Fic: I'll Be Waiting | Part 6 of 10
Title: I’ll Be Waiting
Rating: NC-17
Links to other parts: Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5
**
“Neil Allen’s son is gay?” came the shriek over the phone.
Adam flinched and pulled his phone away from his ear. “Uh, good morning to you, too, Christi. It’s a lovely morning isn’t it? Can I get a cup of coffee since I have a feeling I’m going to need it?”
“Since when are you dating Neil Allen’s son?”
“What?”
“I swear to god, Adam Mitchell Lambert, I am going to drop you as a client if you’re not straight with me about this.”
Adam threw his arm over his eyes and laughed as he shimmied the comforter away from his body and swung his legs off the bed, “You want me to be straight?”
“Fuck you, Lambert. Now tell me what the fuck is going on.”
“Whoa, hey…it’s not even,” Adam looked at the giant clock on his wall, “not even seven in the morning on a Sunday, and I was out last night.”
“I know!” Christi shouted. “You were out with Kris Allen, getting shit-faced and canoodling at Façade.”
Adam raked his hand through his mussed up hair and blew out a breath, “What? How…”
“How? It’s all over the gossip blogs. That piece of shit Perez posted the item around three this morning, and my assistant called me freaking out. That’s how. And now that putz is digging around to get more information about the Allen family.” Christi paused. “Now, are you going to tell me what’s going on so I can figure out how to respond? I need to call the studio’s publicity and communications teams.”
“It’s not true.”
“What’s not true? I need specifics here.”
“I was not shit-faced, and we were not, what did you call it? Canoodling,” Adam stated. “As for Neil and Kris and all that…fuck. I don’t know. What should I do?”
“Are you dating him? Is he gay?”
“Yes, he’s gay, and he’s not in the closet. The family knows, it’s not a big deal.”
“Are you two dating?”
“Uh…” Adam stood up and started to pace around his room. He rubbed the back of his neck and stopped in front of the mirror. He slowly removed his hand when he realized what he was doing. When did he start doing that?
“Adam!” she yelled through the phone again. “Focus! Are. You. Dating. Him.”
“It wasn’t like that. Don’t get him involved with this shit, he’s not used to it and shouldn’t have to deal with it. I just finished a film from his father’s production company, he just moved into town, and I was just showing him around town. That’s it.”
“You were playing tour guide?”
“No, of course not. It was just a night out…”
“Adam…”
“Christi…”
Adam rolled his eyes, knowing she couldn’t see it. If she had been in the room and saw it, he would have been smacked upside the head.
“Fine,” she said. “You were doing Neil Allen a favor…”
“No!” Adam interrupted. “We were just hanging out. That’s it. End of story.”
“I’ve got phone calls to make and people to scream at…”
“Other than me?” Adam mumbled.
“Heard that, Lambert. Listen, go back to sleep…I’ll take care of it.”
“Are you fucking kidding me?” Adam shouted. “You wake me up, yell at me, drop this shit on me and now you want me to go back to sleep?”
“Yes, sweetie. You can do it, I have faith,” she replied.
“But…” Adam looked at his phone. She had already hung up on him. “Shit.” He needed to figure out what to do. He thought back to last night. They spent another hour just talking about Adam’s childhood and first paid acting gig, about Kris’s work in Mozambique and Uganda. They finished off the food and just drank more water before they headed out. Amy and Derek had made sure no cell phones came out to take photos and no other people came by to bother them.
He drove Kris home and walked him up to his apartment. At the door, Adam tilted Kris’s chin up and they shared a small, light kiss, bodies barely touching. With a whisper, Adam wished him a good night and headed down the stairs. He stopped at the bottom and looked up to see Kris still at the door. Smiling, Adam gave him a small wave and walked away.
It was the perfect ending to an evening that outweighed red-carpet events, fancy dinners or crazy, private parties. Adam didn’t remembering simply enjoying a night like last night.
This morning’s news put an oily sheen on it, and he didn’t appreciate it. He knew Perez’s source didn’t come from anyone at Façade; the club was based on discretion, the staff paid too well and owned by two cut-throat lawyers that had no problem destroying lives to protect themselves and their exclusive clientele. None of the other patrons inside would tattle about others, they’d rather get the publicity for themselves.
It had to be that shithead, starfucker of an ex-boyfriend, Zach. No photos, no problem. Time to make some calls of his own; he didn’t care who the fuck he had to wake up.
**
“Hey, Kris, listen…I’m going to take care of all this nonsense. I hope you don’t get harassed too much, I’m sorry if you are. Really, truly sorry. I don’t know what happened, but know I didn’t mean to get you and your family dragged into this. I…I’ll. Please don’t hate me, and I hope you’re okay.”
Kris listened to the voicemail again and again, trying to figure out if there was any hidden meaning he didn’t catch the first time around. After getting the message two weeks ago, Adam didn’t contact him again, nor did he return Kris’s calls.
His father had called and forwarded him the news items first thing that Sunday morning, telling him not to freak out and that it wasn’t a big deal. And, it wasn’t. Well, okay, it was. He knew he should’ve expected something to spoil his evening, he just didn’t expect it to be a gossip item. All in all, it wasn’t that big of an issue, except that now he had cameras flashing in his face and strange, large men all up in his face. One night out with Adam shouldn’t have caused all this.
This wasn’t what he had signed up for, so it was a little jarring to suddenly see security guards at the bottom of his stairs as soon as he left his place to grab lunch with Cale. As soon as he saw the police holding back a swarm of paparazzi, he understood what his father had done.
His boss at the Point Foundation had been a little pissed at first, considering the intrusion of cameras and microphones in his face. He knew the gossip with Kris was tying back into the organization and providing much needed publicity, but he didn’t like generating it this way. Kris had tried to apologize, but was waved off with a grunt and a mumbled promise that they’d get through this. His co-workers were freaked out, but understanding; and Kris knew in the short time he worked there, they would stand by him. No one from the office spoke to the paparazzi, and only a brief statement was released by the corporate communications team confirming Kris indeed worked there.
A week later, the pandemonium died down. In fact it was so sudden Kris got whiplash. Adam’s publicist stated that the night out was her client doing a favor for Neil Allen, Adam was showing his son an evening out on the town as he had just moved to Los Angeles for his new job after years of living abroad. This was followed by a series of photos of Adam out and about with a waifish blond man, obviously drunk and hanging over each other and smiling for the cameras.
“He’s not answering, and Tatiana said he’s in a meeting.”
“Well, that’s obviously bullshit,” Cale said angrily. “It’s almost nine, who has meetings this late at night? Plus, it’s Friday night.”
“It’s possible. Dad’s had meetings go on until two or three in the morning at times,” Kris sighed.
Feeling antsy after a week of craziness and the following two weeks of complete silence, Kris felt the need to get out of his apartment, so picked up pizza and beer and headed to Cale’s place. He slumped down into the battered recliner and pulled the foot stand up with the lever. Kris watched as Cale tossed the tennis ball against the closed bedroom door, catching it as it flew back into his hands, the rhythm and pattern lulling him.
“What are you going to do?”
Kris yanked the afghan off the couch and dragged it over himself, “Nothing. I can’t do this. Obviously I read everything wrong, got caught up in it. This is probably his way of letting me off easy.” Kris paused and closed his eyes. “I was the new guy, he was being himself, flirting and I…I took it seriously.”
“That’s not what it was. I saw the way he looked at you, the way the two of you were,” Cale argued.
“He’s an actor. It’s what he does,” Kris said tiredly. “I bought it hook, line and sinker like a dumbfuck hick.” A bitter laugh escaped, “I guess this whole thing,” he waved his hand in the air “as a welcome to Hollywood thing means I have a hell of a story to tell, right? I can say I went out with Adam Lambert. My ego should thank him. You think he’d prefer a fruit basket or a cupcake basket?”
“You’re making jokes about this?”
“What else am I supposed to do? I’ve gone through some of the stages…denial, anger. Last week I did the bargaining thing, but he obviously doesn’t want to talk to me. So, now I’m onto acceptance.”
“I think you forgot a step.”
“Oh, that’s right. I think that’ll come after acceptance.”
“Have you accepted it?”
“The decision’s been made for me.”
“At least you’re not packing up to leave,” Cale said jokingly.
Kris remained silent. It would be easier…to run away from all this again. Obviously, he wasn’t meant to have a relationship. He could easily do it. His old boss would welcome him back immediately. Granted, the holidays were right around the corner, and his parents would kill him…
“Kris?”
“Yeah?”
“You’re not leaving again.”
**
PerezHilton.com
La Lambert Partying it Up!
La Lambert, a.k.a. our favorite Drama Queen, Adam Lambert, was seen canoodling his blond mystery man at Cherry Lips last night. Seems like this one might be keeper considering he’s been spotted with La Lambert for more than a few weeks.
Us Weekly
Adam Lambert On The Town and Worrying Management
Adam Lambert, 31, star of the upcoming film Not Today, Not Tomorrow has been seen painting the town red at his regular haunts. After months of hiding out, Lambert has been partying and drinking his way through every hot spot in Hollywood, causing an uproar with his management team. According to a source close to the actor’s agents, “His partying is becoming problematic. He doesn’t have any offers lined up, in fact, the scripts have stopped coming in! They’re worried that after doing four films back-to-back, he’s burnt out and making bad decisions.” Another source close to the actor disputes this, saying, “Come on, he’s just taking a well-needed break after the intensity of his last film. He’s weighing all offers right now and wants to make a smart decision before jumping into his next movie. He’s got his pick of projects.”
OK! Magazine
Adam Lambert’s Heartbreak and Hook-Ups
Sources reveal to OK! Magazine that Adam Lambert, star of the upcoming Oscar™-bait film Not Today, Not Tomorrow is nursing a broken heart from an on-set love-affair gone wrong. His new paramour, identified as Tommy Ratliff of the band Osiris’s Spear, has been doing what he can to mend his heart. However, a friend of the band has stated that the musician has only been using the actor to ensure that their music gets onto the highly-anticipated movie’s soundtrack.
