“That’s such a lovely story, Tina. He’ll be around at the dinner tonight. We can explain to Adam together. He’ll be delighted for you both.”
“You’re right. I’m sure he’ll be around organizing things for Adam, but yes, we can tell Adam tonight, if Peter hasn’t already told him.”
I’m so pleased for Tina. What a lovely romantic tale she has, and I hope it works out for them. It’ll be strange seeing Peter in a different role, but Adam can always get another PA. I don’t even have one, but then I’m much more organized than Adam is.
I leave the ladies to continue with the gown show and I pop out to contact Brett. He asks me if Sarah looks happy and I’m glad to inform that she’s ecstatic. It seems to me that everyone is happy in love. That is, everyone but me.
Chapter 10
Adam
It’s safe to say that everyone will look glamorous at this charity event and I need to make an effort. For this, I ask Peter to prepare my Armani cashmere suit. I’m not one to care about fashion, preferring a casual look. Yet, in my line of work, I must accept that on some occasions it’s necessary to go over the top. I’ve no doubt, mother and Tessa will pick up some decorative cocktail dresses while they’re out.
“By the way, Peter,” I turn to him as he’s making coffee in the hotel suite, “how did dinner go with my mother?”
“She hasn’t spoken to you?” he asks though he’s wearing that rather famous cheeky grin of his.
“No. Why?” I ask, stopping what I’m doing to look over at him and await the tawdry details.
I half expect him to tell me that she’s a monster or the wicked witch of the west. I’m well aware that Tina can be odious when she wants to be. Then again, she can be kind and caring too but people don’t always understand her nature very well.
“We both confessed to our feelings for one another,” he tells me. “Did you know that she’s been faking all those times she pretended not to recognize me?”
“No? I know my mother’s melodramatic at times, but she can’t keep that up for fifteen years surely?” I say, somewhat surprised at the news.
“That’s women for you, Adam,” Peter sighs. “Your mother’s no different to the rest of the bunch. I knew that she knew who I was but I let her play her little games. It wasn’t my place to force myself on her. I’m mighty glad it’s all over though and we can get on with liking each other again.”
“I don’t suppose I ever think of my mother as a woman. She’s my mother and that’s it. Now you mention it, yes, she’s as odd as the rest of them. God help us if they heard us putting them into a category like this. We’d be reprimanded to no end, Peter.”
“Well, I don’t want that Adam, I only just got on the good side of Tina. I’d like to stay there a bit longer. Now then, to change the subject, why are you being asked to do a PR stunt at such short notice? Have they even run this by your manager?”
“It’s all to do with the director. Matt’s involved in raising awareness for Parkinson’s and he’s a patron for this charity event. I know, it’s odd he’s using it for PR but I jump the hoops set out for me, Peter, you know that. I only agreed because they offered us a table.”
“It’s no definite thing yet, Adam. You haven’t signed any contracts yet. They shouldn’t be expecting you to commit to publicity for their movie,” he says.
“Aw, come on, Peter. We can have a family dinner together and raise some charity funds. We do that all the time anyway. Plus, Tina will be there. You two can sit together now you’ve got a ‘thing’ going on between you. By the way, do you know why Tessa isn’t accompanying me? She knows I hate doing this stuff on my own. You’re going to have to be with me every step of the way, Peter.”
“Ah, you want me to babysit?” Peter smiles back at me.
“Too right I do. Tessa’s not her usual self. See if you can get to the bottom of it, will you? Ask her some questions so you can and find out why she’s avoiding me.”
“Why don’t you ask her yourself?” Peter questions, not playing the game my way at all. “Anyway, Adam, you don’t need a crystal ball to know what’s wrong. I’m surprised you need me to spell it out to you.”
“What are you talking about? This is serious, Peter. She hinted to me that she’s not even seeing anyone else these days. What the hell is that all about?”
“It’s as clear as the nose on your face Adam,” he replies with a disdainful shake of the head. ”The woman loves you.”
“And, I love her too, but she’s behaving rather odd, don’t you think?”
“Well, you did turn down her TV show, so what do you expect?”
“Nah. It can’t be that. Anyway, I didn’t think she was serious about that. She knows I never do TV.”
“She was serious, Adam. You need to wake up to what’s going on around you.”
“I’m about to play the biggest role in my life. Is it too much to ask for my friends and family to support me? I don’t have time for myself at the moment. This is a massive opportunity, Peter. I don’t want the inconvenience of any personal crisis in my life. Tessa will get over it. She, of all people, knows what’s important to me.”
Peter doesn’t get a chance to reply because my cell phone buzzes.
“Oh, look, that’s a coincidence, it’s Tessa,” I tell him. “Hi baby,” I say, answering the call. “I thought you’d be coming back here to be in the car with me?”
“I’m going with Brett and Sarah. We’ve all bought tantalizing dresses and we’re sharing an assistant to get us ready. We’ll arrive in one of Brett’s limousines. I’ll meet you there.”
“Sure, why not? Don’t forget, I’ll be working so you won’t see much of me until the meal.”
“That’s fine. See you there, baby,” she says and hangs up.
“See, she would never have done that to me before. Tessa knows I hate going to these things. There’s something wrong, Peter, she’s distancing herself from me. Now you have no choice, you’ll have to accompany me.”
“I was going to anyway so calm down, Adam.” Peter smiles. “You’re getting tetchy in your old age.”
“I’d hoped she’d be my escort, but no matter. You know I’m not a lover of these fussy publicity affairs,” I say, sulking because of Tessa’s absence. “Okay, I’m ready, let’s go do this.”
“I’m right by your side, son,” Peter says.
It’s always comforting to know Peter has my back, even when the woman who’s supposed to love me doesn’t.
Tessa
I sensed the shock in Adam’s voice as I told him that I’d meet him at the event tonight. I know he’s upset with me because when we’re together I’d arrive at any event in the same car as him. He’s not keen on these publicity events but, hey, it goes with the job. He wants to be a big movie star then he has to accept all the crap that goes with it. Adam’s one of those people who loves being the center of attention among his friends, but not in public. He’s the complete opposite of his mother in that respect.