all work & no play

Jonathan Penrose, manager consultant.

[robstenkr]

[laracroift]

Get to Know Me Meme: 2/5 - male characters Special Agent Dale Cooper, Twin Peaks

I’m going to let you in on a little secret. Every day, once a day, give yourself a present. Don’t plan it. Don’t wait for it. Just let it happen. It could be a new shirt at the men’s store, a catnap in your office chair, or two cups of good, hot black coffee.

[midnightcelebs]

[wearyvoices]

Elizabeth Banks photographed by Chad Pitman for The Edit Magazine | 2015

[jonathanpenrose]

Mid 20′s

[angelswouldnthelpyou]

[jonathanpenrose]

Heart Shaped Sunglasses

[aherowithoutacause-deactivated2]

“Don’t be so hard on yourself,” Ben joked as he followed the older man down to the street to hail a cab down. “You probably look good in just about anything.”

It was plain to see that Jonathan was uncomfortable with where his night was going, the very idea of Ben hitting on him had seemed like it’d hit a strong chord of dislike. Whether that was due to him being still in the closet or just unsure of himself when it came to other men, Ben didn’t know. Either way he didn’t say anything, and didn’t force Jonathan to say anything. Though he bore a strong indifference to the man and didn’t have any reason to be kind to his comfort zone, Ben wasn’t that big of an asshole. Plus, he didn’t see it panning out that well for the future if he did. So he let Jonathan stay in his quiet bubble and yammered to the taxi driver - who was probably pulling a twelve hour crunch and ready to go home himself - for the thirty minute drive it took to get from Luca’s to the hotel the other man was staying at.

“I’m twenty-one. So dibs on the Daniels,” he said as Jonathan went for alcohol, a funny thing for someone who claimed not to be a big drinker. He took the little bottle with him as he threw himself onto the other side of the stiff hotel bed. The pillows at least were comfortable. He had to wonder where exactly Jonathan lived. Probably somewhere really nice if he could afford hotels like this.

After a moment of sipping at the neck of the midget bottle and counting the number of nervous knots on the man’s back he could see through his shirt, he made a loud noise and got up to inspect the few belongings in the room. “You look like you’re having your last drink on death row, dude.”

[jonathanpenrose]

An airy laugh fell from Jonathan’s lips at the blunt observation. “Sorry about that. I thought alcohol would make it easier to... Do whatever it is you’d like to do. Maybe some conversation would help?”

He drank the second half of his small bottle of liquor, affecting a grimace at the taste before sanding up and leaning heavily against the side of the couch, hands straight at his sides. Alcohol tended to loosen his tongue and lessen his inhibitions (which is why he didn’t like to drink). It also made women more attractive when he needed them to be. Fortunately, though men weren’t his taste, Ben was easy on the eyes. More attractive than some of the women Jon had slept with.

“Do you go to school? Or work?” he asked as he watched Ben eyeing the scattered change and watch on the bureau. “Sorry, I guess that’s a boring topic. Let me ask this: Do you do this often? Go home with strange men from bars?”

[jonathanpenrose]

Heart Shaped Sunglasses

[aherowithoutacause-deactivated2]

Of course he hadn’t thought that Jonathan was purposefully leaving him, but it was fun to tease him about it. It was a rare thing for someone to walk out on him, but he wouldn’t have been all that surprised if Jonathan had done so. Maybe he’d been hoping Ben would leave first, that seemed more likely. Ben thought of this as a test to see if the guy would follow through with his promise.

“That’s not the adjective I’d use to describe Luca. I said I’d wait,” He said, sending his cigarette sailing into the parking lot with a flick of his finger. He used the same hand to gesture to the lone bike parked a few squares down from where they stood. “I’ll assume you don’t fancy getting on such a reckless means of transportation. Dudes don’t dig it as much as chicks do. Where’s your car? Bet you’re the type to drive a fancy red corvette with leather seats, huh?”

[jonathanpenrose]

Jonathan stopped when he saw the bike, and laughed delightedly. “Oh, you would ride one of these death machines, wouldn’t you? I’m afraid I’ll have to pass. I actually didn’t drive here, I took a taxi. In fact, I don’t have a car here in New York at all.”

A little playfully he added, “And it’s black, not red. I don’t look good in red. Here, I’ll flag us down a taxi.”

-

Between the car ride and the trip up the elevator to the sixth floor, all the way to the front door of his hotel room, Jonathan felt a tension building. He’d never been anything less than confident when it came to women, but this was something completely different. Each time he looked at Ben, he felt like he should say something, but what? He’d look down, away, play with the ring on his right forefinger nervously. 

