Fic: The Deal (3/?)
Adam spent all of Sunday getting over his hangover and preparing for his interview. He had no idea what Kris Allen could possibly want to interview him about so he focused mostly on his attire. After tossing and turning all night, Adam woke up at six in the morning on Monday. Since he had so much time, he did his hair in a pompadour and did his nails in metallic black. He had chosen a dark suit in case there were other conservative people in the interview. Adam arrived at the theater an hour early and just waited outside until 9:45. He went in and a nice middle aged woman greeted him, “Mr. Allen just ran out for a cup of coffee, he’ll be back in time for your interview.”
“Do you know who all is in the interview?”
“Mr. Mills had to go to the doctor so I think it will just be Mr. Allen.”
Adam was glad it would be one on one since Cale did not seem to like him. Kris Allen came in wearing a sweatshirt and jeans and carrying a cup of coffee. He smiled at Adam, “Do you have a prom after this?”
Adam laughed, “I figured it would be better to over dress than under dress. I have never interviewed for a theater show before so I assumed it was like a job.”
“Well, I am not in “theater” do probably the whole interview thing is a faux paus. Well, come into my office so we can get started.”
Adam followed Kris into the office and sat down in one of two chairs in front of a large desk. Kris sat down behind the desk and placed a file in front of himself, “So Adam, why should I pick you for my show?”
Adam smiled since it was a fairly easy question, “I am a good singer, I am reliable and I will work really hard. Also, I have over ten years of stage experience.”
Kris seemed to just be staring at him which was making Adam nervous. Kris seemed to realize it was his turn, “OK, what have you been doing lately. Your resume ends with Wicked and that was over six months ago.”
“I have been going on lots of auditions but nothing really fit.”
“If you don’t get this job what will you do?”
“Honestly, I will probably either move to New York or go in a different direction.”
Adam had a feeling Kris knew his past and decided to go on the offensive, “Mr. Allen, while I was on tour with Wicked I became involved in a bad relationship that resulted in me getting blacklisted in most circles. I haven’t worked since.”
“Yes, you have a very bad reputation and most people probably think you bring too much behind the scenes drama to the job. You had a similar situation with The Zodiac and also in the Ten Commandments.”
Adam became defensive, “No I didn’t. In the Zodiac, I was dating the director and we had a mutually bad break up he wasn’t married. In the Ten Commandments, they just didn’t like me because I was too flamboyant.”
“Regardless, at the end of the day it affected your work and that is why no one will hire you. However, I think you are an amazing singer and if you could keep the drama at bay, you would be a star. I think I might have a solution.”
Adam knew there was little chance of him getting the role. He was angry that Kris just assumed all the rumors were fact. “Really, what is your brilliant solution?”
“If you managed to get this job and not screw up, you’d probably not be blacklisted anymore. The problem is both of my colleagues have decided you were not worth the trouble and chose other singers.”
“That is not a solution but another problem.”
“Lucky for you, my vote counts more than theirs. I am willing to overturn their decision if you agree to a side deal.”
“I’m listening.” Adam had no idea what Kris Allen would negotiate but he was desperate.
“You do not date or sleep with anyone for the next six months. You aren’t dating anyone are you?”
“No, I am not involved with anyone special. Wait, you expect me to be totally celibate for six months!”
Kris shifted and then looked at Adam, “Not totally. I want you to be with me.”
Adam wasn’t sure he heard Kris correctly. Maybe it was the Southern drawl but Adam thought he had said me, “Excuse me.”
Kris was blushing a bit, “I want to try being with a man and I need to do it discreetly.”
Adam was in shock, “So wait, if I don’t have sex with you, I don’t get to be in the play?”
“No, I told you they already voted you out of the play. I am willing to overturn it if you are with me. Wait, I am also willing to pay you extra.”
Adam was insulted but also confused, “You are a good looking guy and a rock star to boot, I am sure there are plenty of pretty boys willing to service you. Why even bother with this proposal?”
“I can’t risk the scandal. Besides, I am not paying you for sex. I am paying you to keep your mouth shut and not get emotionally involved.”
“What made you think I would accept this deal?”
“Honestly, your reputation and the behavior I saw at the club on Saturday. Think about itand I will call you tomorrow for an answer. Don’t tell anyone about this conversation or I will make sure you are blacklisted in the music industry too.”
Adam did not like being threatened, “Will you blacklist if I turn you down too?”
