol cooked off he added a can of tomato paste, two cans of crushed tomatoes and his spices, oregano, basil, a touch of lemon juice and finally red pepper flake. Wiley put the lid on the pot and let it simmer for the next two hours while he showed Cameron how to make meatballs. He was just boiling the noodles and finishing up the garlic bread when Tucker and Bobby got home.

“What are you guys doing?” asked Tucker. No one ever used their stove. They were three young guys fresh out of school and the only things they really knew how to cook came from the microwave.

“Wiley’s treating us to homemade spaghetti and meatballs,” said Cameron.

“Dude, I love you,” said Tucker as he hugged Wiley dramatically. It had been a long time since any of them had a home cooked meal.

“Seriously, it smells like heaven in here,” Bobby added as he closed his eyes and took in the mouthwatering aroma.

“Thanks, guys.” Wiley smiled. “Dinner will be ready in five minutes if someone wants to set the table.”

“I’ll do it,” Tucker offered.

“Let me help,” said Bobby.

The guys gathered up the plates and flatware then disappeared into the dining area.

“They must be starving,” Cameron snorted. “They never agree to do anything that seems like a chore that quickly.”

“That’s what good sauce does; it fills tummies and brings people together.” Wiley giggled.

“Oh yes, how will I ever thank you for restoring peace and tranquility to our home?” Cameron laughed.

“I can think of a way.” Wiley wiggled his eyebrows seductively.

Cameron snorted and then kissed him. They shared a couple of soft kisses and then the timer went off.

“It’s done,” said Wiley as he checked the sauce. “Wanna taste it?”

“Are you kidding? I’ve been waiting for hours!”

Wiley held out the spoon for Cameron. Cameron blew on the hot sauce before taking a mouthful then his shoulders sagged as if he were melting.

“Oh my God,” Cameron moaned. “I think I just climaxed!”

“Ha, I told you it was good,” Wiley hooted triumphantly.

“Thanks,” said Cameron, putting his arms around Wiley’s neck.

“For what?”

“For going to all this trouble, it was so sweet.”

“Well, I’m hungry too.” Wiley blushed.

“Me too,” said Tucker, coming into the kitchen and catching the tail end of the conversation. “Table’s set.”

“Great, help me get this stuff on the table,” said Wiley.

The boys carried the food out to the table and dug in. Wiley was overjoyed by the OH’s and ah’s he got and was happy to serve everyone second and third helpings.

“Damn, I knew the Coyote’s balls would be good but not this good,” Bobby exclaimed.

“Hey, keep your mind off my boyfriend’s balls,” Cameron threatened.

“Seriously though, thanks for this,” said Tucker as he took another mouthful of spaghetti.

“Well I was thinking about my mother today and how I used to sit in the kitchen and watch her cook,” said Wiley. “I never make this for myself because it’s so much food, but I thought you guys might enjoy a nice home-cooked meal.”

“Totally. If you cook like this every night you can have Bobby’s room,” said Tucker.

“And where am I supposed to sleep?” asked Bobby.

“You can turn your tricks on the couch,” Tucker exclaimed.

“Hell no, this ho don’t put on no show,” Bobby retorted.

“Thank God for that.” Cameron giggled.

After dinner Bobby and Tucker cleaned up while Wiley and Cameron snuggled on the couch. Wiley felt satisfied and content and not just from the fine meal he’d gorged on. He was happy just being in Cameron’s presence. All his boyfriend had to do was say his name and Wiley felt a lightness settle over him, holding him close only enhanced the feeling. Cameron rested his head against Wiley’s chest and put his arm around his muscular stomach. Wiley wrapped his arms around Cameron and felt his soft hair tickling his chin.

When the kitchen was clean the guys joined them in the living room, and everyone watched TV for a while but quickly drifted off. It had been a long day for everyone and they were eager to get some sleep. Wiley followed Cameron to his bedroom and stripped down to his underwear before heading to the bathroom to wash his face and brush his teeth. Cameron was just stepping out of his jeans when Wiley walked in, so he leaned against the door frame and watched Cameron’s butt wiggle in his boxers as he struggled to kick his pants loose.

“Those pants put up a good fight,” Wiley snickered.

Cameron stood up straight and looked over his shoulder at Wiley, “It’s what I get for wearing skinny jeans with a fat ass.”

“Oh please, your ass isn’t fat. It’s perfect,” said Wiley as he crossed the room and placed his hands on Cameron’s rump.

“You’re just saying that because you like me with a little junk in my trunk,” Cameron retorted as he turned around so Wiley could hold him properly.

“You’re too modest,” said Wiley as he moved his hands up to cup Cameron’s face and kiss him softly.

“Mmmm, that was nice, but why don’t you let me go brush real quick, all that garlic…” Cameron started.

