LIfe After Love Chapter 5
Title: Life After Love Chapter 5
Sequel to: Lost in Life
Rating: Nc-17
Pairing: adam/kris, OMCs
Summary of Story: WIP. Kris and Adam are moving on with their lives, jumping into a new venture that promises so much, but the past comes back to haunt them.
Disclaimer: I do not own the real people involved, only those I’ve created.
Warnings: angst, violence, language DO NOT READ IF YOU HAVE TRIGGERS. Additional warnings will be posted when warranted.
Chapter 4 Recap ~ Valentine’s Day, Adam performs then plans a romantic surprise for Kris ~♥~ Jerry hooks up with an unsuspecting waitress from Adagio to get info ~♥~ Jerry does research, makes plans
MASTERLIST ~ http://cunningdeb.livejournal.com/39293.html#cutid1
:::: ♥♥ ::::
“Looks like another full house,” Kris commented, smiling proudly as he stood by Peter.
“I hope they keep coming when Adam moves to Indigo.”
“Hey,” Kris laughed, “no complaining! It was your idea to open another club and make Adam the headliner.”
Peter squeezed his shoulder. “Just kidding. Adagio will be fine. I wouldn’t hold Adam, or you, back for anything.”
“Doesn’t hurt either that you’ll be reaping profits from Indigo too.”
“Kris Allen, I’m shocked you would think like that; I’ve trained you well.”
Adam was in his dressing room, getting ready to perform. Going clubbing had been fun but Kris was glad that part of the research was over. Granted, he wasn’t too old to be going out every night but he’d never been one to party all the time and he rather enjoyed going home and relaxing after work. When he and Adam went out, Kris preferred the evening to be about them, not research.
“You okay to keep an eye on things for a while? I want to slip over to Indigo and see how the work’s going.”
A month had passed since Valentine’s Day and the reconstruction of Indigo was in full swing. A stylish design had been decided on, all the financial backing was in place, and so far the work was on schedule, a rare occurrence.
“They’re still working?” Kris looked as his watch; it was nearing 9pm. “Kind of late, isn’t it?”
“Tim wants to get the last of the wiring done so everything is ready for insulation to be put in tomorrow. The drywallers are coming the day after. So, can you watch things?”
“Yeah, yeah, no problem. When are you going?”
“In about fifteen minutes.”
“I’ll be back in a few.”
Kris headed backstage. Before he was out of earshot, he heard Peter call out, “Say hi to Adam for me.”
Rapping gently on the door, Kris came in. Adam looked at him through the mirror and smiled. He was dressed in a smart black suit with a dark grey shirt, casually unbuttoned at the top. The cords of his two necklaces were clearly visible.
So were some of his freckles.
“Hey baby, is there a problem?”
Kris came up behind and crouched down, wrapping his arms around Adam’s shoulders and kissing his cheek. He slipped a hand into the neck of the shirt and caressed the fair skin.
“Can’t I just come in to see my beautiful man?”
“I suppose,” Adam sighed dramatically. He turned in his seat and Kris tried to sit in his lap.
“Wrinkles!”
“Oops … sorry.”
Instead, Adam stood up and they held hugged … carefully.
“Seriously though, what’s up? You usually don’t come in and see me before I go on.”
“Just wanted to let you know I can’t sit with you after. Peter’s gone to Indigo to check out construction ….”
“At 9pm?”
“Trying to keep on schedule. Anyway, I’m in charge until he gets back so I have to be at everyone’s beck and call, not just yours.”
“Guess I’ll survive. We’re still going out tomorrow night, right?”
The nights Adam worked, Kris stayed late and the days Adam was off, Kris worked until 7pm so they had the rest of the night free. For no special reason, Adam wanted a real date so they had planned on dinner and a movie.
“Wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
“Great. We better check the times at the university. I wouldn’t want to miss the movie.”
“Don’t worry. They have two showings, you won’t miss Marilyn.”
“Who cares about Marilyn. I can’t wait to see Tony Curtis in drag on the big screen.”
“What about Jack Lemmon. He’s really cute as Geraldine.”
