Fic: The Deal (16/?)
Adam was beyond furious. Kris had lied to him or at least never bothered to tell him the truth. For months, Adam had felt guilty about infecting an unborn child and hurting Katy Allen. Now Adam understood why Kris was so forgiving about the whole syphilis incident-it was the asshole’s fault! Adam was so angry he was making himself sick. Adam didn’t know if anything out of Kris’ mouth was the truth. Maybe, the man was mental and one of those people that just compulsively lied because they can’t stop themselves. Whatever the case once again Adam’s life was down the shitter because of getting involved with the wrong man.
Adam hated to admit it but moving to Las Vegas and then Reno was probably a ill-thought out plan. Jack Montage was starting to act strange and there were enough red flags to have Adam on alert. He had a feeling this was going to be one of those high intensity dramas that seem to plague is life. He wanted to call his mother for a plane ticket home but resisted because he didn’t want another “I told you so” speech and he couldn’t deal with being that big a loser.
Adam continued to rack his brain for a plan B and all he could come up with was saving his money to move back to LA or go to NY. He needed some kind of high paying gig since the cabaret club didn’t pay all that much. Maybe Jack had some more lousy soundtracks for his pornos lined up. The artist in himself hated the thought of whoring out his vocals but it was either that all whoring himself.
Adam went into work hoping to approach Jack for some more work. Hopefully, the man would stop by that night. Adam was halfway through his first set when he noticed a red head in the back. It was Allison and Kris trying to act discreet. Great, now Kris Allen was stalking him! Adam wasn’t sure who scared him more Jack or Kris.
Adam ignored them and just tried to get through his set. After the set, Allison came over, “Hi Adam, you were great. I always get goose bumps when I hear you sing.”
“Why are you here with Kris?”
“Kris is my friend and we like to hang out.”
Adam was too tired to play games. I meant why are you in Reno.”
“Too see you, stupid. Look Kris is a complete idiot but he cares about you. However, I know he can be a jerk and he probably doesn’t deserve another chance with you. That is fine but he messed you up and he wants to set things right. You are better than being a b act in a shitty wanna-be casino.”
“Yeah well, unfortunately I am blacklisted everywhere else.”
“I am going to be working on my next album and I need some killer backing vocals. Maybe you can comeback to LA for a couple months to help me.”
“I am sorry little Lady but Adam is committed to working for me.”
Adam looked up and saw Jack smiling tensely which made him wonder how much he heard. Adam wanted to diffuse the situation, “Hi Jack, this is Allison Iraheta she is…”
“Yes the American idol runner up and that is Kris Allen the winner of American idol. You should have gone on that show Adam you probably would have beat them both.”
Allison oblivious of the tension laughed, “Right. That was what I first thought when I saw Adam perform at Kris’ club.”
“Yeah I heard all about his time in LA. Frankly, I am surprised the pocket idol would come out here rather than staying at home with his wife. Luckily, we are a lot more forgiving in Nevada.”
Adam’s blood was running cold because he never told him about Kris. Adam turned to Jack, “How do you know about my time in LA?”
Jack smiled and put his arm possessively around Adam, “I was curious why a talented man like you would leave LA and I wanted to know you better. Don’t worry there wasn't anything I heard that turned me off. I can understand Kris wanting you on the side but he didn’t treat you right.”
Kris must have noticed Allison’s horrified expression and joined them. “Hi, I am Kris Allen.”
Jack smiled, “Jack Montage. We were just talking about you. How is your wife?”
“Why do you know her? My wife and I are taking a break at the moment.”
What! Adam looked at Kris with an expression of disbelief since he didn’t believe him, “Since when?”
“Since I realized how much I like you and what a farce my marriage has been.”
Jack laughed, “Come on, Allen. Adam isn’t dumb enough to believe that old line. Look, you had your shot and blew it.” Jack looked at Adam, “You just got to Reno and already you have a job and are recording music. This guy isn’t going to do anything for you but keep you in the closet.”
“Yeah, all your boy toys end up either as whores or drug addicts. Adam isn’t the best judge of character and I am not about to stand by and let you destroy him. He is going to come back to LA where he belongs.”
“I don’t think so, Mr. Allen. Adam is quite happy here and probably appreciates that I don’t fill is head with that mushy bullshit you are spouting off. I think you should go back to your Barbie doll wife and your Hollywood dream. After all you don’t want a scandal rocking your good boy image.”
