Tina had wanted to accompany her son and I was glad to let her do it too. After chatting with Peter, he’d told her it would be best if she weren’t seen arriving with Adam. They won’t want two big stars arriving together. If she can get out of being by Adam’s side, then so can I. Besides, I don’t feel like doing him any favors right now. Peter will be with him so he’ll be fine. Why the hell should I always give him what he wants, when he won’t even consider my needs?
Okay, so I’m being a little selfish but I’m still angry with him. He expects everything between us to carry on as normal. Well, if he wants me in his life then he has to start noticing me more. I’m no longer a quick fuck for a couple of nights, every other month. Bah! What’s the point! He’s so wrapped up in this movie that he’s blinded to all that’s going on around him.
“Are you ok, my dear?” Tina asks me. “You look deep in thought.”
“I’m fine, Tina. Tired, I guess,” I make up my excuses for not being my usual happy self.
“Are things okay between you and my son?” she asks.
I should tell her all about her selfish son, but I don’t. I’d like to shout out that he’s an egotistical, self-centered, mean man, but I won’t.
“We’re good, Tina, don’t worry,” is my feeble reply, and I turn around to see what’s going on around me. I’ll do anything to avoid Tina’s interrogation.
Brett’s all suited up and Sarah and Kylie look the part for a glamorous charity gala. We all bought new outfits from the store we were in for the wedding show. They even agreed to let us hire an assistant to help us all get ready at such short notice.
“Okay, folks, the car’s here,” Brett announces and we all head outside to climb into the long white limousine. “Using this car means we can all arrive together. I know these galas can be noisy as crowds gather to see the stars,” he says, smiling at Tina.
“Oh, my son has already told me he doesn’t want me in his car,” she states as if it were a huge insult.
I say nothing as I don’t want to get involved in who’s the biggest movie star. I don’t play those games anymore. Tina can be the center of attention if that’s what she wants. I’ve had enough of the movie business if I’m honest. I’d rather spend a quiet night attempting to talk Adam into my TV show, but that’s never going to happen any time soon.
Once in the car, Brett passes around slender glasses of bubbly from the car’s bar. We all settle down in the lush cream leather seats and turn to Brett as he speaks.
“Well, let’s toast to my cousin’s impending stardom,” he states, holding up his glass. “To Adam and his new movies.”
I say nothing but I smile in response. I’m surrounded by people I love, I don’t wish to take out my frustrations on them. Although, I suspect Tina is on to me as I keep catching her watching me. You know what, tonight I’ll get myself a little drunk. Why not?
Chapter 11
Adam
Peter opens the door of the Rolls Royce. It’s always been my car of choice when I attend public appearances and I insisted the PR agent to arrange for one to be at my disposal. Tonight, Peter’s role is to be my bodyguard. He’s an amazing guy; even at his older years in age he can outbox someone half his age. I know I don’t show him enough appreciation for everything he does for me. He’s a guy that always keeps fit and we often train together. I’m glad that he’s hooking up with Tina and they’re finally getting together. Mind you, whatever any man can see in my mother always amazes me. He’d need to be a saint, and Peter is.
As I climb out of the back of the Silver Shadow, there’s a crescendo of noise from the female fans who’ve gathered. I put on my best public smile and wave at the crowd of people lined up on either side of a blue carpet leading to the doorway. It seems that’s the way I have to go. No back door entrance allowed on this job.
“Can I have your autograph, Adam, please, please...” a female voice gets my attention, so I stop, as is expected of me.
The PR agent, Mark, insisted that I take my time on the carpet roll, so I hang around signing autographs. Women continue to shout at me as I stroll on by. I know that Peter will be right behind me, ever the discreet assistant that he is. He might be twice my age but he’ll be ready for any possible attack. It does happen to stars and only a fool wouldn’t have someone keeping watch.
I once had some guy throw a bottle of water at me all because of something he didn’t like in a role I played. It makes me distrustful of the public, which I suppose is why I don’t make a fuss when I’m in a crowd. You never know what idiots are around you. Some people believe that I’m the person in the roles I play, and it doesn’t help when you play a bad guy many times over.
When I have Tessa by my side it tends to calm people down, which is why I’m disappointed she didn’t make an effort.
“I love you, Adam, will you marry me?” a female voice calls out.
I love watcha got in those pants...
We’d make a great couple...
I want you, I want you....
Can I give you a blow job...
Yeah, it can get damn vulgar too. I don’t know why people think they can talk to you like that but they make assumptions all the time, believing it to be okay. Tessa should be with me, and then the women wouldn’t be shouting such rude remarks. Where’s their respect?
Out of the car behind me, my next movie director, Matt, disembarks. He has some anonymous glamorous woman on his arm, who’s showing all tits and legs. I’m relieved that Tessa doesn’t dress like that. No wonder the public is so discourteous. The PR agent, Mark, grabs at my elbow as I hand an autograph back to some flapping hand in the crowd. I turn around to the flashing of lights and the media closing in on me. All because Matt’s approaching me.
We shake hands and pass a few courteous words for the media, as they shove huge microphones into our faces.
“Isn’t this guy the best?” Matt announces with his arms outstretched. “You want to watch out for him. Big things are happening.”
At that tease, the media starts shouting out questions about his next movie. They want to know what role I’ll be playing among hundreds of other requests and demands. All the way through Matt’s speaking with them, I stand there like a dork, smiling. I have a kind of lopsided smile, which seems to be my hallmark. They say it’s sexy, but for me, it’s a permanent fixture. The media love it anyway, and so do the public.
“Is your mother with you today?” a voice asks me.
“Is it true that you and Tessa Anniston have split up?”
And now it’s the turn of the media and the questions come at me thick and fast...
How much money will you make in Matt’s movie?
How do you work out? You have such a muscle-toned body?
Will you ever get married?
I’m relieved when I sense Peter’s presence by my side. He professionally moves me away from all the attention. Although it doesn’t stop there. In the next wave of people, there are other, less famous actors pushing for my attention. It’s like a long line of people all wanting to touch you to get you to speak with them. They want you to notice them but I don’t. They’re a sea of faces in an unwelcoming crowd. I never remember any individual from events like this.