“He is cute but I like Daphne. She’s fierce.”
There was a knock on the open door.
“Five minutes Adam.”
“Thanks.”
“I better get back to the restaurant. Peter has to go.” Kris turned to leave then stopped. “Just out of curiosity, would you dress in drag to escape the mob?”
Adam looked in the mirror and checked his eyeliner.
“Baby, I’d dress in drag to celebrate the garbage being picked up.”
“You would?”
“In a heartbeat.
“Hmmmm interesting … that gives me an idea for the Thursday morning.”
The minute Kris stepped into the hallway, he was called to the kitchen; the chef and a server where arguing over a request by a customer. It was a stupid argument but that was the job of the manager, to handle staff disputes. When he takes over management of Indigo, all of this was going to fall onto Kris’ shoulders, not on occasion like it did at Adagio.
By the time they cleared that problem up and Kris got into the club, Adam was in the middle of his set. Intending on taking a moment to listen, Kris sat at the bar, only to have another problem arise with the cleanliness of the glassware.
Back into the kitchen to deal with the dishwashers.
Once that was resolved, Kris headed back out. Adam’s set was over and Kris saw him talking to members of the audience. Kris got a soda and waited.
There was quite a line up of admirers tonight. Kris got a kick out of the women that openly flirted with Adam despite the fact they didn’t hide their relationship. Didn’t seem to matter to some. There were also a few men who flirted with Adam. He could tell because Adam would tense up a little even though he kept smiling. At those times, Adam sought out Kris and Kris would send him an encouraging, loving smile.
At the end of the line was a man in tight jeans and a leather jacket. Kris watched them shake hands. ‘Leatherman’ said something and Adam’s face lit up. His fiancé gestured to a table and they sat. Heads close, they began an intense discussion. Kris really wanted to know what was going on but he didn’t want to intrude. Adam’s initial smile lost its intensity as the conversation continued. Adam looked really interested in whatever the guy was saying. ‘Leatherman’ took something out of his pocket and handed it to Adam just before he got up. Adam got up as well and they shook hands goodbye. As the man walked away, Adam looked at the card, turning it between his fingers. Eventually, he slipped it into his jacket pocket and turned his attention to the new line of admirers wanting his attention.
Half an hour later, they finally found time for each other, sitting at their table and enjoying a drink. They talked about this and that but Adam didn’t bring up his conversation with ‘Leatherman’. By now, Kris was dying to know who this guy was and what he wanted. Adam didn’t have intense conversations with just anyone.
Adam also didn’t keep secrets from Kris and that’s what bothered him even more.
“You had quite a line up of people wanting to chat tonight.”
Adam had been looking distracted. “What? Oh … yeah … they were really nice.”
“They seemed to be. So, I was wondering ….” Kris’ cell rang. “Hello? … Slow down, what happened? … Yeah yeah, we’ll be right there.” He snapped his phone shut and jumped to his feet. “Adam, we gotta go.”
“What’s wrong?”
“There’s been a fire at Indigo.”
:::: ♥♥ ::::
Peter and Tim were in the back going over specs for the kitchen when someone in the main area yelled ‘fire’. The two men rushed out to see the dining and dance areas filling with smoke and orange flames shooting across the floor and up the front door. Tim ordered Peter and everyone else out the side entrance as he ran towards the blaze and took over the fire extinguisher. Peter froze, watching the flames consume everything in its path. He started to sweat and it had nothing to do with the heat.
“Hey, get him out of here!”
Peter heard Tim but didn’t know who he was talking to. Someone’s hand gripped his upper arm and hauled him out. The minute he was out of the building, his mind cleared and he dialed 911, and then Kris and Adam.
The fire department was there and spraying water when the boys arrived. They hugged their boss, asking if he was okay and if anyone was hurt. Peter knew his face was sooty and he smelled like an ashtray but he was fine and so was everyone else. They waited in silence until the fire chief came over to talk.
“Do you know what caused it?” Peter asked.
He wasn’t prepared for what he heard.