Wiley didn’t care about the garlic breath; holding Cameron in nothing but his underpants turned him on, and his hormones weren’t in the mood to wait. He continued to kiss Cameron as he moved his hands down his body and took him by his slender waist. He walked Cameron backwards until his knees hit the bed and they fell to the mattress without breaking their embrace. Cameron wrapped his arms around Wiley and pulled him as close as he could. Their chests were compressed together, and each could feel the beating of the other’s heart.

Cameron loved the feeling of Wiley’s warm skin against his own and wrapped his legs around the blonde’s slender waist. Cameron’s erection pressed into Wiley’s stomach and Wiley’s pressed into Cameron’s bottom. Cameron reached down and squeezed Wiley’s firm buttocks as Wiley moved to the left and sucked on Cameron’s neck. They were so close, it would have been easy to shuck their underpants and let lust take over, but Wiley couldn’t do it, couldn’t just take Cameron. He’d taken Benji’s advice to heart—he wanted their first time to be romantic, and so he slowed his pace and broke away from his boyfriend. He rolled onto his back and their heads shared the pillow.

“I’ve got an idea,” said Wiley, once he’d caught his breath.

“I’m all ears.”

“What would you think of going away together for a romantic weekend?”

“I love it! I know this place we can…” Cameron started.

“No, no, I want to plan it,” Wiley interrupted.

“You don’t want my input?” asked Cameron, a bit confused. If he and Wiley were going to be equals in their relationship, shouldn’t he have a say on their first weekend away?

“It’s not that, it’s just, well, I want it to be special and I know how much you like surprises…”

“Oh, I get it now,” said Cameron as he rolled over to face Wiley and kiss him on the forehead. “I think it sounds fun, a weekend away, just you and me.”

“Exactly, just you and me.”

“When were you thinking of going?”

“Well, I don’t have any tennis commitments next weekend and I think you’re free too,” said Wiley. They’d merged their calendars a few weeks earlier; with both of them having several travel commitments for work it made sense.

“Sounds good to me.”

“Great,” Wiley exclaimed. Cameron couldn’t help giggling at him. “What?”

“I like seeing you like this, giddy as a school boy,” said Cameron.

“I’m excited.”

“Me too,” said Cameron.

The boys talked a bit more before settling in to sleep. Wiley hoped Cameron would enjoy the trip that had taken shape in his mind. Cameron drifted off to sleep and dreamt about what lay ahead.

The week passed quickly. Wiley and Cameron grew more excited with each passing day. Both of them realized this was it; a romantic weekend alone together would be the perfect time for their first sexual encounter. Wiley ran his plan over and over in his head looking for any flaw, any detail he hadn’t thought of that might lessen Cameron’s enjoyment of the weekend. He wanted everything to be perfect. He wanted to create a memory that Cameron would cherish for the rest of his life. No pressure.

Cameron didn’t know what Wiley had planned, so that left him to focus on the act of sex. He wondered what it would be like to have Wiley inside of him, for them to be joined as intimately as if they were two hearts beating in one body. He was sure Wiley would be a good lover; he had that incredible body, and there was a passion in him that Cameron saw burning in his chocolate brown eyes every time he gazed into them. That set Cameron to worrying. He was sure Wiley would be a good lover but didn’t know how great he would be at it himself, and as he waited for Wiley to pick him up he paced nervously about his living room.

“What’s with you?” asked Tucker as he came out of the kitchen with a can of soda.

“Just waiting for Wiley.”

“Aren’t you guys going out of town? Why do you look so tense?”

“Because, well, I think this is it, Tucker.”

“It?”

“You know, IT,” said Cameron.

“Oh, the big it.” Tucker smiled.

“It?” Bobby shouted from his room.

“Oh God.” Cameron blushed and rolled his eyes as Bobby dashed into the living room.

“You guys are finally going to get it on?” asked Bobby.

“I, well, I think so,” said Cameron, looking shyly down at his feet.

“Awwww, honey,” said Bobby as he wrapped Cameron in a hug. “I’m so proud of you. My little boy is growing up.”

“Whatever,” Cameron snorted and pushed Bobby away.

“Why now?” asked Tucker.

“Well, there’s been a lot of sexual tension in our relationship lately,” said Cameron. “I can feel it, I’m sure he can feel it too, and it just makes sense. Why would he ask me out for a romantic weekend if he wasn’t ready to, you know…”

“Fuck?” asked Bobby.

“Make love.” Cameron rolled his eyes.

“Makes sense,” said Tucker. “But how do you feel? Are you ready too?”

“Yeah, I mean I want it, but I’m not sure what to do.” Cameron blushed.

“Ok, first things first, what’s the Coyote bringing to the table?” asked Bobby.

“Huh?”

