My Steve Not Eve
1
I stretched as I woke up from bed today to my alarm. I put my glasses on and looked around my room and sighed. This was how it was going to be for as long as I lives. I don't have a lot of friends, no husband, wife or kids. Hell I don't even have a boyfriend. My life was so lame. I got up and did about my morning routine and took my cereal box from the cupboard in the kitchen. I sat on the stool eating and wondered how my life turned out like this.
I'm Carl O'Brien. I'm twenty and single. I'm a writer and three of my books have been turned into movies and I've been famous for them. I'm also gay which no one knows about. Its not that I care about it or anything cause its starting to be accepted around so I can cone out but the problem is with my parents. They both are very religious and condemn people like us to hell. That's why I can't come out. I only came out to my elder sister who is okay with it cause she's bi and her girlfriend is super cool. Alex had to move out of our house when she was in college after coming out to our parents. After that she never came back to us but I still kept in touch.
I am so afraid to tell them about it since they might commit suicide. I left the kitchen and went to my study where I was completing my new story. I was on the last chapter so it means I more rest till I get ideas for a new story. I typed on my laptop the last words of my story and I was done before noon. I sent it to my editor Joy. She's a trans and my parents hate her so much. I've been told to change her but I can't think of anyone who can fit the job like her. She's the best manager/editor anyone could ask for.
I left my study and moved to the living room and sat in front of the TV and started flipping through the channels in Netflix when I received a call from Joy.
Carl O'Brien
Hey Joy what's up?
Joy Summer
I'm so sad it ended. Is there really no love story for the writer. You know that he's my favorite and will soon be the favorite of everyone."
Carl O'Brien
And why's that?
Joy Summer
He's so real and lonely. I want a book two
Carl O'Brien
What?! This one's not even out yet
Joy Summer
Oh don't worry. Next week you have a book launch, three days later you'll see your book online. Then in two weeks your books would be sold out, reprinted and you have enough time and money to think of book two
Carl O'Brien
Great. More rest for me then
Joy Summer
Awww my poor baby. I'm sorry about that hon
Carl O'Brien
I'm twenty Joy. I'm not a kid
Joy Summer
I'm thirty. I'm still older than you baby
Carl O'Brien
Whatever I'll see you at the book launch with my parents
Joy Summer
You know they hate me
Carl O'Brien
Oh don't worry they love you their own way.
Joy Summer
By condemning me to hell
Joy Summer
Speaking of them, have you told them?
Joy Summer
What's taking so long Carl. You can't hide in the closet forever
Joy Summer
You'll hurt yourself
I listened to her and sighed. She thinks its so easy to do it. I'm being torn between my parents support and my career not that it has something to do with it too. I'm just looking for an excuse.
Joy Summer
Carl this is the 21st century. People are accepting us. Feel free to come out. I even got myself a guy.
Carl O'Brien
Congratulations Joy. But I'll still think about it
Joy Summer
Okay Carl. I'll tell you the date for the launch soon okay. Make sure to eat lunch.
Carl O'Brien
Alright. Bye Joy
Joy Summer
See you later Carl
I hunged up the call and went into my room and took out my wallet and keys. I dressed up into jeans and turtle neck top. I got out of my house before locking the door and unlocking my car. I got in and drove to the nearest restaurant where everything was not that expensive and my favorite place cause I knew the owner.
I sat down and Betty the waitress came to me with a smile.
Betty
Hey Carl how are you?
Carl O'Brien
I'm good how was your day?
Betty
Stressful as usual. Do you want the usual?
She took my order and went away to tell the chef my order. I sat down sipping on my water when I saw news reporters storm by. This was odd cause like they were running after no one.
Daniel Reed
That should keep them busy.
I was startled to hear a man's voice beside me and I panicked hitting him in the face.
Carl O'Brien
Oh my God. I'm so sorry
Daniel Reed
Don't worry I shouldn't have scared you
Carl O'Brien
I'm very sorry did you get hurt?
Daniel Reed
How can a beautiful flower hurt me? Unless it has thorns or do you?
