That Ship Has Sailed

Chapter 6: Same Script, Different Cast

It was almost five in the afternoon when he received a text from Hayden about more late-night rehearsals for Oz. Though the work hours would be grueling, it was good to see his BFF enjoying all the work she was doing for the musical.

Making a quick sandwich from the groceries he just bought, Liam got a call from Lydia Martin, his agent. He went to answer his cell.

"Lydia," he greeted. "What's going on?"

"Great news!" She squealed. "Progressive Farm loved the first commercial and wants you to be their official brand ambassador!"

"That's great!" Liam smiled. "I'm shooting the second one this week."

"Well, there's going to be lots more," Lydia declared. "I negotiated a six-figure deal per commercial, minus our twenty percent of the cut, of course."

"Of course," he nodded about the agency's commission fee.

"You're about to be quite a rich man, Liam Dunbar," she teased.

"That's all thanks to your mom and you as my amazing agents," he cooed.

Lydia paused for moment before speaking. "Oh, one more thing, before I forget. A little birdy told me that you're a big fan of this show called Beacon Hills?"

"I am," he said honestly. "I met the cast at the L. A. Comic Fest a few weeks ago. Great people."

"Guess what?" She squealed.

"What?"

"The show is looking to cast for a big villain next season," she informed him. "And I thought you could read as a possible candidate?"

Liam's mouth. "Are you fucking kidding me? Hell yeah! When's the audition?"

"Not until next month," she told him. "They're still wrapping up this season. But you must keep it hush hush. No one is supposed to know about the casting call until it's formally announced."

"Lydia," Liam started. "If you can get me that audition, I will forever be in your debt."

"Too late!" She taunted. "You already are!" She let out a cackle as she attempted to stifle a snort over the phone. "Let me keep you posted about the details and give you the time and place."

Perfect," Liam agreed. "Keep me posted.

"I will."

She hung up the phone leaving Liam to finish his sandwich. After consuming his meal and a soda, an alert buzzed on his phone of a text message. He went to check it out.

It was from Brett.

Goddamnit! Why does he have to ruin my day?

He bravely tapped on it.

Hey bitch! Miss me?

A grainy photo was sent from his cell displaying him naked on the bed, his cock on full display as his new boyfriend went down him proudly. His finger began to delete the message and obscene photo.

What's the matter, prude? You can't satisfy a man? You were always lousy in bed. No man will have you!

Why don't you go and kill yourself, you pathetic queen?

Now fuck off!

Liam could feel his heart race, his pulse beating uncontrollably. The anxiety was getting him. All the fears, the apprehensions, the anxieties were bubbling forth transforming into rage.

He couldn't breathe. He tried to inhale but couldn't. He was drowning.

Come on, Liam. You can do this. Meditate. Close your eyes. Focus on your breath. There is no one else in the room. Just you. You're not alone. Just breathe. Breathe.

Breathe. Inhale. Exhale.

Breathe. Inhale. Exhale.

Inhale.

Exhale.

Inhale.

Exhale.

Breathe.

Breathe.

His heart and pulse slowed. He felt himself suddenly getting calmer, becoming more at ease, relaxed and confident of going about the day. He took a minute to process what happened and returned to next course of action.

Okay, asshole, you want to play. Let's play.

He saved the pornographic picture to his gallery and officially blocked his ex-boyfriend's number. After deleting the rest of his messages, he searched for Hayden on his contact and texted her.

Hi Hayden. Hope rehearsals are going well. Sorry to send this to you but Brett is being an asshole again and sending me gross pics with his new boyfriend. Use it to catfish guys on Cruisr or Ember. Do with it as you wish and have fun.

He sent the message and the pic. Call me J. C. Petty!

His thoughts then drifted back to Brett's words. Prude. Can't satisfy a man. No man will have you.

Well, he was going to prove Brett Talbot wrong. Scrolling his phone, he got the number he needed and texted.

Hey. I know I said yes for this weekend but if you're not working, want to meet up tonight?

Liam sent the text and waited for a few seconds. Theo responded immediately.

Come on over. You have the address. Say about seven?

Liam replied.

See you then.

Theo answered.

Can't wait.

Liam put down his phone. All right, Liam Dunbar, you accepted. Now go through with it. No regrets.

He certainly would as he went to hit the shower.