I knew he’d never done TV before but I’d hoped he might feel the same way as I did, once I explained my motive. It became my dream for us to work and settle down. Maybe even buy our first home together. But, Adam didn’t see it the same way. After he was offered the lead role in some upcoming triple movie package, I lost him. He snapped the part up without even looking at the script, he was that keen on it.
And that is why I haven’t spoken to him in a while. Though, if I’m honest with myself, I do miss him.
Chapter 3
Adam
“It’s a bit much when your own son insists on meeting you in a bar,” I hear a familiar voice behind me.
I turn around to greet my mother.
“You know what it’s like, Tina. If I hang around in the airport lounges, someone’s bound to recognize me. That’s why I’m hidden in this darkened booth. Can I get you a drink?”
“Well, I had to come through the airport unescorted. Would you believe that no one recognized me at all,” Mother tells me, and I can see in her face that she’s disappointed.
“You see, that’s where we differ, Tina. I don’t like being hassled out in public, but you do,” I try to explain but she knows all this anyway. “I only like to be the center of attention when I’m getting something out of it.”
“Oh, poppycock! Anyway, they didn’t see me because they’re all far too busy with their own little lives. No one looks up for one second from their phones. I feel sorry for them. All those people I passed never knew they had a star in their midst.”
I smile at Mother’s obvious disappointment. She likes to be the center of attention at all times. She’d happily stand in the middle of the airport while everyone snapped photos on their phones. I half expected it, if I’m honest. I thought I wouldn’t see her for hours and that’s why I chose to wait in the bar. Lucky for me she passed right on through the airport unnoticed. Not even the famous Tina Martinez is brazen enough to cry out for attention. And so, she arrives at the airport bar alone.
“I’m going to get your luggage, Tina. Why don’t you head out to the car, Peter’s waiting for us,” I tell her. If I get her out of the way, there’s less chance of being noticed when I get her luggage.
“Is Peter new?”
“No, Tina, he’s dad’s old friend. Is your mind going? He’s been with me for years. You’ll recognize him as soon as you see him. He’s the bald-headed guy who’ll be smiling at you with a big cheesy grin. Don’t worry, he’s watching out for you. I’ve sent a text to him to say you’re on your way. I’ll be with you soon enough.”
Within half an hour we’re on our way. That’s because I paid some nice old porter guy to get Mom’s luggage brought out to me quickly.
“This new role of yours is very exciting, darling. Have you started on the script yet?” Mother asks me, as we make small talk in the back of the car.
“I’ve skimmed through it. The part works to my strengths so that’s good. Oh, I forgot to mention that I was offered a part in a TV zombie series but it wasn’t for me, not one bit, so I turned it down. They got some English guy to play it instead.”
“Why didn’t you run it by me first?” Mother asks. “You know I like to keep up to date with your offers.”
“I’ve told you many times before, Tina, I don’t want to commit to any TV shows that run on and on. It’ll be the death of me and my career.”
“I can’t see why you have such an aversion to those roles. It’s my bread and butter at the moment, playing a glamorous older lady in ‘Frankie’s Friends.’ The public loves that show.”
“I know, mother, dear, but you only do it because you don’t want the bigger roles anymore. You could have them if you wanted to, so it’s something you choose. It’s exactly the same for me. I choose movies and that’s the end of it.”
“Do you watch my show, darling?” Mother asks.
“As it happens, I do, because it’s funny and you’re great in it,” I tell her.
“Hmm, it is fun to make. I like the more regular hours I keep these days. Now then, which hotel are we in? Do tell me we’re in that hotel from the Great Gatsby?”
“Yes, Tina. I know how much you like the Plaza and being close to Central Park. Ah, we’re here,” I say as the car pulls up outside the hotel. A doorman steps forward to open her door and I breathe a sigh of relief. My mother is very old fashioned and still believes in such behavior. “Peter will sort out your luggage, Tina. Let’s go and have tea in Palm Court.” That’s another weird thing my mom loves to do wherever she is in the world, drink tea.
Tessa
I’ve always been very close to my parents but we don’t move around in the same social circles. Both my parents are professional musicians and met in an orchestra. Between them, they play many instruments and tour with some of the world’s top orchestras. They’ve toured with the Chicago Symphony and the Los Angeles Philharmonic, to name but two. They’re very talented and quite sought after in their trade. At the moment, they’re living in Germany because they’re members of the Berlin Philharmonic. I don’t go to Europe often so I don’t see them much.
When I was a youngster, they had hoped I would be a professional singer and tutored me in singing and piano lessons. Although I can hold a tune quite well, alas, it wasn’t what I wanted. I have them to thank though for my passion for music. In the end, I went the way of dancing and acting. I grew up in the Garden District of New Orleans, so I was a long way from Denver where Adam spent some of his childhood. Anyway, we came together as older teenagers and I’m glad we found each other. My parents have met Tina a few times and they get along very well. Some might not think it matters either way but it matters to us.
I was watching her new TV show the other night. She’s transformed from movies to TV magnificently. That’s only what I’d expect of Tina Martinez though, she’s a first-class actor. As it happens, she contacted me not long ago to tell me she was about to go stay with Adam for a while, in New York. When I showed little interest, she knew immediately something was wrong between us. Tina is like a second mother to me and I was soon sobbing over the phone and telling her all my woes. She often comes with me when I’m on set. No matter who my director or film crew are, they all know her. She’s a useful person to have around and often helps with rehearsing the scripts.
I confided in her what my plan had been to get Adam to do a TV show with me. While she was sympathetic enough, she refused to take sides. Ever since I opened my heart to her, she’s been trying to encourage me to talk with Adam. On this one though, I refuse. Unless, of course, he makes an effort to contact me first. Only then will I forgive him. It’s unlikely to happen though as he’ll be immersed in his new role. Adam takes the roles he plays very seriously and he won’t have time for me right now.
Ah well, I have my own busy life to get on with and I’m used to him not being around.
Chapter 4
Adam
“You know, my dear, it’s the anniversary of your father’s passing,” Mother tells me as I choke on my coffee cup.