He asked and winked at me making blush. I didn't know why I was blushing I mean yeah he's so handsome and muscular. I have this feeling he is flirting with me.
Carl O'Brien
Um.....no.....no I don't have thorns
Daniel Reed
I'm Dan. Nice to meet you beautiful
Carl O'Brien
I'm Carl O'Brien and thanks for the compliment
I managed a small smile for him with my face going red. Why were his words making me feel giddy. I don't understand.
Daniel Reed
Well I better be on my way Mr. writer
Carl O'Brien
How did you......oh you've read my books.
Daniel Reed
Well not me but my sister is a huge fan of yours
Carl O'Brien
Oh okay. I'm having a book launch soon with my new book. Would you like to come?
Daniel Reed
I would love to. See you later cutie
Carl O'Brien
Cutie? My name's Carl
Daniel Reed
Cutie fits you so much better
He left my table and went out the restaurant I looked out the window only to see him disappear around the corner of the finished smiled to myself at the things he said. Betty brought my food bringing me out of my trance. I sighed and started eating before I remembered I didn't take his number to inform him about the book launch. I mentally smacked my head. 'Good job Carl. You did a pretty good job'
I finished my food and went back home. I layer on the sofa thinking about my handsome stranger.
2
I found myself standing in front of a crowd giving a brief description of my story and clearly left out the part about the gay writer and told them to read it themselves to get the story themselves. They all laughed and the part I hated the most arrived. Questions about my book but it was necessarily about my book. It was about me and my life. I clearly didn't prepare myself for them this time.
News reporter
Mr O'Brien when will the book be out on the shelves. I'm dying to read it
Carl O'Brien
That would be in two days
News reporter
Oh and one more question. Will this story be on screens like the previous ones?
Carl O'Brien
That will be hard to tell.
News reporter
Well I have a question
Carl O'Brien
Okay what is it?
News reporter
Mr O'Brien. You are well known as a writer for five years now. Your still single at the age of twenty. Has no girl sparked your love interest or you like the other gender
This question caught me off guard and I was standing there staring into space. This is not what I wanted no I couldn't come out to my parents like this and I started panicking. I'm sure joy saw it cause she was by my side in an instant and took the microphone from my hand before talking.
Joy Summer
And what has that got to do with you asshole
News reporter
It's a very question that everyone has been asking
Joy Summer
Everyone or you? I can see you just want a bonus to your worthless salary. Mr O'Brien told me personally that he wants to be financially stable before jumping into a relationship unlike you he's still twenty idiot
The reporter trembled at her tone and didn't say a word again.
Joy Summer
So anymore questions
When know one answered her she wished everyone a good night and officially launched the book and also told them the book can be found online too. We left the stage and thanked everyone that came to my book launch. My parents came to me to congratulate me but giving Joy the deadliest glare ever.
Carl O'Brien
Hi mum. Hi dad
Carl's dad
Carl buddy. We're so proud of you
Carl's mum
Yes son we really are
Carl's mum
When will you come visit. I've missed my baby
Carl O'Brien
Soon. I promised Alex and Brit that I'll expect their visit
Carl's dad
So you decided to visit a sinner instead of us your parents?
Carl O'Brien
Dad please not here
Carl's dad
Why not here? She's a sinner and that's that
Carl O'Brien
This is the reason I don't come home. You guys will blast my ears on how Alex is a sinner. She's my sister and I love her gay or not
Carl's mum
But she's still a sinner son
Carl O'Brien
I'm going to the bathroom. Joy please keep them entertained
I left them in the hands of Joy which I knew was not a good idea. I went into the washroom and turned on the tap and splashed water on my face.
I turned surprised to see him standing there. I don't remember someone following me.
Daniel Reed
Don't worry I wasn't following you?
Carl O'Brien
I said that outloud?
Daniel Reed
Yep. I came to your book launch as I said. You didn't take my number
Carl O'Brien
I'm sorry but you disappeared before I could give it to you.
Daniel Reed
Don't worry. Are you okay? I overheard the conversation with your parents and you looked uncomfortable
Daniel Reed
Especially when you were asked if you're gay
Carl O'Brien
Don't worry. This is nothing new. I get that a lot. My parents and the society is nothing new. That's why I stay home most of the time
Daniel Reed
Thank God. I thought you were homophobic
Daniel Reed
But are you gay?
