The Movie

Chapter 9

Once they entered Al’s, Reid took a seat next to Luke, and Mark settled next to Noah. Reid couldn’t help the flashback of a time many years earlier when he’d seen Luke observe a then blind Noah enjoying the company of another man for the first time at this very table. He wondered, once again, if Luke and Noah could actually come to a compromise about how to portray Luke’s young adult years. Both of them saw things from completely different viewpoints.

Mark leaned toward Noah, speaking quietly. “Noah, this is your show. We’re all here. Can we find out what’s up before we order? It may actually allow a few of us to regain our appetites.”

Turning to look directly at Mark, Noah grinned. “Have you known me to do anything less than dramatically since we met?”

“I wish I could say yes, but you already know the real answer.”

“Exactly.” Noah reached into his messenger bag and pulled out four fat documents and handed one to each of the men at the table, retaining one set for himself. “After the other day at Luke and Reid’s place, and then a very enlightening visit with someone who dropped in to see me at WOAK, I spent a great deal of time thinking about my goals for this project.”

“I was hoping that was why I hadn’t seen much of you at home during the past couple of days.” Mark kissed Noah on the cheek.

“Well, you can certainly rest assured there was nothing to worry about where you’re concerned.” Noah ran his fingers over Mark’s shoulder. “I started thinking about my life before I met you, and my life since.” He paused a moment to look directly across the table. “Then I started to think about your life, Luke.”

Luke and Reid sat up straighter. Reid laced their fingers together, waiting for Noah to continue.

“I realized that Reid was your before and after. Everything that happened before you and Reid got together contributed to how you knew he was the one who was right for you. Just like everything before Mark led me to the same conclusion for us.” Noah gestured between himself and Mark. Mark wrapped his arm around Noah’s shoulder.

“Luke, I wanted to believe you’d made a huge mistake where Reid was concerned, but it’s obvious the only mistake made was my assumption that he was wrong for you.” Noah looked at the remaining stack of papers in his hands and took a deep breath. “I removed my rose-colored glasses and took a good long look at the years we were together. What I saw wasn’t pretty. If anyone needed the definition of how to hurt the one they love, they could have observed the way I treated you throughout our relationship.”

“It wasn’t all that bad.” Luke spoke barely above a whisper.

Reid glared at him. “You’re kidding, right? Please tell me you can understand the difference between not all that bad and not all that healthy.”

“Reid, it’s hard to admit any failure. I wanted Noah and me to work out so badly. I let him--” Luke’s voice trailed off.

“You let me treat you like crap and took the few great moments we had and gave them much more importance than they deserved. Luke, I just want you to know I loved you as much as I was capable of loving anyone back then.” Noah stared into Mark’s eyes. “I’m glad I truly know how to love and accept love now.”

“Me too.” Mark choked out the words, his love for Noah obvious to anyone who glanced their way. Reid was even more pleased to clearly see it was completely and genuinely reciprocated.

“Luke, you once said you’d always love me and wanted to be close friends. If you still want that I think I’m finally ready to be the friend to you I should have been from the moment you confessed your love for Reid to me.”

“I really do want that, Noah. It’s what I’ve always wanted for us.”

“Well, as I said, I rethought the angle of this project and realized it’s a natural for illustrating just how much Luke always supports those he loves even when disappointment is all he gets in return. It’ll feature all you went through with Kevin, then me, both of whom ultimately hurt you despite all you did for us, and then the story works its way to the turning point in your life -- when Reid came onto the scene. He readily accepted your desire to help and support him, and that gave you the confidence to be there for your parents when they were ready to reunite. Unfortunately that led to you demonstrating a supreme act of love and support by becoming guardian to your youngest sibling. All of your growth made easier and possible with the unconditional backing of your partner.”

Reid blinked, not sure he’d heard right. “Are you saying what I think you’re saying, Mr. Mayer?”

“If you mean, did I actually listen for once in my life and try to see things from the other person’s point of view, then the answer is yes.” Noah pointed to the packets he’d distributed earlier. “The scripts you’re holding are the new version of the film I plan to begin shooting as soon as I return from my honeymoon.”