“Let’s see what’s in the mini-bar, shall we?” Jon said, and grabbed out a few different bottles of whatever could fit in his hand. He brought them over to the couch and used the bottle opener on his key ring to pop off the caps. 

It was almost painful, feeling shy and out of his depth as he did. After a drink, he asked, “So, how old did you say you were?”

[connorjesup]

[jonathanpenrose]

Heart Shaped Sunglasses

[aherowithoutacause-deactivated2]

Ben didn’t know how much longer Jonathan would be conducting his “business” with Luca, but he put a cap on his drinking for the night anyway. He watched with mild interest as Luca descended the stairs in all his flamboyant glory for Jon, watched them disappear upstairs, not missing the softer look on Jon’s face. Then he spent a good ten minutes absorbed in watching the two painfully obvious lesbians who’d helped him nab his catch make out before high tailing it towards one of the back rooms for private dances. 

A drink came to his table from a man sitting at a booth half shielded in darkness, and Ben politely declined it before going outside for some fresh air, the air in the lounge was growing too hot and stuffy for him. The bouncer standing outside didn’t so much as look at him as he leaned against the wall and lit up another cigarette.

By the time he was thinking of going back inside, the doors opened to let Jon out. Ben waited until he was starting to leave before kicking off the wall. “Hey!” He called out as he took his sweet time in catching up to him. “Took you long enough. You weren’t trying to leave without me, were you?” He accused.

[jonathanpenrose]

He turned to find Ben calling out to him, accusing him of trying to get out of their arrangement. Jonathan couldn’t help but laugh. “I actually didn’t expect you to still be here. But no, I wasn’t trying to leave. I came down to find you.”

Pulling the strap of his leather bag further onto his shoulder, Jonathan checked his watch and turned to face Ben and the exit. “I’m done for the evening, so if you’d like to leave now, that’s fine.

“I apologize, by the way, for making you wait so long. Luca wanted to make sure everything was perfect before he signed off. He’s a very shrewd businessman,” explained Jonathan, nodding to the security staff as they passed by. “Do you drive? I didn’t think to ask.”

[jonathanpenrose]

Heart Shaped Sunglasses

[aherowithoutacause-deactivated2]

Sure he was pleased with himself, but he was more satisfied with how Jonathan stared at the napkin like he’d just been handed a treat instead of a trick. He was interested in hearing the other man’s reaction when he called the number later, whether he’d be sour and call Ben’s cheat out, or just hang up and never give him the time of day if they ever crossed paths again.

Shrugging his shoulders, Ben picked up his beer and stood from his seat, guessing that Jonathan was insinuating he wanted to conduct his business in peace. “You know what they say about all work and no play.”

There were a lot of people still in the lounge, tucked into their own little niches in booths or wagging their tongues over the counters at the dancers kicking their legs out to a showtuney beat. Ben had only come here to kill time, maybe wander over to a bar that was more his type. But a golden ticket had unknowingly placed itself in his sights, and Ben wasn’t going anywhere now.

“I’ll be over here when you’re ready.” He pointed back to the table he’d been sitting at before. It gave him the opportunity to make sure Jonathan didn’t slip out when he wasn’t looking. Plus, he was still sour at Luca for knocking him on his ass a few times when he’d tried to sneak in.

[jonathanpenrose]

Alone again at the bar, Jonathan took a look at his watch and frowned at the time. He didn’t like to think of himself as important enough never to have to wait, but considering this appointment had been scheduled a month beforehand, Jon didn’t think such a long intermission was appropriate. 

Luca appeared five whole minutes after Ben’s retreat, and apologized sincerely for the distraction. Jon gave Ben a last glance before he was pulled back upstairs, a small smile on his mouth at the way Ben watched him go like an animal tracking its prey. 

He wondered just how little he’d be able to get away with when it came time to make good on their deal.

It took another hour and fifteen minutes for contracts to be finalized and arrangements made. By the time he descended the stairs, he wondered if it’d be worth it to even look for Ben. No way had he stayed so long just for a small chance at getting laid. 

But because Jonathan was a man of his word, he stepped back into the lounge to search for the young man, not expecting him to have lingered but mentally preparing himself anyway.

[jonathanpenrose]

Heart Shaped Sunglasses

[aherowithoutacause-deactivated2]

It wasn’t the hardest wager he’d ever been dealt, and honestly if it didn’t work there was nothing he was losing.