**
Adam was barely listening to the conference call, his manager, lawyer and agent bickering over something in the contract and licensing his name to…a sunglass line? Shoes? Maybe he was going to endorse a soda? Or was it a bank? Who the fuck knew. He was bored, so he tapped out a beat with the pen against his shoe.
The holidays had been a painless affair. His parents with their significant others and Neil had stayed with him for a week over Thanksgiving. Christmas was something none of them really celebrated, so everyone was left on their own. Adam had his friends over for dinner, and they had a mellow evening in on New Year’s Eve. They had cast sympathetic glances his way, but he ignored them all.
And now that the new year had started and Adam had no projects lined up, his agents thought he should get back into the game instead of being tabloid fodder on a regular basis.
Tatiana walked in with his cell phone in her hand. She held it up, motioning for him to take the call, but he shook his and pointed to the phone on his desk. Rolling her eyes, she left and mumbled something into the phone as she left.
After what seemed like hours, but as he checked his watch, saw that it was only 15 minutes, he interrupted the arguing. “Sounds good, guys. I’ll swing by Jimmy’s office on Monday afternoon and look over the contracts,” Adam said into the phone. He stood up to stretch as soon as all the parties hung up.
Tatiana walked in again, as if she was hanging by the door waiting for the call to be finished, and handed him his phone and messages. She walked around the office picking up folders, papers and scripts.
“I’m heading out for the weekend. Anything else?” she asked after placing everything in order on his desk and credenza.
“No, I’m okay. Have a great weekend.”
“You, too, boss.”
“Tati?”
She stopped at the door and turned around.
“Has he called you? Have you talked to him?” Adam didn’t have to explain who he was, Tatiana knew. He’s been asking her once a day, every day for the last two months. A month after he got the gossip blogs and paps to stop sniffing around Kris’s business, he tried calling him to try to explain what he had done and possibly make plans to see him again. What he found was a cell number that had been disconnected, an apartment with a new tenant and a protective father who wouldn’t budge about disclosing information he was asked not to give out. Though Neil told him he understood and that Christi had explained the plan, appreciated it even, he wouldn’t help out.
Smiling sadly, she shook her head, “Sorry, no.”
“You’d tell me though, wouldn’t you? If he called and you two talked?” Adam asked. He knew he sounded desperate, but he didn’t care.
She quirked her lips, “Actually, I wouldn’t.”
“Why not?”
She stomped back over to his desk and poked him in the chest, “Because you were a jackass, because despite your best intentions, you hurt him. You went ahead with a plan without asking or even telling him about it.”
“I was trying to protect him!” Adam protested.
“He still should’ve been told about it, about what you were going to do instead of shutting him out like that.”
Adam pouted and sat back down, “He wasn’t ready for all that shit.”
“How do you know?” she retorted. “Maybe he would’ve handled it. He could’ve surprised you, but you won’t know, will you?”
“He said he wasn’t cut out for this shit.”
“Uh-huh.”
“I need you to do something for me.”
Tatiana blew out a breath, “What?”
“Find out if he’s going to be at the cast and crew screening?”
She furrowed her brows, “The screening for Not Today, Not Tomorrow?” She pulled out her phone and swiped her fingers over the screen. “I don’t have it listed anywhere. When is it? Where? What time?”
“Anoop told me yesterday, nothing’s final yet. He’s still putting finishing touches on it, but he’s getting it ready for a first screening, so probably in two or three weeks. Work with his assistant to get the information?”
“For the screening information or whether or not Kris is going to be there?”
“Both.” Adam stood up and brought her into a hug. “Please.”
Tatiana returned his hug and giggled, “Fine. Only because you pay me too much and I like you.”
“I pay you too much?”
“You didn’t hear that.”
**
Kris was at the piano, fingers running up and down the keys absentmindedly.
“Son,” Neil said briskly as placed a hand on his back. “As much as your mom and I love having you back home, we do want you to venture outside of it sometimes.”
“I go out.”
“Not just to work or Cale’s place.” Neil sat on the bench next to Kris. “I mean, out, like socially.”
“Dad,” Kris sighed. He banged on the keys, sending dissonant sounds out to the room. “I’m fine.”
“I don’t think you are.”
Kris bolted up from the piano bench and went to the wall of books on the other side of the room. “What do you want me to do?”
“Go to the screening tomorrow night.”
“Why?”
“You were a part of the movie, all those hours you spent running around and sweating and swearing behind the scenes; you should at least enjoy the fruits of your labor. See what Anoop created.”
“Dad, that part of my life is done,” Kris said addressing the wall of books. “I’ll see it in the theater with everyone else whenever it comes out. I’m sure it’ll be amazing. There’s no reason for me to see it now. Besides, it’s not even done, I want to be surprised.”
“What about seeing your friends? Don’t you want to see them and see what they’re up to?”
“Uh, yeah,” Kris gritted his teeth. “I haven’t…it’s going to be a little awkward, and I’d rather not go through all that.”
“Didn’t think I raised an idiot for a son,” Neil mumbled. “But apparently I did.”
“Dad…”
“Kris, this is…I don’t even know. Though, I have to give you credit that you didn’t run off to Tanzania or Vanuatu this time around.” Neil up and crossed the room to sit on his recliner. “But, if you did, especially with the holidays, I don’t think I could have stopped your mama from chasing after you and locking you up, never to see fresh air or sunshine again.”
“It didn’t even cross my mind, dad.”
“Uh-huh,” Neil murmured as he grabbed a script. “So, what’s next for you?”
“What do you mean?”
Neil continued to turn the pages, “Well, isn’t there some fundraiser coming up for you? There are things to do and people you could invite.”
“Dad.”
“What?” he asked innocently. “Just saying that you have options and different avenues in which to turn to; it’s not like you’re not connected.”
Kris rolled his eyes, “I’m not taking advantage of your position.”
“I’m offering,” Neil said. He laid the script down on his stomach and tented his fingers, “When is the event? What kind of event is it?”
Kris smiled, recalling the young kids who were helping out. “It’s in three months, June 7th. I think we just secured the venue, MOCA in downtown.”
Neil raised an eyebrow, “And how’d you manage that?”
“Why?”
“MOCA’s board is known as being notoriously difficult when it comes to events.”
“Really?”
“What’d you do Kris?”
“Just gave them a peak at some amazing artists I ran into while I was traveling, said I could get them an exclusive.”
“Sneaky, son.”
“Good business, dad. Learned that from you.”
“Let mom and me know so we can be there.”
“Well, duh.”
**
As his car headed into the dark underground garage, headlights spotlighting the cement columns, Adam stared at the screen of his phone, shifting through the pictures. He was glad they were digital images, as paper photos would have been weathered to snips of nothing at this point. He stared at the brown hair and the crooked smile until the car stopped. After he got out of the car, he was led to the freight elevator, away from the fans and cameras that somehow knew he’d be here tonight. It was just a mere screening, so Adam wondered if some upstart publicist from the secondary cast leaked the information.
He adjusted his sunglasses as the elevator lurched upwards. When Tatiana found out Kris wasn’t going to be in attendance, Adam almost cancelled, but the thought of trying to explain his absence was more of a pain than showing up. It was his first chance to see what Anoop created, and he didn’t want to pass that up, even though he would have given Adam a screener if he asked.
From the emails he was copied on, the movie would open in July, which meant long-lead print interviews would start immediately. The premiere would probably be two weeks before the limited run at a handful of theaters across the country. At least he wouldn’t have travel internationally for it…yet. The good thing about smaller films, no budget for international press junkets. He would be able to do most of the press and promotion from LA and figure out a way to get Kris Allen out of his head.
Putting away his sunglasses, Adam made his way into the darkened screening room. Anoop was pacing outside the door and Adam went up to him and hugged him tight from behind. Going inside and ignoring everyone else who was standing around and chatting and catching up with each other, he found his seat in the back corner. As the doors closed and the lights went down, Anoop stood just inside the doorway and lurked along the back aisle, whispering to his assistant. Adam concentrated on watching the projected images up on the screen.
The rough cut of the film was everything Adam thought it would be, haunting, harrowing and had Anoop’s fingerprints all over it. It was-if he was being honest-beautiful; their best work together yet. And, if Anoop didn’t get recognized for this come awards season, Adam would be his personal, one-man campaign manager to make sure he did.
This movie would be special, and not just because he fell in love with the script the minute Anoop dumped it on his desk. The whole process was seamless, Anoop in a whole other world, the cast and crew coming together unlike his other off-scene, drama-filled sets. The fact that he was so focused and didn’t want to leave the set for any breaks because of a certain someone he met didn’t hurt either. Except now, the movie would remind him about that over and over.
Adam gathered his things and quickly made his way out of the room, not wanting to chat with anyone. He’d see most of them again during the press junkets and promotional activities that would be lined up soon enough. And, he didn’t need the reminder of who wasn’t there.
**
“No!”
“Kris, think about it.”
Kris threw his hands up in the air and paced his father’s office. Checking to make sure the door was closed, he growled, “It’s completely asinine, and for the record I totally resent the fact that you’re still trying to find ways to get Adam and me in the same room.”
Neil pursed his lips and remained quiet. He stared at his son walking back and forth across the length of the room, completely agitated. Picking up a pen, he started to tap it on the desk, the only indication that he was annoyed.
“This isn’t about you, son,” Neil stated quietly.
Hearing the slow and measured tones in his father’s voice, Kris stopped and turned. He quickly eyed the tapping pen and stiff posture of his dad behind the desk.
“Care to explain it to me then?”
“The movie is coming out in July, in the middle of the summer blockbuster season. I don’t have the crazy budgets the majors do, so I can’t rely on traditional ad campaigns, hell, we barely have enough for online marketing right now. I’m fighting the big guys with this small film. We’re opening in four theaters…four in two cities,” Neil huffed out.
