Almost Famous

By Ryan Bartlett

Chapter 18

Wiley was subdued the day of the press conference as Cameron helped him get ready. With his arm trussed up to keep it from moving it was hard to dress, and being right handed, Wiley had trouble combing his hair with his left. He was frustrated and about to throw the comb across the room until Cameron snatched it from his hand and finished the job for him.

“There, perfect.” Cameron smiled when he finished.

“Thanks.”

“Are you ready?”

“As ready as I’m going to get,” said Wiley.

Cameron helped Wiley into a wheelchair and rolled him out into the hall. All of his friends where there in support, and the group traveled downstairs for the press conference together. Cameron breathed a sigh of relief when he wheeled Wiley into the room and found that not only had the vloggers he’d reached out to shown up, but so had the reporters Benji had contacted. It was a full house.

Cameron rolled Wiley over to a table which had been set up with microphones, then took the seat next to him. He reached for Wiley’s free hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze while photographers from the LA Times and the ATP Tour magazine snapped a few pictures. Wiley turned to Cameron and gave him a weak smile before addressing the gathered audience.

“Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for coming this morning,” said Wiley. “A few days ago I suffered a torn rotator cuff and had to have surgery to repair the damage. My manager is passing out a detailed description of the injury and the procedure to repair it.

“As a result of this injury, I am announcing my retirement from the Association of Tennis Professionals…”

Wiley spoke for a few more minutes and explained he’d been having some problems with his shoulder for the last few months, which were exacerbated by an injury he’d suffered prior to the Dubai Invitational. Wiley smiled when a reporter interrupted him and asked if his loss in Dubai was the result of that injury. He was happy to report that he would have cleaned Luc Duquesne’s clock if he’d been in fighting shape.

When the press conference came to an end, Cameron wheeled Wiley back to his room and with the help of an orderly got him into bed. Cameron was just tucking him under the covers when the tears began to flow.

“Hey, what’s the matter?” asked Cameron, taking his hand.

“I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t a tennis player,” Wiley whimpered. “That press conference…my career’s really over, and it feels like my best friend just died.”

“I’m sorry, baby,” said Cameron, resting his head on Wiley’s good shoulder.

“I’ll be ok, it’s just…the wound’s raw, you know?”

“I understand. Tennis has been a huge part of your life,” said Cameron. “Now you have to take that passion and focus and direct it at something else you love.”

“I love you,” said Wiley.

“Yeah but if you get any more passionate with me they’re going to have to wheel another bed in here while I recover from a shattered pelvis,” Cameron teased.

“Oh my God!” Wiley snorted and giggled. “Thanks. I needed a good laugh.”

“Everything’s going to be ok, I promise,” said Cameron, kissing him on the forehead.




Over the next couple of weeks Wiley’s mood was rather manic. Some days he was happy and upbeat, others he was depressed and moody. Cameron understood Wiley was grieving for his career and did everything he could to be supportive. He was looking forward to getting Wiley out of the hospital and back into the swing of things. He was also looking forward to taking him home to meet his parents. He was sure that after a few days of fresh New England air, and a nice relaxing family holiday, Wiley would be good as new. At least he hoped so.

When Wiley was released from the hospital, Doc took everyone out for dinner to celebrate. There was some talk about Nathan, Cameron explained they were pressing charges against him for stalking and that the judge had ordered a psychological evaluation, but that’s where the conversation ended. It was a happy time. Everyone was glad to have Wiley out of the hospital and no one wanted to taint the moment with thoughts of Nathan.

After dinner Benji drove the boys to the airport. Wiley knew something was wrong; Benji had been unusually quiet at dinner. In fact, he’d been acting strangely since Wiley was hurt. He came to visit at the hospital almost every day, but the usually cheerful jokester was sullen and subdued.

“I can’t believe you’re not going to be here for Thanksgiving,” said Benji as he pulled into the airport. “It’s such a tradition.”

“If there’s one thing I’ve learned it’s that things must and always do change,” said Wiley.

“I guess so,” said Benji, pulling up to the loading zone. “Alright, you guys got your tickets and everything?”

