Back at the Geyer household, Liam sat on his bed of his old bedroom as his mother frantically rummaged through his gym bag.
"Let's see what you have here," Satomi said to herself. "A ratty t-shirt, a pair of faded jeans, board shorts, a tank top, and what appears to be dirty gym clothes. Jesus, Liam, didn't you bring any clean clothes that are presentable for dinner tonight?"
"In my defense, Mom, he explained. "I wasn't expected to be sold off to an arranged marriage with the next-door neighbor's kid." He rolled his eyes.
Satomi clucked her tongue. "Don't be so dramatic. It's just one dinner. Who knows, you might hit it off with this young man and forget all about that asshole, Brett."
"Mom," Liam argued. "I've already gotten over Brett. I just need some time before jumping back into the dating pool."
"My little apple," Satomi grinned. "You just need a little push." She scratched head before it hit her. "I know! Your father can loan you his dress shirt and pants for the night! Sure, it'll be a little baggy but, at least, you'll look presentable for dinner."
Liam did his own eyeroll. "While you're at it, Mom. Ask his family for a dowry and a couple of camels, a sheep, and cattle to trade me for!"
"Don't be facetious!" His mother snapped. "Just play nice for this dinner, please Liam. Besides, camels are expensive and the going rate for steer involves a lot of property tax paperwork! We'll ask for the coin or euro currency exchange rate from them later!"
Liam laughed. He knew his parents' sense of humor always made light of these awkward situations. Satomi grabbed the stack of his dirty clothes and headed outside into the hallway.
"Jesus, Liam!' Satomi gasped as she flinched from the foul aroma. "We've taught you how to do your laundry! You can't tell me you're this lazy not to wash your own damn clothes! You know better!"
"I'm a busy, working actor!" He called out to her from his bedroom. "Laundry is at the bottom of my priority list!"
"Make it at the top next time!" She suggested. "You're not homeless and have access to a washing machine!"
"Love you!" Liam smiled as he shouted from his room.
"And don't you forget it!" Satomi yelled back as she retreated to the laundry room to wash his clothes.
Liam noticed an alert on his phone and went to read his texts.
It was Theo.
Hey, we're still on for next weekend?
Liam hesitated before answering. Should he answer? What was he going to say? All right, he was going to be honest.
Um, I don't know.
Theo responded immediately.
What do you mean you don't know? Are you having second thoughts?
Liam exhaled a breath. Okay, just be upfront. If he blows you off, then it's for the best. Come on, Liam, you got this! He typed in his reply.
Look, I normally don't do this sort of thing. Hell let's be real here. I don't do this thing period. If you're looking for a random hook up, that's cool but I don't think I'm your guy.
Theo read Liam's answer. The guy is honest, I'll give him that. But let just be real and not play games here. He typed something in return.
Maybe you are the guy and yes, I'm looking for a hook up. Random? No. I checked you out on your Photogram pics and think you're hot and thought you'd might be into having some fun. But if this isn't your thing, then I can respect that.
Liam read the message. Wow! Theo Raeken thinks I'm hot! Sure, he gets that a lot from random soap fans who mistake him for his television character and not the real person who plays him. He thought about Theo's words for a few seconds before carefully revealing something about himself.
Thanks for understanding. I'll be honest here. Part of me is intrigued because I'm not the guy who does this and hooks up with other guys from a PM. Here's the truth, I had just broken up with my ex-boyfriend who cheated on me and told me I was a prude. There is a part of me that wants to prove him wrong and try this out just show him I'm not and perhaps see if this is something I might be into. So yeah, I'm a little bit curious or just desperately thirsty. LOL.
Theo grinned and type back.
LOL. How do you know if you've never tried it? If you need training wheels, then I'll gladly be your teacher. And since we're being honesty, I'm just that horny bastard that no one can resist. LOL.
Liam laughed and replied with a laughing face and eye roll emoji.
Arrogant much?
Theo laughed as well.
Only when it matters. Come on. You can't tell me that you're not just a bit intrigued by this situation.
Liam frowned.