He held out a hand and continued, “Everyone is saying that it’s Oscar bait, and in order for it to be what everyone is expecting it to be, I need to do something non-traditional to get word out before we go wide at the end of the summer. The cast have been great with the press junkets, but shit, I can’t afford to send them around the world and talk with every entertainment outlet on the planet. A lot of these interviews that the cast is doing won’t come out for another month or two. Adam and Nury have been doing their own campaigning for the movie and pushing Anoop in every interview they do, but I need something more. The movie needs something more.”
“And how exactly does my fundraiser tie into this?”
“The Point Foundation is a small player trying to do big things. They have you now, and you’re making a difference. You’re working your ass off, I can see it, but you can do more. I think the small flurry created a few months back with that gossip nonsense got them a smidgen of attention, but not enough. Why not use your resources to help them and yourself out?”
“So, what’s your plan?” Kris asked wearily as he sat on the floor along the couch. He positioned himself sideways and rested his head on crook of his arm, keeping an eye out on his father’s demeanor. “The gala is a six weeks away.”
Neil dropped the pen and leaned back in chair. “Hold a special screening of the film that night. You’ll have the reception, speeches and all that other nonsense,” Neil said waving his hand around. “But, at the end of the night, we’ll show an extended trailer of the movie. It’s too long to show the whole thing, but just enough to whet the appetites. And, platinum donors to your fundraiser will get tickets to the premiere and the premiere party when it opens.”
“Seriously?” Kris asked raising his head. “You would do that?”
“I’m not doing this out of the goodness of my heart, and I’m not doing this because you’re my son. The film needs something more and needs buzz around it so we can get people to the theaters in those first few weeks. Then as the interviews start trickling out, I think it’ll be a win-win situation for both parties…the foundation gets press, the film gets a great charity tie-in. I’ll get Anoop and some of the cast members to attend as guests of my table. We can ride this out until we get more theaters and the Oscar campaigning begins in earnest.”
“Okay, dad. I’ll…” Kris blew out a breath. “I’ll talk to Robert in the morning.”
**
Adam’s legs were stretched out, crossed at the ankles as he moved his head to the beat of the music. He smiled as he watched Tommy, Brad and Danielle laugh and goof around on the dance floor. Thursday night at La Mode was packed, but not so much that he couldn’t see his friends.
“Adam, right?” a voice interrupted his thoughts.
He raised a brow and looked at the man to his right and frowned. Normally, the security guards in the VIP section were out in full force, not allowing those without wristbands up, but as he glanced at the man, he saw a neon yellow strip hanging loosely around his wrist. The white smile and blond hair looked familiar, but Adam couldn’t place it. He looked around to make sure Reggie was around in case there were problems.
“Not to be a dick, but I’m enjoying my night out, so I’m not doing photos or autographs,” Adam replied with a fake smile.
“Oh, nothing like that,” the man responded as he looked sheepishly over his shoulder. “I saw you and wanted to say hello.”
Adam followed his line of vision and saw a group of people watching them expectedly. “Do I know you?”
The man stepped up and held out his hand, “Zach, uh, Kris’s friend? Kris Allen?”
Lifting a brow, Adam ignored Zach’s outstretched hand, “And, what is it I can do for you?”
“Just wanted to say hi, man,” Zach said taking his hand back.
“To someone you don’t know? Isn’t that a bit odd?” Adam asked as he took another sip. He nodded to his friends who started to come up to their table.
“Everything okay?” Tommy inquired as he sat down next to Adam, throwing a leg over Adam’s.
“Yeah,” Adam answered, squeezing his knee. “A friend of Kris’s wanted to say hi to me for some reason.”
Tommy flipped his hair back and arched a brow, “Why would one of Kris’s friends do that?”
“That’s what I was wondering. He’s making it seem like we’re all good friends or something.” Adam placed his drink on the table and stared up at Zach. “Or you’re pretending to know someone famous to impress some people?”
“Look, man, I didn’t mean to…” Zach sputtered. “Wow, you are an asshole, aren’t you?”
Adam smiled evilly, “Takes one to know one, don’t you think?” He stood up and walked into Zach’s personal space, “You’re acting like I don’t know that you’re the one that spilled the news to Perez, TMZ and the other gossip sites about my night out all those months ago. Considering the details that came out and knowing the owner of Façade personally, you think I couldn’t put two and two together? You think I don’t hear the stories that you seem to be spreading about how you and I are good friends so you can get into clubs like this?”
Zach tried to back away, indignant, but Reggie blocked his way.
Patting Zach’s cheek, Adam whispered, “Enjoy your nights out in Hollywood while you can, doll. You’ll find that it’s a lot less accommodating to sycophantic losers than you think.”
Adam stepped back and gave a discrete nod to Reggie. “Next bottle is on me. Hope you and your friends enjoy it.”
Brad sidled up to Adam and grabbed his arm. “You okay sweets?” Brad asked.
“Yeah,” Adam sighed. “I’m fine.”
“That him?”
“Yup.”
“It’ll be taken care of,” Brad said with a glint of harshness in his voice.
“I know,” Adam smiled. “Come on. Let’s get out of here.”
**
“You haven’t responded to Neil’s invitation for The Point Foundation fundraiser,” Tatiana said flipping through Adam’s correspondence.
“What fundraiser?”
Tatiana sighed as she shook her head, “If you actually paid attention instead of going out and partying, becoming tabloid fodder again, maybe you’d know about stuff like this.”
Adam patted her on the head as he walked past her into the kitchen, “That’s why I have you darling.”
“And what would you do if I wasn’t around?” she asked following him and sitting on a stool.
“What?” Adam said incredulously. “Don’t even joke about that!” He grabbed the tea kettle and poured the water into mugs for himself and Tatiana.
“I’m almost done with school, you know.”
Adam nodded as he steeped the teabags, “I know; you have another three semesters. And, then you’ve got your internship and then more school for your master’s degree, then I’ll lose you to the wonderful world of the Los Angeles Unified School District where you’ll be underpaid and underappreciated.”
Tatiana snorted as he placed a mug in front of her, “So, what you’re saying is that you’re not worried about me not being at your beck and call another few years?”
Adam laughed and kissed her head before sitting down across from her. “Yeah, pretty much.”
“But you need someone full-time. I’ve been telling you that for the last year,” she said.
“I don’t need anyone full-time,” Adam said. “I’m not that high-maintenance.”
She nearly choked on her tea, “Um, right.”
Adam placed his mug on the counter and closed an eye and pursed his lips, “You’re saying that I am?”
“Just a smidge,” she replied holding her hand up with a tiny space between forefinger and thumb. “I mean, I’ve heard stories from some friends, and you’re not even close to what they have to go through, but…”
“But, what?”
“Just lately, you’ve been more,” Tatiana waved her hand in the air. “More air-headed? Not really paying attention to details like you used to? I have to be on you more about stuff in your schedule, and I didn’t have to do that before.”
“It’s been a little slow, so I haven’t been paying as much attention,” Adam replied blithely. “I’ll pay more attention, promise.”
“So, this fundraiser?” she asked holding the invitation up. “It’s on June 7th at MOCA, Neil wants you to sit at his table.”
At Adam’s perplexed look, Tatiana continued, “The Point Foundation’s annual fundraiser. Neil got a table for Black Powder and the cast, but not only that, there’s going to be an extended trailer of the movie for folks, and then people who buy the $25,000 tables get tickets to the premiere and premiere party.”
“What’s the charity have going for it that Neil is offering all this?”
“Don’t know,” Tatiana shrugged.
Adam studied her face, “You’re not telling me something.”
“All I know from Jackie…”
“Jackie?” Adam interrupted.
“Anoop’s assistant,” she answered, then continued as he nodded. “Yeah, he has a new one,” she smiled. “But Jackie told me that this is Neil’s sneaky way of getting high-powered and influential MOCA members and the LA glitterati to create buzz for the film. You know, people who know people who may know people who are part of the Academy, and all that.”
“Huh, that’s actually really genius.”
Tatiana laughed, “Yeah, that’s why Anoop agreed to it.”
“And, since when does Anoop have a new assistant?”
Grabbing the empty mugs, Tatiana slid off the stool and headed to the sink. “Since he’s finished editing.”
“Damn, I’ve really been out of the loop, huh?”
She rolled her eyes at him, “That’s what I’ve been saying.”
“Yeah, yeah. Fine. I’ll get my shit together.”
“Are you going?”
“Is my schedule clear?”
“You mean outside the nights out at Façade, La Mode or Cherry?”
“Har-har.”
“And, yes, you’re free,” she said wiping her hands on a towel. “I’ll let everyone know and make the necessary arrangements.”
“Don’t think I didn’t notice you not answering my question about the charity.”
Tatiana padded up to him and cupped Adam’s cheek, “That’s what Google is for.”
“Isn’t that what I pay you for?”
“I figure you can use your fingers for something less, um, self-indulgent,” she retorted as she walked out of the kitchen, squealing as a balled up dishrag flew past her head.
**
Kris crumpled up his napkin and dropped it into trash. Finding an empty bench, he settled down and lifted his sunglasses onto his head and turned his face up to the sun. All around him, the sounds of Hancock Park provided a quiet soundtrack to his lunch hour, dogs barking, nannies chatting while overseeing a group of toddlers, the never-ending traffic of Wilshire Blvd.
The honk of a horn shook him out of his reverie, and he checked his phone for the time. Sighing, he got up from the bench and started his way back to the office. He was walking past the outside seating of the restaurants when he thought he heard his name being called out.
“Kris!”
He turned around to the sound of his name and saw Zach running towards him, pulling at a white napkin from his collar. Kris groaned inwardly and cursed at himself for stopping instead of walking along and ignoring his name being called. Because seriously, what were the chances?
