“Stellar confidence there, Reid,” Will said. “Good for you.”
“I take it you looked at the details of the project I emailed you a few days ago,” I asked.
“Yeah. I think what you’re trying to do is great.”
“Thanks.” I smiled, liking him immediately. “My main focus is to create something that fundamentally gives the message of safe sex.”
“Totally on board with that. Sex can be steamy and safe too.”
“But I also want to offer a realistic portrayal of sex,” I said. “Porn can be so far away from what a healthy relationship looks like. You’re in the industry so I’d be interested to hear your views.”
He took one of the coffees. “I wouldn’t say porn gives an unrealistic view. I think they can decide for themselves the unrealistic aspects that turn them on. We all have different tastes, appetites. It’s about looking for a partner who has those same interests. I don’t think that’s unrealistic. There’s someone out there who’s being turned on for exactly the same reasons. You just have to find them.” He laughed. “And hope that their interests are legal.”
“I agree with you totally,” Will replied. “There’s someone out there for everyone.”
Matt looked from Will to me as I cleared my throat.
“Having said that,” Reid cut in. “I think what you’re doing is commendable and I really like the message. That’s why I’m here.” He shrugged.
“That’s great. We’re glad you get it.” I glanced at Will. “We haven’t really had a lot of time to prepare questions.” He gave me a leave it to me look. Never good.
“You’ve obviously spent time with porn directors and producers who actually know what they’re doing. I wouldn’t put us in that category,” Will said, pointing between the two of us.
“Matt’s been really honest about that and all I can say is I’m willing to help you guys out if I can.”
“We appreciate it.” I smiled.
“Can I ask a personal question?” Will asked. “Do you get sexual pleasure from filming a scene or is it just…work?” I kicked him under the table. “Fuck!”
“Erm…yeah, I get sexual pleasure,” Reid replied, watching cautiously as Will’s head disappeared under the table to survey the damage. “But personally, I focus more on what’s going to look good for viewers.”
“Oh, thank God,” Will said, blowing out a breath as he reappeared. “A least one of us will know.”
I faked a smile. “Can I ask you what your preference is in terms of scenes?”
“I’m a gay man but I’ve done scenes with women,” he replied. “Have you decided what this will be?”
“Not exactly, no,” I replied. “I guess I need to ask more questions…erm…what are your…limits?”
“Isn’t this project about safe sex, consent, positive body image and a realistic view of sex?”
“Yes.” I leant forward. “That’s right.”
“Then I’m guessing we’re not going for extreme sex. I’m not shy. I’ve been involved in hardcore scenes. I’ve been strangled to the point of orgasm and flogged by a man dressed as a pig. I’ve had a needle inserted into my nipple while I fucked a vicar…on an altar.” Will cleared his throat. “So, after saying all that. I think I’m good here.”
“Right,” Will replied, looking at me, his eyebrow raised up to WTF mode. “Any further questions, Skye?”
“Yes. Hold on. Let me think.”
“Skye.”
“Hold on.” I raised a finger.
“Skye.”
“I’m thinking,” I replied sharply as Will sighed in frustration.
“Can I offer help with the thought process?” Will asked.
“Go ahead.”
“Do we need to…will we need to…see his penis?” Will mumbled against my ear.
I narrowed my eyes. “If we were interviewing a doctor would we want him to perform an operation?”
“I think that would be a great idea, yes.”
I would have offered some scathing remark or rolled my eyes at him if it wasn’t for my need to suppress a smile.
“How far do you want to go with this?” I replied, faking annoyance. “Penis viewing and then an ejaculation speed test?”
“I’ll get the speed camera.”
I couldn’t help but laugh. Sharp and quick like it wouldn’t leave my mouth fast enough. “Don’t be so Will, Will.”
“So, what’s your…party trick?” he asked.
“Ignore him,” I said, smiling at Reid. He looked slightly alarmed and Matt was now holding his head in his hands.
“There must be something. Astounding rebound time? An interesting position that’s your trademark?”
“Piledriver,” Reid muttered.
“Perfect,” Will replied.
“That’s hardly romance personified,” I whispered through gritted teeth.
“I don’t know.” Will shrugged. “He could kiss them after?”
“Do you have any questions for us?” I rushed out, ready to wrap this up before Reid sprinted out of the room.
“I’m not sure,” he replied. “In all honesty, I’m starting to feel bit freaked out by what I’m involved in.”
I hid my smile behind my hand. “We’ll get there. I can assure you this will be professional and…classy.”
“Don’t we need to discuss payment?” Will asked as my smile faded. I hadn’t even thought about what would be considered an acceptable fee.
“I’m happy to do this for free,” Reid said as he stood.
“What? No,” I replied. He waved me off.
“I’ve been lucky enough to get support from the clinic.” He dropped his head briefly before meeting my eyes. “Dr Chris helped me accept that my sexuality wasn’t a burden to be pushed aside but a part of me that should be embraced.” I nodded slowly and fought the urge to think of Elliott. Like I always did. “I thank him for my life because if he hadn’t guided me as a teen, I really believe I wouldn’t be here now.”
I gasped and covered my face with my hands. The words hit me hard like a punch to the chest then poured over me like a balm, warming me. Soothing. I let it happen. I knew this was a quick reminder as to why I was doing this, what this meant and who this was for. Will pulled me close to him and put his arm around my shoulders. He knew, of course he did. I heard him whisper against my ear, telling me I was fine, that this was meant to be.
“You’re