“I’m not the Fire Marshall but it doesn’t look electrical to me. It’s isolated around the front door. Was it open earlier or did you open it after?”
Peter scratched his cheek. “I honestly don’t know. I was in the back with Tim and there was crew coming in and out. They might have left the door open. Is it important?” He tried to keep his voice steady but he was loosing.
“Could be. Can you ask around?”
“How much damage is there?” Kris asked.
“And you are?”
“Kris Allen, I’ll be the manager of Indigo when it opens.”
They shook hands. “There’s water and smoke damage and the wood around the front entrance has been burned. You’ll get a full report from the Fire Marshall.”
The chief was called away and Kris and Adam tried to convince Peter to go home or back to Adagio.
“I need to talk to Tim.”
Adam ran over to the contractor and brought him back. Tim said he wanted to wait for the fire department to leave so he could secure the property before he talked.
They all agreed to meet back at Adagio. Peter insisted he could drive himself but when he pulled out his car keys and dropped them because his hand was shaking so badly, the plan changed.
Kris took the keys off the payment. “Adam and I came in his car. I’ll drive you in yours and we’ll meet there and wait.”
The ride to Adagio was silent. Peter stayed in his own thoughts but he could feel Kris’ concern and curiosity. He had to be strong. He had to keep it together. He was the boss, he couldn’t show signs of weakness when dozens of people were going to be looking at him for leadership. Peter refused to let anyone know what was really making his heart pound four times faster than normal and why his brain was having difficulty working.
Peter’s cell buzzed. He looked at the message; it was from Serena, his wife. Word must have gotten out about the fire. He briefly replied saying he was okay, would call her soon.
They took the back entrance into the club, passing one staff person who raised their eyebrows when he saw Peter’s ashen appearance. With a raise of the hand, the employee said nothing and went on his way.
“You know word is going to get out soon,” Kris cautiously said.
“Can you ask everyone to stay after closing time and I’ll fill them in on what we know?”
Kris nodded and left.
Peter entered his office, closed the door and let out the shaking air that had been pressing against his heart. Now in a smoke free environment, the stench of the smoke was overwhelming. Rummaging in his closet, he pulled out some jeans and a t-shirt and slipped into the bathroom to change. He shoved his suit into a plastic garbage bag, tied it off, and sprayed room freshener everywhere. Next, he went to his bar, poured a large drink and chugged it in one swig.
This was a burn he could deal with.
Feeling a little better, he picked up his phone and called home.
“Peter! Honey, are you okay? They said on the radio there was a fire at Indigo!”
“Easy sweetheart, I’m okay. Everyone’s okay.” He voice was gruff and he coughed a little.
“You don’t sound okay. Did you go to the hospital? Did you get checked out? Please tell me you didn’t ….”
“Just a little smoke. The EMT’s checked me out, I’m fine.”
“I love you,” she whispered. He could hear the fear in her voice.
“I love you too,” he replied, getting emotional as well.
Kris returned while they were talking. He was going to leave when he saw Peter on the phone but Peter gestured him in. Adam came in as well, sitting on the couch and Kris sitting beside him on the couch’s arm.
“Honey, can you hold, I have another call.” Peter switched calls. “Yes … okay, hold on.” He switched back. “Serena I have to go, Tim’s on the other line … yes, I’ll be home as soon as I can … love you too.”
Kris slid off the arm of couch, wedging himself between Adam and the side. They held hands as Peter put the call on speaker.
“Go ahead.”
“This is going to put us almost a month behind schedule. The electricians, insulators and drywallers can’t continue until the structural damage has been repaired and inspected. Before any of that is done, we have to wait for the Fire Marshall’s inspection and then see was the insurance guy has to say. I’m sorry about this Peter.”
“It’s not your fault. We’ll just have to push through.”
“What if the insurance company won’t cover the damage?” Adam asked.
“Then we’ll just have to come up with the cash.”
:::: ♥♥ ::::
It had been a long night and by the time Adam and Kris got home, they were exhausted. Kris took a shower first and Adam fixed himself a green tea and honey before stepping onto the deck. The breeze from the Pacific fingered through his hair and rustled his jacket. He really should have put on a sweater but he couldn’t be bothered. He had too much on his mind and if he got comfortable, he’d want to sleep.