Carl O'Brien
Me not being homophobic doesn't mean I'm gay
Daniel Reed
Then why did you ignore the question earlier?
Carl O'Brien
I don't like people prying into my personal life
Daniel Reed
So I'm I prying?
He asked with a smirk on his perfect face. Why did he have to be so handsome. I can't even get angry with him. I wiped my hands on a paper towel and was about to leave when he stopped me.
Daniel Reed
I'm gay. You don't have to say anything about it
Carl O'Brien
You don't go around telling people your sexuality. especially to strangers
Daniel Reed
You aren't a stranger. I know you
Carl O'Brien
But I don't Dan
Daniel Reed
Wow. I was wondering where my name went
Carl O'Brien
Just stop it okay.
Daniel Reed
Okay. Look I'm here because I want your number and my sister threatened to cut off my **** if I don't get a first copy of your book.
I laughed at his statement. He had the same expression I have when Alex threatens me.
Carl O'Brien
Alright follow me so you don't loose your ****
Daniel Reed
Thanks. You're a life saver
I smiled and the two of us went to the garage using the elevator. When we got there we walked to my car where I had ten copies of my book. I opened the back door and pushed myself in to get the book. I got out once I had a copy and handed it to him as if he was in a daze cause I waved the book three times on his face before I got his attention. Then realization hit me.
Carl O'Brien
Were you staring at my ***?
Daniel Reed
Oh no why would I?That's absurd
Carl O'Brien
Whatever. This is a special copy cause it has my number in it and it would mixed up with the rest so people don't ring me like maniacs
Daniel Reed
Thanks. You sure this is a good idea?
Carl O'Brien
Yeah. The rest of the contact information in the other books are Joy's
Daniel Reed
Thank you so much cutie. Will I see you around?
Carl O'Brien
No. I'm spending my free time with my sister at my place.
Daniel Reed
Okay. I'll get back to my sister. see you again cutie
Daniel Reed
Oh and by the way nice ***
He laughed as he walked away to his own car. I watched him drive off and smiled to myself. I looked at my phone and texted Joy that I'm heading home. She told me to get some rest and that was a quick reply. I entered my car and drove off. I got home and changed into my pyjamas and laid on my bed. Staying up all night with nothing but coffee is so bad. I was about to shut my eyes when my phone vibrated on the bedside table. I checked to see a message from an unknown number.
Unknown number
Hi this is Dan. Wanted to be sure this is you.
Me
Yes Dan. This is me.
Unknown number
Good save my number and good night cutie.
I smiled at the texts and turned off my phone to sleep. I soon drifted off to dreamland.
3
I woke up to noise downstairs in my house. I wore my glasses and wore my bedroom slippers and went downstairs. I went towards the kitchen and saw Joy stacking food into my fridge.
Carl O'Brien
Good morning Joy
Joy Summer
Oh did I wake you up Carl? I'm sorry
Carl O'Brien
Don't worry. Thanks for doing the grocery for me
Joy Summer
Oh please. You have to start eating healthy for once. You're looking thin and your parents blame me. Do I make you overwork or what?
Carl O'Brien
No. They're my parents after all so they'll be worried
Joy Summer
Whatever. So who's the guy I saw you leave with last night? Is he upstairs?
Carl O'Brien
What! No! He just wanted a copy of my book for his sister
Joy Summer
But you gave him the one with your original number. Did he spark your interest?
Carl O'Brien
Oh Joy. Yes he is but he doesn't know I'm one
Joy Summer
Don't want your parents finding out?
Joy Summer
Come on Alex did it but she isn't dead. She's only being condemned
Carl O'Brien
Easy for you to say. So why are you here?
Joy Summer
Well first off I'm your manager. You have a big house okay not big enough. Alex is coming and a reporter followed you last night
Carl O'Brien
What? When will these people leave me alone?