“Hey!”
“Hey, Zach,” Kris responded. “Uh, I actually don’t have a lot of time, heading back to work.”
“Yeah, no problem. I was having lunch, saw you and wanted to say hi. It’s been a while. How are you doing?”
Kris smiled, “I’m good. What about you?”
“Not bad. Work, you know?”
Nodding, Kris silently prayed for his phone to start ringing.
“I ran into Adam the other night,” Zach said.
“Oh? How is he?”
Zach made a face, “Dude, it’s a good thing you aren’t dating him. He’s a major asshole.”
Kris stared at him trying to figure out where this was going.
“Yeah, I just went up to him to say hi, you know? I was at La Mode with some friends and wow, dick much?”
“I…”
“Yeah, never met someone so full of himself,” Zach said with a straight face. “So anyway, hey, I never got your number. We should grab a bite or drinks or something.”
“Uh…” Kris’s phone started to ring. He thanked God for the miracle. “Um, I need to take this,” he pulled out a business card, “Here, let’s catch up soon, okay?”
“Of course,” Zach smiled, taking it. “I should get back to my lunch.” He waited as Kris asked the caller to hold on. “Here,” he said, taking out his own card and scribbling a number. “Don’t be a stranger, yeah?”
Kris waved as he walked away. “Oh my god, Cale, you have no idea how you just saved me. Do you prefer flowers or food?”
“Oh, definitely flowers,” he laughed. “The guys in the office would have a field day, especially if you just put in your initials. I could have totally called back you know.”
“No, most definitely not,” Kris breathed out with relief. “Was there something you needed?”
“Uh, actually, it’s more me wondering what you’re doing this weekend call.”
“I have to spend a couple of hours at the museum for a quick walk-through, but other than that, nothing major. Why?”
“Wanna go to a party with me?”
“Sure. Where and when?”
“Saturday at nine.”
“Yeah, no problem,” Kris replied as he nodded to the security guard in the lobby. He pressed the button to the third floor.
“You sure?”
“Yeah.”
“Okay, cool,” Cale said with relief. “So, what kind of nightmare did I save you from?”
Kris blew out a breath, “Ran into Zach.”
“Dude, is he, like stalking you or something?”
“He was having lunch in the neighborhood. Just weird coincidence.”
“Still the self-absorbed ass I hated on sight?”
Kris laughed as he headed to his office, “Yeah. He actually brought up Adam and announced he was an asshole.”
Cale choked and sounded like he sputtered water out his nose.
“You okay?” Kris asked.
“Yeah,” Cale coughed out. “Wow.”
“My thoughts exactly.”
“What else did he want?”
“My number.”
“What?!” Cale shouted.
“He wants to hang out.”
“I’m sure he does,” Cale mumbled.
“Don’t worry. If we do grab drinks or something, it won’t be anything like before.”
“I’m gonna be your third wheel, just to make sure.”
Kris laughed, “My hero.”
“Fuck you,” Cale laughed back.
**
“My girlfriend is getting kinda pissed about all those paps pictures of me hanging all over you,” Tommy stated as he flopped onto the couch.
“Well, tell Stella that at least she knows you’re not cheating on her.”
“Well, her friends think that she’s making up the whole dating me thing,” Tommy said wryly. “And, don’t even get me started on the earful she gave me about her family.”
Adam sighed and moved away from the French doors and sat on the loveseat across from him. “Dude, at least take off your shoes if you’re going to take over the couch.”
“As much as I love you and love being your little boy toy du jour,” Tommy said as he toed off his boots, “When can this nonsense stop?”
“We can stop,” Adam said as he rubbed his face. He put his bare feet on the coffee table. “I think it’s time I’m single again anyway and hiding out at home from heartbreak.”
“So, I broke it off, huh?”
Adam laughed, “Sure.” He opened an eye, “Do you want me to get the paps to get photos of you and Stella hanging over each other? They’ll have you dumping me for a girl,” Adam shivered with exaggeration.
Tommy shoved his hair off his face and cradled his head on a cushion and laughed, “No thanks. I’ve had enough flashes and cameras in my face to last a lifetime.”
“Wait until the band gets famous,” Adam grinned.
“We’re already infamous because of this shit, thanks.”
“Hey, at least the band got some press.”
“Oh yeah,” Tommy rolled his eyes, “the guys are ecstatic. At least they have a sense of humor about it.”
“I’m sure having a song on the soundtrack helped them along,” Adam replied dryly.
Tommy grinned, “Didn’t hurt.” He turned on his side and studied his friend. “So, you gonna tell me what’s really going on?”
“What are you talking about?”
“Are you done nursing this heartache?”
“My heart’s not broken.”
“Uh-huh,” Tommy said knowingly. “That’s why you’re dating me instead of some cutie waiting in the wings.”
“I just needed to get the gossip hounds to talk about something else for a bit there.”
“A ‘bit’ being seven months?”
“I got lazy,” Adam shrugged. “I’m too old to be trolling the clubs and hooking up with randoms in a dirty bathroom.”
“If you say so.”
“I do.”
“Don’t believe you,” Tommy replied in sing-song.
“What’s that supposed to mean.”
Tommy stared at him, making him shift uncomfortably in the chair despite the overstuffed cushions. Adam looked away first.
“I think,” Tommy said, “that you’re still hung up on this Kris guy. And the fact that you really haven’t gotten the closure you wanted…or rather needed…it’s eating you up inside. I think you really liked him, and that blond shit,” Tommy stopped and snorted, “The other blond shit, totally fucked things up for you.”
“Thanks, doc. I had no idea what my problem was, but you solved it all and I’m cured.”
“Stop being an ass, Adam.”
“Stop analyzing something that isn’t there or happening.”
“Yeah, fine. Be that way. Be a dear and grab me a beer, will ya?”
Adam laughed, “Get it yourself you lazy fuck.”
“I need to work up my nerves to break up with you.”
**
DListed.com
When Actors Meet Musicians
Adam Lambert and his paramour of the last…ah who cares. Anyway, we’re hearing that Lambert and his musician “friend” Tommy Joe Ratliff from the band Osiris’s Spear, have been rude to fans and patrons of all the clubs they hit up in Hollywood. This couple du jour are taking even this dumb stereotype too far.
TMZ.com
Say it isn’t so! Lambert and Ratliff Breaking Up?
We’re hearing that Adam Lambert and his musician boyfriend Tommy Ratliff of Osiris’s Spear are on the outs. They haven’t been seen alone or hanging over each other drunk, as is their usual, in weeks. When they do go out, they’re always friends and handlers. Is this to keep them from killing each other? We’d be sad if the rumors are true. Come on folks! How amazingly beautiful can two men be? Have all the lip gloss and eyeliner and glitter been blinding us from the ugly truth?
**
As Cale pulled out onto Sunset, Kris studied the way he was dressed. Starched button-down shirt, beard trimmed tightly around his jaw for a nice scruffy look, even the interior of his car was clean.
“So, where we headed?” Kris asked nonchalantly.
“A little shindig I got invited to,” Cale said looking down at his directions. He switched lanes before continuing. “Plus, I figured it’s a way to get you out of your parents’ place for a couple of hours.”
“Is it a house or a bar?”
“House…I think. Never been before, and since there’s no unit number to buzz, I’m guessing it’s not an apartment.”
“Do I know this person?”
“Are you even considering moving out to your own place?” Cale asked, abruptly changing the subject.
“Why?”
Cale shrugged, “I don’t know. You were so gung-ho about having your own place and all that when you first moved out here. Didn’t want to mooch off your parents and all that.”
“I’ve been looking, actually,” Kris replied as he looked out the window, the giant hedges and fences blocking the views of the mansions. “God, who lives in these monstrosities?” he wondered out loud.
“That’s good, right?” Cale peered out the window at the stop light, “I don’t know if I’d be able to live in these places even if I did have the money.”
“Yeah, it’s a good thing. I’m sure I’m getting on my parents’ last nerve. Plus, to be able to lounge around not showering all weekend would be nice.”
“Eww, dude.”
“What?”
“That’s gross.”
“I’m not saying I’d be doing that,” Kris exhaled rolling his eyes. “Just that I could. Geez.” He pulled at the seatbelt to loosen it and turned in the chair to face Cale, “Whose party is this? And don’t try to change the subject again. I plan on moving out in the next month or two, work is fine, and no Zach hasn’t tried to contact me. Nothing else to talk about. Tell me.”
“Uh,” Cale shifted uncomfortably in his seat while looking at the directions and street signs. “You kinda know her. She bought a new place from me, and it’s kind of a housewarming, you know?”
“She? Who? How do I know her? When did you start dating someone? Especially someone who can afford to buy a place up here?”
“I’m not dating her,” Cale said. “She’s a client. She invited me and a friend to come over for the party. No big deal.”
A small chill went up Kris’s spine, but he tamped it down. “Oh, no…no, no, no. You’re not doing this.”
“Doing what? Nury needed a new place, I’m a realtor. She got a place, I got a fat commission check. She’s having a small party, I was invited and I’m bringing a friend.”
Kris crossed his arms and stared out the window, cars and restaurants and groups of people gathered at the entrance of clubs standing around being passed by as they drove through traffic.
“Who else is coming?”
“Don’t know,” Cale said. “Not my business to ask.” Cale barely paused, “And, I thought it’d be rude to ask. Just try to enjoy the night. She’s home for a week before she goes back to Miami to finish her guest role on a TV show, so be nice.”
“I’m always nice,” Kris sneered.
“Right.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“It means that you can be a rude asswipe when you want to be, so be nice. I’m networking.”
“Fine.”
“Even if what’s-his-name is there.”
“I’ll behave, geez-laweeze.”
“Good,” Cale breathed out. “Okay, we’re here.”
“You didn’t really need those directions, did you,” a statement, not a question.
“Uh…no.”
“Ass.”