What he needed to do right now was to think. Reaching into his jacket, he pulled out the business card, holding it tight as it flipped in the wind.
19 Entertainment.
Talent scout.
Development deal.
All his dreams condensed into raised print and stock card. At least, that had been his dreams back when he was in high school. He was going to become a rock star and travel the world and buy his parents and brother everything they wanted ….
And then the dream died.
His parents died.
His spirit died.
When Kris came into his life, a new dream was born. Adam was happy again, and content with his life and career for the first time in years.
Sam Castle had been coming to Adagio for a few weeks to watch and listen to him. It kind of creeped Adam out a bit that he’d been observed so intently and had no idea. Sam presented his business card and they sat down to discuss what 19E could do for him.
Adam was blown away. Nobody got ‘discovered’ anymore in Hollywood; it was a thing of the past like grand scale musical movies and silent films. The odds of this were … well, he didn’t know what they were, but he did know they weren’t favorable.
Somehow, though, he’d been caught in the radar and was being offered the chance of a lifetime.
The patio door slid open and Adam tucked the business card back in his jacket before turning. Kris was standing there, holding his robe tight around his body and twitching his bare toes.
“Isn’t it a little chilly to be out here?”
Adam shook his head. “It’s not too bad.”
“Are you coming to bed?”
“In a bit … I need to do some thinking.”
Kris quickly padded across the cold wood and fell into Adam’s arms.
“Everything is going to be okay. Tim and Peter will get Indigo back on track.”
Adam rubbed Kris’ back briskly. He was worried about the fire too, and felt guilty that it wasn’t bothering him as much as this other thing.
“Shit happens. The damage will get repaired and we’ll move on.”
Kris looked into Adam’s face, his eyes searching.
“So if it’s not the fire you’re thinking about, what are you thinking about?”
“Just … stuff.”
Adam didn’t want to lie. They told each other everything, shared everything. But this was big and unexpected and Adam wanted to figure it out for himself before he said anything. Kris would support him no matter what, he had no doubts about that, but when Kris was going to ask him what he wanted to do, Adam wanted to have an answer for him.
Kris furrowed his brow but didn’t press the issue.
“Well … when you done, I’ll be waiting in bed. Love you.”
“Love you too baby.”
Kissing softly, Kris scooted back into the warmth of the house as Adam looked back over the Pacific, his hot tea now cold. Kris was right; it was too chilly to be outside. Taking one more look at the moon shimmering on the water, Adam headed inside. He thought about making another tea but then he started yawning and realized he needed to head to bed.
The shower should have been quicker than usual considering it was just him and he was actually washing but his mind started wandering again. Adam didn’t even know what type of music they were interested in him recording. The music he sang at Adagio was not the style of music he’d want to make a career on. That’s why this Indigo venture was amazing since he could explore more styles, get edgier.
If Sam heard that, the offer might be taken off the table.
Fingers and toes wrinkled by the time he got out from under the water, he towel dried his hair, removed the remnants of his make up and brushed his teeth. Slipping into the bedroom, he noticed Kris was wearing an undershirt so rather than go naked, it slipped on some sleep pants and a tank.
The moment he got in bed, before he pulled the blankets over himself, Kris’ body sought him out, even in sleep, and they were cuddling. Adam readjusted the covers, kissed Kris’ head and tried to rest.
:::: ♥♥ ::::
Despite the fire, the streets around Indigo were full of clubbers. Some stopped and stared at the yellow caution tape across the front door but most didn’t notice or couldn’t be bothered.
A lone person slowly walked up to the building. Illuminated by the street lights, he took in the burnt wood around the doorway and the soot stained windows on either side. He ran a finger along the yellow tape and chuckled.
Taking one last drag, Jerry tossed the still smoking cigarette onto the sidewalk and sauntered away.