“Adam is not happy here and he is far too talented to be stuck in this second rate town.
Adam looked at the two men discussing him like he wasn’t capable of making decisions on his own and snapped, “Look, I really am tired of men thinking I am a good fling and nothing more.” He looked at Kris, “I don’t want to be your dirty secret.” Then he turned to Jack, “And I don’t want to be one of ‘Jack’s boys’. I can’t take it anymore. I am going to swallow my pride, call my mother and get away from both of you.”
Jack shook his head, “No, you are not. You signed a contract for this job that is six months long. If you left, you would owe me for the plane ticket here, your apartment which I pay for, and a contract breaking penalty of $20K. So I suggest you rethink your attitude right now. As for you two, why don’t you just go back to LA and back to your teeny bobber fans.”
Kris looked like he was about to punch Jack when Allison got between them.
Allison spoke up, “Adam’s right you are both assholes that he should not have to deal with either of you. Therefore, I will pay the $20K to break Adam’s contract and take him back to LA to work on my record. As for his plane ticket and apartment, too bad, that is your loss for thinking you could buy people. Adam, you can stay at my house until you get back on your feet. It is big enough and I would feel better having a man in the house. Instead of rent, you can help out with chores.”
All three men were staring at Allison with their mouths agape. Adam recovered first, “What about the $20K?”
“Oh, you can pay me back. I think you are going to be rich someday so I will charge you a ridiculous amount of interest.” Allison smiled. Adam wasn’t sure how that was going to pan out but it was the most straightforward legitimate offer he had heard in a long time. Plus, for once the deal didn’t include a bad news love affair.
“OK.”
Jack didn’t seem impressed, “Look sweetheart, I don’t think you want to make me an enemy.”
Allison rolled her eyes, “Let him go. It is not like you can just make me disappear. As you pointed out I have quite a few teeny bobber fans that would notice. Plus, I already tweeted I was in Reno at your casino so I don’t think you want to fuck with me either, wise-guy.” Allison took out her checkbook and wrote out a personal check for $20K.
Jack seemed to get pissed but took the check anyway, “Adam if you leave with them I suggest you never comeback to Reno.”
“Don’t plan to. Goodbye, Jack.”
*~*
By the time Allison and Kris headed to the cabaret they did not have a better plan. Allison suggested she could get her Uncle to pretend to be a label guy and maybe offer him a demo. Allison was going into the studio to record her next album anyway so they could even fake some studio time if necessary. Kris thought that sounded like a brilliant plan.
“Kris, I still think it might be better to be honest. Seriously, all these games seem to be making it worse. Why don’t you just tell him what you know about Jack and give him a ticket home? Even better tell him how is mother came to your club upset.”
“I know him and honesty isn’t going to work. He thinks I am a liar so he won’t even believe the truth. He will think I am making up tall tales about Jack. I like our plan better. Once Adam is safe and back in LA, I will come clean about everything and try to win him over.”
“I am not sure he will appreciate being manipulated again but fine. I will tell him one of the guys at my label saw him at the cabaret and have been trying to find him for a demo. I will pretend to set it up for Monday in LA.”
Kris liked what he was hearing and saw even more potential, “If Jack is there maybe we can make a scene so he throws Adam to the curb.”
“Are you sure he is not dangerous?”
Kris was not sure what Jack’s deal was. Sure he wasn’t a made guy but that didn’t mean he wasn’t an asshole. Kris decided to take the cautious route, “OK, no scene.”
They arrived at the cabaret and was immediately blown away by Adam’s powerful vocals on a heart wrenching rendition of “Someone like you”. Kris still could not fathom why Adam wasn’t a superstar and truly believed if the guy would stop getting embroiled in scandals he would be iconic. He also knew he would never realize his full potential in Reno.
Kris felt Adam’s gaze and was saddened by the grimace he saw. Adam was still obviously mad at him. Kris also noticed Jack Montage come in looking every inch the grease-ball Kris knew him to be. After hatching plan B with Allison, Kris had talked to his PI again and heard nothing but alarming news. Jack Montage had been suspected of human trafficking a few years back but had beaten the rap. Apparently, prior to his success in Reno, Jack had owned a couple massage parlors in Texas that exploited illegal immigrant women and forced them into a life of prostitution. Kris shared this with Allison which made her more willing to participate in the plan.
