Page 61 of Footlights and Forever

“And why are you here making eggs and toast for my boyfriend, might I ask?” I felt my hands gravitate towards my hips and let them fall to my side.

“I invited him over.” I spun to see a sleepy-looking Austin stumble into the kitchen, bypass me and walk over to fist-bump Kyle. He swiped the coffeepot off the counter and poured himself a cup. He took a seat at the kitchen table and rested his cup between his palms. “So you’re home,” he stated.

“Yeah, I just got home.” I sounded confused and for good reason. “Why is he here, Austin? Did he stay the night?”

“Hey listen,” Kyle piped up. “I’m gonna grab some clothes and get outta of your hair. Dylan, feel free to eat my eggs.” He fist-bumped Austin again on the way out of the kitchen, laying a hand on his shoulder after.

“Thanks for everything, man.”

“Sure thing.” Kyle smiled affectionately down at Austin before closing the door behind him.

“What the actual fuck, Austin?” I whispered angrily at him.

“Fuck no.” He slammed his fist down on the table. “You don’t get to do that. You don’t get to stay all night, getting up to god-knows-what, and then come home and act all judgmental and suspicious.”

“But he was…”

“Where were you, Dylan?” He eyed me curiously. “Where the fuck did you stay last night and who with?”

I knew before I began that this would not go down well. I suspected a part of me, the night before, chose Darren to get back at Austin. Even if I wasn’t planning on sleeping with him, just the mere thought I was with Darren would drive Austin crazy.Yeah, I’m a bit of a dick.

“I was upset, okay, and I just needed a friend to talk to,” I started, trying to get it all out quickly, “and it was really late and the only person who I knew wouldn’t mind was Darren, so I…”

“You have been with Darren?” he asked, dangerously quiet. “All night?”

“Nothing happened.” My frown deepened on my forehead. “You know I don’t think of Darren that way.”

“And you know he has wanted to fuck you since he met you,” he bit out through his teeth. “Is that why you went to see him?”

“What is the fuck is that supposed to mean?” This was not going at all the way I imagined.

“I need you to answer me honestly, Dylan.” Austin’s eyes narrowed. “Were you so jealous of my success that you had to come home and act out and spend the night at some guy’s house, some guy we both know wants to fuck you?”

I slammed my fist down on the table, an electric shock of pain bolting up my arm. “Are you fucking serious right now?”

“Come on, Dylan.” His laugh was dark and twisted. “Don’t you think it’s a bit of a coincidence that right after opening night, you suddenly find something to bitch about and leave me hanging all night While you go off and do god-knows-what with your gay boss?”

“Austin, I have been nothing but supportive of you and your career.” I could feel my heart break in my chest. All the things I had done, sacrificed, and happily thrown away just so this man in front of me, accusing me of this horrible shit, could succeed. “I spent so much time helping you rehearse. Even when I had little to no sleep and was working two jobs, I made sure that you and your career came first. Fuck, even leaving work early when the rest of the assistants were staying back late to come watch the dress rehearsals.”

“And you think that gives you the right to try to emotionally sabotage my night?” I could see his resolve waning, but we were both too deep in and the only way was down.

“Is that what you believe I did?”

“Well, if the shoe fits.” His face was an indignant mask.

“How about I was so fucking proud to just stand with you last night, to go anywhere you wanted to go, be who you needed me to be?” A traitorous tear tracked down my face. I saw him make a move towards me, so I put up my hands to still him. “Only to find out you had disappeared and told you fucking casting director to throw me a fifty and have a safe travel home.”

“Dylan, that’s not what happened.”

Once more I put up a hand to stop him. “What I know is that I went to watch my boyfriend in his opening night, and I was left alone in the middle of the city to find my way home While he partied with the stars.” Fuck, another tear. “So if that makes me jealous, then so be it.”

Austin sank to his knees and moved to kneel between my open thighs. “Dylan, listen to me. That’s not what happened. Yes, Ihad to leave to go to a meeting with studio executives. I told Marge that she had to get you home safely. I thought they were going to put you in a town car and drive you home.”

Could he be telling the truth? Fuck, why was I even asking myself the question? Of course he was right. I’d fallen for Marge’s games hook, line, and sinker. She had found a way to come between me and Austin, and I had given her exactly what she wanted.

“If that is true then I am really sorry Austin.” I rested my hands on his wide shoulder. “She told me that you had another event that you wanted to go to with the cast and you basically wished me the best of luck. She pretty much told me to leave when I came to find you, as well.”

“I swear, Dylan,” he turned his head to kiss my hand, “I wouldn’t do that to you and I’m sorry I left you. I tried to look for you, but it was so crowded in there and the car just couldn’t wait.”

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