All three opened them and started reading the first few pages.

Luke was the first to look up. “Noah, I don’t know what to say.”

“How about, it’s about time?”

Reid snorted. “And then some.”

After playfully poking him in the ribs, Luke kissed Reid tenderly on the lips. “I know you had more to do with this than you’re willing to admit.”

“I always make my opinions known, but I didn’t force Noah’s hand. The final choice was his, and his alone.”

Mark ran his fingers over Noah’s hair. “I’m so proud to be your partner.”

“Soon-to-be husband.” Noah smiled at him.

“I’m counting on it.”

“I must be getting hungrier than I thought because I feel like gagging.”

“Reid!”

“It’s okay, Luke,” Noah piped in, “I’ve always known your husband was crude and totally lacking in the social graces.”

“It’s part of my irresistible charm.”

“Only to Luke Snyder.”

“Well, Mr. Mayer, he’s all that matters to me.”

Noah nodded. “I’m beginning to see that more clearly than I ever dared before.” Noah looked at Mark. “I hope you can feel that way about me someday.”

Mark ghosted his fingers over Noah’s cheek and drew him in for a kiss. “Haven’t you realized by now, I already feel that way about you; I have for a long time.”

“Enough you two.” Reid spotted Henry coming out from the kitchen. “Hank, four of your chili specials and your famous milkshakes -- we’re celebrating.”

“Oh yeah, Dr. Irritating... what’s the celebration?”

“We’re preparing to marry these two off and go into the movie business.”

“Is there a role for me?”

“Not in this film, Mr. Hollywood, but maybe Mr. Mayer will cast you in his next blockbuster. This one is about the Snyder clan, featuring the highly esteemed and extremely hot, Luciano Eduardo, a role to be played by someone with significantly better looks than you.”

“Are you sure you want to be at your most obnoxious just before I serve you your food, Doc?”

“Do you still want to be Katie’s friend?”

Henry grumbled as he headed back into the kitchen. “I have no idea what Bubbles sees in you.”

After everyone settled down to wait for lunch to be served, Reid noticed a pall overtake Luke. “Are you alright?”

“It’s really going to happen, isn’t it?”

“What’s going to happen?”

“A short story I wrote is going to be turned into a movie.”

Noah chimed in. “And you’ll get full credit on screen.”

“I’ll have to watch it, won’t I?”

Reid furrowed his brow. “Of course you will, why wouldn’t you? Luke?” Reid took Luke’s hand in his.

“I miss them so much. Some days go by where I really don’t think much about what happened, but I’ll relive it again when the film is made. It’s still painful to think about, especially since Natalie and Ethan’s memories of our parents are fading more and more every day.”

Resting their foreheads together, Reid whispered, “Maybe we need to refresh their memories. It’s been a while since you watched the old family DVD’s. Maybe it’s time to pull them out again.”

“You don’t mind?”

“Luke, I don’t want Ethan to forget his mother and father either. I know I’m just in as a replacement.”

“You know you’re so much more than that to him.”

Before Reid could respond, Noah coughed to get their attention. “Reid, the other day when we spoke, you reminded me a lot of Holden. Ethan’s lucky to have you... so is Luke.”

Not knowing what to say, a lump forming in his throat, Reid was relieved when Henry came out with their meals. He wasn’t prepared for the emotions the resolution to the film problem would bring back to the surface. Reid knew he and Luke would have to sit down with Ethan soon and discuss the details of the movie, but it was important that they first watch some home videos again. He loved being Ethan’s father, but still had mixed feelings about his true role in the kid’s life.

Trying to get off the emotional roller coaster he felt like he was on, Reid looked at Luke. “By the way, you do realize it’s up to you and me as best men to give these two clowns a bachelor party. Where do you suppose we can find gay go-go boys in Oakdale?”

The four burst out laughing and were distracted for the moment as they ate. Noah really had come through. Mr. Mayer had grown up. Reid was kind of glad he and Luke got to see the results, since they’d had to live with the far-from-stellar pre-L.A. previews.

[TBC]

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