:::: ♥♥ ::::
Scene from Some Like it Hot [Daphne is playing sax] ~ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4OYIlNCgoUw&feature=related
Sequel to: Lost in Life
Rating: Nc-17
Pairing: adam/kris, OMCs
Summary of Story: WIP. Kris and Adam are moving on with their lives, jumping into a new venture that promises so much, but the past comes back to haunt them.
Disclaimer: I do not own the real people involved, only those I’ve created.
Warnings: angst, violence, language DO NOT READ IF YOU HAVE TRIGGERS. Additional warnings will be posted when warranted.
Chapter 4 Recap ~ Valentine’s Day, Adam performs then plans a romantic surprise for Kris ~♥~ Jerry hooks up with an unsuspecting waitress from Adagio to get info ~♥~ Jerry does research, makes plans
MASTERLIST ~ http://cunningdeb.livejournal.com/39293.html#cutid1
:::: ♥♥ ::::
“Looks like another full house,” Kris commented, smiling proudly as he stood by Peter.
“I hope they keep coming when Adam moves to Indigo.”
“Hey,” Kris laughed, “no complaining! It was your idea to open another club and make Adam the headliner.”
Peter squeezed his shoulder. “Just kidding. Adagio will be fine. I wouldn’t hold Adam, or you, back for anything.”
“Doesn’t hurt either that you’ll be reaping profits from Indigo too.”
“Kris Allen, I’m shocked you would think like that; I’ve trained you well.”
Adam was in his dressing room, getting ready to perform. Going clubbing had been fun but Kris was glad that part of the research was over. Granted, he wasn’t too old to be going out every night but he’d never been one to party all the time and he rather enjoyed going home and relaxing after work. When he and Adam went out, Kris preferred the evening to be about them, not research.
“You okay to keep an eye on things for a while? I want to slip over to Indigo and see how the work’s going.”
A month had passed since Valentine’s Day and the reconstruction of Indigo was in full swing. A stylish design had been decided on, all the financial backing was in place, and so far the work was on schedule, a rare occurrence.
“They’re still working?” Kris looked as his watch; it was nearing 9pm. “Kind of late, isn’t it?”
“Tim wants to get the last of the wiring done so everything is ready for insulation to be put in tomorrow. The drywallers are coming the day after. So, can you watch things?”
“Yeah, yeah, no problem. When are you going?”
“In about fifteen minutes.”
“I’ll be back in a few.”
Kris headed backstage. Before he was out of earshot, he heard Peter call out, “Say hi to Adam for me.”
Rapping gently on the door, Kris came in. Adam looked at him through the mirror and smiled. He was dressed in a smart black suit with a dark grey shirt, casually unbuttoned at the top. The cords of his two necklaces were clearly visible.
So were some of his freckles.
“Hey baby, is there a problem?”
Kris came up behind and crouched down, wrapping his arms around Adam’s shoulders and kissing his cheek. He slipped a hand into the neck of the shirt and caressed the fair skin.
“Can’t I just come in to see my beautiful man?”
“I suppose,” Adam sighed dramatically. He turned in his seat and Kris tried to sit in his lap.
“Wrinkles!”
“Oops … sorry.”
Instead, Adam stood up and they held hugged … carefully.
“Seriously though, what’s up? You usually don’t come in and see me before I go on.”
“Just wanted to let you know I can’t sit with you after. Peter’s gone to Indigo to check out construction ….”
“At 9pm?”
“Trying to keep on schedule. Anyway, I’m in charge until he gets back so I have to be at everyone’s beck and call, not just yours.”
“Guess I’ll survive. We’re still going out tomorrow night, right?”
The nights Adam worked, Kris stayed late and the days Adam was off, Kris worked until 7pm so they had the rest of the night free. For no special reason, Adam wanted a real date so they had planned on dinner and a movie.
“Wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
“Great. We better check the times at the university. I wouldn’t want to miss the movie.”
“Don’t worry. They have two showings, you won’t miss Marilyn.”
“Who cares about Marilyn. I can’t wait to see Tony Curtis in drag on the big screen.”
“What about Jack Lemmon. He’s really cute as Geraldine.”