“We’re set, I did everything online,” said Cameron, holding up a small notepad. “I’ve got our confirmation number right here.”

“So, I’ll see you when you get back,” said Benji.

“Yeah, uh, Cam, would you mind checking us in?” asked Wiley. “I’d like to talk to Benji for a second.”

“Sure. See you inside,” said Cameron. “Happy Thanksgiving, Benji!”

“Have a good trip, Cam.”

Wiley waited until Cameron climbed out of the backseat and shut the door before he spoke. “Ok, brother, what’s up? Spill it.”

“What are you talking about?”

“You know damn well what I’m talking about!”

“No, Wiles, I don’t,” said Benji, a look of confusion spreading across his face.

“Come on, you’ve been acting weird for weeks now.”

“I have not,” Benji protested.

“Dude, you come to visit me and you just sit there. You hardly said a word at dinner tonight. That’s not like you,” said Wiley. “What’s bothering you?”

“Nothing I swear.” Benji sighed.

“Is it tennis?”

“What? No, no, I…” Benji started but the panic in his eyes told Wiley he’d hit the nail on the head.

“So it is tennis. What’s the problem?”

“It’s not a problem, it’s…”

“Benji, come on, you’re like my brother, I know you too well,” said Wiley. “Spill it already.”

“I, well,” Benji blew out a deep breath, “It’s not the same, Wiles.”

“What, not having me to practice with?”

“You get me, you know what I’m doing on the court and how to…”

“You know that’s not always a good thing,” Wiley interrupted. “In fact it’s a good way to become complacent.”

“I miss you.” Benji blushed.

“What are you embarrassed about? I miss you too, man,” said Wiley.

“I just didn’t want to make you feel bad.”

“Because I can’t play anymore?”

“Well, yeah,” said Benji.

“You know, it does hurt,” Wiley admitted. “I miss it, I’m going to miss it for a long time, but that doesn’t mean you should stop taking joy from the game.”

“It’s not that there isn’t any joy in it for me, it’s just weird without you, and I didn’t want to mention it and remind you that you can’t play.”

“Yeah, I expect it’s going to be weird for you for a while. You’re going to have to adjust, just like I’m going to have to adjust, but Benji, you know how much I love you. I don’t want you trying to keep things from me when something upsets you,” said Wiley.

“I know I shouldn’t…”

“So don’t.” Wiley smiled.

“Alright.” Benji grinned back. “I’ll be good, I promise.”

“Good, now gimme a hug.”

“What about your arm?”

“Just be careful,” said Wiley.

Benji reached across the console and embraced Wiley in a warm and gentle embrace. It wasn’t enough for Wiley though and he squeezed Benji as hard as he could.

“I love you man,” said Wiley.

“Jesus, I believe you,” Benji hissed. “You’re crushing me!”

“Sorry about that.” Wiley chuckled.

“You better get going. Don’t want to keep Cam waiting,” said Benji.

“Yeah,” Wiley agreed. “When I get back I’m going to introduce you to Brian Osborne, I think he’d be a good practice partner for you.”

“Won’t be the same,” said Benji.

“No, it won’t, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be just as good,” Wiley argued.

“What the hell, I’ll give it a shot.”

“Atta boy.” Wiley smiled. “Happy Thanksgiving! See you when I get back.”

When Wiley got out of the car, Benji handed him his backpack, Cameron having already collected their suit cases, and then he headed into the terminal. The place was crawling with holiday travelers but Cameron was easy to spot, holding court with a couple of fans he’d run into, a pair of teenage girls.

“Oh he’s doing great,” said Cameron as Wiley snuck up on him. “We’re on our way to visit my parents…”

Wiley put his good arm around Cameron and his boyfriend nearly jumped out of his skin.

“Jesus, you scared me,” Cameron exclaimed.

“Muggers steal wallets, not hugs, babe,” said Wiley, shooting a wink at the two girls, who were busy giggling at Cameron.

“Dork,” Cameron rolled his eyes. “This is Kara and Leslie. I was just telling them how you were doing.”

“We’re so glad you’re feeling better,” said Kara.