**
Almost there, Part 7 is ...right here...
Rating: NC-17
Links to other parts: Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5
**
“Neil Allen’s son is gay?” came the shriek over the phone.
Adam flinched and pulled his phone away from his ear. “Uh, good morning to you, too, Christi. It’s a lovely morning isn’t it? Can I get a cup of coffee since I have a feeling I’m going to need it?”
“Since when are you dating Neil Allen’s son?”
“What?”
“I swear to god, Adam Mitchell Lambert, I am going to drop you as a client if you’re not straight with me about this.”
Adam threw his arm over his eyes and laughed as he shimmied the comforter away from his body and swung his legs off the bed, “You want me to be straight?”
“Fuck you, Lambert. Now tell me what the fuck is going on.”
“Whoa, hey…it’s not even,” Adam looked at the giant clock on his wall, “not even seven in the morning on a Sunday, and I was out last night.”
“I know!” Christi shouted. “You were out with Kris Allen, getting shit-faced and canoodling at Façade.”
Adam raked his hand through his mussed up hair and blew out a breath, “What? How…”
“How? It’s all over the gossip blogs. That piece of shit Perez posted the item around three this morning, and my assistant called me freaking out. That’s how. And now that putz is digging around to get more information about the Allen family.” Christi paused. “Now, are you going to tell me what’s going on so I can figure out how to respond? I need to call the studio’s publicity and communications teams.”
“It’s not true.”
“What’s not true? I need specifics here.”
“I was not shit-faced, and we were not, what did you call it? Canoodling,” Adam stated. “As for Neil and Kris and all that…fuck. I don’t know. What should I do?”
“Are you dating him? Is he gay?”
“Yes, he’s gay, and he’s not in the closet. The family knows, it’s not a big deal.”
“Are you two dating?”
“Uh…” Adam stood up and started to pace around his room. He rubbed the back of his neck and stopped in front of the mirror. He slowly removed his hand when he realized what he was doing. When did he start doing that?
“Adam!” she yelled through the phone again. “Focus! Are. You. Dating. Him.”
“It wasn’t like that. Don’t get him involved with this shit, he’s not used to it and shouldn’t have to deal with it. I just finished a film from his father’s production company, he just moved into town, and I was just showing him around town. That’s it.”
“You were playing tour guide?”
“No, of course not. It was just a night out…”
“Adam…”
“Christi…”
Adam rolled his eyes, knowing she couldn’t see it. If she had been in the room and saw it, he would have been smacked upside the head.
“Fine,” she said. “You were doing Neil Allen a favor…”
“No!” Adam interrupted. “We were just hanging out. That’s it. End of story.”
“I’ve got phone calls to make and people to scream at…”
“Other than me?” Adam mumbled.
“Heard that, Lambert. Listen, go back to sleep…I’ll take care of it.”
“Are you fucking kidding me?” Adam shouted. “You wake me up, yell at me, drop this shit on me and now you want me to go back to sleep?”
“Yes, sweetie. You can do it, I have faith,” she replied.
“But…” Adam looked at his phone. She had already hung up on him. “Shit.” He needed to figure out what to do. He thought back to last night. They spent another hour just talking about Adam’s childhood and first paid acting gig, about Kris’s work in Mozambique and Uganda. They finished off the food and just drank more water before they headed out. Amy and Derek had made sure no cell phones came out to take photos and no other people came by to bother them.
He drove Kris home and walked him up to his apartment. At the door, Adam tilted Kris’s chin up and they shared a small, light kiss, bodies barely touching. With a whisper, Adam wished him a good night and headed down the stairs. He stopped at the bottom and looked up to see Kris still at the door. Smiling, Adam gave him a small wave and walked away.
It was the perfect ending to an evening that outweighed red-carpet events, fancy dinners or crazy, private parties. Adam didn’t remembering simply enjoying a night like last night.
This morning’s news put an oily sheen on it, and he didn’t appreciate it. He knew Perez’s source didn’t come from anyone at Façade; the club was based on discretion, the staff paid too well and owned by two cut-throat lawyers that had no problem destroying lives to protect themselves and their exclusive clientele. None of the other patrons inside would tattle about others, they’d rather get the publicity for themselves.
It had to be that shithead, starfucker of an ex-boyfriend, Zach. No photos, no problem. Time to make some calls of his own; he didn’t care who the fuck he had to wake up.
**
“Hey, Kris, listen…I’m going to take care of all this nonsense. I hope you don’t get harassed too much, I’m sorry if you are. Really, truly sorry. I don’t know what happened, but know I didn’t mean to get you and your family dragged into this. I…I’ll. Please don’t hate me, and I hope you’re okay.”
Kris listened to the voicemail again and again, trying to figure out if there was any hidden meaning he didn’t catch the first time around. After getting the message two weeks ago, Adam didn’t contact him again, nor did he return Kris’s calls.
His father had called and forwarded him the news items first thing that Sunday morning, telling him not to freak out and that it wasn’t a big deal. And, it wasn’t. Well, okay, it was. He knew he should’ve expected something to spoil his evening, he just didn’t expect it to be a gossip item. All in all, it wasn’t that big of an issue, except that now he had cameras flashing in his face and strange, large men all up in his face. One night out with Adam shouldn’t have caused all this.
This wasn’t what he had signed up for, so it was a little jarring to suddenly see security guards at the bottom of his stairs as soon as he left his place to grab lunch with Cale. As soon as he saw the police holding back a swarm of paparazzi, he understood what his father had done.
His boss at the Point Foundation had been a little pissed at first, considering the intrusion of cameras and microphones in his face. He knew the gossip with Kris was tying back into the organization and providing much needed publicity, but he didn’t like generating it this way. Kris had tried to apologize, but was waved off with a grunt and a mumbled promise that they’d get through this. His co-workers were freaked out, but understanding; and Kris knew in the short time he worked there, they would stand by him. No one from the office spoke to the paparazzi, and only a brief statement was released by the corporate communications team confirming Kris indeed worked there.
A week later, the pandemonium died down. In fact it was so sudden Kris got whiplash. Adam’s publicist stated that the night out was her client doing a favor for Neil Allen, Adam was showing his son an evening out on the town as he had just moved to Los Angeles for his new job after years of living abroad. This was followed by a series of photos of Adam out and about with a waifish blond man, obviously drunk and hanging over each other and smiling for the cameras.
“He’s not answering, and Tatiana said he’s in a meeting.”
“Well, that’s obviously bullshit,” Cale said angrily. “It’s almost nine, who has meetings this late at night? Plus, it’s Friday night.”
“It’s possible. Dad’s had meetings go on until two or three in the morning at times,” Kris sighed.
Feeling antsy after a week of craziness and the following two weeks of complete silence, Kris felt the need to get out of his apartment, so picked up pizza and beer and headed to Cale’s place. He slumped down into the battered recliner and pulled the foot stand up with the lever. Kris watched as Cale tossed the tennis ball against the closed bedroom door, catching it as it flew back into his hands, the rhythm and pattern lulling him.
“What are you going to do?”
Kris yanked the afghan off the couch and dragged it over himself, “Nothing. I can’t do this. Obviously I read everything wrong, got caught up in it. This is probably his way of letting me off easy.” Kris paused and closed his eyes. “I was the new guy, he was being himself, flirting and I…I took it seriously.”
“That’s not what it was. I saw the way he looked at you, the way the two of you were,” Cale argued.
“He’s an actor. It’s what he does,” Kris said tiredly. “I bought it hook, line and sinker like a dumbfuck hick.” A bitter laugh escaped, “I guess this whole thing,” he waved his hand in the air “as a welcome to Hollywood thing means I have a hell of a story to tell, right? I can say I went out with Adam Lambert. My ego should thank him. You think he’d prefer a fruit basket or a cupcake basket?”
“You’re making jokes about this?”
“What else am I supposed to do? I’ve gone through some of the stages…denial, anger. Last week I did the bargaining thing, but he obviously doesn’t want to talk to me. So, now I’m onto acceptance.”
“I think you forgot a step.”
“Oh, that’s right. I think that’ll come after acceptance.”
“Have you accepted it?”
“The decision’s been made for me.”
“At least you’re not packing up to leave,” Cale said jokingly.
Kris remained silent. It would be easier…to run away from all this again. Obviously, he wasn’t meant to have a relationship. He could easily do it. His old boss would welcome him back immediately. Granted, the holidays were right around the corner, and his parents would kill him…
“Kris?”
“Yeah?”
“You’re not leaving again.”
**
PerezHilton.com
La Lambert Partying it Up!
La Lambert, a.k.a. our favorite Drama Queen, Adam Lambert, was seen canoodling his blond mystery man at Cherry Lips last night. Seems like this one might be keeper considering he’s been spotted with La Lambert for more than a few weeks.
Us Weekly
Adam Lambert On The Town and Worrying Management
Adam Lambert, 31, star of the upcoming film Not Today, Not Tomorrow has been seen painting the town red at his regular haunts. After months of hiding out, Lambert has been partying and drinking his way through every hot spot in Hollywood, causing an uproar with his management team. According to a source close to the actor’s agents, “His partying is becoming problematic. He doesn’t have any offers lined up, in fact, the scripts have stopped coming in! They’re worried that after doing four films back-to-back, he’s burnt out and making bad decisions.” Another source close to the actor disputes this, saying, “Come on, he’s just taking a well-needed break after the intensity of his last film. He’s weighing all offers right now and wants to make a smart decision before jumping into his next movie. He’s got his pick of projects.”
OK! Magazine
Adam Lambert’s Heartbreak and Hook-Ups
Sources reveal to OK! Magazine that Adam Lambert, star of the upcoming Oscar™-bait film Not Today, Not Tomorrow is nursing a broken heart from an on-set love-affair gone wrong. His new paramour, identified as Tommy Ratliff of the band Osiris’s Spear, has been doing what he can to mend his heart. However, a friend of the band has stated that the musician has only been using the actor to ensure that their music gets onto the highly-anticipated movie’s soundtrack.