“His equipment, is it this big?” asked Bobby, holding his hands a couple of inches apart. “Or this big?” he continued, holding his hands a foot apart.

“What? I…oh, I’m not telling you how big his dick is,” Cameron exclaimed and slapped Bobby on the shoulder.

“It’s important! Is it going to be like parking a bike in an airplane hangar or shoving a log down a gopher hole?” Bobby persisted.

“Oh my God, his, er, boy parts, are proportional to the rest of his body.” Cameron blushed.

“Nice.” Bobby grinned and nodded his head. “I’ll be right back.”

“Oh God,” Cameron mumbled as Bobby ran to his room.

“I’m guessing what you’re really concerned about has nothing to do with actually having sex but more about showing him you love him?” asked Tucker.

“Exactly,” Cameron exclaimed.

“That’s easy, Cam. Just be yourself. Talk to him, tell him how you feel, let him know what you’re comfortable with. You know, communicate.”

“Yeah, I guess you’re right. I’m sure I’m just having opening night jitters.” Cameron smiled.

“That’s one way to look at it.” Tucker grinned.

“Here!” Bobby exclaimed as he ran back into the room and started loading Cameron down with condoms and a twenty ounce bottle of KY Jelly.

“Jesus Christ, Bobby! Am I supposed to lube his dick or his whole body?” Cameron exclaimed.

“You scoff now, but you’ll thank me when his balls are slapping your backside and…”

“No, no more, I don’t want to know,” said Cameron.

“I’m just saying, you don’t have a lot of cushion for the pushin so you better grease the tracks,” said Bobby.

“Wow,” Cameron and Tucker exclaimed simultaneously.

“Sweet of you to give Cameron your stash.” Tucker snickered. “Is your corner closed for the weekend?”

“Bitch, you know I have reserves,” Bobby retorted.

Just then Wiley drove up and honked his horn.

“Thank God. I don’t even want to know where this conversation was headed,” said Cameron as he snatched up his bag, stuffed Bobby’s…supplies, into it and headed for the door.

Cameron found Wiley waiting by the car, and after they exchanged a kiss, Wiley took his bag and held the door open for him. Wiley had impeccable manners and always treated Cameron like a gentleman is supposed to treat his lady. Cameron thought it was terribly old fashioned, not to mention he wasn’t a lady, but he liked that Wiley took the time to be so considerate. He chalked the gallantry up as just part of Wiley’s charm.

“So, where are we going?” asked Cameron as they hit the freeway.

“A little place I know on the north coast.”

“Great! I love the beach, but if we’re going north why are we headed south?”

“An excellent question,” Wiley agreed.

“So?” asked Cameron when Wiley failed to expand on his comment.

“So you didn’t really expect me to answer that, did you?” Wiley grinned wickedly.

“You know, sometimes you are absolutely maddening,” Cameron pouted.

“What are you, channeling my aunt? Though she would have called me kitty.” Wiley giggled. “You’re cute when you pout.”

“You’re pretty cute too,” Cameron admitted.

A few minutes later Wiley pulled the VW into the short term parking lot at LAX. When he got out of the car Wiley popped the trunk and grabbed their bags before opening the door for Cameron. Both boys were experienced travelers and had condensed everything they needed for the weekend into their backpacks. For Wiley that included his Nikon and tripod and for Cameron it meant his laptop and the small camera he used for daily vlogging. Wiley knew from the start that portions of their trip were sure to end up in one of Cameron’s videos.

“Ok, we’re at the airport, now you have to tell me where we’re going,” said Cameron as Wiley handed him his backpack.

“Yeah, eventually.”

“Wiley,” Cameron whined and stomped his foot.

“Ok, that was adorable.” Wiley giggled and grabbed Cameron’s hand. “Come on, we’ve got a flight to catch.”

Cameron wasn’t lying when he said he loved surprises and he was indeed surprised to find himself at the airport. He had no idea where Wiley was taking him and as much as he pestered his boyfriend for an answer he was glad Wiley wouldn’t give in. The not knowing heightened the excitement.

For his part Wiley was struggling to contain himself. He couldn’t wait to see the look on Cameron’s face when he found out where they were going but there was something to be said for drawing out the moment. Wiley held on to the tickets as they went through the security check point, then led Cameron into the United terminal and took a seat in the open hall next to several gates.

“Are we going to Vegas?” asked Cameron as the announcer called a flight to Sin City over the PA system.

“Nope.” Wiley replied stoically.

“Right, you said the north coast. Seattle?” asked Cameron as another flight was called.

“Mmmm…nope.”

“You realize the suspense is killing me?”

“Yeap.” Wiley grinned.

“I hate you,” said Cameron, then he kissed Wiley on the cheek.

“Ladies and gentlemen, United Airlines flight 454 nonstop service from Los Angeles to San Francisco is now boarding. All passengers with a first class boarding pass please report to gate 23.”