“No, if you turn me down I will wish you the best of luck and move on.”
Fair enough. “How much are you willing to pay me?”
“I’ll give you a grand a month.”
Adam thought about the five thousand he owed his father and his three thousand dollar credit card balance. “Is that negotiable?”
Kris smiled, “We’ll talk more tomorrow.”
Cale Mills came into the office, “How is everything going?”
Kris smiled, “We just finished up unless you have anything specific you wanted to ask Adam.”
Cale shook his head, “No, we have two more interviews today and the next one his here.”
Adam stood up, “In that case, gentlemen, I’ll just be on my way. Thank you, Mr. Allen, this has been a very informative meeting.”
*~*
Kris watched Adam walk out and let out a deep breath. Cale looked suspicious, “Where is Jesse? I told you not to meet with him alone.”
“I am a grown man, Cale. I can handle a simple interview.”
“He has a bad reputation and I don’t want him trying to take advantage of you. Besides, there were better singers than him that have no drama.”
Kris was pretty sure Adam was going to take the deal especially, when he wanted to negotiate a price. Kris’ instincts had been right that Adam was for sale, “There are not better singers and I think he will draw people in.”
“You are really considering hiring him? Jesse also mentioned he might be a drunk too.”
More and more Kris justified in his mind making his offer to Adam. It was obvious the man was probably a fuckup and this was his only shot. Kris’ mama always said “where there is smoke there is fire.” Kris and Cale finished the other interviews and said he would make his decision on Wednesday.
Kris went to the studio the next day and then called Adam in the evening, “Adam, it’s Kris Allen, have you decided?”
“Hi Kris, what exactly do I need to do?”
Kris became suspicious, “Are you recoding this or something?”
“No, I just want to make sure I understand because I am not really into S&M.”
Kris tried not to laugh, “You need to be a good sport and a willing lover. However, I don’t have whipping fetishes or want to pee on you.”
Kris heard Adam laugh and it sounded amazing. “What about threesomes? I don’t want to be pimped out either.”
“The whole reason I even made this offer is because I can’t find a lover due to the threat of the scandal. Believe me, there won’t be anyone additional. But remember, you also won’t be having any side affairs. I am paying you to be available and to be with me when I want.”
Kris heard silence on the line and then Adam finally spoke, “What is the real catch?”
“I will be a paying client so you need to not get emotionally involved and always put me first. I don’t want to deal with moods or drama. If you tell anyone or try to blackmail me, I will make sure you never break into the music industry. Now, I need an answer.”
Kris waited with bated breath for Adam to answer. The more Kris had thought about having Adam at his beck and call the more he wanted it.
“I want two thousand a month.”
“Done, but you better be very congenial for that price and monogamous. If you cheat, the deal is off and I will find a reason to throw you off the show.”
“I was planning to take a break from men anyway. So I am in the show?”
“Absolutely, congratulations. Aside from being beautiful, I do think you are a talented performer. I really hope our deal helps us both. I’ll be in touch.”
Kris hung up and called Cale and told him the 10 he chose which included Adam. Cale wasn’t happy but accepted the decision and told him rehearsals would start two weeks because they had to finish up remodeling the theater. Kris was scheduled to fly out Saturday morning to spend the week in London to work on a song. Although he would be putting in long days, Kris decided it might be the perfect opportunity to see Adam without Katy being around.
Kris called Adam the next day.
“Adam, I am going to London on Saturday and I want you to come. I’ll book you on a flight for Friday night so you arrive early Saturday. We’ll meet at the hotel.”
“Really? That is awesome, I love London. They have awesome clothes and some really fun night clubs. What should I bring? Are we going to go out-“
Adam was speaking fast like an excited child. Kris did not want him to get the wrong idea, “Adam, I am working and you will be there to help me…relax. This isn’t a vacation and all I need is for you to be in my room when I come back after recording.”
Adam was silent for a second, “OK, so should I just pack my edible jock strap?”
Kris spit out the beer he was drinking and then heard Adam laugh. Kris wasn’t sure how to take Adam and had a feeling this deal might end up being his undoing. “Adam, we won’t be going out at night but you can shop or tour around while I am working. I’ll call you with your flight information.”
“Won’t your wife notice the airline purchase?”
Kris became annoyed, “Adam, let’s get something straight. My wife is not your concern and I don’t want you to bring her up. Ever! Got that? Obviously, based on your past you don’t give a shit about other people’s marriages so don’t start now.”