**
Adam was barely listening to the conference call, his manager, lawyer and agent bickering over something in the contract and licensing his name to…a sunglass line? Shoes? Maybe he was going to endorse a soda? Or was it a bank? Who the fuck knew. He was bored, so he tapped out a beat with the pen against his shoe.
The holidays had been a painless affair. His parents with their significant others and Neil had stayed with him for a week over Thanksgiving. Christmas was something none of them really celebrated, so everyone was left on their own. Adam had his friends over for dinner, and they had a mellow evening in on New Year’s Eve. They had cast sympathetic glances his way, but he ignored them all.
And now that the new year had started and Adam had no projects lined up, his agents thought he should get back into the game instead of being tabloid fodder on a regular basis.
Tatiana walked in with his cell phone in her hand. She held it up, motioning for him to take the call, but he shook his and pointed to the phone on his desk. Rolling her eyes, she left and mumbled something into the phone as she left.
After what seemed like hours, but as he checked his watch, saw that it was only 15 minutes, he interrupted the arguing. “Sounds good, guys. I’ll swing by Jimmy’s office on Monday afternoon and look over the contracts,” Adam said into the phone. He stood up to stretch as soon as all the parties hung up.
Tatiana walked in again, as if she was hanging by the door waiting for the call to be finished, and handed him his phone and messages. She walked around the office picking up folders, papers and scripts.
“I’m heading out for the weekend. Anything else?” she asked after placing everything in order on his desk and credenza.
“No, I’m okay. Have a great weekend.”
“You, too, boss.”
“Tati?”
She stopped at the door and turned around.
“Has he called you? Have you talked to him?” Adam didn’t have to explain who he was, Tatiana knew. He’s been asking her once a day, every day for the last two months. A month after he got the gossip blogs and paps to stop sniffing around Kris’s business, he tried calling him to try to explain what he had done and possibly make plans to see him again. What he found was a cell number that had been disconnected, an apartment with a new tenant and a protective father who wouldn’t budge about disclosing information he was asked not to give out. Though Neil told him he understood and that Christi had explained the plan, appreciated it even, he wouldn’t help out.
Smiling sadly, she shook her head, “Sorry, no.”
“You’d tell me though, wouldn’t you? If he called and you two talked?” Adam asked. He knew he sounded desperate, but he didn’t care.
She quirked her lips, “Actually, I wouldn’t.”
“Why not?”
She stomped back over to his desk and poked him in the chest, “Because you were a jackass, because despite your best intentions, you hurt him. You went ahead with a plan without asking or even telling him about it.”
“I was trying to protect him!” Adam protested.
“He still should’ve been told about it, about what you were going to do instead of shutting him out like that.”
Adam pouted and sat back down, “He wasn’t ready for all that shit.”
“How do you know?” she retorted. “Maybe he would’ve handled it. He could’ve surprised you, but you won’t know, will you?”
“He said he wasn’t cut out for this shit.”
“Uh-huh.”
“I need you to do something for me.”
Tatiana blew out a breath, “What?”
“Find out if he’s going to be at the cast and crew screening?”
She furrowed her brows, “The screening for Not Today, Not Tomorrow?” She pulled out her phone and swiped her fingers over the screen. “I don’t have it listed anywhere. When is it? Where? What time?”
“Anoop told me yesterday, nothing’s final yet. He’s still putting finishing touches on it, but he’s getting it ready for a first screening, so probably in two or three weeks. Work with his assistant to get the information?”
“For the screening information or whether or not Kris is going to be there?”
“Both.” Adam stood up and brought her into a hug. “Please.”
Tatiana returned his hug and giggled, “Fine. Only because you pay me too much and I like you.”
“I pay you too much?”
“You didn’t hear that.”
**
Kris was at the piano, fingers running up and down the keys absentmindedly.
“Son,” Neil said briskly as placed a hand on his back. “As much as your mom and I love having you back home, we do want you to venture outside of it sometimes.”
“I go out.”
“Not just to work or Cale’s place.” Neil sat on the bench next to Kris. “I mean, out, like socially.”
“Dad,” Kris sighed. He banged on the keys, sending dissonant sounds out to the room. “I’m fine.”
“I don’t think you are.”
Kris bolted up from the piano bench and went to the wall of books on the other side of the room. “What do you want me to do?”
“Go to the screening tomorrow night.”
“Why?”
“You were a part of the movie, all those hours you spent running around and sweating and swearing behind the scenes; you should at least enjoy the fruits of your labor. See what Anoop created.”
“Dad, that part of my life is done,” Kris said addressing the wall of books. “I’ll see it in the theater with everyone else whenever it comes out. I’m sure it’ll be amazing. There’s no reason for me to see it now. Besides, it’s not even done, I want to be surprised.”
“What about seeing your friends? Don’t you want to see them and see what they’re up to?”
“Uh, yeah,” Kris gritted his teeth. “I haven’t…it’s going to be a little awkward, and I’d rather not go through all that.”
“Didn’t think I raised an idiot for a son,” Neil mumbled. “But apparently I did.”
“Dad…”
“Kris, this is…I don’t even know. Though, I have to give you credit that you didn’t run off to Tanzania or Vanuatu this time around.” Neil up and crossed the room to sit on his recliner. “But, if you did, especially with the holidays, I don’t think I could have stopped your mama from chasing after you and locking you up, never to see fresh air or sunshine again.”
“It didn’t even cross my mind, dad.”
“Uh-huh,” Neil murmured as he grabbed a script. “So, what’s next for you?”
“What do you mean?”
Neil continued to turn the pages, “Well, isn’t there some fundraiser coming up for you? There are things to do and people you could invite.”
“Dad.”
“What?” he asked innocently. “Just saying that you have options and different avenues in which to turn to; it’s not like you’re not connected.”
Kris rolled his eyes, “I’m not taking advantage of your position.”
“I’m offering,” Neil said. He laid the script down on his stomach and tented his fingers, “When is the event? What kind of event is it?”
Kris smiled, recalling the young kids who were helping out. “It’s in three months, June 7th. I think we just secured the venue, MOCA in downtown.”
Neil raised an eyebrow, “And how’d you manage that?”
“Why?”
“MOCA’s board is known as being notoriously difficult when it comes to events.”
“Really?”
“What’d you do Kris?”
“Just gave them a peak at some amazing artists I ran into while I was traveling, said I could get them an exclusive.”
“Sneaky, son.”
“Good business, dad. Learned that from you.”
“Let mom and me know so we can be there.”
“Well, duh.”
**
As his car headed into the dark underground garage, headlights spotlighting the cement columns, Adam stared at the screen of his phone, shifting through the pictures. He was glad they were digital images, as paper photos would have been weathered to snips of nothing at this point. He stared at the brown hair and the crooked smile until the car stopped. After he got out of the car, he was led to the freight elevator, away from the fans and cameras that somehow knew he’d be here tonight. It was just a mere screening, so Adam wondered if some upstart publicist from the secondary cast leaked the information.
He adjusted his sunglasses as the elevator lurched upwards. When Tatiana found out Kris wasn’t going to be in attendance, Adam almost cancelled, but the thought of trying to explain his absence was more of a pain than showing up. It was his first chance to see what Anoop created, and he didn’t want to pass that up, even though he would have given Adam a screener if he asked.
From the emails he was copied on, the movie would open in July, which meant long-lead print interviews would start immediately. The premiere would probably be two weeks before the limited run at a handful of theaters across the country. At least he wouldn’t have travel internationally for it…yet. The good thing about smaller films, no budget for international press junkets. He would be able to do most of the press and promotion from LA and figure out a way to get Kris Allen out of his head.
Putting away his sunglasses, Adam made his way into the darkened screening room. Anoop was pacing outside the door and Adam went up to him and hugged him tight from behind. Going inside and ignoring everyone else who was standing around and chatting and catching up with each other, he found his seat in the back corner. As the doors closed and the lights went down, Anoop stood just inside the doorway and lurked along the back aisle, whispering to his assistant. Adam concentrated on watching the projected images up on the screen.
The rough cut of the film was everything Adam thought it would be, haunting, harrowing and had Anoop’s fingerprints all over it. It was-if he was being honest-beautiful; their best work together yet. And, if Anoop didn’t get recognized for this come awards season, Adam would be his personal, one-man campaign manager to make sure he did.
This movie would be special, and not just because he fell in love with the script the minute Anoop dumped it on his desk. The whole process was seamless, Anoop in a whole other world, the cast and crew coming together unlike his other off-scene, drama-filled sets. The fact that he was so focused and didn’t want to leave the set for any breaks because of a certain someone he met didn’t hurt either. Except now, the movie would remind him about that over and over.
Adam gathered his things and quickly made his way out of the room, not wanting to chat with anyone. He’d see most of them again during the press junkets and promotional activities that would be lined up soon enough. And, he didn’t need the reminder of who wasn’t there.
**
“No!”
“Kris, think about it.”
Kris threw his hands up in the air and paced his father’s office. Checking to make sure the door was closed, he growled, “It’s completely asinine, and for the record I totally resent the fact that you’re still trying to find ways to get Adam and me in the same room.”
Neil pursed his lips and remained quiet. He stared at his son walking back and forth across the length of the room, completely agitated. Picking up a pen, he started to tap it on the desk, the only indication that he was annoyed.
“This isn’t about you, son,” Neil stated quietly.
Hearing the slow and measured tones in his father’s voice, Kris stopped and turned. He quickly eyed the tapping pen and stiff posture of his dad behind the desk.
“Care to explain it to me then?”
“The movie is coming out in July, in the middle of the summer blockbuster season. I don’t have the crazy budgets the majors do, so I can’t rely on traditional ad campaigns, hell, we barely have enough for online marketing right now. I’m fighting the big guys with this small film. We’re opening in four theaters…four in two cities,” Neil huffed out.