“Well, are you coming or not?” asked Wiley as he stood up and held his hand out to Cameron.

“Oh my God, you’re taking me to San Francisco?” Cameron exclaimed as he jumped to his feet and took Wiley’s hand. “I’ve always wanted to go there, how did you know?”

“You forget, I’ve seen all of your videos, babe.” Wiley grinned wickedly. Wiley knew San Francisco was a city Cameron longed to visit and just never seemed to make it there. He’d mentioned it several times in various videos, and Wiley remembered it almost the moment Benji suggested he take Cameron away for a romantic weekend. “Now, are we going to stand here talking about it or board our flight?”

“Lead the way.” Cameron smiled broadly. He held Wiley’s hand and practically skipped to the boarding gate.

Wiley didn’t usually fly first class, he figured it was a pointless luxury, but for this trip he’d spared no expense. He wanted to make Cameron feel like a prince and had no problem parting with some of his tennis winnings to give his boyfriend the perfect weekend. Wiley smiled at Cameron’s joy as he stowed their bags and Cameron bounced excitedly in his seat.

“I’ve always wanted to see San Francisco,” Cameron reiterated.

“I used to fly up there several times a year when I was working on my degree. The university didn’t really require it but they paired me up with a great mentor and I got a lot out of coming up to meet him personally from time to time. In fact, we owe our meeting to him,” said Wiley.

“Really, how, er, why?”

“Remember when you were interviewing me in the elevator, asking about my gig?”

“Yeah.”

“I told you I was covering for a friend. Adam was supposed to shoot those cosplayers but he got an ear infection and couldn’t fly. If it weren’t for his bad ears I’d have spent that weekend playing tennis and twiddling my thumbs,” Wiley explained.

“I’ll have to send him a thank you note.” Cameron grinned and then snuggled close to Wiley and whispered, “I can’t believe we’re going to San Francisco. This is so great, and you are the sweetest, kindest, sexiest, best boyfriend in the history of men dating men.”

“I love you too.” Wiley blushed.

Wiley had the window seat and once the plane was in the air Cameron leaned into him to look out at the coastline below. They arrived in San Francisco just as the sun was beginning to set. When the plane arrived at the gate the boys slipped their backpacks onto their shoulders, made a quick stop at the rental car desk and drove into the city. Wiley put a lot of thought into his hotel selection and half an hour after landing the boys pulled up to the valet booth at the Mark Hopkins Hotel. Cameron was so busy taking in the city he didn’t realize they’d stopped until the valet was opening his door.

Wiley was delighted at Cameron’s awe of the city. He figured experienced traveler that he was it would be hard to impress Cameron but found him to be as excited as a kid in a candy store. Wiley grabbed their backpacks from the trunk of the rental car, handed them to a bell boy then took Cameron’s hand and led him into the lobby. He’d confirmed their reservations the day before, so once the clerk made a copy of Wiley’s driver’s license she handed him their room keys and the bell boy led them upstairs.

Built in 1906, the Mark Hopkins Hotel sits on the northeast peak of San Francisco’s famed Nob Hill. Originally the space was home to the mansion of Mark and Mary Hopkins. After their death the mansion became the home of the Mark Hopkins Art Institute. The mansion survived the 1906 earthquake but was consumed by the fire that lasted for three days after. The hotel sprang from the ashes of the Art Institute and became known the world over for its luxurious amenities.

Wiley and Cameron followed the bell boy to their room on the 14th floor, and once inside Cameron ran to the window to check out the impressive view. Wiley thanked the bell boy and then whispered instructions to him so Cameron wouldn’t hear. He tipped the bellboy a hundred bucks to ensure his special requests were seen too.

“Some view huh?” asked Wiley once the bell boy left and he was able to join Cameron at the window. The sun had set, but twilight lingered as the city lights came on and the moon glowed just beyond the Golden Gate Bridge.

“It’s beautiful,” said Cameron, throwing his arms around Wiley and hugging him tight.

“So you like it?”

“It’s perfect,” said Cameron. “You know when you first asked me to come away with you I was a little annoyed that you didn’t want any input from me on where we would go. I mean we’re partners.”

“I’m sorry, I just…”

“But then you said you wanted to surprise me and I thought that was adorable, and now, holy crap, what a surprise! I think it’s so sweet you remembered this from my videos, and I just think you’re probably about the most wonderful boyfriend that ever lived,” Cameron gushed.

“I’m so relieved you’re happy,” said Wiley, holding back a sniffle. Cameron’s words touched him deeply, and the fact he’d made the boy he loved happy filled his heart to the point of bursting. “But, there’s more to see.”

“I don’t know how it could get any better,” said Cameron.

“You’ll just have to come and find out.” Wiley smiled and offered Cameron his hand.