With that in mind, he slid off the stool and swayed over to the girl at the end of the bar. She was deep in exchanging words with her friend, friend being a word used in the loosest sense considering Ben had seen them exchanging saliva earlier before Jon had come down from Luca’s balcony office. They didn’t give Ben any attention when he spoke, until he tapped loudly on the counter with the pen in an obnoxious manner that finally drew the blonde’s attention away with an irritated expression.

“Listen, do me a favor.” He entreated, siddling up close like he was flirting his ass off. “I’m just trying to get laid tonight by that guy behind me. He thinks he’s got a shot with you, but I’m not as clueless as him. All I have to do is get your name and your number, so if you could write your name, and write down the number I’m about to tell you but make it seem like it’s yours, that’d be great. I’ll even buy you both a round of shots. Whattya say, babe?” He held the pen out to her. Surprisingly, she took it, grinning as she wrote her name - Valerie - and the seven numbers Ben listed off to her, which happened to be his own number. But as Jon wouldn’t know that until he called later, no one else but them had to know of their deception. “You’re a doll.” He crooned as he took the napkin back and sauntered away triumphantly, blowing a kiss to her that made them both giggle.

He was back in his seat in under four minutes, and waved the bartender over. “Two shots of your best bourbon for the ladies.” He said, digging another cigarette out of his pocket and contemplating the information on his napkin as if debating actually handing it over, before he held it out to Jonathan. “Suppose it could be a fake, but you’ll have to see for yourself later.”

[jonathanpenrose]

Jonathan watched as Ben approached the women with a confident swagger, interrupted their conversation, and made his pitch. All three looked over at Jon, who gave an almost shy smile at their sudden attention. He didn’t hold it for long, the two women re-focusing their attention on Ben as he handed over the pen and napkin. 

It was half regret and half astonishment that Jon felt as Ben returned with his prize. Jon reached his hand out, waiting, but Ben took his sweet time handing it over. He laughed as he looked at the feminine handwriting, the seven beautiful numbers he’d be calling that evening for sure.

Stuffing the napkin into an inner pocket, Jon polished off the last bit of his Tea and pushed the glass away with a shake of his head. “Color me impressed, Ben. You won fair and square. But I have to tell you, I’m here for business with Luca so I’ll be awhile longer. He needed to step out and should be back any minute. You wanna stick around awhile longer, I’ll leave with you.”

He’d never gone home with a man before, not for sex. He’s had a few buy him drinks, but it was rare, and Jonathan was always upfront about his disinterest. But Ben was persistent and charming, nothing like any of the other men who’d ever expressed interest. Even if they didn’t go home together that night, Jonathan could see himself entertaining Ben’s company in the future-- platonically, of course.

[jonathanpenrose]

Heart Shaped Sunglasses

[aherowithoutacause-deactivated2]

Ben cracked a wide, toothy grin at that. The guy was getting ruffled and was answering by doing the thing Ben hoped he would. Hopefully this would pan out in his favor. He could hardly contain his glee, but he managed doing so. 

“Like I said. I love a good challenge.” He retorted, and reached forward to fish over the counter for the bartender’s pen and a napkin from the dispenser. He brandished both up between them as another offering. “I’ll tell you what, if I get her name and her number, you leave with me. Otherwise,” he shrugged loosely, indicating that it wasn’t his loss if he’d refuse. “It was worth a shot.”

[jonathanpenrose]

Jonathan laughed uneasily. Realistically, Ben probably had a much better chance at getting the woman’s attention than he did, especially after the failed attempt at buying her a drink.

The woman was young, late 20′s maybe, with big, blonde hair, and a dress that showed a generous amount of cleavage. Jonathan was 40, dressed for business, and had already been snubbed once. But Ben was very young and very attractive, with a feline grin and generous charm. Drunk and queer or not, Ben would probably have no problem approaching the woman. Part of Jon just wanted to see the young man do it out of sheer curiosity.

He took one last drag of his cigarette and put it out, finally responding. “Okay. I’m game. But it has to be her name and number or it’s no deal.”

It wasn’t like he was promising to do anything more than leave with Ben. No harm in walking out of a door.

[jonathanpenrose]

Heart Shaped Sunglasses

[jonathanpenrose]

aherowithoutacause:

“Or I’m just really good at reading people.” Ben fired back without missing a beat. Accusations, even ones of which had a core of truth to them, were never appreciated. “Like how I can read you’re really interested in that woman at the other end of the bar, but you’re waiting for the right opportunity to approach her.” 

