Free Saying Goodbye by G.A. Hauser

co-stars.”
    Alex blinked and his wet lashes felt cold. “Where did you hear that?”
    “From Billy. He was quite jealous, Alexander. He said you were drinking in your room yesterday with some pretty boys .”
    “Dad , it wasn’t like that. ” Alex used his sleeve to wipe his eyes and nose. “He didn’t think I che ated with them, did he? Oh, God. ”
    “No. I don’t think so. He was just upset. He said it ’ s been difficult getting through to you. Did you call him now?”
    “I did. All I got was his v oicemail.”
    “Oh, lovely. Calm yourself. Please. You are just exhaus ted. I suggest a hot soak and sleep.”
    Alex calmed down, nodding. “Yes. Okay.”
    “You can do this. You are wonderful. Do you hear me? It is hard work. Everyone thinks being an actor is a piece of cake. You and I know differently.”
    “And the difference between TV and film?” Alex whistled. “Wow. I am so wiped out.”
    Mark chuckled. “And you thought Charlotte was bad?”
    Alex knew his father was referring to Charlotte Deavers, who directed the television show. “Never again!” Alex smiled. “Thanks, Dad.”
    “You stop fretting. Just take it a step at a time. You are my hero , Alex ander . A man at your age doing a big film? You should be very proud.”
    Alex’s tension dissolved. “I love you.”
    “I love you too, my baby. And Keith and Carl are always around for a pep talk if you can’t get a hold of Billy. All right? They are actors. They can relate.”
    “I’m good now.” Alex sat up and looked at his dirty hands. “A shower and sleep. You’re right. Then I have to get back to memorizing tomorrow’s script.”
    “You can do it. Believe in yourself.”
    “Thanks, Dad.”
    “If I manage to get a hold of Billy, I’ll make sure he does his best to find the time for you two to connect. You do realize he is going as mad as you are without you.”
    Alex smiled. “Good. I mean … you know what I mean.”
    “I do.”
    “Love you.”
    “You too.”
    Alex disconnected the phone and sighed, getting off the bed, leaving the paperwork on it and stripping for a shower.
    ~
    Steve checked the time on Mark’s phone , taking it from him, before Mark set it back down on the nightsta nd. It was three am. Steve placed it down and held onto Mark, inhaling his hair and its shampoo fragrance. Jack and Adam stirred but Steve assumed they fell back asleep quickly. There was only one insomniac in the bed. Mark.
    Leaning up on his elbow, Steve could see, sure enough, Mark’s eyes were open. Steve caressed Mark’s long hair, running his hand down Mark’s arm to his hip. “Want me to get you a pill?”
    Mark rolled over to face Steve, meeting his eyes in the dimmest of light that came from the moon outside their window. “If I take one now, I’ll be hung-over tomorrow.”
    Steve could not believe how beaut iful Mark was. He stared at him; his hair, full like a lion’s mane from his slumber, his high cheekbones, and narrow nose, angular jaw line … and not one goddamn sign of age on the forty- two-year- old man’s face. Dr Love did a perfect job on Mark n ot making Mark appear stiff or frozen, but doing just enough to make Mark appear youthful.
    Like his son.
    Steve grew erect. He reached for his own cock and ran the head up and down Mark’s body.
    “Do you want to fuck me, Steven?”
    “Later.” Steve knew Mark would allow him to do anything he wanted. Mark rarely, if ever, said no. “Do you love me?”
    Mark’s eyes widened and his lips parted. “I never will stop loving you.”
    Steve put his finger to Mark’ s mouth , indicating to Mark not to wake the other two. “Earlier … with Jack.”
    Mark shrugged. “Jack and I make love. You and Adam do. You and Jack do.”
    “I know. I don’t mind. But … I haven’t been able to make you come lately.”
    Mark looked down, away from Steve’s eyes.
    “Are you angry with me?” Steve used the back of his fingers to caress the fresh beard growth on Mark’s