Who wouldn't I be? You're Theo Raeken, the hot actor from a hit tv show. I'm sure there are tons of guys…and girls? That probably want to sleep with you. What makes me so special?"
Touché, Liam. All right you want me to break it you. Here goes. Theo said to himself, rapidly typing away and cutting and pasting off the Google search engine.
Liam Dunbar (aka Geyer), the former child star of Cinemascope Kids who had one season of Class Dismissed before transitioning to soaps when he was twelve. The same kid who was born in Detroit by adoptive parents, Dr. Todd Geyer, and Satomi Ito-Geyer, and then moved to San Diego. The same hot guy who now lives in L. A. and is debating whether to spend a night next weekend with the arrogant asshole, Theo Raeken.
The same Theo Raeken who is the son of the famous musician, Deucalion Raeken, and his wife, supermodel Jennifer Blake. He was discovered by Argent Entertainment who got signed on as an Andersen-Grimm kid star on the sitcom, The Extra Terrestrials, for four years before jumping to adult work as the popular Christian Codex on Beacon Hills. Now he is trying to see this if is enough to convince a potential hook up to meet up with him…
Somehow Theo was able to type his whole spiel out on his phone. Liam was impressed.
Dammmn! I got a stalker now. You got all that from my Wiki profile? You're not going to kidnap me and lock me in a toolshed and keep me as your sex slave where I bear your captive lovechild, are you?
Theo laughed again. This guy has a dark sense of humor. I like that. He answered with the same kind of tone.
Not into the creepy Emma Donoghue Room fantasy. I'm more the L. E. Jaymes' Blue Levels of Color. How about it, Liam? You want Mr. Greyson to see you now in his BDSM kinky dungeon? Unless you do want me to fill you up with my kiddos?
Liam rolled his eyes.
Are we sexting? We haven't hooked up yet and you're already sexting me! Jumping the gun, a little early there. Boy, you've got balls!
Theo's wickedness showed no bounds.
Only blue balls, babe. And I've got them hard for you!
Liam frowned, typing furiously on his phone.
Does that line ever work for you? My ex was like that and, believe me, I'm not impressed. You really are that cocky?
Theo snickered at their conversation. He decided to shoot his shot.
I'm just putting it all out there, Liam. No deceptions. No lies. No false fronts. Just overconfident me and yes, I'm an arrogant, cocky asshole. Let's be clear on that but I'm being up front what I'm looking for and if you are still down for some fun to forget about all about your ex-boyfriend, you know where to find me.
Liam sighed. At least, he is being brutally honest with me. No lies. No pretentions. Theo Raeken knows exactly what he wants and doesn't try to play games with me. I can either say yes or no in this situation. What to do? What to do? He typed back a response.
All right, Mr. Raeken, I'll give you props for your delivery. We're both grown adults here so it's entirely my decision. Tell you what. I'll give you my answer tonight.
Theo read the hopeful texts.
Don't keep me in anticipation. By the way, where are you? Are you shooting a project?
Liam giggled and responded.
Sadly, no. I'm visiting my family in San Diego. My Mom is trying to play matchmaker by setting me up with her neighbor's kid. She's trying to do this arranged marriage thing but in a metaphorical way. Talk about awkward.
Theo raised his brows. Sounds like I have competition. He typed something in reply.
Did she ask for dowry of 100 sheep and a couple brooding mares?
Liam nearly cackled. The man has an amazing sense of humor that was practically on point. I'm seriously wanting to drop my pants for him right now!
Not yet but we'll add it to the prenup agreement.
Theo smiled. He was enjoying this banter with him.
Keep me posted. I'll have my phone on tonight and I would love to hear about how your dinner date went.
Liam snorted and typed back.
Don't hold your breath. Thought I'll remember this scenario for a future screenplay or a comedy sitcom situation.
Theo snickered.
Then I'll help you write it. Just to let you know, I'm good with my hands. Theo paused. All right, I'll let you go now. I'll text you to see how my competition is doing. See ya, Liam.
Same to you, Theo. Liam typed in return.
