Naked Hero - The Journey Away

and slender, angular in his features with long black hair swept back behind his ears, in his late-thirties although he would pass for less. Lee knew this, as naturally he’d done some research before the meeting – research that had turned up some interesting dirt, such as Anthony’s preference for big hairy men, whose attentions he enjoyed courtesy of an escort agency. So Lee himself wasn’t Anthony’s type – which was fine – as he fully intended to win the man over with a business proposition that didn’t involve jerking him off.
    After a few initial pleasantries whilst sizing each other up, Anthony outlined the plans he had to take HIM Clothing into the new markets of Europe and North America. Lee listened to the pitch, which was full of good intensions, and recognition of where the company needed to be, but had little substance on how they were going to get there. That was good news to Lee – that meant there was an opportunity, and an idea had been forming in his calculating brain.
    “I’ve looked at the photo shoot. It was very impressive. You do us justice, sir,” said Anthony at last getting down to the real business of the meeting. “The problem is, how can we use you? I’ve gone through your website as well. That’s the most obvious area where we could work with you - having our swimwear modelled by you and your charming employees around the British clubs, and pictured on the site advertising the name. Perhaps you could tell me more about how you’re doing that with other brands.”
    It was Lee’s turn now to do a pitch, and it was his standard one that he gave: nothing too exciting. No need. All he wanted at present was to secure the bare minimum of sponsorship for the clothes, and a percentage of any sales made via his website. It wasn’t a difficult sale he was making, HIM Clothing would certainly benefit, with little risk. Lee would be just another channel, and a useful one. They performed the dance and agreed to go ahead. Base one had been reached. Now for the real fun!
    Lee played his opening cards, eager to see what Anthony was holding. “But what about the bigger picture?” he asked. “Not just in the UK, but across Europe, the States, and even here in Australia? You’ve seen the photo shoot. That’s what brought me to you, not the website. If you’re going to make a launch into new markets, then you need to go with an image - go with a body. If I’m honest, that’s what I would be most interested in helping with.”
    Anthony slowly shook his head, dismissing the idea. “We thought about that, but some issues were raised, and I have to say, I personally don’t see you as the best choice for a mainstream advertising campaign. You’re well known in the gay community, but the market we want to hit goes way beyond that. We have to be careful about not appearing too gay, and alienating the larger market.”
    “That larger market wouldn’t be aware of me and my position in the gay community. Most male models are gay. What’s the real problem?”
    “As I said, you’re too gay in appearance, too... how can I say it: too perfect for the straight market; too well developed if that makes sense. We feel that a more natural look would be better - and I’m sorry... someone younger. If we were to use you, there would have to be an angle. I can’t see one.”
    As much as the words stung, Lee was prepared. He had hoped for something better - hoped that they saw him as their ideal. But he knew that the gay ideal, which he had aimed at and achieved, was not one that crossed over to the straight world with the same impact. Not to worry though, Lee had an ace up his sleeve.
    He sat for a moment as if appearing to consider, drumming his fingers irritating ly on Anthony’s desk. He watched. He waited. And then he sprang. “An angle?” repeated Lee. “Can I run something past you?”
    “Sure. Fire away. And could you stop...”
    Lee stopped the drumming, giving Anthony the impression that he was in c harge. “I assume you are aware of Lewis Macleod, the tennis player?” he casually threw in.
    “Of course! Most of Sydney knows about Lewis. He’s not exactly flavour of the month here.”
    Anthony was dismissive, but Lee could see from his expression that he was fascinated to know where this was going. Sure that his fish was nibbling, Lee baited a little more. “His recent coverage was unfortunate, but still newsworthy. He’ll be even more newsworthy if he does well in