At last, we get through the door to a large hall. Rows of circular tables are set out and the people are being shown to their places. Peter takes me to our table and it’s so good to see the familiar faces of my loved ones. My family is here and, for the first time this evening, I relax.
Tessa
As we exit from the classy limousine, I notice the gathered crowd. There must be quite a few celebs coming to this affair, for so much media attention. Tina and I are cheered as well-known faces, but it’s nothing we can’t handle. We do a few hand waves, a twirl of our dresses, sign some autographs, and smile for the media. It’s a quick affair and we’re soon entering the building, leaving behind the noisy people.
We’re shown to our table but Adam hasn’t made an appearance yet. He’ll no doubt have a specific arrival time, to ensure full media attention. We weren’t requested to give any interviews so our time in the limelight was minimal. Poor Adam will hate it. It’s not that he doesn’t like people, he adores his genuine fans, but only at a distance. He doesn’t like crowds and the disrespect they often show you as a celebrity. Tina and I are the complete opposite, we brush it aside and accept it as part of the job.
Celebrity galas tend to look the same. They fit in as many large circular tables as they can. More guests mean more money raised and they’re always trying to do better than their last event. I’m sure we’ll all give big donations this evening. This is a family that is likely to be generous with their wealth.
I spot Adam coming through the door with Peter, both looking splendid. Adam throws me a scowl and then greets everyone else with big smiles. As expected, he’s angry with me for not accompanying him. Other than Peter, no one understands Adam as I do. And, that’s the whole point of all my efforts. I want him to be more serious about our relationship, or...I’ll...I’ll have to leave him.
Knowing Adam though, he’ll have no idea why I didn’t partner up with him for his grand entrance. He’ll think I’m being selfish, when in reality he’s the self-centered one for not questioning why I’m behaving in this way. The time has come for us both to be more committed to one another, and I’ll be dropping lots of hints while I’m around. At least he still sits next to me which means he only sulked for a few moments.
He leans down and kisses my cheek, though that’s more out of habit these days.
“Well, that was unpleasant,” he whispers. “If it hadn’t have been for Peter, I’d still be there with the mob.”
“That ‘mob’ you so kindly refer to, pays for your lavish lifestyle, Adam. You shouldn’t look upon them as bad people,” I snap, not feeling very patient with him right now.
“Hmmm...that’s why I needed you by my side, you help me see these things clearer than I do. You calm my nerves and I smile more. Anyway, look at my mother and Peter, they’re meant for each other, don’t you think?” he states as he takes a sip of refreshing white wine.
“I know, isn’t it a wonderful story. You could have ended up with Peter as your father,” I reply, smiling at the thought.
“He already is, for all intents, so I didn’t miss out on that one. Now, Tessa, tell me why you’re trying to put me off this movie contract? It’s obvious you don’t want me to do it.”
“Oh! You noticed?” I hiss. “The answer’s also obvious. I want you to take the role in my upcoming TV show,” I say, watching the downward turn on his face, in response.
“You can give up on that one, Tessa. It’s not going to happen.”
“Hmph...let’s try and enjoy tonight and not discuss personal matters right now. We’re surrounded by our loved ones so go and talk to Brett and Sarah. Oh, and Kylie’s here too. You and I can talk another time.”
“You’re right, as always,” he says and promptly raises his glass to announce a toast to the happy couple.
Chapter 12
Adam
As soon as I set eyes on Tessa I can’t help but forgive her. I’m sure she had her reasons for wanting to arrive at the event with the rest of my family. I can never stay mad with Tessa for long; not only is she my intermittent lover but she’s my best friend too. Though I’m often confused by her behavior, life would be boring if we were too alike. I can’t say I always understand the mind of women.
My mother is sitting opposite me and looks radiant, even more than usual. I’m guessing that it’s all down to Peter. For years she ignored him, and now we know why. She regretted choosing my father over Peter. Of course, I can’t share her regrets otherwise I wouldn’t exist. Peter has been much more a father than my biological one ever was. I can’t see this relationship leading anywhere. Then again, has my mother never married because of her regrets? It intrigues me enough to go and sit next to my mother and question her a little.
“Tina, you seem to be having a good time,” I say to her as I glance over at Peter.
“I’ll have you know I’m the happiest I’ve ever been.” She laughs. “Other than the day you came into my life, of course. I had forgotten how important Peter was to me.”
“Your mother exaggerates because she doesn’t want to admit to having a bad memory,” Peter joins in. “She forgot who I was and I’m convinced of it.”
“Not quite true,” Tina responds. “I had a relationship with Peter before I did with your father. Then your father won me over and I left Peter. The thing was that he had a new woman in his life almost straight away. I wanted to change my mind and go back to him but I couldn’t. I never forgave Peter for finding another girlfriend so quickly after I left him. He forced my hand and that’s why I stayed with your father in the end.”
“It’s all in the past now, Tina. Look how happy Peter’s making you feel now.” I smile, pleased to see my mother relax and enjoy herself.
She’s never been the kind of woman to let her hair down in public. Always, she played the part the public wanted. She would never drink alcohol in public, insisting she needed to stay in control of herself. Now, her airs and graces have gone. I do believe she’s even a little tipsy. Peter’s going to be good for her, and I’m pleased because I love them both.
“It appears that you’ll see more of me from now on, my dear,” she tells me. “Between shoots of my TV show, I’ll be coming to be with you so I can see Peter too. It’s a pity he can’t come with me on a more permanent basis but we both understand your need for him.”
“Are you asking me to find a new PA?” I ask, shocked at the notion. I can’t imagine being without Peter.
“No, darling, I want you married off first,” she tells me.
“Well, you’ll have a long wait on that one, Tina,” I tell her. “I’m in no rush, and what with this new movie contract, I doubt I’ll even have the time, even if I had the inclination.”
“Oh, and does Tessa agree with this?” Tina asks me.
“Of course she does. Tessa knows how much my career matters to me. I’m surprised at you asking this, Mother! After all, you never married while you were busy in Hollywood. You, of all people, should understand what I mean.”