As usual nothing went according to plan and Kris engaged in an all out confrontation with Jack Montage. However, Allison showed surprising acumen by changing up the story and inviting Adam to live with her in LA. It was much better than their original plan and they had effectively severed Adam’s ties to Jack. Unfortunately, Kris had a feeling Jack was going to take some kind of revenge which probably included outing him. Still there was no hardcore evidence of his affair with Adam and with Adam living with Allison he could easily discredit any rumors. After all, Allison had pretended to have a crush on Adam before. The only problem that remained was how he was going to get Adam back and continue in a manner that did not completely destroy his career. They headed to Adam’s room and helped him pack. Kris was glad Adam only had a couple suitcases worth of stuff.
Kris noticed Adam seemed very melancholy, “Let’s head to the airport and hopefully there is a flight back to LA. Adam, you’re not worried about Jack are you?”
Adam shook his head, “I am worried that once again my life has imploded and I am having to start over.”
Allison pushed Adam, “Dude, your life is about to get a hundred times better because I am the most awesome roommate ever. Plus, I am totally introducing you to everyone at my label and you can be my escort to red carpets.”
Kris knew that would help but couldn’t help feeling a pang of jealousy, “Allison, Adam is gay you know. So any appearance of a relationship would be imaginary. I hope you are not expecting any benefits.”
Adam glared at Kris, “For the record, I don’t fuck everyone with a heartbeat so please stop insinuating that I would.”
Allison hit Kris in the back of the head, “Kristopher stop being an ass. I know Adam is gay but that doesn’t mean he can’t pose for some pictures. Now, you are lucky Adam hasn’t punched you yet so maybe you should just keep quiet while you are ahead.”
Kris decided to take Allison’s advice and just let Adam be. Kris was covertly watching him though and felt terrible that he seemed so lost and sad. Kris would have rather dealt with an angry Adam then a broken Adam. They took a taxi to the airport and were able to get on an early morning flight. Kris bought them all first class tickets. Adam went to protest but Kris lied, “There were no seats in coach.”
Adam accepted the lie and took his ticket, “Thanks.”
Kris sat next to Allison glad for some time to speak with her, “Good improvising. That was better than we planned. I gotta give it to you when you are on a roll-“
Allison had a weird expression, “Kris, I changed the story because I realized how fucked up this whole situation with Adam is. The new plan is Adam gets to have a life and he gets to chose who he wants in it. You are going to loan me the $20K because I am asking you to do that. Adam won’t be in your debt, I will be.”
Kris wasn’t sure why Allison was talking semantics but just nodded, “of course I will loan you the money. I planned on paying for Adam since he is my responsibility and I care for him. Hopefully, in a couple weeks he will move back into the apartment-“
“Kris, Adam is not your responsibility. That is what I am explaining to you. You don’t get to hold anything over his head, you don’t get to dangle anymore carrots and until you divorce that bitch of a wife, you don’t get to pursue him either.”
Wait, what? That was not the plan. . “Allison, I got married in Arkansas even if a filed for a divorce there is like a year waiting period.”
“Perfect, that will give you a year to man up and come out of the closet. Now, if you will excuse me, I want to read this trash magazine and see what the latest tabloid buzz is about.”
Kris wondered if Allison was just fucking with him. Surely, she was not going to cock block him indefinitely. Maybe, once they got to LA Allison would understand how much Kris wanted Adam and hopefully Adam wanted him. Maybe diffusing the situation and giving Adam some breathing room would actually help.
Adam hated to admit it but moving to Las Vegas and then Reno was probably a ill-thought out plan. Jack Montage was starting to act strange and there were enough red flags to have Adam on alert. He had a feeling this was going to be one of those high intensity dramas that seem to plague is life. He wanted to call his mother for a plane ticket home but resisted because he didn’t want another “I told you so” speech and he couldn’t deal with being that big a loser.
Adam continued to rack his brain for a plan B and all he could come up with was saving his money to move back to LA or go to NY. He needed some kind of high paying gig since the cabaret club didn’t pay all that much. Maybe Jack had some more lousy soundtracks for his pornos lined up. The artist in himself hated the thought of whoring out his vocals but it was either that all whoring himself.
Adam went into work hoping to approach Jack for some more work. Hopefully, the man would stop by that night. Adam was halfway through his first set when he noticed a red head in the back. It was Allison and Kris trying to act discreet. Great, now Kris Allen was stalking him! Adam wasn’t sure who scared him more Jack or Kris.