He held out a hand and continued, “Everyone is saying that it’s Oscar bait, and in order for it to be what everyone is expecting it to be, I need to do something non-traditional to get word out before we go wide at the end of the summer. The cast have been great with the press junkets, but shit, I can’t afford to send them around the world and talk with every entertainment outlet on the planet. A lot of these interviews that the cast is doing won’t come out for another month or two. Adam and Nury have been doing their own campaigning for the movie and pushing Anoop in every interview they do, but I need something more. The movie needs something more.”
“And how exactly does my fundraiser tie into this?”
“The Point Foundation is a small player trying to do big things. They have you now, and you’re making a difference. You’re working your ass off, I can see it, but you can do more. I think the small flurry created a few months back with that gossip nonsense got them a smidgen of attention, but not enough. Why not use your resources to help them and yourself out?”
“So, what’s your plan?” Kris asked wearily as he sat on the floor along the couch. He positioned himself sideways and rested his head on crook of his arm, keeping an eye out on his father’s demeanor. “The gala is a six weeks away.”
Neil dropped the pen and leaned back in chair. “Hold a special screening of the film that night. You’ll have the reception, speeches and all that other nonsense,” Neil said waving his hand around. “But, at the end of the night, we’ll show an extended trailer of the movie. It’s too long to show the whole thing, but just enough to whet the appetites. And, platinum donors to your fundraiser will get tickets to the premiere and the premiere party when it opens.”
“Seriously?” Kris asked raising his head. “You would do that?”
“I’m not doing this out of the goodness of my heart, and I’m not doing this because you’re my son. The film needs something more and needs buzz around it so we can get people to the theaters in those first few weeks. Then as the interviews start trickling out, I think it’ll be a win-win situation for both parties…the foundation gets press, the film gets a great charity tie-in. I’ll get Anoop and some of the cast members to attend as guests of my table. We can ride this out until we get more theaters and the Oscar campaigning begins in earnest.”
“Okay, dad. I’ll…” Kris blew out a breath. “I’ll talk to Robert in the morning.”
**
Adam’s legs were stretched out, crossed at the ankles as he moved his head to the beat of the music. He smiled as he watched Tommy, Brad and Danielle laugh and goof around on the dance floor. Thursday night at La Mode was packed, but not so much that he couldn’t see his friends.
“Adam, right?” a voice interrupted his thoughts.
He raised a brow and looked at the man to his right and frowned. Normally, the security guards in the VIP section were out in full force, not allowing those without wristbands up, but as he glanced at the man, he saw a neon yellow strip hanging loosely around his wrist. The white smile and blond hair looked familiar, but Adam couldn’t place it. He looked around to make sure Reggie was around in case there were problems.
“Not to be a dick, but I’m enjoying my night out, so I’m not doing photos or autographs,” Adam replied with a fake smile.
“Oh, nothing like that,” the man responded as he looked sheepishly over his shoulder. “I saw you and wanted to say hello.”
Adam followed his line of vision and saw a group of people watching them expectedly. “Do I know you?”
The man stepped up and held out his hand, “Zach, uh, Kris’s friend? Kris Allen?”
Lifting a brow, Adam ignored Zach’s outstretched hand, “And, what is it I can do for you?”
“Just wanted to say hi, man,” Zach said taking his hand back.
“To someone you don’t know? Isn’t that a bit odd?” Adam asked as he took another sip. He nodded to his friends who started to come up to their table.
“Everything okay?” Tommy inquired as he sat down next to Adam, throwing a leg over Adam’s.
“Yeah,” Adam answered, squeezing his knee. “A friend of Kris’s wanted to say hi to me for some reason.”
Tommy flipped his hair back and arched a brow, “Why would one of Kris’s friends do that?”
“That’s what I was wondering. He’s making it seem like we’re all good friends or something.” Adam placed his drink on the table and stared up at Zach. “Or you’re pretending to know someone famous to impress some people?”
“Look, man, I didn’t mean to…” Zach sputtered. “Wow, you are an asshole, aren’t you?”
Adam smiled evilly, “Takes one to know one, don’t you think?” He stood up and walked into Zach’s personal space, “You’re acting like I don’t know that you’re the one that spilled the news to Perez, TMZ and the other gossip sites about my night out all those months ago. Considering the details that came out and knowing the owner of Façade personally, you think I couldn’t put two and two together? You think I don’t hear the stories that you seem to be spreading about how you and I are good friends so you can get into clubs like this?”
Zach tried to back away, indignant, but Reggie blocked his way.
Patting Zach’s cheek, Adam whispered, “Enjoy your nights out in Hollywood while you can, doll. You’ll find that it’s a lot less accommodating to sycophantic losers than you think.”
Adam stepped back and gave a discrete nod to Reggie. “Next bottle is on me. Hope you and your friends enjoy it.”
Brad sidled up to Adam and grabbed his arm. “You okay sweets?” Brad asked.
“Yeah,” Adam sighed. “I’m fine.”
“That him?”
“Yup.”
“It’ll be taken care of,” Brad said with a glint of harshness in his voice.
“I know,” Adam smiled. “Come on. Let’s get out of here.”
**
“You haven’t responded to Neil’s invitation for The Point Foundation fundraiser,” Tatiana said flipping through Adam’s correspondence.
“What fundraiser?”
Tatiana sighed as she shook her head, “If you actually paid attention instead of going out and partying, becoming tabloid fodder again, maybe you’d know about stuff like this.”
Adam patted her on the head as he walked past her into the kitchen, “That’s why I have you darling.”
“And what would you do if I wasn’t around?” she asked following him and sitting on a stool.
“What?” Adam said incredulously. “Don’t even joke about that!” He grabbed the tea kettle and poured the water into mugs for himself and Tatiana.
“I’m almost done with school, you know.”
Adam nodded as he steeped the teabags, “I know; you have another three semesters. And, then you’ve got your internship and then more school for your master’s degree, then I’ll lose you to the wonderful world of the Los Angeles Unified School District where you’ll be underpaid and underappreciated.”
Tatiana snorted as he placed a mug in front of her, “So, what you’re saying is that you’re not worried about me not being at your beck and call another few years?”
Adam laughed and kissed her head before sitting down across from her. “Yeah, pretty much.”
“But you need someone full-time. I’ve been telling you that for the last year,” she said.
“I don’t need anyone full-time,” Adam said. “I’m not that high-maintenance.”
She nearly choked on her tea, “Um, right.”
Adam placed his mug on the counter and closed an eye and pursed his lips, “You’re saying that I am?”
“Just a smidge,” she replied holding her hand up with a tiny space between forefinger and thumb. “I mean, I’ve heard stories from some friends, and you’re not even close to what they have to go through, but…”
“But, what?”
“Just lately, you’ve been more,” Tatiana waved her hand in the air. “More air-headed? Not really paying attention to details like you used to? I have to be on you more about stuff in your schedule, and I didn’t have to do that before.”
“It’s been a little slow, so I haven’t been paying as much attention,” Adam replied blithely. “I’ll pay more attention, promise.”
“So, this fundraiser?” she asked holding the invitation up. “It’s on June 7th at MOCA, Neil wants you to sit at his table.”
At Adam’s perplexed look, Tatiana continued, “The Point Foundation’s annual fundraiser. Neil got a table for Black Powder and the cast, but not only that, there’s going to be an extended trailer of the movie for folks, and then people who buy the $25,000 tables get tickets to the premiere and premiere party.”
“What’s the charity have going for it that Neil is offering all this?”
“Don’t know,” Tatiana shrugged.
Adam studied her face, “You’re not telling me something.”
“All I know from Jackie…”
“Jackie?” Adam interrupted.
“Anoop’s assistant,” she answered, then continued as he nodded. “Yeah, he has a new one,” she smiled. “But Jackie told me that this is Neil’s sneaky way of getting high-powered and influential MOCA members and the LA glitterati to create buzz for the film. You know, people who know people who may know people who are part of the Academy, and all that.”
“Huh, that’s actually really genius.”
Tatiana laughed, “Yeah, that’s why Anoop agreed to it.”
“And, since when does Anoop have a new assistant?”
Grabbing the empty mugs, Tatiana slid off the stool and headed to the sink. “Since he’s finished editing.”
“Damn, I’ve really been out of the loop, huh?”
She rolled her eyes at him, “That’s what I’ve been saying.”
“Yeah, yeah. Fine. I’ll get my shit together.”
“Are you going?”
“Is my schedule clear?”
“You mean outside the nights out at Façade, La Mode or Cherry?”
“Har-har.”
“And, yes, you’re free,” she said wiping her hands on a towel. “I’ll let everyone know and make the necessary arrangements.”
“Don’t think I didn’t notice you not answering my question about the charity.”
Tatiana padded up to him and cupped Adam’s cheek, “That’s what Google is for.”
“Isn’t that what I pay you for?”
“I figure you can use your fingers for something less, um, self-indulgent,” she retorted as she walked out of the kitchen, squealing as a balled up dishrag flew past her head.
**
Kris crumpled up his napkin and dropped it into trash. Finding an empty bench, he settled down and lifted his sunglasses onto his head and turned his face up to the sun. All around him, the sounds of Hancock Park provided a quiet soundtrack to his lunch hour, dogs barking, nannies chatting while overseeing a group of toddlers, the never-ending traffic of Wilshire Blvd.
The honk of a horn shook him out of his reverie, and he checked his phone for the time. Sighing, he got up from the bench and started his way back to the office. He was walking past the outside seating of the restaurants when he thought he heard his name being called out.
“Kris!”
He turned around to the sound of his name and saw Zach running towards him, pulling at a white napkin from his collar. Kris groaned inwardly and cursed at himself for stopping instead of walking along and ignoring his name being called. Because seriously, what were the chances?
“Hey!”