“Thanks, that’s sweet of you.” Wiley smiled.

“It was nice to meet you,” said Leslie, beaming at Cameron, “But we better go or we’ll miss our flight.”

“I think that makes four of us, wouldn’t you say, babe?” asked Wiley.

“Yeah, we better get going too,” Cameron agreed.

“Wow, that was pretty easy,” said Wiley as the girls walked away.

“What?”

“I didn’t even have to pull them off you,” Wiley teased.

“You should have been here a minute earlier.” Cameron grinned. “That Leslie got pretty grabby when we took a selfie.”

“Dork.” Wiley rolled his eyes.

“I think that makes two of us, wouldn’t you say, babe?”

“Shut up and get on the plane.” Wiley giggled.

Once they got through the madhouse that was security, Cameron and Wiley boarded a 10:55pm flight, non-stop service from Los Angeles to Newark, where they connected to a flight bound for Burlington Vermont, Cameron’s home town.

The Burlington airport was a postage stamp compared to LAX. There wasn’t even a jet way; the guys had to walk down the stairs and across the tarmac to enter the terminal. They spotted Cameron’s family the moment they stepped foot inside. They would be hard to miss, holding up a banner that read ‘Welcome Home Cam and Wiley!’

The whole clan had turned out, Cameron’s parents, Alex and Nancy Parker, their daughters, Erica and Krissy, even both sets of grandparents. As soon as Nancy saw her son she pushed through the crowd of travelers and embraced him.

“Welcome home, baby.” She smiled and kissed his cheek.

Wiley stood a few steps back, unsure what to make of the situation. He’d never encountered such a warm welcome. Before he had a chance to do anything Nancy had her arms around him squeezing him tight.

“Welcome home honey,” said Nancy, she kissed him too.

“Ahhh,” Wiley groaned.

“Not so tight, mom, his arm,” said Cameron. Wiley’s arm was in a sling and would be for several more weeks as he continued to recover.

“Oh, I’m so sorry, honey. Are you ok?”

“Yeah, I’m fine,” said Wiley. “It’s nice to finally meet you in person.”

Wiley had spoken to Cameron’s parents a few times. He’d been there when Cameron was visiting with them on Skype.

The rest of the family circled them, and before they knew it hugs and kisses were being shared all around. It gave Wiley an incredibly warm feeling he’d almost forgotten. His mom and dad used to hug him like that, and it had been a long time since he’d enjoyed their embrace.

“Welcome to Vermont,” said Alex.

“Thank you, Mr. Parker, I…” Wiley began.

“No, no, Mr. Parker is my dad. Alex and Nancy.” He smiled.

“Ok, Alex.”

“And I’m his dad,” said Cameron’s grandfather, patting Wiley on his good shoulder. “I don’t like Mr. Parker either so it’s grandpa or I’ll pretend my hearing aid is on the fritz. Got it?”

“Got it,” Wiley nodded.

“Oh gramps, don’t give him a hard time,” said Cameron.

“I’m a cantankerous old coot, sonny boy, it’s what I do,” said Grandpa, before hugging his grandson.

“Tell me something I don’t know,” said Cameron then he introduced his boyfriend to the rest of his family.

After that the party moved to the baggage claim, and once Cameron and Wiley had their things they piled into Alex and Nancy’s car. The girls rode with their grandparents as the makeshift convoy headed for home.

“Wow,” said Wiley as they pulled out of the airport and he got his first real look at Vermont.

Wiley had never been to New England before, well, Boston didn’t count to his way of thinking considering he’d never been out of the city. He was amazed at how beautiful the countryside was. Fall is New England’s best season, and the full colors of God’s pallet were on display as they drove through the maple, beech, elm and birch trees that lined the streets and covered the countryside.

“Pretty huh?” Cameron smiled.

“You traded this for LA? Are you nuts?”

“Sometimes I wonder,” said Cameron as he leaned against Wiley’s shoulder. Cameron stared out the window, but Wiley’s eyes connected with Mr. Parker’s in the rearview mirror. He blushed when Mr. Parker shot him a wink.

