Andrzej was increasingly speechless. Of course he remembered the sex scandal three years ago. A few more or less prominent politicians attended a party so sexually free that the media compared it to feasts at Caligula's court. There were fancy sado-maso games, also with the participation of minors, and very inventive performances. Of course, everyone who was proven to be with this place said they had no idea what type of party it would be. Nevertheless, two ministers returned their briefcases, several of their colleagues had some sentences for jail, and three young, just rising stars disappeared from the scene. If Marczak was the organizer of this game, was Dominik a part of it?
If so, he did not do it of his own free will. He was too sweet, too naive to even think of this way of satisfying himself or others. He was also, unfortunately, in love with his manager and, at his urging, could participate in something equally humiliating.
Andrzej felt a great desire to see Dominik's face now, check how he feels after the interview. Fortunately, Duda also wanted to start working on the material right away, so he said goodbye quickly and disappeared out the gate.
Nowicki went inside immediately. He immediately caught the tiny figure of the actor sitting in the same place.
"How did I present myself? Was it a good interview?" Dominik asked with a serious expression. Andrzej was surprised how quickly he threw the mask off his face. Was Śliwiński relieved that he no longer had to pretend?
"Perfect. You were quite honest, right?"
"Yes."
"You didn't say about breaking the contract with Marczak."
Śliwiński did not answer, but his eyes darkened with sadness. He still suffers from this betrayal, Nowicki thought. He still loves him. Does he not understand how vile a creature his former lover is? Andrzej wanted to tell him about mess in his apartment and what he had just learned from Duda, but he couldn't. He had no evidence against Marczak, and Dominik is suffering so much now.
"You think this article will be favorable?"
"For sure. This journalist is really your fan."
"It's nice."
It wasn't enough, however, for the actor to smile.
"Sorry, I'm a little tired," he said, getting up from the couch.
He staggered.
Andrzej was immediately there to support him. For a moment he felt his body heavy only by the force of inertia. Dominik was so fragile that he was afraid to grasp him tighter, so as not to crush his bones. His skin felt hot even through the thin fabric of his shirt and trousers.
"Sorry," whispered Dominik, looking away. "Sorry to be so weak."
"You are exhausted and you have a fever," Nowicki said roughly into his ear. "You were supposed to take it easy, and see what you did. Paulina will kill me if she finds out."
Andrzej was angry, not at Dominik, at himself. He should have stopped him when he wanted to give an interview. Śliwiński was a terrible stubborn, but Andrzej should not succumb to him.
"I'm sorry," he replied. His voice, however, was soft. Nowicki felt his hair on his shoulder and a pleasant, mild scent in his nostrils.
"I will live. It's not the first time that she will try to kill me" photographer joked.
Śliwiński, supported by him, was able to walk. They slowly climbed the stairs to his bedroom. With each step, Andrzej had the impression that Dominik was clinging to him more and more, as if he wanted to completely blend in with his arms. Again he thought of a kitten looking for a warm caress of a human hand.
They entered the room and Nowicki made him sit on the bed. The actor gave the impression that climbing the stairs would deprive him of all his strength and he was about to fall asleep.
"I'll help you undress" offered Andrzej.
He met no objection when his hands began to unbutton the buttons on his white shirt. He accidentally brushed his bare torso, and Dominik stepped back a millimeter. His skin was disturbingly warm and soft.
"Sorry, my hands are cold."
"It's all right," Śliwiński assured, looking away. Andrzej suddenly felt a strange feeling as if Dominik wanted to run away from him. He didn't expect Andrzej to attack him, right? After all, quite recently it was him ...
Nowicki slowly moved away from him to a safe distance.
"Where's your pajamas?"
"Second shelf from below," he said softly.
Andrzej pulled the first one out of the bank and helped him put it on. He forgot about delicacy on purpose. He did not want to be harsh with Dominik, but he realized that being a gay actor, Śliwiński may perceive men as women do, i.e. as possible partners or a sexual threat. Two days ago, a depressed Śliwiński made an erotic step towards Andrzej. The photographer flatly rejected the offer and pretended that nothing had happened. They have never discussed it afterwards, but Dominik may be afraid that Andrzej will change his mind anyway and try to take advantage of his weakness. While such an accusation would normally offend Nowicki's dignity, the actor was excused because he had already faced sexual violence against himself. His behavior, therefore, resulted not from pure paranoia but from experiences that must have remained vividly in his memory and was more of a protective instinct than a conscious act.
Therefore, instead of anger, Andrzej felt sympathy for him. Taking care that his touch could in no way be associated erotically, he put Dominik down and covered him with the sheets.
"Did you eat while I was gone?" He asked.
"Some."
Nowicki shook his head.
"I'll get you something quick. Get some rest, but don't fall asleep. You should eat something warm first.
Dominik nodded, but avoided his gaze. Andrzej bit his lip. He hoped the actor would not begin to see him as a threat
***
Andrzej could not sleep.
Not because he was in someone else's house, alone in a strange bed. He couldn't sleep because he was really worried.
Everything always looked nice on posters, in newspapers and on TV. Śliwiński was a young god, a miracle child of cinema, the idol of crowds. Always strong and beautiful. Ideal.
False for show.
No, it's called "media image," he mentally corrected. The image that was supposed to make him the most desirable creature not only of the film industry. But the truth was, vox populi wasn't the voice of god now. The other screen gods had something to say, too, and had just decided to throw him off his throne. The real Dominik was completely different from the image created by Marczak, and this caused misunderstandings.
At this point in his life, Dominik did not have the strength to fight for anything and with anyone. Fortunately, the fever subsided again, but his appetite did not return. He ate less than the diet model, and he couldn't shake his despondency. Andrzej had seen him try to do it, he just wasn't strong enough now. The whole situation did not look very interesting. Nowicki was satisfied with only one thing - Dominik did not play before him and did not hide his pain.