“Hey, Zach,” Kris responded. “Uh, I actually don’t have a lot of time, heading back to work.”
“Yeah, no problem. I was having lunch, saw you and wanted to say hi. It’s been a while. How are you doing?”
Kris smiled, “I’m good. What about you?”
“Not bad. Work, you know?”
Nodding, Kris silently prayed for his phone to start ringing.
“I ran into Adam the other night,” Zach said.
“Oh? How is he?”
Zach made a face, “Dude, it’s a good thing you aren’t dating him. He’s a major asshole.”
Kris stared at him trying to figure out where this was going.
“Yeah, I just went up to him to say hi, you know? I was at La Mode with some friends and wow, dick much?”
“I…”
“Yeah, never met someone so full of himself,” Zach said with a straight face. “So anyway, hey, I never got your number. We should grab a bite or drinks or something.”
“Uh…” Kris’s phone started to ring. He thanked God for the miracle. “Um, I need to take this,” he pulled out a business card, “Here, let’s catch up soon, okay?”
“Of course,” Zach smiled, taking it. “I should get back to my lunch.” He waited as Kris asked the caller to hold on. “Here,” he said, taking out his own card and scribbling a number. “Don’t be a stranger, yeah?”
Kris waved as he walked away. “Oh my god, Cale, you have no idea how you just saved me. Do you prefer flowers or food?”
“Oh, definitely flowers,” he laughed. “The guys in the office would have a field day, especially if you just put in your initials. I could have totally called back you know.”
“No, most definitely not,” Kris breathed out with relief. “Was there something you needed?”
“Uh, actually, it’s more me wondering what you’re doing this weekend call.”
“I have to spend a couple of hours at the museum for a quick walk-through, but other than that, nothing major. Why?”
“Wanna go to a party with me?”
“Sure. Where and when?”
“Saturday at nine.”
“Yeah, no problem,” Kris replied as he nodded to the security guard in the lobby. He pressed the button to the third floor.
“You sure?”
“Yeah.”
“Okay, cool,” Cale said with relief. “So, what kind of nightmare did I save you from?”
Kris blew out a breath, “Ran into Zach.”
“Dude, is he, like stalking you or something?”
“He was having lunch in the neighborhood. Just weird coincidence.”
“Still the self-absorbed ass I hated on sight?”
Kris laughed as he headed to his office, “Yeah. He actually brought up Adam and announced he was an asshole.”
Cale choked and sounded like he sputtered water out his nose.
“You okay?” Kris asked.
“Yeah,” Cale coughed out. “Wow.”
“My thoughts exactly.”
“What else did he want?”
“My number.”
“What?!” Cale shouted.
“He wants to hang out.”
“I’m sure he does,” Cale mumbled.
“Don’t worry. If we do grab drinks or something, it won’t be anything like before.”
“I’m gonna be your third wheel, just to make sure.”
Kris laughed, “My hero.”
“Fuck you,” Cale laughed back.
**
“My girlfriend is getting kinda pissed about all those paps pictures of me hanging all over you,” Tommy stated as he flopped onto the couch.
“Well, tell Stella that at least she knows you’re not cheating on her.”
“Well, her friends think that she’s making up the whole dating me thing,” Tommy said wryly. “And, don’t even get me started on the earful she gave me about her family.”
Adam sighed and moved away from the French doors and sat on the loveseat across from him. “Dude, at least take off your shoes if you’re going to take over the couch.”
“As much as I love you and love being your little boy toy du jour,” Tommy said as he toed off his boots, “When can this nonsense stop?”
“We can stop,” Adam said as he rubbed his face. He put his bare feet on the coffee table. “I think it’s time I’m single again anyway and hiding out at home from heartbreak.”
“So, I broke it off, huh?”
Adam laughed, “Sure.” He opened an eye, “Do you want me to get the paps to get photos of you and Stella hanging over each other? They’ll have you dumping me for a girl,” Adam shivered with exaggeration.
Tommy shoved his hair off his face and cradled his head on a cushion and laughed, “No thanks. I’ve had enough flashes and cameras in my face to last a lifetime.”
“Wait until the band gets famous,” Adam grinned.
“We’re already infamous because of this shit, thanks.”
“Hey, at least the band got some press.”
“Oh yeah,” Tommy rolled his eyes, “the guys are ecstatic. At least they have a sense of humor about it.”
“I’m sure having a song on the soundtrack helped them along,” Adam replied dryly.
Tommy grinned, “Didn’t hurt.” He turned on his side and studied his friend. “So, you gonna tell me what’s really going on?”
“What are you talking about?”
“Are you done nursing this heartache?”
“My heart’s not broken.”
“Uh-huh,” Tommy said knowingly. “That’s why you’re dating me instead of some cutie waiting in the wings.”
“I just needed to get the gossip hounds to talk about something else for a bit there.”
“A ‘bit’ being seven months?”
“I got lazy,” Adam shrugged. “I’m too old to be trolling the clubs and hooking up with randoms in a dirty bathroom.”
“If you say so.”
“I do.”
“Don’t believe you,” Tommy replied in sing-song.
“What’s that supposed to mean.”
Tommy stared at him, making him shift uncomfortably in the chair despite the overstuffed cushions. Adam looked away first.
“I think,” Tommy said, “that you’re still hung up on this Kris guy. And the fact that you really haven’t gotten the closure you wanted…or rather needed…it’s eating you up inside. I think you really liked him, and that blond shit,” Tommy stopped and snorted, “The other blond shit, totally fucked things up for you.”
“Thanks, doc. I had no idea what my problem was, but you solved it all and I’m cured.”
“Stop being an ass, Adam.”
“Stop analyzing something that isn’t there or happening.”
“Yeah, fine. Be that way. Be a dear and grab me a beer, will ya?”
Adam laughed, “Get it yourself you lazy fuck.”
“I need to work up my nerves to break up with you.”
**
DListed.com
When Actors Meet Musicians
Adam Lambert and his paramour of the last…ah who cares. Anyway, we’re hearing that Lambert and his musician “friend” Tommy Joe Ratliff from the band Osiris’s Spear, have been rude to fans and patrons of all the clubs they hit up in Hollywood. This couple du jour are taking even this dumb stereotype too far.
TMZ.com
Say it isn’t so! Lambert and Ratliff Breaking Up?
We’re hearing that Adam Lambert and his musician boyfriend Tommy Ratliff of Osiris’s Spear are on the outs. They haven’t been seen alone or hanging over each other drunk, as is their usual, in weeks. When they do go out, they’re always friends and handlers. Is this to keep them from killing each other? We’d be sad if the rumors are true. Come on folks! How amazingly beautiful can two men be? Have all the lip gloss and eyeliner and glitter been blinding us from the ugly truth?
**
As Cale pulled out onto Sunset, Kris studied the way he was dressed. Starched button-down shirt, beard trimmed tightly around his jaw for a nice scruffy look, even the interior of his car was clean.
“So, where we headed?” Kris asked nonchalantly.
“A little shindig I got invited to,” Cale said looking down at his directions. He switched lanes before continuing. “Plus, I figured it’s a way to get you out of your parents’ place for a couple of hours.”
“Is it a house or a bar?”
“House…I think. Never been before, and since there’s no unit number to buzz, I’m guessing it’s not an apartment.”
“Do I know this person?”
“Are you even considering moving out to your own place?” Cale asked, abruptly changing the subject.
“Why?”
Cale shrugged, “I don’t know. You were so gung-ho about having your own place and all that when you first moved out here. Didn’t want to mooch off your parents and all that.”
“I’ve been looking, actually,” Kris replied as he looked out the window, the giant hedges and fences blocking the views of the mansions. “God, who lives in these monstrosities?” he wondered out loud.
“That’s good, right?” Cale peered out the window at the stop light, “I don’t know if I’d be able to live in these places even if I did have the money.”
“Yeah, it’s a good thing. I’m sure I’m getting on my parents’ last nerve. Plus, to be able to lounge around not showering all weekend would be nice.”
“Eww, dude.”
“What?”
“That’s gross.”
“I’m not saying I’d be doing that,” Kris exhaled rolling his eyes. “Just that I could. Geez.” He pulled at the seatbelt to loosen it and turned in the chair to face Cale, “Whose party is this? And don’t try to change the subject again. I plan on moving out in the next month or two, work is fine, and no Zach hasn’t tried to contact me. Nothing else to talk about. Tell me.”
“Uh,” Cale shifted uncomfortably in his seat while looking at the directions and street signs. “You kinda know her. She bought a new place from me, and it’s kind of a housewarming, you know?”
“She? Who? How do I know her? When did you start dating someone? Especially someone who can afford to buy a place up here?”
“I’m not dating her,” Cale said. “She’s a client. She invited me and a friend to come over for the party. No big deal.”
A small chill went up Kris’s spine, but he tamped it down. “Oh, no…no, no, no. You’re not doing this.”
“Doing what? Nury needed a new place, I’m a realtor. She got a place, I got a fat commission check. She’s having a small party, I was invited and I’m bringing a friend.”
Kris crossed his arms and stared out the window, cars and restaurants and groups of people gathered at the entrance of clubs standing around being passed by as they drove through traffic.
“Who else is coming?”
“Don’t know,” Cale said. “Not my business to ask.” Cale barely paused, “And, I thought it’d be rude to ask. Just try to enjoy the night. She’s home for a week before she goes back to Miami to finish her guest role on a TV show, so be nice.”
“I’m always nice,” Kris sneered.
“Right.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“It means that you can be a rude asswipe when you want to be, so be nice. I’m networking.”
“Fine.”
“Even if what’s-his-name is there.”
“I’ll behave, geez-laweeze.”
“Good,” Cale breathed out. “Okay, we’re here.”
“You didn’t really need those directions, did you,” a statement, not a question.
“Uh…no.”
“Ass.”
**
Almost there, Part 7 is ...right here...