“Good morning,” Blayne said as Ethan walked in. “How was your run? I didn’t even feel you leave the bed this morning. I must have really passed out last night.”
“Well, yesterday was a rough day…for both of us. As for the run, it was great. The paparazzi, on the other hand, are out and about.”
“They are?” Blayne asked, putting the newspaper down. “What’s that like?”
“Yea, I saw a group scoping out Dream Bean—”
“I know you mentioned it last night, but I thought you were blowing it out of proportion. I should text Kira to let her know your warning last night was right. If they found The Dream Bean, they may be staking out her house.”
“As for what it’s like,” Ethan said, “I’ve been dealing with them or avoiding them for so long, it’s part of my life. I almost forget that normal people don’t have to worry about photographers jockeying to get a photograph of their worst possible moments.”
“I can’t imagine what it’s like to be thatpublic.”
“Most paparazzi are pretty considerate and treat us like humans. Heck, celebrities are often pretty friendly with the paparazzi because we get they have a job to do. It’s those that cross the line and become stalkers who cause problems.”
“Hey, I made coffee,” Blayne said. “Want me to get you a cup?” Blayne asked as he got up off the couch.
“Don’t get up. I can get mine,” Ethan said. “Remember… I made it yesterday, so I know where you keep everything.”
* * * *
Blayne
Blayne had already set out a mug on the counter, so Ethan grabbed the pot off the coffeemaker and poured himself a cup. He then watched Ethan grab the milk he’d purchased the day before and pour a small amount into his mug.
“So, how will you get the paparazzi off your ass?” Blayne asked.
“You really don’t. Once they know where you are, there’s not too much you can do to get rid of them. Think about them like cockroaches. Once you see one, you know there’s another twenty lurking around somewhere nearby.”
Ethan walked back into the living room and sat down next to Blayne. Instinctively, Blayne draped his arm around Ethan.
“Eww… I’m hot, sweaty and gross.”
“And I don’t care,” Blayne said. “Cheers?” He held up his mug to clink it with Ethan, who shook his head, smiled and clinked his mug. “Did they see you?”
“One looked in my direction, so I pulled off my hat and tucked it into my shorts. Apparently, the blond hair was just enough to keep him from looking closer. Not sure how long it will last, though.”
“Why would the hat give you away?” Blayne asked.
“Probably because I’ve worn it and been photographed in it a lot. Speaking of which…” Ethan leaned forward, reached around and grabbed the cap from under his shirt before setting it on the coffee table. When he leaned back, he leaned a little more into Blayne.
Blayne sat there for a moment, trying to come up with some kind of plan. “Anything else you’re known for wearing? Is there a uniquely Ethan look?”
“Hmm,” Ethan said. Blayne watched Ethan’s eyes look skyward in a look of concentration. “Probably my shoes.”
“Your shoes?”
“Yeah, they’re designer, and there aren’t too many pairs around, so they’re part of my signature look, I guess.”
Blayne thought for a second, saying “hmm” to himself, trying to develop a plan.
“What are you thinking?” Ethan asked.
“I’m not sure yet. What if we could distract them into thinking you weren’t really you?”
“If only I had a clone.”
“You don’t need a clone, just someone who looks close enough to confuse them.” Blayne took a sip of coffee and thought about it for a moment. An idea sprang into his head. “What size shoe do you wear?”