The cigarette between his fingers was little more than a stub of ash, a final puff of smoke and it’d burn his skin. He stubbed it out in the tray, turned towards his partner and appraised him with a knowing look. “There’s no such thing as the right moment in a titty bar. And by the look of things you’ll be lucky if you can even get her name, let alone her number. She’s way out of your league, John.”

He leaned back in his seat and took a long sip of his Iced Tea. Jon didn’t fully believe it’d been just a guess, but he couldn’t argue his mooning over the woman across the bar so he didn’t bother trying. 

The word “titty bar” was sour to Jon’s ears, drawing a tight smile out of him as he watched the butt of the cigarette give it’s dying puff of smoke. 

“I’m here for business, not pleasure, so whether or not I can get her alone isn’t a big deal. But as far as I see it, barging over while she’s mid-conversation isn’t going to do me any favors. Maybe I should be half drunk and stumbling over to ask her if she’d like another drink when she’s already got one?” he challenged, one eyebrow raised. He didn’t bother to mention that he’d already tried sending her a drink to get her attention-- that wouldn’t do him any favors either.

[jonathanpenrose]

Heart Shaped Sunglasses

[jonathanpenrose]

aherowithoutacause:

“Ben.” He said a touch more coolly to the sardonic tone of the man’s voice. He wondered if the name would spark a memory, maybe placed alongside his face. Highly doubtful. He would have been more surprised than flattered or pleased that he’d left an impression. But there was nothing.

As the other man lit up his cigarette, illuminating his face in the dark of the lounge, Ben took in the high arching brows and smooth forehead that reminded him of a different face, a much prettier face that he’d do anything for. He wondered then what Arthur would have said if he told her about this.

Probably nothing at all.

He watched the dancers onstage for a moment, forgetting that he was supposed to ask for a name in return. From his peripheral vision he caught the girl the businessman was all eyes for sitting close with a dancer on break, and smirked to himself. He’d have to be pretty clueless to not pick up on those vibes coming from that end of the bar.

“You look like a John to me.” He said, offhandedly, because he was a cheater. “Jonathan. Jonny. James. Something with a J. Which would make this ironic if you were just somebody interested in going back to a hotel for a few hours. But since you’re not, am I close?”

“Mm. Nice to meet you, Ben.”

Jon inhaled another chestful of smoke, enjoying the pop music the girl on stage was performing to. Mimicking his new friend, he watched her dance, her movements seeming more like an art piece than a show meant to get men aroused. 

Hearing his name caught him off guard. He looked at Ben, eyes narrowed, mouth turned up in a dubious smirk. Jon pointed his fingers at the boy, the ones holding the cigarette. “Bullshit. You heard someone mention my name, didn’t you.”

[lawrencejacoby-deactivated20160]

[jonathanpenrose]

Heart Shaped Sunglasses

[jonathanpenrose]

aherowithoutacause:

It’d been years since Ben had heard such an egotistical response. It made him feel a sense of deja vu. All he could give in return was a laugh and a roll of his eyes as he knocked back another drink of his beer. Conversations didn’t usually pan out like this for him, with him not knowing what angle was the best, or if it was even worth it to attempt. But then he didn’t usually stick long wasting his breath on someone so obviously not interested nor worth his time. 

Ben liked a good challenge, and looking at the man, he knew he was being presented with a good one, and decided it was very much worth it just to see what he could get away with and just how far he could get.

He offered a shrug and reached back into his pocket for his box and took one out for him, holding it up between them for him to take, blowing smoke from his nostrils. “I won’t hold my breath.”

Jonathan liked to get his way. When the cigarette was passed to him, his smile brightened with sincere satisfaction. 

“Appreciated,” he said, taking the thing and putting it between his lips. Jon reached for the lighter on the bar between them and lit up, cheeks hollowing on his first, long inhale. It’d been awhile, and the burn in his lungs was unpleasant but familiar. He opened his mouth to blow a smoke ring, and grinned as it wobbled through the air before disappearing into nothingness. 

The Woman was still occupied. Jon wondered what was so important that the two women were speaking with their heads close, mouths almost close enough to kiss. At that rate, Luca would be back to fetch him before he’d get a chance to say hello to Her.

Still turned with his knees pointed towards the stranger, Jonathan asked conversationally, “Fair’s fair I suppose. What’s your name?”