He hung up his cell and placed it by his nightstand as he thought about Theo's offer next weekend. Surely, Liam was intrigued but did he really want this to be one night stand? Overwhelmingly, his body was telling him yes.
Shutting off his phone, Theo tossed the device to the side of the couch as he sat back and thought about Liam. Sure, this was going to be a one-time hook up but there was something certainly alluring and attractive about the young man that made him constantly keep thinking about him.
This is weird. He said to himself. I normally don't dwell on the guys I've smashed. There is just something about him that I can't get my finger on. He pushed those same thoughts out of his mind as got off the couch, grabbed his phone, car keys, and his jacket and headed out the door. He needed someplace to clear his head for a while. A place to distract his thoughts.
Eichen House.
Originally a mental health facility that was built in 1912 in Los Angeles, Eichen House was sold to the Pfeizer-Sharpener Corporation in the sixties as an upscale caregiving community center for disabled and senior living. Remodeled with plenty of amenities and services, this was where Theo's disabled younger sister, Tara, was moved to be taken care of.
At twenty-one years of age, Tara Raeken had always struggled with being a person with Down syndrome. However, her optimism and cheery personality always brought a ray of sunshine to Theo's heart. Despite being high functioning, Theo relocated her to Eichen House so that she could find her own sense of community and independence and have the right staff to care for her as he continued to work diligently in Hollywood.
He parked his car in the visitor's lot, grabbed a wrapped gift from the backseat, and got out. Heading to the front entrance, he was greeted by someone familiar.
"Theodore!"
His little sister, Tara, hugged him the moment he entered the facility, giving him the tightest squeeze ever.
"I got something for you," he smiled, handing her the tiny bundle.
Her eyes lit up. "Is this what I think it is?"
"You'll have to guess," he teased. "But first, you owe me a lunch date." He offered his arm to her. "Shall I escort you, my lady, to the cafeteria?"
"Yes!" Tara answered excitedly as she accepted his gentlemanly gesture.
Together, the pair walked over to the facility's dining area and to grab their trays and some food. Tara opted for a slice of pizza, salad, juice box, and a pudding cup for dessert. Theo went with the turkey sandwich, chips, an apple, and bottled water. They found a vacant table by the window and sat down.
"I love when they have pizza day!" Tara smiled as she bit into her slice. Seeing her little sister looking innocent and happy made him smile a little too. Even with their neglectful upbringing, the pair managed to remain close growing up. Tara grabbed her gift. "Can I open it?"
"Sure," her brother nodded, sipping his bottled water.
Excitedly ripping open the paper, she squealed when pulled apart several pieces of folded, printed fabric.
"Thank you, Theodore!" She beamed. "Now I have enough material here to make my aprons!" Tara's side hobby, or rather occupation, was sewing and simple arts and crafts of aprons, potholders, oven mitts, and even a few dresses which she sold online. "Guess, how many aprons I sold this week?"
"How many?" Theo tried to seem interested.
"Three!" Tara replied with pride.
"That's two more than last time," Theo entertained her. "Keep it up!"
"I will," she giggled. "I might even sell four!" She gently put her gift to the side and grinned at her big brother. "So?"
Theo eyed her with suspicion. "What are you doing?"
"Interrogating you," Tara stated seriously. "Do you have a girlfriend?"
"No," Theo snickered, gulping his water.
"Do have a boyfriend?"
He suddenly spit out his drink. "Where did that come from? The answer is no, Tara."
"Are you gay?"
Jesus, she won't let up. He coughed a little and put down his water bottle. "No, Tara. What's with all the questions?"
"Just wondering," Tara said flatly. "Some of the other residents and staff here say stuff. That you're an actor in Hollywood and that you always seen dating different girls but can't stay committed. You too good looking to be straight. Look, I might be disabled but I'm not dumb. I know stuff. Personally, I don't care if you are. You're my big brother and I love you. So, if you're gay I'm proud of you but you really need better taste in color coordination. This color palate in the material you gave me clashes!"
Theo laughed. "Tara, it's complicated but you'll be the first person to know if I do come out of the closet."
"Just don't take too long," his little sister warned. "You don't want to end up old and gray and marry rich old men to compensate for your fading good looks like Mom."