“He is cute but I like Daphne. She’s fierce.”
There was a knock on the open door.
“Five minutes Adam.”
“Thanks.”
“I better get back to the restaurant. Peter has to go.” Kris turned to leave then stopped. “Just out of curiosity, would you dress in drag to escape the mob?”
Adam looked in the mirror and checked his eyeliner.
“Baby, I’d dress in drag to celebrate the garbage being picked up.”
“You would?”
“In a heartbeat.
“Hmmmm interesting … that gives me an idea for the Thursday morning.”
The minute Kris stepped into the hallway, he was called to the kitchen; the chef and a server where arguing over a request by a customer. It was a stupid argument but that was the job of the manager, to handle staff disputes. When he takes over management of Indigo, all of this was going to fall onto Kris’ shoulders, not on occasion like it did at Adagio.
By the time they cleared that problem up and Kris got into the club, Adam was in the middle of his set. Intending on taking a moment to listen, Kris sat at the bar, only to have another problem arise with the cleanliness of the glassware.
Back into the kitchen to deal with the dishwashers.
Once that was resolved, Kris headed back out. Adam’s set was over and Kris saw him talking to members of the audience. Kris got a soda and waited.
There was quite a line up of admirers tonight. Kris got a kick out of the women that openly flirted with Adam despite the fact they didn’t hide their relationship. Didn’t seem to matter to some. There were also a few men who flirted with Adam. He could tell because Adam would tense up a little even though he kept smiling. At those times, Adam sought out Kris and Kris would send him an encouraging, loving smile.
At the end of the line was a man in tight jeans and a leather jacket. Kris watched them shake hands. ‘Leatherman’ said something and Adam’s face lit up. His fiancé gestured to a table and they sat. Heads close, they began an intense discussion. Kris really wanted to know what was going on but he didn’t want to intrude. Adam’s initial smile lost its intensity as the conversation continued. Adam looked really interested in whatever the guy was saying. ‘Leatherman’ took something out of his pocket and handed it to Adam just before he got up. Adam got up as well and they shook hands goodbye. As the man walked away, Adam looked at the card, turning it between his fingers. Eventually, he slipped it into his jacket pocket and turned his attention to the new line of admirers wanting his attention.
Half an hour later, they finally found time for each other, sitting at their table and enjoying a drink. They talked about this and that but Adam didn’t bring up his conversation with ‘Leatherman’. By now, Kris was dying to know who this guy was and what he wanted. Adam didn’t have intense conversations with just anyone.
Adam also didn’t keep secrets from Kris and that’s what bothered him even more.
“You had quite a line up of people wanting to chat tonight.”
Adam had been looking distracted. “What? Oh … yeah … they were really nice.”
“They seemed to be. So, I was wondering ….” Kris’ cell rang. “Hello? … Slow down, what happened? … Yeah yeah, we’ll be right there.” He snapped his phone shut and jumped to his feet. “Adam, we gotta go.”
“What’s wrong?”
“There’s been a fire at Indigo.”
:::: ♥♥ ::::
Peter and Tim were in the back going over specs for the kitchen when someone in the main area yelled ‘fire’. The two men rushed out to see the dining and dance areas filling with smoke and orange flames shooting across the floor and up the front door. Tim ordered Peter and everyone else out the side entrance as he ran towards the blaze and took over the fire extinguisher. Peter froze, watching the flames consume everything in its path. He started to sweat and it had nothing to do with the heat.
“Hey, get him out of here!”
Peter heard Tim but didn’t know who he was talking to. Someone’s hand gripped his upper arm and hauled him out. The minute he was out of the building, his mind cleared and he dialed 911, and then Kris and Adam.
The fire department was there and spraying water when the boys arrived. They hugged their boss, asking if he was okay and if anyone was hurt. Peter knew his face was sooty and he smelled like an ashtray but he was fine and so was everyone else. They waited in silence until the fire chief came over to talk.
“Do you know what caused it?” Peter asked.
He wasn’t prepared for what he heard.
“I’m not the Fire Marshall but it doesn’t look electrical to me. It’s isolated around the front door. Was it open earlier or did you open it after?”
