Self Preservation by Ethan Day Page B

up.”
     
    Jack squeezed Tadd as he looked over at Davis. “I'll go grab us some drinks if you think you can entertain one another.”
     
    Tadd and Davis smiled and nodded as Jack made his way into the crowd toward one of the bars. Tadd introduced Davis to the older gentleman to whom they'd been talking. Russell Henderson was one of Tadd's partners in the architectural firm and Davis smiled back at him, slightly creeped out by the lascivious way the older man leered at him.
     
    “I've been meaning to ask you,” Tadd said, leaning closer to Davis. “What area of preservation do you specialize in?”
     
    “I deal with a little bit of everything, but my passion has always been art nouveau and art deco…the twenties through the forties, very distinct periods.”
     
    “That sounds perfect,” Tadd said, turning to Russell. “Davis is a historic preservationist. I was thinking…”
     
    Russell chimed in. “He might make a perfect consultant for the Hamilton Theater project, yes.”
     
    “We're bidding on a contract to restore this beautiful theater here downtown,” Tadd said, placing a hand over his chest. “I think I mentioned it earlier. It was built in nineteen thirty-one, just after the switch from silent movies to talkies. Fantastic art deco architecture. You should swing by the office tomorrow. Sounds right up your alley.”
     
    “Sure,” Davis said, folding his arms. “I could take a peek.”
     
    “We'd love to get your input,” Tadd said.
     
    “Then you shall have it, Tadd.” Offering me a job to buy me off, huh? Sneaky little bastard.
     
    Russell nodded as he waved at another group of men. “If Tadd recommends you, then we'd be lucky to have you.”
     
    “I'm dying to know,” Tadd said, as Russell excused himself. “What did you think of the loft?”
     
    “It suits you,” Davis said. Plain…boring…no character. “Obviously well planned out, great space, you did a great job.”
     
    “You think?” Tadd asked, smiling. “I've always held a fascination with Bauhaus design…clean, uncomplicated lines.”
     
    “Bauhaus always felt a little sterile to me, personally,” Davis said, looking around the club for Jack, “but you really bring some life to it.”
     
    “I like to think I bring a little persona to a room.”
     
    “Speaking of persona,” Davis said, “you better go find your man. He's not the type you want to take your eyes off for very long. Take it from me.”
     
    “He does require a considerable amount of attention.”
     
    “Puh-lease, Jack always has to have top billing.”
     
    “I'll keep that in mind,” Tadd said, laughing as he and Davis turned and went in the direction Jack had disappeared to.
     
    “It takes a strong man to be willing to take a backseat in Jack's one-man ego show.”
     
    Tadd smiled and waved at a group of friends. “True, but I believe we both understand the rewards. Even in a room full of people, he does have this way of making you feel as though no one else exists.”
     
    “Well, there is that,” Davis said, smiling. That's right, rub it in. You ass.
     
    “And his laugh,” Tadd said, stopping and looking down at the floor. “The way it somehow fills you up with this complete feeling of joy. I love to make him laugh.” He glanced back over at Davis and started walking again. “And the way he kisses… Well, I don't have to tell you.”
     
    “He's a great guy,” Davis said, smiling with a nod. I really hate this fucker . “But he does have some major flaws that go along with all the good.”
     
    Tadd placed a hand on Davis's shoulder to stop him. “I know you love him, Davis.”
     
    “Well, of course, but…”
     
    “I love that you want to protect him, and I know you're worried by the amount of time we've known one another, but let me assure you, Davis… I love him. All I want to do is make him happy. If I do nothing else for him, I promise you I'll move mountains to make sure he's happy.”
     
    “That's…