Fic: One Armed Bandit Strikes Again (6/?)
Kris went back to sleep and woke up mid morning feeling surprisingly refreshed. Brad was already awake and had coffee brewing. Brad smiled, “So what are we going to do on Kris Allen day?”
Kris smiled, “I don’t know. I haven’t research what are the top attractions. That’s what I usually do and then I pick the ones Adam won’t hate.”
“Well, today you can pick the ones he would hate since he isn’t coming.”
Kris laughed, “I’d like to go to Knottsberry Farm.”
“Home of the boysenberry. You got it. We’ll stuff ourselves with corndogs and funnel cakes and then go on a bunch of spinning rides.”
Kris laughed but was excited to do something he wanted to do for a change. Brad seemed to be the type that would have fun no matter what he did. Kris borrowed a pair of jeans and managed to find a plaid shirt in Brad’s closet. Brad had been appalled claiming one of the handymen he slept with must have left it. Kris wasn’t buying it based on the perfect fit. Brad dressed down but with some sparkle. On the drive to Anaheim, Kris answered his cell out of habit when it rang. He heard Brad pound on the dashboard, “Here we go.”
“Kris, its Adam, where are you?”
“You know where I am because you called Brad’s house last night.”
“Well you are not there because today I am AT Brad’s house. When are you coming home? I am not supposed to be seen in public with you so chasing you down like this is ridiculous.”
“Then don’t do it. Besides, your house is not “home”. We don’t live together and according to you we also aren’t dating.”
“What are you a lawyer now? You sound like Brad, always nitpicking at shit.”
“Do you want anything else, Adam?”
“Tell your friends to stop talking to the media. Your brother just told ET that you work for me as a personal assistant and then your brilliant friend Cale added that you were paid to entertain me. Congratulations, the public now thinks you are a paid escort.”
Kris almost dropped the phone, “What! I spoke to them last night and they didn’t mention anything.”
“I think they were interviewed this morning. You need to get them in the box. Also, Tony wants to know if you would sue me if I fired you.”
“You would fire me?”
“No, I said Tony wanted to know. Kris, will you please come ho-back to my house so we can deal with this new development.”
Kris covered the mouth piece, “My family spoke to the media and now they think I am an escort. He wants me to go to his house to deal with the scandal.”
“He has a management team and they aren’t going to give a shit about your thoughts on the matter. Adam doesn’t need to hold your hand to refute the allegations. Let him just twitter something. You need a break.”
Kris got back on the phone, “I can’t come there until much later.”
Brad grabbed the phone, “Adam, Kris is with me and we are getting on with our lives. Stop calling and trying to fuck up our day…none of your business…Knottsberry Farm…too bad. We’ll bring you back some boysenberry jam.”
Brad handed the phone back to Kris. Adam was still on the line, “Adam, I’ll call my brother and tell him to shutup.”
“Are you interested in Brad?”
“I think he is really nice.”
“It’s a total act. I am much more your type.”
“Really? I was kind of hoping a selfish, insensitive asshole was not my ideal. But, based on my dating history perhaps it is.”
Adam made an irritated sound, “Look, I am sorry. Will you come home now?”
“What are you sorry for?”
Adam was silent for a minute, “Everything?”
“You don’t even know what you did and that is part of the problem. You don’t even realize when you are being a dick so how will you ever change?”
“Look, I am sorry I only thought about the effect this scandal had on my life. I am sorry you are being dragged through the mud because of me. I am sorry I have to be seen with other men.”
Wait, what was that last one? “What?”
“Oh, management advised me to go party with a bunch of hot men to diffuse the idea that you’re special. But, I won’t enjoy it and I’ll think about you while I’m doing it.”
Kris became infuriated especially because Adam’s tone was so chipper and nonchalant as he revealed he planned to fool around with other men. “Great, maybe I can help too. If we see any media at the Park, I’ll be sure and molest Brad.”
“Kris, you can’t be seen with Brad because he is my ex. That would make me look bad.”
“I can’t be with Brad because of how it reflects on you?”
