Junior Year Box Set

“I already know what happens. You were at Halle’s long enough that I don’t think you can shock me.”

I felt my face get so hot I thought it might melt. On some level, I realized there were cameras in their home, but I’d made some assumptions that were obviously wrong.

“Don’t worry about it,” Fritz said. “As you might guess, we’re discreet about anything we see or hear. Plus, we’ve all signed nondisclosure agreements. I would never be able to work personal security again if I released information about you.”

“Will I get to see the videos?” I asked as my mind took off in a different direction.

I might want some videos for my personal collection.

“Nope. Not a chance in hell.”

I needed to work on that.

◊◊◊

I took advantage of the pool. The Hampton Inn had a swimming pool on the fourth-floor rooftop. I suspect it was set up that way so people on the higher floors could perv on you. I’d slacked off on exercising for the past two weeks with my trip to Japan and guys’ week. So, I decided a nice long swim was just what was needed. When I was finished, I looked around and smiled. M.E., Dave Gordon’s little sister from the first round of tryouts in North Carolina, was sitting poolside with her best friend, Kelly.

“What brings you ladies to town?” I asked like I was trying to pick them up.

There were two other young women sitting around the pool now. I expect they were confused over why I would be trying to pick up high school girls in one-piece swimsuits when they were wearing bikinis. I’ll admit, those two-piece suits did show off their assets.

“You’re the actor,” one of the other women stated.

M.E. rolled her eyes, and Kelly wouldn’t look at me.

I just nodded to acknowledge the woman’s statement and then sat down next to M.E. without drying off. From my modeling, I was aware of what the water did for my body, and I wanted to tease the two girls. I could see Kelly checking me out from the corner of her eye.

“We were thinking about going out tonight and wondered if you might want to go,” the woman who was chatting me up suggested.

“I’m sorry, but I’m meeting friends for dinner. I missed their wedding while on a film location. When that’s done, I need to get to bed, because there’s a baseball tryout tomorrow that I really want to nail,” I politely explained.

“Why don’t you give me your room number so I can tuck you in?” she tried one last time.

Mr. Happy wanted the big brain to reevaluate my plans. On a trip like this, this girl was just my type: willing. I chuckled at my own bad joke.

“What’s so funny?” she asked, getting upset.

“I was just thinking I don’t even know your name. I suddenly realized how crazy my life has become,” I said, and then sighed. “Look, you seem like a great girl who I’d really enjoy getting to know. How long are you here for?”

“We’re leaving tomorrow,” she said, looking unhappy.

“Meet me for breakfast. We’ll spend some time getting to know each other,” I offered.

“Mercedes.”

“Come again?” I asked.

“That’s my name,” she explained.

M.E. and Kelly decided they’d heard enough and laughed as they walked away. I had to bite my tongue not to laugh with them. Of course, she would have a stripper’s name.

“I’ll meet you in the restaurant at eight, Mercedes. I look forward to getting to know you,” I said and made my own hasty retreat.

Kelly and M.E. were waiting for me at the elevator.

“Where does she dance?” M.E. asked.

“You two be good,” I warned them.

“What time are you meeting her?” she asked.

“And why would I tell you that?” I asked.

“Because you like me and wouldn’t make me sit down there all morning. I’m not missing the fireworks,” M.E. admitted.

“Eight,” I told them as we reached their floor.

I could hear gales of laughter as the door closed.

◊◊◊

When it was time to go meet Bo and Tanya, I got dressed in my Adriano Goldschmied, AG, jeans, with my handmade boots with the zippers up the side. I put on a fitted t-shirt from Abercrombie and my new Yohji Yamamoto ivory-colored jacket that had cartoon graphics under one arm. I looked like I was in New York and a model. It would be interesting to see how the people of Houston would take my outfit.

I came down to find Fritz waiting with the Bentley. I smiled a little smile when Mercedes and her friend saw me as they waited in the cab line.

“Sir, do you need a cab?” the doorman asked.

“I have a ride, thanks,” I said as I walked over to Fritz, who opened the back door, and I slid in.

He was in full livery, with a dark suit and tie.

“Hey, I want you to join us for dinner. I want you to meet Bo,” I said on the drive over.

“I can either wait or sit in the bar,” he suggested.

“No. Bo says the steaks at this place are out of this world. You need to try one.”

“You talked me into it. Did you wear your bodycam?”

“I put on the belt one. Do you have your gun and vest on?” I asked.

“Yes,” he admitted.

“Just checking.”

Dinner was at Pappas Bros. Steakhouse, not far from the hotel. We were early, so they sent us to the bar until Bo showed up. While we waited, I told Fritz how I introduced Bo to his wife.