Adam ignored them and just tried to get through his set. After the set, Allison came over, “Hi Adam, you were great. I always get goose bumps when I hear you sing.”
“Why are you here with Kris?”
“Kris is my friend and we like to hang out.”
Adam was too tired to play games. I meant why are you in Reno.”
“Too see you, stupid. Look Kris is a complete idiot but he cares about you. However, I know he can be a jerk and he probably doesn’t deserve another chance with you. That is fine but he messed you up and he wants to set things right. You are better than being a b act in a shitty wanna-be casino.”
“Yeah well, unfortunately I am blacklisted everywhere else.”
“I am going to be working on my next album and I need some killer backing vocals. Maybe you can comeback to LA for a couple months to help me.”
“I am sorry little Lady but Adam is committed to working for me.”
Adam looked up and saw Jack smiling tensely which made him wonder how much he heard. Adam wanted to diffuse the situation, “Hi Jack, this is Allison Iraheta she is…”
“Yes the American idol runner up and that is Kris Allen the winner of American idol. You should have gone on that show Adam you probably would have beat them both.”
Allison oblivious of the tension laughed, “Right. That was what I first thought when I saw Adam perform at Kris’ club.”
“Yeah I heard all about his time in LA. Frankly, I am surprised the pocket idol would come out here rather than staying at home with his wife. Luckily, we are a lot more forgiving in Nevada.”
Adam’s blood was running cold because he never told him about Kris. Adam turned to Jack, “How do you know about my time in LA?”
Jack smiled and put his arm possessively around Adam, “I was curious why a talented man like you would leave LA and I wanted to know you better. Don’t worry there wasn't anything I heard that turned me off. I can understand Kris wanting you on the side but he didn’t treat you right.”
Kris must have noticed Allison’s horrified expression and joined them. “Hi, I am Kris Allen.”
Jack smiled, “Jack Montage. We were just talking about you. How is your wife?”
“Why do you know her? My wife and I are taking a break at the moment.”
What! Adam looked at Kris with an expression of disbelief since he didn’t believe him, “Since when?”
“Since I realized how much I like you and what a farce my marriage has been.”
Jack laughed, “Come on, Allen. Adam isn’t dumb enough to believe that old line. Look, you had your shot and blew it.” Jack looked at Adam, “You just got to Reno and already you have a job and are recording music. This guy isn’t going to do anything for you but keep you in the closet.”
“Yeah, all your boy toys end up either as whores or drug addicts. Adam isn’t the best judge of character and I am not about to stand by and let you destroy him. He is going to come back to LA where he belongs.”
“I don’t think so, Mr. Allen. Adam is quite happy here and probably appreciates that I don’t fill is head with that mushy bullshit you are spouting off. I think you should go back to your Barbie doll wife and your Hollywood dream. After all you don’t want a scandal rocking your good boy image.”
“Adam is not happy here and he is far too talented to be stuck in this second rate town.
Adam looked at the two men discussing him like he wasn’t capable of making decisions on his own and snapped, “Look, I really am tired of men thinking I am a good fling and nothing more.” He looked at Kris, “I don’t want to be your dirty secret.” Then he turned to Jack, “And I don’t want to be one of ‘Jack’s boys’. I can’t take it anymore. I am going to swallow my pride, call my mother and get away from both of you.”
Jack shook his head, “No, you are not. You signed a contract for this job that is six months long. If you left, you would owe me for the plane ticket here, your apartment which I pay for, and a contract breaking penalty of $20K. So I suggest you rethink your attitude right now. As for you two, why don’t you just go back to LA and back to your teeny bobber fans.”
Kris looked like he was about to punch Jack when Allison got between them.
Allison spoke up, “Adam’s right you are both assholes that he should not have to deal with either of you. Therefore, I will pay the $20K to break Adam’s contract and take him back to LA to work on my record. As for his plane ticket and apartment, too bad, that is your loss for thinking you could buy people. Adam, you can stay at my house until you get back on your feet. It is big enough and I would feel better having a man in the house. Instead of rent, you can help out with chores.”
All three men were staring at Allison with their mouths agape. Adam recovered first, “What about the $20K?”
“Oh, you can pay me back. I think you are going to be rich someday so I will charge you a ridiculous amount of interest.” Allison smiled. Adam wasn’t sure how that was going to pan out but it was the most straightforward legitimate offer he had heard in a long time. Plus, for once the deal didn’t include a bad news love affair.