Brad took the phone again, “Adam, it’s not all about you. I am sorry you didn’t treat Kris well especially because he is really hot. At first, I thought he was sort of conservative and straight but now…He is really turning me on and I think we look good together.”
Brad laughed and turned to Kris, “He hung up. Maybe we’ll be able to enjoy our day now.”
Kris looked at Brad nervously, “You don’t really think I am hot, do you?”
“Of course I do because you look like me. However, relax, I am not really interested in you like that. I mean I’d sleep with you but it would just be a casual thing. Did you want a full service date?”
Kris’ heart sped up, “No, I-I just want to be…friends.”
“You are so funny. Anyway, we are here so let’s enjoy ourselves.”
Kris quickly forgot about everything but having fun. Brad was a good sport and Kris loved going on rides. They stayed at the park until closing. They both had turned off their cell phones so there were no interruptions throughout the day. They got back in the car exhausted. Kris checked his messages. He had two calls from Tony, three from Lane and about ten calls from family and friends. Kris called Lane back, “Hi Lane. how was your vacation?”
“Short. Kris, where the fuck are you? Adam is having a total melt down and has sent Tony after you.”
“I am just laying low. I saw he made a few statements insisting he was single and that I was nothing but a friend so I thought it best to stay away. It would be counterproductive for us to be seen together.”
“I agree but you could hide out in his house and be with him when he is home.”
It was like a light snapped on and Kris could see how truly pathetic that would be, “I could but I’d rather have a life. Don’t worry, I’ll be back in time for our flight back to Miami.”
“Kris, Adam is really getting upset. If you don’t call him or go to his house, there may not be a ticket for you to go back to Miami.”
“That’s his choice. Oh, you can tell Tony to relax, I won’t sue Adam if he fires me. Goodnight, Lane.”
Kris hung up and turned to Brad, “I think this plan might backfire. Lane thinks I might not have a ticket back to Miami.”
Brad laughed, “Please, Adam would never give up so easy. He is buffing and you need to call him on his bluff. What do you say we go out to this bar I know and continue to enjoy our day?”
Kris agreed and they went to a bar on Sunset that had Karaoke with a live band. They went over by some eclectic LA people. Brad introduced him to his friends and Kris sat down. As the night wore on Kris decided to sing a song. He went up and sang “Renegade”. Kris was surprised when the whole place enthusiastically applauded. Kris went back to the table and Brad slapped him on the back, “Only shit you are incredible. Cass here is going to audition for American Idol tomorrow you should totally go with him.”
Kris laughed, “Yeah right. That would be funny since I am currently being portrayed as a former American Idol’s whore.”
“Exactly, maybe that would give you a leg up. You gotta strike when the iron’s hot.”
“Adam would be furious and he would really fire me.”
“So what? This is a chance for you to have a life. No offense, but planning outings for rock stars is not really a career nor is there a high demand. For once in your life take a chance. Besides if you don’t make it, Adam won’t even find out for months. The tour will be over before the show even airs.”
“Are you going to try out?”
“Nah, I just got a contract to be in a couple TV shows. I like acting better than music.”
They went home at midnight and Kris slept for about five hours. He and Brad met Cassidy at six in the morning and went to the LA convention center for the audition. While on line, Brad was checking out the web on his blackberry. “Looks, like Adam got over being alone.”
Kris looked at the photos of Adam coming out of a nightclub with a hot guy on his arm and another photo of him making out with a guy in a restaurant. Kris just gave Brad the phone back, “Adam mentioned his label wanted him to be seen with other men.”
“Well, looks like he accomplished the mission. This is going to take forever.”
They had to sing for about three different people before they were allowed to sing for a producer. Both he and Cassidy had made it that far. Kris went in by one of the producers,
“Hey, aren’t you in the papers right now? You are dating Adam Lambert.”
“No, I just work on his tour. We are on break for a few days.”
“Cool. Let’s hear what you got. I hope it’s good because you would be great for ratings. Adam was our most successful contestant ever.”
“I hope you don’t judge me based on me knowing Adam.”
“You better hope I do because if I say no it’s the end of the road.”
Kris played his guitar and sang “Heartless”.
“The producer smiled, “You really are good. I would have given you a pass even if you weren’t friends with Adam.”
