“Hush!”
“Not a chance.”
In the car, Luka kissed him again, but once they neared Luka’s apartment building, he pushed away from Benson and asked, “Call me? Later today, even if we can’t make plans.”
“I will. If I can wait until later.”
“Oh, and now that I know the producer, and I know how much he’s got, I want a raise in my weekly pay for the show.”
Benson smiled and said, “Base rate is less than three grand a week, Luka. So…three, five?”
“You wish. For this, you’re gonna pay dearly.”
With a wink, he was gone, and Benson laid his head back on the seat, sighing, laughing, and reliving each and every moment they’d shared.
“Dammit, Luka, I finally have someone to spoil, and you bet your ass, I’m going to spoil the hell out of you.”
Chapter Seven
Theyspokeonthephone nightly but didn’t have the chance to see one another again until the following week. Rodan was called once again for a fitting of something casual but gorgeous.
“I want to look free-spirited, but still care about my appearance. Something that says I’m easygoing, but can be firm when needed.”
“God, you’re annoying. I could just put a sandwich board on you and write all this shit on the front and back, or you can be quiet and let me work.”
“Meow. Someone’s cranky.”
Rodan held up one jacket, then another as he confessed, “Ferman wants to adopt kids, or spew my precious sperm in a cup and find some surrogate.”
“And what’s wrong with that?”
“Can you see me, some hausfrau with an apron, scurrying around after some unkempt toddler?”
As he laughed, Benson had to think quickly. He knew Rodan and his husband would make some child wonderful parents. “A child of yours? Unkempt? I see your child dressed epically, theabsolute envy of his or her preschool. I see Ferman using his culinary skills to whip up the lightest and most delicious desserts for their parties, and you will hand out fashion tips to the other housefraus to liven their lives a little. It could be fun.”
The suit coat dropped from his hand as his jaw dropped as well. “My word. Think of it!”
“And of course, I’d babysit.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. I wouldn’t hear of it. With your taste, or lack thereof, you’d make my child a savage. He’d run around in sneakers and, God forbid, K-mart T-shirts.”
“Is K-mart still a thing?”
“Well, if it’s not, I’m sure you’d find Baby Gap to make up for it.”
The thing was, he was right, but Benson didn’t care what the kid wore, as long as that kid knew he’d never have to worry about anything. And he’d, or she’d, be loved unconditionally, which was better than any fashion or toys Benson could give.
A child. He’d always wanted one. Thinking of Luka, however, he was unsure if Luca would want a kid. The way he felt about his own childhood, he might be terrified to bring a child into the world.
Still, Benson could dream.
Like he’d waved a magic wand, Rodan got back to business and picked out a linen suit for him, with the most beautiful silk white tank underneath the coat, all while he listed all the things he’d buy the child only a moment before he hadn’t wanted.
Benson left the apartment happy that evening, assured that some little kid or baby would have two loving, doting parents soon.
Luka had insisted they meet at the restaurant, as he’d been rehearsing just down the street. Brightening as Benson walked in and was taken to their table, Luka tossed the menu in front of him and said, “You look like you’re on this menu.”
“Good enough for a nibble or two, huh?”
