#Rev (GearShark #2) (32 page)

“Can you take off your shirt?”

I lost the shirt. From across the pavement, I heard Drew sputtering and Lorhaven laughing.

She applied some makeup to cover the bruising, and when I glanced at it in the mirror, I was impressed. It was all totally covered, though I admit most of it was faded so it probably wasn’t hard to hide.

As I was being led off by the photographer, Drew intercepted my path. He had two cups of coffee in his hand.

“I thought you said you weren’t making me one?” I teased.

“You looked cold with half your clothes missing,” he slurred.

I smiled widely. “You don’t like the view?”

“Oh, I like it. But I don’t like that everyone else likes it, too.”

I grabbed the coffee out of his hand and leaned in. “No one else will get to touch it tonight.”

“Just hurry up,” he demanded, but then he smiled.

The photo shoot went pretty fast. It seemed like the second I stepped in front of the backdrop, the photographer was snapping pictures. I actually wasn’t as uncomfortable as I thought I would be, despite the people standing around watching.

Once we finished with the backdrop, I put on my T-shirt and jacket to follow the photographer over to the side of the steel hangar for some more “rugged” shots.

Drew hung back so he could talk to Emily, but I felt his eyes every now and then, so I knew he was making sure I wasn’t stripping down to my boxers.

“Have you ever thought about modeling?” the photographer asked as he snapped away.

“Uh, no,” I replied.

“You should. I do a lot of shoots for different companies. You have a pretty universal look and a good body for clothes… and no clothes.”

“Modeling isn’t really my thing.” I’d rather close deals and stay behind the camera.

When we were done, the photographer handed me a card out of the inside of his jacket. “If you ever want to pick up some jobs, give me a call.”

I thanked him and pocketed the card. If anything, this would be good to get a reaction out of Drew. Maybe I’d tell him I agreed to an underwear shoot…

“That took a long time,” Drew complained when I approached.

I smothered a smile. “How was it with Emily?”

“Fine. She’s all thrilled we called to give her the story.” He batted his eyes and made his voice sound higher than normal. “She just knew I was gay.”

“Hey,” I said, thinking maybe he wasn’t in such a zesty mood just because of my photo shoot attire. “You still wanna do this?”

He reached out and grasped my hand. It made my stomach flip because it wasn’t often he touched me in public. “Absolutely.”

“Hey, so where’s the pro?” Lorhaven asked, butting into our moment.

I gave him a look. “Who?”

“I think he means Joey,” Drew replied.

“What do you care?” I asked. He got along with her almost as good as he got along with me.

“I don’t.” He sniffed.

I gave Drew a look.
Suuurre he didn’t.

“She’s home,” Drew said. “She has her own racing to do. I’ll be going there to do some driving with her soon.”

Lorhaven nodded. “I’ve got some drive time coming up, too.”

“Congrats on your sponsorship,” Drew said. “I knew it wouldn’t take long to get one.”

“Yeah, well, my father offered, but I don’t let Daddy buy my way.”

“Joey’s a damn good driver,” Drew snapped.

I gave his hand a squeeze and then took a moment to be surprised we were still standing there holding hands.

Like a couple.

“Right, ‘cause Daddy didn’t pay for this airport and your hangars. And the Corvette you’re driving,” I retorted.

Lorhaven gave me a sour look. “I paid for my car. Arrow’s, too.”

“Trust fund?” I asked.

“Fuck you.”

“You two are worse than a flea on a dog’s ass.” Drew interrupted. Then he turned to Lorhaven. “Thanks for letting us use the place this morning. Appreciate it.”

“Thanks for inviting Arrow to the football game,” he said. “Sorry I couldn’t come. I was working.”

“You have a job?” I asked, shocked.

Lorhaven gave me the finger.

“I like your brother,” Drew said.

“Yeah, me, too,” I added.

“He likes you guys, too,” Lorhaven admitted. I could tell it pained him to say so. “He, uh,” he said, glancing in his brother’s direction. “He doesn’t have a lot of friends.”

“He does now,” Drew replied.

Lorhaven nodded. “Yeah, well, I’ll let you get back to your article.” He started to walk away but then came back and looked at me. “And if I haven’t said it, I think it’s really cool what you’re doing. It’s gonna make a difference for people.”

I didn’t make a sarcastic comment because he was being real, and I knew he was thinking of his brother and the fact that he had two guys in his life who were making their relationship work despite the reasons not to.

I held out my fist. “Thanks.” We pounded it out, and then he walked off.

Drew gave me a look. “Was that so hard?”

“What?” I scoffed.

“Being nice.”

“Did I tell you that photographer offered me a modelling gig? For boxers?”

“Fuck you, frat boy,” Drew said fondly.

I laughed.

“C’mon. Emily’s waiting.” He tugged my hand, and we walked across the pavement, our hands still stuck together. I liked being with him like this.

“By the way, you aren’t doing that shit,” Drew said nonchalantly.

“Wouldn’t dream of it.” I promised, still reveling in the feel of his fingers tangled with mine.

The interview with Emily went well. We talked for what felt like a long time. She asked questions; I answered them.