The Parkers lived in a classic New England Cape Cod style home. It was white with green shutters on the windows and seemed to reflect the oranges, reds and yellows of the leaves on the lawn. Wiley instantly wished he’d asked Cameron to grab his camera bag when he packed their things. Wiley usually never traveled without it, but given the trouble of attaching and detaching lenses with his arm all trussed up he’d decided not to bother. It was unfortunate—he felt like he’d stepped into a postcard.

Cameron led Wiley inside and to his old bedroom. It looked like Cameron had never left; there were bunk beds and the desk where he’d done his homework as a child, pennants from the University of Vermont and posters of soccer stars he’d admired as a child.

“So, I get top bunk.” Cameron smiled when he turned to Wiley. “Just like you pictured it?”

“I knew what it looked like. I’ve been your fan for a long time, babe.” Wiley reminded him. The room they were standing in was where Cameron began his YouTube career; it had served as the backdrop for countless videos.

“Not my room.” Cameron laughed. “I was talking about Vermont. What do you think so far?”

“Oh, it’s beautiful here.”

“Yeah,” Cameron agreed. “Sorry if my family came on a little strong.”

“No, not at all. They love you so much,” said Wiley.

“They love you too, you know?”

“Cam, they don’t even know me.”

“Sure they do. They’ve all seen my videos; you’ve talked to mom and dad before…”

“That’s not the same.”

“No, it’s not,” Cameron agreed. “How about this, they love you because I love you and they love me?”

“If you say so.” Wiley grinned.

“My mom thinks you’re a superhero,” said Cameron.

“What?” Wiley giggled.

“The videos, babe. The fitness video where you had your shirt off for the tennis lesson? Mom called me after that and said, “Oh my God, he’s built like Superman!”

“She did not,” Wiley exclaimed.

“Totally did.” Cameron grinned wickedly.

“You’re so full of shit.” Wiley laughed.

“Wanna ask her?”

“No!”

“I win.” Cameron grinned from ear to ear.

“So unfair,” Wiley scoffed.

“Payback for, ‘I’m sick, that means I get my way.’”

“Huh?”

“Oh, don’t remember saying that when you stuck me with Big Yani?”

“I don’t remember a lot of things from those first few days. You know, drugs and all.”

“I told you that you didn’t need to hire him, and you told me since you were the one that was sick you got your way.”

“You fell for that?” Wiley snickered. “They had me doped out of my mind, what was I going to do?”

“Well, you looked so cute and helpless. How could I argue?”

“I’ll have to remember that one for later.”

“Ha,” Cameron snorted. “We better get out there before the folks think we’re having a quickie.”

“Not falling for that one.” Wiley rolled his eyes.

“If you say so.”




While the guys had been settling into Cameron’s old bedroom, the rest of the family was busy getting lunch ready. Cameron wasn’t just the only boy in his family but also the baby; his homecoming was greeted as something to celebrate. They were also relieved to see him after the ordeal with Nathan, to confirm for themselves that he really was ok. On top of all that, they were excited to meet Wiley. Cameron had never had a serious boyfriend before, and everyone was eager to see the two of them together, to figure out what it was about Wiley that made Cameron so happy.

The Parker women had spent all morning cooking and baking, preparing a feast fit for a conquering hero. They were putting the finishing touches on the spread when Cameron and Wiley walked into the dining room holding hands.

“Is there anything you didn’t make?” asked Cameron.

“There are a lot of us,” said Nancy.

“Oh, is the national guard coming too?” Cameron teased.

“Everything looks so good,” said Wiley, interrupting the banter.

“Thank you, sweetie,” said Nancy. “I thought you boys would enjoy a nice home cooked meal.”

“I get home cooked meals all the time,” said Cameron as he and Wiley took their places.

“Cameron, Burger King isn’t home cooked,” his grandma reminded him.

“I know, nana. Wiley cooks.”

“Is that so?” asked Grandma Parker.

“I dabble a little,” said Wiley.

“He’s just being modest,” said Cameron. “It’s like having my own personal Iron Chef.”

“He’s exaggerating,” said Wiley. “I used to cook with my mother. I picked up a few things.”

