Page 152 of Playing By Ear
“We all have our comfort zones,” Nancy said. “Some models won’t even perform in their own homes. I like to give a little more access, especially to loyal followers.”
“Some of my viewers have been with me from the start. In January I missed a session because of the flu. They bombarded me with well wishes, gift vouchers, even chicken-soup recipes.”
“Aww, that’s amazing.”
He turned the conversation back to Nancy. “Have you got a day job?”
“Besides the camming, I’m a part-time dog walker and a full-time law student at UCLA.”
He blinked at her. How did she do it all? “Does anyone know about your camming?”
“I live with my girlfriend, so she knows. So does my younger sister, but not my older sister, because she’s super judgmental. And I would die before I told my brother or my parents.”
“I wish I’d died before I told my parents.”
Nancy gasped and clapped a hand over her mouth. “You didn’t!”
“I did, and my mum’s reaction has really got into my head. That’s one reason I decided to switch things up tonight. I can’t imagine wanking for strangers right now.”
“You have to let that feeling go, dude. Self-consciousness is Kryptonite for cammers.”
“I feel so naive for being shocked she wasn’t supportive.”
“You have nothing to be ashamed of.”
Perry rubbed his neck. “If I’m ashamed, then I’m ashamed of my shame. How mad is that?”
“It’s relatable,” she said. “Not everyone can handle the full truth of who we are. That doesn’t mean they don’t love us. But someone who accepts and embraces that truth? You gotta hold onto them for dear life.”
Perry smiled. Jamie was definitely an accepter and embracer. “What would you do if you were outed?”
“I’ve got a plan for what I’ll say. One, camming is totally legal. Two, it gives me more control than, say, exotic dancing or even waiting tables. I work when I want and set my own limits. Third, yes, viewers can be sleazy and gross, but I’ve learned so much about handling difficult people, it’s bound to help me as a lawyer.”
Interesting. In his own cam sessions, Perry often called on the people skills he’d gained as a referee and journalist.
He remembered Brian’s suggestion. “If I ever write a piece about camming, could I interview you? I’d keep your name confidential. I wouldn’t even use my own name.”
“Ooh, can I be a dark silhouette with my voice all distorted like I’m in witness protection?”
“There won’t be a video component, but I could describe you that way.”
She laughed, then cut herself off. “Wait, what time did you say your session was?”
“Eleven.” He switched on his phone to check the clock. “I should finish prepping my ingredients.” He slipped the camera’s remote control into his apron pocket. “I’m still nervous about tonight, but talking to you has helped.”
“You’ll do fine. Remember, you don’t need to be perfect for your followers to love you.”
Nancy was right. Over the last year, Perry’s viewers had taken in stride every technical difficulty, misplaced accessory, and wardrobe malfunction.
If only the rest of the world could be so understanding.
Chapter 29
“Your da said Empire biscuits were your favorite.”
Jamie smiled at Martin’s next visitor standing in the house’s entrance hall. The fortyish woman—Anna Flaherty, apparently—handed him a blue biscuit tin, the lid of which featured a cartoon of laughing chickens.
“Aw, cheers, you’re so kind.” He was tempted to pop off the lid and get stuck in. A sugar infusion wouldn’t go amiss after a week of round-the-clock caring for his dad while nursing a sprained ankle. Jamie could have fallen asleep on his feet were it not for the steady stream of well-wishers.
