"Yeah," Howard said. "I think he was pressured to do it, but it seems there's a rule against loitering outside the rooms."
I pulled my clothes from my locker and began getting dressed. "Well, privacy is important."
"If that big shot wanted privacy, he should have checked into the Ritz-Carlton," Vinnie said.
"Where a dozen reporters would have been waiting in the lobby?" I said with a scoff.
"Okay, I see what you mean," Vinnie conceded. "So tell us everything."
I felt like butterflies were dancing in my stomach. It took me back to high school when I had an intense infatuation with a jock named Bruno. I wanted to tell Vinnie and Howard everything, but something stopped me.
What happened was personal. Deeply private. Sure, it was a bathhouse. Sordid tales and gossip about conquests were considered fair game. But I'd been trusted with a secret and I felt the need to guard it closely.
It was obvious that I'd donesomethingwith the actor. The way he'd paraded through there in that ridiculous disguise only drew more attention to his identity. And Vinnie and Howard saw me go to his room with their own eyes.
But that's all anybody knew for certain. Nobody knew the details. They could make assumptions, make up stories, but only two people actually knew what happened. That felt sacred somehow.
My gut was guiding me so I shook my head as I slid on my brown loafers. "Sorry, boys, I'm going to keep it to myself. And I'd appreciate it if you didn't tell anyone what you saw."
Howard gaped and guffawed. "Rex, surely you're joking."
"Nope. This is different. He's a rising star and if word got out about this, it would destroy his career. He doesn't deserve that."
I didn't know why I was being so thoughtful after he'd treated me like a piece of meat. But somehow, I understood. His fear of having his secret blown was about him, not me. He had a lot to lose.
"Did he tell you not to tell anyone?" Vinnie asked. Now came the negotiation tactic. He thought he was going to rationalize the truth out of me.
"No, but I think it's implied. In fact, he said he wasn't the person I thought he was. He told me I was mistaken."
Howard snorted. "And you believed him?"
"Look, I've said all I care to say. I hope you two can respect me and keep this under your hats."
I smiled at both of them, patted Vinnie on the shoulder, and strolled out of the locker room feeling good about myself. It would have been so satisfying to tell them all the juicy details, but keeping it a secret made it feel even more special.
On my way home that night, I passed a magazine stand where my Hollywood leading man graced the cover. It was a close-up of his face. Dark eyes staring right into me. I bought a copy and took it home to admire.
Yes, like high school all over again. I had a big crush on a man that could never be mine.