Peter scratched his cheek. “I honestly don’t know. I was in the back with Tim and there was crew coming in and out. They might have left the door open. Is it important?” He tried to keep his voice steady but he was loosing.
“Could be. Can you ask around?”
“How much damage is there?” Kris asked.
“And you are?”
“Kris Allen, I’ll be the manager of Indigo when it opens.”
They shook hands. “There’s water and smoke damage and the wood around the front entrance has been burned. You’ll get a full report from the Fire Marshall.”
The chief was called away and Kris and Adam tried to convince Peter to go home or back to Adagio.
“I need to talk to Tim.”
Adam ran over to the contractor and brought him back. Tim said he wanted to wait for the fire department to leave so he could secure the property before he talked.
They all agreed to meet back at Adagio. Peter insisted he could drive himself but when he pulled out his car keys and dropped them because his hand was shaking so badly, the plan changed.
Kris took the keys off the payment. “Adam and I came in his car. I’ll drive you in yours and we’ll meet there and wait.”
The ride to Adagio was silent. Peter stayed in his own thoughts but he could feel Kris’ concern and curiosity. He had to be strong. He had to keep it together. He was the boss, he couldn’t show signs of weakness when dozens of people were going to be looking at him for leadership. Peter refused to let anyone know what was really making his heart pound four times faster than normal and why his brain was having difficulty working.
Peter’s cell buzzed. He looked at the message; it was from Serena, his wife. Word must have gotten out about the fire. He briefly replied saying he was okay, would call her soon.
They took the back entrance into the club, passing one staff person who raised their eyebrows when he saw Peter’s ashen appearance. With a raise of the hand, the employee said nothing and went on his way.
“You know word is going to get out soon,” Kris cautiously said.
“Can you ask everyone to stay after closing time and I’ll fill them in on what we know?”
Kris nodded and left.
Peter entered his office, closed the door and let out the shaking air that had been pressing against his heart. Now in a smoke free environment, the stench of the smoke was overwhelming. Rummaging in his closet, he pulled out some jeans and a t-shirt and slipped into the bathroom to change. He shoved his suit into a plastic garbage bag, tied it off, and sprayed room freshener everywhere. Next, he went to his bar, poured a large drink and chugged it in one swig.
This was a burn he could deal with.
Feeling a little better, he picked up his phone and called home.
“Peter! Honey, are you okay? They said on the radio there was a fire at Indigo!”
“Easy sweetheart, I’m okay. Everyone’s okay.” He voice was gruff and he coughed a little.
“You don’t sound okay. Did you go to the hospital? Did you get checked out? Please tell me you didn’t ….”
“Just a little smoke. The EMT’s checked me out, I’m fine.”
“I love you,” she whispered. He could hear the fear in her voice.
“I love you too,” he replied, getting emotional as well.
Kris returned while they were talking. He was going to leave when he saw Peter on the phone but Peter gestured him in. Adam came in as well, sitting on the couch and Kris sitting beside him on the couch’s arm.
“Honey, can you hold, I have another call.” Peter switched calls. “Yes … okay, hold on.” He switched back. “Serena I have to go, Tim’s on the other line … yes, I’ll be home as soon as I can … love you too.”
Kris slid off the arm of couch, wedging himself between Adam and the side. They held hands as Peter put the call on speaker.
“Go ahead.”
“This is going to put us almost a month behind schedule. The electricians, insulators and drywallers can’t continue until the structural damage has been repaired and inspected. Before any of that is done, we have to wait for the Fire Marshall’s inspection and then see was the insurance guy has to say. I’m sorry about this Peter.”
“It’s not your fault. We’ll just have to push through.”
“What if the insurance company won’t cover the damage?” Adam asked.
“Then we’ll just have to come up with the cash.”
:::: ♥♥ ::::
It had been a long night and by the time Adam and Kris got home, they were exhausted. Kris took a shower first and Adam fixed himself a green tea and honey before stepping onto the deck. The breeze from the Pacific fingered through his hair and rustled his jacket. He really should have put on a sweater but he couldn’t be bothered. He had too much on his mind and if he got comfortable, he’d want to sleep.