Kris hung up. He was annoyed because Adam had a point. Kris was going to have to make sure he covered his tracks well. After all, he didn’t want to hurt Katy unnecessarily. Hopefully, he would go to London, experience gay sex and go running back to Katy a new man. Well, that was one possible outcome.
“Do you know who all is in the interview?”
“Mr. Mills had to go to the doctor so I think it will just be Mr. Allen.”
Adam was glad it would be one on one since Cale did not seem to like him. Kris Allen came in wearing a sweatshirt and jeans and carrying a cup of coffee. He smiled at Adam, “Do you have a prom after this?”
Adam laughed, “I figured it would be better to over dress than under dress. I have never interviewed for a theater show before so I assumed it was like a job.”
“Well, I am not in “theater” do probably the whole interview thing is a faux paus. Well, come into my office so we can get started.”
Adam followed Kris into the office and sat down in one of two chairs in front of a large desk. Kris sat down behind the desk and placed a file in front of himself, “So Adam, why should I pick you for my show?”
Adam smiled since it was a fairly easy question, “I am a good singer, I am reliable and I will work really hard. Also, I have over ten years of stage experience.”
Kris seemed to just be staring at him which was making Adam nervous. Kris seemed to realize it was his turn, “OK, what have you been doing lately. Your resume ends with Wicked and that was over six months ago.”
“I have been going on lots of auditions but nothing really fit.”
“If you don’t get this job what will you do?”
“Honestly, I will probably either move to New York or go in a different direction.”
Adam had a feeling Kris knew his past and decided to go on the offensive, “Mr. Allen, while I was on tour with Wicked I became involved in a bad relationship that resulted in me getting blacklisted in most circles. I haven’t worked since.”
“Yes, you have a very bad reputation and most people probably think you bring too much behind the scenes drama to the job. You had a similar situation with The Zodiac and also in the Ten Commandments.”
Adam became defensive, “No I didn’t. In the Zodiac, I was dating the director and we had a mutually bad break up he wasn’t married. In the Ten Commandments, they just didn’t like me because I was too flamboyant.”
“Regardless, at the end of the day it affected your work and that is why no one will hire you. However, I think you are an amazing singer and if you could keep the drama at bay, you would be a star. I think I might have a solution.”
Adam knew there was little chance of him getting the role. He was angry that Kris just assumed all the rumors were fact. “Really, what is your brilliant solution?”
“If you managed to get this job and not screw up, you’d probably not be blacklisted anymore. The problem is both of my colleagues have decided you were not worth the trouble and chose other singers.”
“That is not a solution but another problem.”
“Lucky for you, my vote counts more than theirs. I am willing to overturn their decision if you agree to a side deal.”
“I’m listening.” Adam had no idea what Kris Allen would negotiate but he was desperate.
“You do not date or sleep with anyone for the next six months. You aren’t dating anyone are you?”
“No, I am not involved with anyone special. Wait, you expect me to be totally celibate for six months!”
Kris shifted and then looked at Adam, “Not totally. I want you to be with me.”
Adam wasn’t sure he heard Kris correctly. Maybe it was the Southern drawl but Adam thought he had said me, “Excuse me.”
Kris was blushing a bit, “I want to try being with a man and I need to do it discreetly.”
Adam was in shock, “So wait, if I don’t have sex with you, I don’t get to be in the play?”
“No, I told you they already voted you out of the play. I am willing to overturn it if you are with me. Wait, I am also willing to pay you extra.”
Adam was insulted but also confused, “You are a good looking guy and a rock star to boot, I am sure there are plenty of pretty boys willing to service you. Why even bother with this proposal?”
“I can’t risk the scandal. Besides, I am not paying you for sex. I am paying you to keep your mouth shut and not get emotionally involved.”
“What made you think I would accept this deal?”
“Honestly, your reputation and the behavior I saw at the club on Saturday. Think about itand I will call you tomorrow for an answer. Don’t tell anyone about this conversation or I will make sure you are blacklisted in the music industry too.”
Adam did not like being threatened, “Will you blacklist if I turn you down too?”
“No, if you turn me down I will wish you the best of luck and move on.”
Fair enough. “How much are you willing to pay me?”
“I’ll give you a grand a month.”
Adam thought about the five thousand he owed his father and his three thousand dollar credit card balance. “Is that negotiable?”
Kris smiled, “We’ll talk more tomorrow.”