Theo sighed. "She called you too, huh?" He could tell from the way she insulted their mother that Jennifer Blake was really trying hard to reconnect with her adult children but failing miserably.
Tara nodded sadly. "She called here yesterday and did this whole apology thing about not being there. I told her fuck off and that me and Theo are doing fine without her in our lives." Theo listened to her words intently. "It's true, big brother. We were raised better with our nannies than she ever did."
Theo smiled. "Remember Miss Havisham, the Scottish widow, who always made those delicious sugar cookies?"
"Oh, I liked her!" Tara giggled. "She tucked us in at night and told us bedtime stories."
Her big brother then scowled. "Then Mom fired her because we were getting too close, and she got jealous."
Tara shrugged. "That's Jennifer Blake for you. Vain and narcissistic to the very end. Thank God, we had each other." She went over to Theo's side and hugged him. "I don't know what I'd do without you, my big brother." She gave him a peck on the cheek. "I love you, Theodore."
"And I love you, little sis," he patted her head. Tara finally released him from her embrace as Theo smiled as they returned to their meal. "After this, want to play of ping pong?"
"You on!" Tara clapped her hands. "You about to get your butt handed to you!"
Theo left Eichen House happy and at peace. Sometimes a visit with his little sister gave him some sense of normalcy and confidence that helped him get through the tough days. Opting for picking up Thai takeout on his way home, he parked his car in the garage of his condo and headed inside with his dinner.
It was bout eight when he got home that he decided to text Liam while munching on some pad Thai.
Hey, you free to talk?
No answer for a minute when suddenly a message popped up on his phone.
Yeah. Guess where I am?
Theo scratched his head and tried to figure out Liam's riddle.
Uh, hopefully still home and not dead in a gutter somewhere for refusing the marriage proposal.
A laughing emoji popped up. Then a middle finger.
No, dumbass. I'm outside in the backyard sharing a beer with my now ex-fiancé. It turns out his dowry was inadequate seeing how all the cows were killed by a Chupacabra.
Theo laughed.
I take it dinner was a bust?
Liam replied.
More like Hurricane Katrina. Turns out, my ex-fiancé is straight, and his girlfriend is a born-again Christian. His lesbian moms don't know. I'm waiting for the shit to hit the fan! LOL.
Theo raised his brows in surprise. He then typed a challenge.
Pics please. I want to see my competition.
Liam snapped a photo and sent him. Lounging in a patio chair was rather slender, plain looking, average Joe with acne, wavy red hair wearing a frayed Misfits t-shirt and outdated skater pants. Theo could not help himself and began howling with laughter. He texted his feedback.
Daaaayum. Nature. You scary.
Middle finger emoji and then a laughing smiling face.
Hey, don't be mean. He's going through an awkward phase.
Theo could not help himself.
Awkwardly grotesque. He has a butter face!
Middle finger emoji again. Then several right after.
I assume everyone should be up to your standards. Exactly, who made you king of what everyone should look like? What exactly is it that you want?"
Theo knew exactly what he wanted. The hot looking, blond, hazel blue eyed young man he was conversing with. He texted an emoji of an eggplant and a peach.
That much is obvious.
Not one to back away, Liam dug deep inside to find his confidence.
Are you sure you want to do this?
Theo smirked.
The real question should be: ARE YOU?
By now, Liam had had enough. Theo Raeken wanted a hook up and Liam Dunbar was the person who was man enough to do it.
All right, cocky boy. You're on! Challenge accepted. I'll meet you next weekend. Don't forget.
Wow! Theo though. He's really going to do this!
It's done then. No going back now. I'll happily be waiting for you. Don't worry, I'll have your dowry ready. How do a flock of chickens and three shears of lambs sound?
Not to be outdone, Liam had to get the last word in.
Deal Mr. Theo Raeken! You better wait for me cause' you're a tree and I'm going to climb you!
Bye!
Theo took a moment to take in the entire message. Liam Dunbar was going to hook up with him next weekend. No hesitations. No regrets.
Now it would be up to him to live up to the fantasy.