Page 29 of Tied

Chris

Escaping the hotel, I went for incognito. Wearing a black hoodie, tracks, and runners, I’d hoped that the attire would allow me to blend in with the rest of the New York early morning rabble. I’d hoped it would make me seem like a typical jogger out for an early run.

Boy I was wrong. I always forget I’m a freakishly large black man. Taking into account I’d just dealt with a political nightmare yesterday, the paparazzi were probably hanging around every hotel in town to search me out. Like there isn’t nine hundred hotels.

Of all the gin joints…

Stepping out, I was immediately spotted. With cameras clicking and questions tossed, I had a choice of sprinting back into the hotel or making a run for it. I broke into a full run. It wasn’t until I’d rounded Fifty-Eighth Avenue and Madison that I was able to slow to a light jog. Stopping against a wall to catch my breath, I’m ready to break into another run when I hear my name being called.

“Chris fucking Rock! What the hell are you doing out of the hotel I put you in!”

Shit. Julia.

I turn and hang my head, ready to face her and the consequences of my actions.

“Good morning, Julia. What are you doing out at this early hour?” I ask, sounding really chipper. I’m hoping if I sound super happy, she won’t kill me. I take in the man I’d seen at the club the other night—her husband I was told. His size makes my six foot six, well-built frame feel insignificant. He could crush me.

Julia narrows her gaze at me. “What the fuck am I going to do with you?”

“Are you trying to get caught? You feckin’ idiot. Did you not take what she said seriously?” Rush snarls.

Can’t blame him. I’ve been caught in public when I was directed expressly to stay inside. All I can do is explain the truth. “I couldn’t. I tried to stay inside, but I needed out.” Telling her about her care package, the video, the call and the quiet, her fire and ire calm.

“I can’t blame you then. Come with us. We’re just going to an early brunch with friends down the street. At least there I can keep an eye on you. ”

“I don’t want to intrude. I can just—”

Stepping in close, Rush bears his dominance over me. “Governor, you don’t seem like a stupid man. But if you don’t follow us, I’ll knock you out and have you shipped back to the hotel under lock and key. Make your choice. I am not having you wreck her perfect record over a stupid, cocky move.” Rush isn’t harsh as he states this, but there’s an underlying menace that I understand. He’s a deadly warrior that doesn’t have to show his strength. I get it.

“Okay. Yeah, thanks. I could go for a good meal instead of takeout or room service.”

Begrudgingly nodding his approval, Rush accepts my answer.

Continuing their travel down the street, I observe the two of them. She’s petite to his frame, but perfectly encased in a way. It’s an easy comfort in each other’s presence. A sweet romance.

I hope to have that easiness someday. To walk down the street, holding the hand of someone I care for, that is a man. I’ll be more than excited to say ‘this is my…’ and introduce them as a significant person in my life.

Rounding the corner of a brownstone, they lead me towards a bustling restaurant.

Entering, six sets of eyes turn in our direction as Julia shouts out, “Look what I found on the street!”

Poking his head out from around a tiny woman, Tyler’s bright eyes are as wide as dinner plates. Sitting back on his chair, hiding once more, I feel even worse for my escape. I’m not only intruding on Julia and Rush, but in Tyler’s life as well.

Turning for the door, wishing to make a graceful escape, I go to let Julia know I’m leaving. I won’t be anyone’s discomfort. “Julia, I’m going to go back to my—”

“Oh, no you don’t. You’re staying right where I can find you.” She grasps my forearm. “You, big guy, are not going anywhere without me. Now sit your oversized, over muscled ass in that spare seat and be courteous to my friends.” With a smarmy look, a critical grin, and a swing of her hand to take a seat, I follow her suggestion.

Squeezing a hot flow of air from my nostrils, I step to the vacant chair and pull it free of the table. Doing my damnedest to avoid looking at Tyler, the man beside me says, “And who are you?”

I look him over; gray hair, brilliant blue eyes, sweet grin and a mischievous look tells me so much without so much as a word. This man will create trouble for me, I can almost taste it’s tangibility. Deciding it’s best to make friends instead of new enemies, I stick my hand out. “Chris Rock.”

He gives my hand a solid shake. “Yes you are, aren’t ya.” He turns to introduce himself and the others. “Well, I’m Jim.” He nods to the man beside him in the blue pinstriped shirt and orange bowtie. “This is my husband, Charlie, and I hear you’ve met Troy. The sexy Neiman Marcus statue beside him is his beautiful husband, Jax. Beside them is Tig and his wife, Tessa. And for some reason, the man hiding in her apron is Tyler.” Quirking a brow, he looks sideways at a cowering Tyler. A small laugh escapes Jim.

Oh, I like Jim.

“I’m not hiding, Jim. I’m holding a sleeping soul.” Tyler is grouchy, but in a playful way. “I’m offended you think I’m—”

“Hiding? You’re hiding. Call a spade a spade,” the man introduced as Jax says. He’s the one holding his head, hiding behind a pair of sunglasses. “Now what does a man have to do to get a gallon of water and a bottle of aspirin?”

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