“Ha,” Nancy laughed. “Cameron used to cook with me, and the only thing he ever picked up was a spoon.”

“Hey,” Cameron scoffed.

“Nan, you know Cam doesn’t like to be reminded he was a chubby bunny,” Alex chuckled.

“Oh my God, not even home an hour and it begins.” Cameron sighed and shook his head.

“Chubby bunny.” Wiley giggled. “Wait until I tell Bobby.”

“Do it and your other arm will be in a sling too,” Cameron threatened.

“So, Wiley, have you and Cameron had relations?” asked Grandpa Parker.

“Gramps,” Cameron exclaimed as Wiley tried not to spit out the mouthful of water he just swallowed.

“Dad,” said Alex, trying to choke back a laugh.

“There’s nothing wrong with relations, relations are a beautiful thing. They just shouldn’t be had until you’re married,” said Grandpa.

“Grandpa, it’s not 1950,” said Krissy.

“We are so not having this conversation.” Cameron shook his head.

“I’m just saying…” Grandpa started.

“That’s enough, dad,” Nancy giggled.

Wiley was grateful to Nancy for stopping the conversation. The last thing he wanted to do was talk about how he’d deflowered…related, to Cameron with his entire family at the table.

After Grandpa Parker’s awkward question, things settled down around the table. The dishes were passed from person to person and Cameron’s parents took note of how comfortable their son was dishing up Wiley’s food for him, even cutting his meat. Their son had always been a kind hearted boy, but you could see how much he loved Wiley in how tender he was with him. The Parkers were also pleased with Wiley; his manners where impeccable and showed genuine appreciation for everything Cameron did for him. They were small gestures, but they spoke volumes about the loving relationship the boys shared.

“So, Wiley,” said Grandpa Douglas, Nancy’s father, as the meal wrapped up, “You’re a pretty big kid, tall and such. What made you take up tennis instead of football?”

“I was a scrawny little pipsqueak when I was five,” said Wiley. “That’s when I picked up my first racquet. I trained so hard to make the pro tour I never really had time for any other sports. But I don’t regret it; I never looked back.”

“What are you going to do now that you can’t play anymore?” Douglas followed up.

“Grandpa…” Cameron started.

“I’m a photographer,” said Wiley. “I studied at the Academy of Arts and I’ve been working on building my professional portfolio.”

“That’s how Cameron and Wiley met, dad,” said Nancy. “Wiley was taking pictures at a convention Cameron was attending.”

“It’s so romantic,” Erica giggled and patted her chest.

“Will you excuse me for a moment?” asked Wiley as he stood.

“Sure, bathrooms around the corner,” said Alex.

Wiley thanked him but he didn’t need to relieve himself. He found his way to the back of the house and stepped out on to the patio. The Parker home backed up to Lake Champlain and Wiley enjoyed the view while taking in the crisp autumn air.

“Hey,” said Cameron. When Wiley didn’t come back from the bathroom, Cameron got up to look for him and found him outside. “You ok?”

“Yeah, just needed to get some air.”

“I’m sorry about Grandpa Doug…”

“It’s ok, Cameron, really.”

“Are you sure?”

“I’m still grieving for my career, I guess, but people don’t need to walk on eggshells around me. Your grandpa asked a legitimate question.”

“I just hate to see you sad.”

“I’m fine, really,” Wiley assured him. “Now, more importantly, why didn’t you tell me you came from such a beautiful place, and why did you wait so long to bring me here?”

“It’s hard to come home and then go back to LA,” said Cameron. “I love it here but my work, my life, is out there. Every time I come back it gets harder to leave.”

“I get it,” said Wiley. “But now you have me to drag your sorry ass home. Of course I’m not sure who’s going to drag me home…”

“In love with the place already?”

“It’s breathtaking.” Wiley exhaled and took in the view.

“Well, you haven’t experienced it buried under eight feet of snow.”

“Maybe I should. I’ve never had a white Christmas.”

“Really, you’d come back here for Christmas?”

“Sorry, I wasn’t trying to invite myself…”

“Wiley, don’t be stupid.” Cameron chuckled. “If you want to come here for Christmas my parents would be thrilled.”