Kris’ cell phone rang while he was waiting to see the American idol judges. He debated on answering it since it might fuck with his mind. Still, he gave in, “Hello, Adam”
“Hi, are you still with Brad?”
“Sort of. I am out with him and Cassidy.”
“Where? I thought Cass was going to audition today for American Idol.”
“Yeah, we are here. He is doing well.”
“Cool, I really miss you, Kris. Do you have plans tonight?”
“I’m not sure we may be here a long time. Listen, I am sort of trying out too?” Kris prepared himself for Adam exploding. Kris had a feeling he was going to put him down and say he only got that far because they thought he was fucking Adam Lambert.
Adam laughed, “Really? How far have you gotten?”
“I just got through one of the producers and am waiting to sing for the judges.”
“That’s great, Kris. What are you going to sing?”
“I am going to sing “Heartless”. I sang it for the producer and he liked it.”
“I don’t picture you as an R&B artist but I am sure it will be great. Don’t get too nervous and imagine singing in front of friends instead of judges.”
“You don’t think they are going to just give me a spot because of you?”
“Maybe but after that you will have to earn your victories. Kris, even if you don’t make it I am proud of you for trying. I know I am not always the most generous person but I really hope you do well, cute guy. Good luck and call me as soon as you finish.”
Kris was shocked that Adam wasn’t pissed. Hell, he was even being supportive. Kris went in following Adam’s advice and killed it. He was given a yellow ticket and told he would be going to Hollywood in a month. Kris worried about the tour. If he quit, he would be out the twenty thousand leaving him broke and homeless.
Kris went by Brad and Cassidy. Unfortunately, Cassidy hadn’t made it past the producer but they were happy for Kris. Kris shook his head, “I will have to leave the tour for a week and maybe even quit it. I really can’t afford it.”
Brad hit him on the head, “Kris this is a chance of a lifetime. You WILL quit the tour and you WILL see this through. You can stay at my house and I will loan you some dough.”
Kris was grateful for Brad’s support and flet compelled to be honest, “Adam called. He knows I auditioned.”
“So then he won’t be totally shocked when you tell him why you are quitting. I am sure he wouldn’t deny you your chance to make it? Even he is not that big of an asshole.”
Kris nodded but still felt bad. Part of him didn’t want to leave the tour even if it meant becoming a star. He liked being with Adam even as a sort of kept man/hired hand. He liked sleeping with Adam’s body next to his. For the last two days, he had missed Adam something fierce. If he did this American Idol thing there was a good chance he would lose Adam forever. It was a bittersweet victory.
Kris called Adam feeling melancholy, “Hey, I made it to Hollywood week.”
“Congratulations! Why don’t you sound excited?”
“I am going to have to quit the tour.”
“Why? Hollywood week isn’t until the end of the summer. You have at least a month or two and the tour is only a month longer.”
Adam had a point and Kris needed the money if he was going to pursue this dream. “Your right I can probably finish the tour.”
Brad slammed on the breaks, “You need voice lessons and to be focusing on yourself not Adam. You are quitting the tour.”
Kris felt torn. Adam interrupted, “Tell Bradley to shut the fuck up. You are coming on tour and I am going to hire a vocal coach for you. You can practice while I am on stage. Hell, if you want real life experience, I’ll even let you come on stage. Come back to me and I will help you get ready. After all, what good is dating a former American Idol if you can’t even get some pointers.”
“I thought you were single.”
“I am but there is someone I am really interested in and I really hope he is still into me too.”
Kris knew it was stupid but he wanted to be with Adam really bad. “Yeah, well maybe you can prove it tonight.”
“Really, maybe I can make him some dinner and open a bottle of champagne to celebrate his success.”
Kris laughed, “Ok, he’ll be there in an hour.”
Kris hung up and turned to Brad, “I agreed to dinner.”
“Obviously. Well, at least you held out for almost two days. If he becomes a dick, you call me and I will pick you up. I am serious Kris, you can move in with me if need be so don’t take any shit from him.”
Kris kissed Brad on the cheek, “You are a good man Bradley Bell.”
“And don’t forget I’m hot too.”