Joy Summer
I already took care of him. Broke his camera, memory card,and also his balls
Joy Summer
What. I'm looking out for you. Allow me cause Alex left you in my capable hands
Carl O'Brien
Now I see why you're best friends
Joy Summer
As if you didn't know. Alex is coming over.
Carl O'Brien
Yeah. I forgot to tell my parents
Joy Summer
Who cares? I'll do breakfast go take a shower you smell like fish
I frowned at her but went back upstairs to shower and get dressed. I came out of the show and my phone started buzzing. It was an unknown caller asking for a face time. I smiled when I thought it was Alex and answered it. With my back to the phone I started talking.
Carl O'Brien
Its odd how you change your number quickly.
Carl O'Brien
Is someone after you or what?
Daniel Reed
I'm not Alex cutie
The sound off his voice made me turn around in a flash accidentally making my towel drop to the ground.
Carl O'Brien
You?! What are you.....
Daniel Reed
Do you do this with everyone who face time's you? I'm really loving the view
I looked down following his gaze to see my towel on the floor and I was ***** in front of him. I ended the call and got dressed quickly. I took my phone and saw he sent me a text.
Unknown number
Hey I'm sorry for calling unexpectedly. I just wanted to see your face after last night.
Me
Don't worry. I thought it was my sister. My bad for not checking first.
Unknown number
By the way cutie you have an amazing body.
Me
Really.
Unknown number
Yep. Anyway I gotta go. I'm at work I'll text you when I'm done.
Me
Okay.
I smiled at my phone once I got to the kitchen forgetting Joy was there.
Joy Summer
Who are you talking to?
Carl O'Brien
No one its just a friend
Joy Summer
Which friend got you smiling like you're with your lover.
She snatched the phone from my hand and started reading our messages as I chased her around the room. I finally tackled her to the ground and took my phone from her hands.
Joy Summer
Wow cutie you can surely tackle me with your amazing body
Carl O'Brien
Stop teasing me Joy.
Alex O'Brien
Yes stop teasing my little brother
I turned and saw Alex standing in the doorway with her girlfriend too. I rushed to hug her forgetting about what Joy was saying.
Carl O'Brien
I've missed you Alex
Alex O'Brien
I missed you too baby bear
Carl O'Brien
I'm not a baby anymore
Alex O'Brien
You're still my baby bear. Even if your hair becomes gray
Alex O'Brien
And you just turned twenty
I smiled at her before I let go. I turned to look at Brittany who was all smiles. She was one of the people who genuinely loved my books and would do anything for me to start writing another one.
Brittany Fisher
How's my favorite writer?
Brittany Fisher
I've missed you terribly
Brittany Fisher
I got a copy of your new and by God this is the best so far
I turned to look at Joy who only shrugged her shoulders.
Joy Summer
You didn't expect me to leave her out as you gave lover boy a copy
Carl O'Brien
He asked for his sister
I stuck my tongue out at her and she did the same. It would have been over if he did not call. Now I had officially saved his number and made a mistake of adding a heart emoji. No I did not. I looked at Joy who only blew me a kiss. Alex took the phone from my hand and answered it. Now I was screwed for life.
Alex stayed on the phone for a long time and I was getting nervous.
Brittany Fisher
Calm down Carl she's just going to scare him a little
Carl O'Brien
Joy this is all your fault
Joy Summer
How is it my fault when you were the one entertaining him with your amazing body
Carl O'Brien
I'll kill you
I was about to say something again when Alex came to the living room.
Alex O'Brien
Carl get dressed
Carl O'Brien
Where are we going?
Alex O'Brien
Not we you. Dan's coming to pick you up for breakfast
Carl O'Brien
But I didn't agree to go out with him
Alex O'Brien
I know I set you up.
Alex O'Brien
Go get ready. its not good to keep a gentleman waiting
I run up the stairs again to get dressed not before thanking her and moving at the speed of light. I also took a hat to cover my face and some shades cause of those stupid reporters. I came downstairs and Dan was already there talking to Alex, Brittany and Joy. When I got there he turned to look at me and smiled. Well I won't lie he was looking drop dead handsome.
I wore my hat and shades and we left the house after Alex threatened to cut off his balls of he tried to hurt me.
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