#
Jimmy studied his boyfriendintently. Coop had only beenpacing briefly, but he'd been oddly restless since hearing the news that Jimmy was going to be cast in his show.
"What's the matter?" Jimmy asked.
They were both still reeling a bit from what a big part he'd be playing, but this was more than that, Jimmy thought: an odd mixture of guilt and distress. Neither of which Coop needed to feel on Jimmy's behalf. And he was avoiding Jimmy's gaze.The sooner they talked about this, the better.
Coop looked at him, opened his mouth and shut it again, looking agonized.
Jimmy sat down slowly on the couch. He didn't want to appear to be looming. "What is it? You can tell me." He tried to look very much like the kind of boyfriend who wouldn't take offense if someone said something wrong. Coop still got jumpy sometimes, like he expectedonly the worst kinds of treatment.
"They said you're perfect for the role," Coop said, sounding torn and upset. "But you—I mean, of course you are. You're gorgeous, and everything. But what about the acting? Can you really learn it that quickly? I don't want to disparage you, or doubt you, but it takesyears. For most people, it takes years of training. And a big part of the show is goingto be resting on you. I just wonder if they made the right decision, that's all."
Jimmy patted the couch beside him. "Let's take it one thing at a time. You're absolutely right: it's a risk. They're taking a risk on me. But, you know, it's not going to tank the show even if I crash and burn. They'll just cast someone else new."
Coop looked distressed. "I'm not worried about the show.Well, not just that. How are you going to deal with that much pressure on you? What about—the press can be harsh. What happens when you read your first negative review? Or hear people trashing your character? It hurts, and it takes a long time to get used to that stuff."
"I can always avoid it, at least for a while," Jimmy said mildly. "But it's okay to worry about the show, you know.Just remember, they can replace my character easily if it doesn't work out. Think of this as an experiment, then you won't worry so much. I'm not worried." Okay, he was slightly worried—it was a lot to take on—but less worried than Cooper, who was clearly working his way towards a massive panic attack if they couldn't talk this through.
"I—yeah. But again, I don't want you to be hurt. Tobe hired and then lose the job would be almost worse than never getting your hopes up." Coop looked agonized.
"For you," Jimmy said calmly. "But I don't have any huge acting aspirations. It's a fun chance for me. A new thing to try. My world won't end if it doesn't work out. I'll just go back to my security job. They've already promised to keep it open for me."
He smirked a little.That was probably why he hadn't been fired; there had already been a promise made higher up. It was good to know, although he would still keep his promise to his boss.
"The show's more important than whether I work on it or not. I recognize that, Coop. Don't think Singh will keep me one second longer than I can pull my weight. Even Lincoln's not replaceable. So he'll put the show first.Don't worry about that."
Coop looked a little guilty as he plopped down beside Jimmy. "You're my first concern, of course, but yes, I do worry about the show. I care about it an awful lot."
"I know you do. That's a good thing." Jimmy put an arm around Cooper, who snuggled against him cautiously. Good, they were over the worst if he could stop pacing and cuddle up.
"Not just as a job,"Coop said, his voice muffled. "I'm invested emotionally."
"You're probably the only person who isn't replaceable at this point, so I'd say that's working out for you." Jimmy gave Coop a kiss. He didn't take it personally that Cooper had doubts. Hell, he had a few himself. But he wasn't putting huge expectations on this acting thing. He'd enjoy it while it lasted.
The most important thingwas that he'd be working with Coop, and quite possibly be better able to take care of him. Singh had already taken some of his concerns more seriously, just because he was up for a part. That had to be a good sign.
Coop returned the kiss hungrily and nestled against him more securely. He was feeling very cuddly today, no doubt in need of reassurance. Jimmy wondered if Cooper had ever datedsomeone he had to work with before, and whether that might have taken a toll on the relationship. Egos conflicting, especially if someone compared themselves to Coop, whose acting could make even Lincoln Canes insecure and jealous.
Jimmy wasn't going to be jealous. He was proud of Coop. This would be an exciting challenge, and he'd enjoy whatever came of it. He certainly wouldn't comparehis beginner efforts to Cooper's mad skills.
"Hey," he said. "I want you to know. Some things about this part are going to be easy for me, because they won't be acting. Caring about you, feeling protective of you—that stuff will be as easy as breathing. But you know, no matter what happens, I won't be jealous of you, and acting won't get between us. You come first for me, always. I wouldn'teven have tried out if it wasn'tyourshow."
Coop laughed self-consciously. "Thank you for saying that. It means a lot. I wasn't really worried about that. But I hope I won't be jealous ofyouwhen you become the favorite character, the hot new rising star. I like to think I won't be jealous, but the whole world will find out how amazing you are."
That wasn't true, of course, but even ifit had been, Coop would do fine. Jimmy gave him a little squeeze and grinned at him. "No matter what happens, I've only got eyes for you. You know that."
He ducked his head, and his smile was soft and sweet. "Ditto."
He'd known that, too. Jimmy was a lucky guy, whatever happened with the show. Right now, he had an armful of cuddly Cooper, and he wanted to enjoy that. He shifted arounda little, pulled Coop onto his lap, and kissed him intently.
Coop melted the embrace and returned the kiss with interest. Yep, a lucky guy.