Cale Mills came into the office, “How is everything going?”
Kris smiled, “We just finished up unless you have anything specific you wanted to ask Adam.”
Cale shook his head, “No, we have two more interviews today and the next one his here.”
Adam stood up, “In that case, gentlemen, I’ll just be on my way. Thank you, Mr. Allen, this has been a very informative meeting.”
*~*
Kris watched Adam walk out and let out a deep breath. Cale looked suspicious, “Where is Jesse? I told you not to meet with him alone.”
“I am a grown man, Cale. I can handle a simple interview.”
“He has a bad reputation and I don’t want him trying to take advantage of you. Besides, there were better singers than him that have no drama.”
Kris was pretty sure Adam was going to take the deal especially, when he wanted to negotiate a price. Kris’ instincts had been right that Adam was for sale, “There are not better singers and I think he will draw people in.”
“You are really considering hiring him? Jesse also mentioned he might be a drunk too.”
More and more Kris justified in his mind making his offer to Adam. It was obvious the man was probably a fuckup and this was his only shot. Kris’ mama always said “where there is smoke there is fire.” Kris and Cale finished the other interviews and said he would make his decision on Wednesday.
Kris went to the studio the next day and then called Adam in the evening, “Adam, it’s Kris Allen, have you decided?”
“Hi Kris, what exactly do I need to do?”
Kris became suspicious, “Are you recoding this or something?”
“No, I just want to make sure I understand because I am not really into S&M.”
Kris tried not to laugh, “You need to be a good sport and a willing lover. However, I don’t have whipping fetishes or want to pee on you.”
Kris heard Adam laugh and it sounded amazing. “What about threesomes? I don’t want to be pimped out either.”
“The whole reason I even made this offer is because I can’t find a lover due to the threat of the scandal. Believe me, there won’t be anyone additional. But remember, you also won’t be having any side affairs. I am paying you to be available and to be with me when I want.”
Kris heard silence on the line and then Adam finally spoke, “What is the real catch?”
“I will be a paying client so you need to not get emotionally involved and always put me first. I don’t want to deal with moods or drama. If you tell anyone or try to blackmail me, I will make sure you never break into the music industry. Now, I need an answer.”
Kris waited with bated breath for Adam to answer. The more Kris had thought about having Adam at his beck and call the more he wanted it.
“I want two thousand a month.”
“Done, but you better be very congenial for that price and monogamous. If you cheat, the deal is off and I will find a reason to throw you off the show.”
“I was planning to take a break from men anyway. So I am in the show?”
“Absolutely, congratulations. Aside from being beautiful, I do think you are a talented performer. I really hope our deal helps us both. I’ll be in touch.”
Kris hung up and called Cale and told him the 10 he chose which included Adam. Cale wasn’t happy but accepted the decision and told him rehearsals would start two weeks because they had to finish up remodeling the theater. Kris was scheduled to fly out Saturday morning to spend the week in London to work on a song. Although he would be putting in long days, Kris decided it might be the perfect opportunity to see Adam without Katy being around.
Kris called Adam the next day.
“Adam, I am going to London on Saturday and I want you to come. I’ll book you on a flight for Friday night so you arrive early Saturday. We’ll meet at the hotel.”
“Really? That is awesome, I love London. They have awesome clothes and some really fun night clubs. What should I bring? Are we going to go out-“
Adam was speaking fast like an excited child. Kris did not want him to get the wrong idea, “Adam, I am working and you will be there to help me…relax. This isn’t a vacation and all I need is for you to be in my room when I come back after recording.”
Adam was silent for a second, “OK, so should I just pack my edible jock strap?”
Kris spit out the beer he was drinking and then heard Adam laugh. Kris wasn’t sure how to take Adam and had a feeling this deal might end up being his undoing. “Adam, we won’t be going out at night but you can shop or tour around while I am working. I’ll call you with your flight information.”
“Won’t your wife notice the airline purchase?”
Kris became annoyed, “Adam, let’s get something straight. My wife is not your concern and I don’t want you to bring her up. Ever! Got that? Obviously, based on your past you don’t give a shit about other people’s marriages so don’t start now.”
Kris hung up. He was annoyed because Adam had a point. Kris was going to have to make sure he covered his tracks well. After all, he didn’t want to hurt Katy unnecessarily. Hopefully, he would go to London, experience gay sex and go running back to Katy a new man. Well, that was one possible outcome.