Sometimes Drew butted in, but mostly he just listened. Every now and then, I’d say something and look at him to make sure he agreed or that what I said was okay.

He never once looked like the interview was difficult for him. If anything, he looked proud of me.

I’d be lying if I said that didn’t mean something.

We were breaking down walls, Drew and I. Not necessarily out in the world (but maybe we would), but with each other. We’d come a long way, and through it all, we still stayed friends. Best friends.

“Hey, so, Trent,” Emily said, approaching after we wrapped everything.

“Yeah?”

“It’s a little unorthodox, but I was wondering…” I nodded, so she went on. “I usually write like an intro into my interviews… You know, like the one I wrote when I interviewed Drew?”

Again, I nodded. I read the article. Hell, I bought about twenty copies of the magazine.

“I was wondering if you wanted to write the intro this time? Like, you know, as another way of saying everything you want to. The interview will be great regardless, but I feel like having you start it off would have more of an impact for the readers.”

“What do you want me to write?” I asked.

“Whatever you want to say.”

I nodded. “Sure, I’ll give it a go. If you don’t like it, you can scrap it and write the intro.”

She laughed. “Awesome. Thanks.” She reached in her bag and pulled out a card. “Here’s my email. Just send the copy over when you have it done. I’ll have it edited for errors and add it to my interview and then send the final draft to you.”

I added her card to the one already in my pocket.

Once the
GearShark
crew packed up and headed out, we shot the shit with Arrow and Lorhaven for a while and did a little friendly racing around the strip. It was good times.

We hadn’t spent enough time just fucking around (not the sexual kind of fucking) lately, so after we left the airstrip, we worked on the cars, then watched a movie.

Finally, it seemed like shit was settling down. We weren’t weighed down with the worry of telling people or hiding. We weren’t stressed and looking over our shoulders. We were back to being what we always were: best friends.

Except now it was better.

Drew

Emily emailed the draft of the
GearShark
article. She also sent the cover. Trent was on it.

Without a shirt.

Frankly, I was equal parts turned on and appalled.

The article itself turned out pretty good. Better than good because Trent was the majority of it.

I didn’t know if it was going to make a difference in someone’s life, but looking at it now…

It made a difference in mine.

It wasn’t that long ago when I sat down with Drew Forrester for his first official interview and the first official announcement of the brand new racing division spotlighting indie drivers on a track where there are no rules.

That article and cover has been the most read and searched issue
GearShark
has released this year. I didn’t think anything could top that issue… until now.

It seems only appropriate the magazine is essentially topping itself. I guess the only way Drew Forrester gets knocked out of the top spot is when he does it to himself. I’d say that bodes for some interesting driving during the fast-approaching debut season of the yet-to-be-officially-named indie division.

But Drew isn’t here by himself today. In fact, Drew isn’t the feature of today’s article. The person who loves him is here with him.

You might be surprised to know that person is another man.

Trent Mask was here with Drew the last time we met. Not only are Trent and Drew friends, but Trent is Drew’s manager. I picked up on the dynamic and somewhat multifaceted relationship between these two almost instantly.

When I asked about it (off the record), I was met with something that couldn’t quite be defined as hostility. It was more shock, denial, and a high degree of protectiveness for one another.

Looking back, I can understand why I got the reaction I did. Which is also why today’s article is even more special.

To say I was surprised when I got a phone call from Drew would be an understatement. When he asked if I was interested in an article that maybe focused more behind the scenes of the new division, along with a personal touch, I was intrigued.

Then I sat down and spoke to Trent. I have to say he certainly knows how to grace a magazine cover, but more than that, he just might be Drew’s better half.

What resulted was nothing short of eye opening and in many ways revolutionary. I think once you read the introduction I asked Trent to write (in lieu of my introduction, which I still managed to sneak in here—What can I say? I’m a writer with a need to write), it will be perfectly clear to you why I think what I do.

Not only does this developing division have indie drivers and no rules, but it also has a lot of heart. I’m thinking that line between the pros and the indies is a line people are going to be stepping over on their way to sit in the stands.

And now, readers and drivers, allow me to hand this article over to the man who puts the rev in REVolution.

Trent Mask for GEARSHARK

I’m not what anyone would consider a profound guy. I’m not a journalist for a magazine or a professional writer. Maybe that’s why Emily asked me to write an intro, because my words are those of just a man. A man who finds himself in a unique position, being able to speak to a lot of people who I consider to be a lot like me.

Truth be told, I’m not here, though, to speak to the masses. I’m here for one man. I’m here to be a spark, a single source of heat to possibly ignite a fire and change the way we treat one other. It’s a selfish cause, really, because it’s Drew I think of. It’s Drew I’m really asking you to treat kindly. But maybe if you discover giving one man who deserves acceptance easy, it will be easy to give across the board.

It isn’t an easy thing to look in the mirror and see a face you essentially hide behind. It’s not easy to want to be liked—even loved—for who you really are. Have you ever felt like an outcast in the center of a room? Have you ever felt alone but been in a crowd of people?

I have. I don’t want that for Drew. For anyone.

Don’t judge others because they sin differently than you. If you haven’t walked in someone else’s shoes, don’t pretend to understand.