What he needed to do right now was to think. Reaching into his jacket, he pulled out the business card, holding it tight as it flipped in the wind.
19 Entertainment.
Talent scout.
Development deal.
All his dreams condensed into raised print and stock card. At least, that had been his dreams back when he was in high school. He was going to become a rock star and travel the world and buy his parents and brother everything they wanted ….
And then the dream died.
His parents died.
His spirit died.
When Kris came into his life, a new dream was born. Adam was happy again, and content with his life and career for the first time in years.
Sam Castle had been coming to Adagio for a few weeks to watch and listen to him. It kind of creeped Adam out a bit that he’d been observed so intently and had no idea. Sam presented his business card and they sat down to discuss what 19E could do for him.
Adam was blown away. Nobody got ‘discovered’ anymore in Hollywood; it was a thing of the past like grand scale musical movies and silent films. The odds of this were … well, he didn’t know what they were, but he did know they weren’t favorable.
Somehow, though, he’d been caught in the radar and was being offered the chance of a lifetime.
The patio door slid open and Adam tucked the business card back in his jacket before turning. Kris was standing there, holding his robe tight around his body and twitching his bare toes.
“Isn’t it a little chilly to be out here?”
Adam shook his head. “It’s not too bad.”
“Are you coming to bed?”
“In a bit … I need to do some thinking.”
Kris quickly padded across the cold wood and fell into Adam’s arms.
“Everything is going to be okay. Tim and Peter will get Indigo back on track.”
Adam rubbed Kris’ back briskly. He was worried about the fire too, and felt guilty that it wasn’t bothering him as much as this other thing.
“Shit happens. The damage will get repaired and we’ll move on.”
Kris looked into Adam’s face, his eyes searching.
“So if it’s not the fire you’re thinking about, what are you thinking about?”
“Just … stuff.”
Adam didn’t want to lie. They told each other everything, shared everything. But this was big and unexpected and Adam wanted to figure it out for himself before he said anything. Kris would support him no matter what, he had no doubts about that, but when Kris was going to ask him what he wanted to do, Adam wanted to have an answer for him.
Kris furrowed his brow but didn’t press the issue.
“Well … when you done, I’ll be waiting in bed. Love you.”
“Love you too baby.”
Kissing softly, Kris scooted back into the warmth of the house as Adam looked back over the Pacific, his hot tea now cold. Kris was right; it was too chilly to be outside. Taking one more look at the moon shimmering on the water, Adam headed inside. He thought about making another tea but then he started yawning and realized he needed to head to bed.
The shower should have been quicker than usual considering it was just him and he was actually washing but his mind started wandering again. Adam didn’t even know what type of music they were interested in him recording. The music he sang at Adagio was not the style of music he’d want to make a career on. That’s why this Indigo venture was amazing since he could explore more styles, get edgier.
If Sam heard that, the offer might be taken off the table.
Fingers and toes wrinkled by the time he got out from under the water, he towel dried his hair, removed the remnants of his make up and brushed his teeth. Slipping into the bedroom, he noticed Kris was wearing an undershirt so rather than go naked, it slipped on some sleep pants and a tank.
The moment he got in bed, before he pulled the blankets over himself, Kris’ body sought him out, even in sleep, and they were cuddling. Adam readjusted the covers, kissed Kris’ head and tried to rest.
:::: ♥♥ ::::
Despite the fire, the streets around Indigo were full of clubbers. Some stopped and stared at the yellow caution tape across the front door but most didn’t notice or couldn’t be bothered.
A lone person slowly walked up to the building. Illuminated by the street lights, he took in the burnt wood around the doorway and the soot stained windows on either side. He ran a finger along the yellow tape and chuckled.
Taking one last drag, Jerry tossed the still smoking cigarette onto the sidewalk and sauntered away.
:::: ♥♥ ::::
Scene from Some Like it Hot [Daphne is playing sax] ~ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4OYIlNCgoUw&feature=related