“Well, it would be fun. What does your family do for Christmas?”

“Oh, nothing special. My mom makes a big dinner on Christmas Eve, then after the grandparents go home we all put on our pajamas, watch Christmas movies, drink hot cocoa, and then at midnight we open presents.”

“Nothing special about that.” Wiley rolled his eyes.

“It’s just what we do.”

“It sounds wonderful.”

“I’m happy you like it here,” said Cameron, putting his arm around Wiley’s shoulders. “Tomorrow I’ll give you the grand tour, show you all the sights.”

“Sounds like fun.”

“We’ll be back before lunch.” Cameron laughed and Wiley gave him a playful shove.




Wiley fit into the Parker family as though he’d been born to it. They made him feel so welcome he almost forgot he was meeting them for the first time. They spent the week taking Wiley around town, showing him Cameron’s old high school, where Alex was the principal, and taking him to the University of Vermont where Cameron began his college career. They even showed him to the field where Cameron’s soccer team had become state champions, a feat he was justly proud of.

The more time he spent with the Parkers the less Wiley lamented the loss of his tennis career. He was beginning to see the possibilities life after tennis had to offer, and his mood reflected it. Cameron was happy to see Wiley smiling again and hoped the dark cloud that had been hanging over him was gone for good.

The night before Thanksgiving, Wiley couldn’t sleep. The little voice in the back of his head started nagging at him, but not loudly enough for him to figure out what it was trying to say. He tossed and turned until four in the morning, when he finally gave up on sleep and padded down the hall to use the restroom. He was wide awake after finishing his business, so he wandered downstairs to the living room. He started looking at all of the family pictures on the walls and the little voice got louder.

“Wiley?”

“Oh geez, you scared me,” Wiley jumped.

“Sorry about that.” Nancy chortled. “What are you doing up, honey?”

“Couldn’t sleep,” said Wiley, then he turned back to the pictures. “You have a beautiful family.”

“Thank you, sweetie, that’s music to a mom’s ears,” said Nancy. “I just got up to throw the turkey in the oven, but I’m awake now. Would you like to see some of the kid’s baby pictures?”

“I’d love to.” Wiley smiled.

“Grab a seat on the couch and I’ll be right back.”

Wiley made himself comfortable while Nancy banged around in the kitchen. A few minutes later she returned to the living room, grabbed an album off the shelf and sat next to him.

“Wow, he really was a chubby bunny.” Wiley giggled at Cameron’s 5th grade class picture.

“He always loved to eat.” Nancy smiled.

“He still does,” Wiley assured her. “I don’t know where he puts it all.”

“Oh, this is Cameron dressed as Batman for Halloween in first grade.”

“You’ll have to update that one.” Wiley chuckled. “We went as Batman and Robin this Halloween.”

“That boy.” Nancy shook her head then turned the page to one of Cameron’s baby pictures.

“Oh my God, he was so tiny,” Wiley gushed.

“Yeap, that’s our miracle baby.”

“Miracle?”

“Cameron was born two months premature. We weren’t sure he was going to make it, but he did. Nothing’s ever been able to keep that kid down,” said Nancy.

“I think that’s one of the things I love about him. He inspired me even before I met him.”

“Really?”

“I started watching his videos around the time my parents died. He was such a reassuring presence and then he came out and it was like, is there anything this guy can’t do? Then I saw him with his fans and how people just adore him. They love him and he’s with me, and that makes me feel like the most special person in the world.” Wiley blushed and the voice in his head grew louder.

“For what it’s worth, he feels the same way about you.”

“I don’t know how that’s possible.”

“He called me after your first date, you know?”

“He did?”

“He said, ‘Mom, I think this guy might be the one.’ I told him he needed to take things slowly, but as usual he disregarded my advice and rushed in head first,” said Nancy.

“Yeah.” Wiley blushed.

“He was right though. You guys are good together. It’s been a real pleasure watching you two the last few days. I can tell you love him very much.”

“I do,” Wiley nodded. He smiled and the voice inside his head started screaming. At last he knew what it wanted.

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