Racing is a sport, but it brings people together. Let it. Let it be the thing that binds us. Let it be the thing that represents something greater.

All I’m really asking is that you keep an open mind as you read ahead. I’m asking that you let people live the way their heart asks them to.

Be part of the revolution.

GS:
You have to know you aren’t our usual interview here at
GearShark.

TM:
Sometimes it’s nice to take the more scenic route.

GS:
Does that mean you don’t like speed?

TM:
There are people who don’t like speed?

GS:
No one who reads this magazine.

TM:
There are people who don’t read
GearShark
?

GS:
So what’s it like behind the scenes of a budding racing phenomenon?

TM:
Exciting. There’s a lot that goes into racing besides driving a car.

GS:
Like what? Give me an example.

TM:
Endorsement deals, sponsorships, making sure a car is ready to perform.

GS:
What about dealing with the drivers? Is Drew a handful?

TM:
Only when he doesn’t get his French fries.

GS:
French fries are his favorite, then?

TM:
Definitely. And he’s most definitely not a morning person.

GS:
Have any other secrets on Drew you can dish?

TM:
I’m in love with him.

GS:
Does Drew know how you feel?

DF:
I know. I feel the same way about him.

GS:
So you’re in love with Trent?

DF:
Yes, I’m in love with Trent.

GS:
Are you two in a relationship exclusively?

TM:
Yes, we have been for several weeks.

GS:
So when I asked you about your relationship at our last meeting, were you together then?

TM:
We were still trying to figure it out.

GS:
Was the attraction there from the beginning? Have you always been gay?

TM:
We were best friends first. I think the chemistry we have together is what made us so easily friends. I’ve always felt stronger for him than I have anyone else, but I denied the way I felt, uh romantically, for a long time. I thought being friends would be enough.

But it wasn’t.

GS:
Is Drew the first man you’ve dated?

TM:
Yeah, but I think I always knew I was interested in men.

He was just the only one I was willing to admit it for. Up until him, I dated women.

GS:
Mind if I ask Drew a question?

TM:
Not at all.

GS:
Drew, what about you? Have you always been gay?

DF:
I don’t consider myself gay. I always dated and was interested in women. But like Trent said, being friends with him just wasn’t enough.

GS:
So you’re bi?

DF:
No. I’m a guy in love with another man.

GS:
Trent, is Drew it for you?

TM:
Yes.

GS:
Were you scared coming here today? Is this hard for you both?

TM:
I’d be lying if I said no. I think even people who are straight can understand why we would be hesitant to come out about our relationship.

GS:
What makes you say that?

TM:
Because love is complicated and messy. For everyone. But it’s especially hard when you love someone that most people think you shouldn’t. We’re basically opening ourselves up to a lot of judgment, and we don’t want that. No one likes to be judged. Indie drivers are judged because they aren’t pro. They’re seen as somehow less because they don’t have big sponsors and a set of rules. My relationship with Drew is seen as somehow less because people think love between two men can’t be as strong as love between a man and a woman.

GS:
Is it?

TM:
I think love between two men has the ability to be stronger.

GS:
Why?

TM:
Because there is so much working against us. Love has to be really strong to withstand the hate.

GS:
Have you and Drew experienced hate?

TM:
Yes. People in our lives we thought would always love us turned their backs. A few friends don’t want to be in the same room with us anymore.

I was jumped by four men and beaten.

GS:
How have you dealt with it? Why are you still here talking to me today?

TM:
We’re here because we want the revolution of racing to be about more than just the racing. This is a sport for the overlooked, the drivers who were told they weren’t good enough. As Drew said before, it’s a division of underdogs who are determined to make a mark, to show the world they are just as good as the pros. We want people to know in this division, everyone is welcome and no one will be made to feel like they aren’t good enough.

GS:
You’ve felt like that? Like you aren’t good enough?

TM:
Most of my life.

GS:
I have to say that’s hard to believe. I look at you, and you’re like the poster boy for the all-American jock. Good-looking, confident, a hard body… I think a lot of people are going to scoff when you say you feel like you aren’t good enough.

TM:
Did you miss the part where I said I was held down and beaten? But yeah, I get what you’re saying. I know how I look, but that’s just on the surface. I think a lot of people will identify with the fact that they might look one way but feel another.

GS:
Kind of like judging a book by its cover?

TM:
Something like that.

GS:
So you said people have turned their backs on you both? Have people been supportive?

TM:
Absolutely. We have an entire family that supports us. Ron Gamble supports us. Other indie drivers support us. We’re hoping your readers will support us.

GS:
I don’t see how they couldn’t. So you’ve drawn a lot of parallels between the new division and your relationship with Drew. Drew, are you worried coming out with something so personal about yourself will hurt your budding career? You said Ron Gamble, your sponsor and founder of this division, is supportive, but were you afraid he wouldn’t be?

DF:
This is my absolute dream job. I’ve always wanted to race for a living, so of course I’m worried this could hurt my career. I definitely was nervous Ron Gamble would cancel our sponsorship. He didn’t have to keep me on. But he did. He’s a smart businessman, but he’s also a good human being.