Take The Devil (Jerod's First Tale - Part 4)

So, my boss Dennis Racket, wants me as his toy boy and to use my presence at his side to announce it to the town. Not exactly the sort of reputation that I want around here. I spent half the evening pacing back and forth.

"Shrimp?"

"Shrimp??"

"JEROD! Would you stop it?"

"Uh? What, were you talking to me??"

"I've been trying to get your attention for several minutes. You are driving me up the wall. Why are you pacing so?"

"Work problems, sweetie. I'm having...a few issues with my boss."

"What problems, Shrimp?"

I sighed and grabbed her hands. "It's too complicated Tania. I really don't want to explain it."

"Are you sure?"

"Oh yes, I am." I really don't want to talk to Tania about Dennis Racket and our impending date.  And all the implications that will mean for my relationships at work and home.

I pulled her into my arms. "You can help me relax. Get to sleep for what remains of the night." Tania was more than willing to help with that.

The next morning, I had a bit more prospective on it. It's not that I'm not worried about the idea of being a toy boy as such. When I heard that DeAndre Wolf managed to marry the very wealthy and elderly Riddle lady, I was jealous. He's on easy street now, she has plenty of money and is very willing to give him whatever he wants for his company. She dies, he inherits, it's all good.

Nor do I have anything against my boss wanting to come out of the closet and parade a male lover in front of the town. That should be his business, though that will be a shock to his wife and their two kids. I do have something against him trying to make me be that lover. I am simply not interested in guys.

"Tania, I'm headed for Drea's."

"You mean the tattoo place? Why?"

"I need to get new ink.  I learned something very important yesterday and I'm getting a permanent reminder."

"Do you think I should get a tattoo?"

"It hurts. There is no chance to change your mind later since it's permanent. I don't know if it's you, Tania. I would think a regular makeover a bit more your style."

"I'll go with. I might like one. I'll watch, look it over and decide." Do they do butterflies and unicorns? I never looked.

Sure enough, Tania followed me down to the grubby little basement area in Drea's.

"Really, you don't have to stick around. But if you do, there's a wall full of designs to choose from."

New ink, on the forearm where I will notice it.

It's to remind me that I will never ever make a deal again unless I have checked every possible detail. I will keep my word absolutely, I should never agree to anything without knowing checking it properly. It's one thing to make the same mistake twice if it was trivial. This 'escort' deal wasn't trivial and I'll be damned if I ever agree to anything off-the-cuff again.

"So, Tania, what do you think?"

"Oh, Jerod, that butterfly design is so pretty."

Well, no unicorns but they did have butterflies. Who knew? "Are you going to have one?"

"Shrimp, could you do it? I trust you."

Sure, right. I paint using a brush, not a needle. Still, she's giving me one of those looks. "Ok, sweetie, one butterfly coming right up."

Fortunately, I managed to follow the pattern and do a very nice butterfly for her. Tania was quite happy about it.

------

Later in the afternoon, Dennis showed up at our door, while Tania was at work.

"Brought you a special delivery, pretty boy. I brought the suit for the ball so I can check that the tailor did it right."

I bet myself at odds of 50 to 1 that it will be pink. Can I claim pink clashes with my hair?

"So this is your place? It's not a very nice house, is it?" Blunt, but true enough.

"Work in progress. Tania and I are getting things done when we have some spare cash."

"We'll look at getting you a new place next week, pretty boy. This house isn't acceptable, neither is your roommate."

"What's wrong with Tania?"

He gave me a look. Of course his toy boy isn't supposed to live with a girl. Wait, maybe that could discourage him. "We do sleep together."

He smirked. "I know you do. What you do until the ball is your business. After that, it will be mine. I've been studying up on you, pretty boy." Damn, it was worth a shot.

He added, "Still having a hard time finding your background before moving here." If he's looking for a Shrimpton family that had a son move away, it will take him forever. That name change when I left home was a very good decision.

"You seem much happier today."

"Well, Boss, I'm assuming that it's not a one-night stand. I've come to the conclusion that as long as you treat me well, I should be willing to return the favor. And if you find me a nice place, keep me in a lifestyle I'd love to be accustomed to..."

"You're right. I'm not intending this to be a one night only affair. I have plans for you, pretty boy."He opened the parcel and placed a pile of clothes on the table. "Well, go on. Try on the suit." Damn, it is pink. I hate being right about that.

"Just one moment, I'll be right back."

"Don't want to change in front of me?"

I smiled shyly at him. "I have to have some secrets, Boss. Can't have you getting tired of the sights too fast."

It is pink, naturally. "This might be a bit bright."

"Nonsense, pretty boy. It's perfect. Just the effect I was hoping for. I must give the tailor a bit extra, it fits you well. For the ball, I have decided to send Sinbad in the car to pick you up, then come to my place. We should be arriving at the ball just in time to make a grand entrance." 

And once I step out of that car in this suit, in Dennis's company, he will have won. I may as well be the best possible toy boy for him. No one else will ever dare look at me again. And I did tell Dennis I would escort someone to the party for him, I just never imagined that someone would be Dennis Racket.

My gloomy thoughts were interrupted, "I'll be away part of next week, there is a business meeting in Egypt that I have to attend."

"Boss, Egypt? Really, pyramids and all that?"

"I guess but there's no time for sight seeing."

"Ah, that's a shame. Cause, you know, if you had time for a little sight seeing." Time for a deep breath. "Well, I'd do a lot to go on a trip like that."

He looked at me speculatively. "Define 'do a lot', pretty boy."

"Call me Shrimpy, it's a special name to me."

"Shrimpy, yes that does suit you. You can call me Den."

Another deep breath, hit him with the puppy eyes. "For as long as we are traveling companions, I'd be everything you want me to be. Just ask for it, Den. Except your bed, we should save that for later."

"Hmm, let me think."

I moved closer. Nearly but not quite touching him. "Surely you can spare a little time to see the pyramids, the sphinx? A little time to party?" Another deep breath. "You know that parties and travel will make me a very happy boy? I would show you my appreciation."

"Oh, all right. If you can get the travel documents arranged in time, I'll pay for the flights and accommodation. But you had best not disappoint me."

He started to leave, then turned around. "Just to let you know," and handed me a receipt. A receipt for a deluxe model hot tub, paid in full, delivery due two days after the ball. "Good boys do earn gifts."

"I'll try to be a very good boy." I waited until I was positive that his car was pulling away. "For exactly as long as I have to."