“OK.”
Jack didn’t seem impressed, “Look sweetheart, I don’t think you want to make me an enemy.”
Allison rolled her eyes, “Let him go. It is not like you can just make me disappear. As you pointed out I have quite a few teeny bobber fans that would notice. Plus, I already tweeted I was in Reno at your casino so I don’t think you want to fuck with me either, wise-guy.” Allison took out her checkbook and wrote out a personal check for $20K.
Jack seemed to get pissed but took the check anyway, “Adam if you leave with them I suggest you never comeback to Reno.”
“Don’t plan to. Goodbye, Jack.”
*~*
By the time Allison and Kris headed to the cabaret they did not have a better plan. Allison suggested she could get her Uncle to pretend to be a label guy and maybe offer him a demo. Allison was going into the studio to record her next album anyway so they could even fake some studio time if necessary. Kris thought that sounded like a brilliant plan.
“Kris, I still think it might be better to be honest. Seriously, all these games seem to be making it worse. Why don’t you just tell him what you know about Jack and give him a ticket home? Even better tell him how is mother came to your club upset.”
“I know him and honesty isn’t going to work. He thinks I am a liar so he won’t even believe the truth. He will think I am making up tall tales about Jack. I like our plan better. Once Adam is safe and back in LA, I will come clean about everything and try to win him over.”
“I am not sure he will appreciate being manipulated again but fine. I will tell him one of the guys at my label saw him at the cabaret and have been trying to find him for a demo. I will pretend to set it up for Monday in LA.”
Kris liked what he was hearing and saw even more potential, “If Jack is there maybe we can make a scene so he throws Adam to the curb.”
“Are you sure he is not dangerous?”
Kris was not sure what Jack’s deal was. Sure he wasn’t a made guy but that didn’t mean he wasn’t an asshole. Kris decided to take the cautious route, “OK, no scene.”
They arrived at the cabaret and was immediately blown away by Adam’s powerful vocals on a heart wrenching rendition of “Someone like you”. Kris still could not fathom why Adam wasn’t a superstar and truly believed if the guy would stop getting embroiled in scandals he would be iconic. He also knew he would never realize his full potential in Reno.
Kris felt Adam’s gaze and was saddened by the grimace he saw. Adam was still obviously mad at him. Kris also noticed Jack Montage come in looking every inch the grease-ball Kris knew him to be. After hatching plan B with Allison, Kris had talked to his PI again and heard nothing but alarming news. Jack Montage had been suspected of human trafficking a few years back but had beaten the rap. Apparently, prior to his success in Reno, Jack had owned a couple massage parlors in Texas that exploited illegal immigrant women and forced them into a life of prostitution. Kris shared this with Allison which made her more willing to participate in the plan.
As usual nothing went according to plan and Kris engaged in an all out confrontation with Jack Montage. However, Allison showed surprising acumen by changing up the story and inviting Adam to live with her in LA. It was much better than their original plan and they had effectively severed Adam’s ties to Jack. Unfortunately, Kris had a feeling Jack was going to take some kind of revenge which probably included outing him. Still there was no hardcore evidence of his affair with Adam and with Adam living with Allison he could easily discredit any rumors. After all, Allison had pretended to have a crush on Adam before. The only problem that remained was how he was going to get Adam back and continue in a manner that did not completely destroy his career. They headed to Adam’s room and helped him pack. Kris was glad Adam only had a couple suitcases worth of stuff.
Kris noticed Adam seemed very melancholy, “Let’s head to the airport and hopefully there is a flight back to LA. Adam, you’re not worried about Jack are you?”
Adam shook his head, “I am worried that once again my life has imploded and I am having to start over.”
Allison pushed Adam, “Dude, your life is about to get a hundred times better because I am the most awesome roommate ever. Plus, I am totally introducing you to everyone at my label and you can be my escort to red carpets.”
Kris knew that would help but couldn’t help feeling a pang of jealousy, “Allison, Adam is gay you know. So any appearance of a relationship would be imaginary. I hope you are not expecting any benefits.”
Adam glared at Kris, “For the record, I don’t fuck everyone with a heartbeat so please stop insinuating that I would.”
Allison hit Kris in the back of the head, “Kristopher stop being an ass. I know Adam is gay but that doesn’t mean he can’t pose for some pictures. Now, you are lucky Adam hasn’t punched you yet so maybe you should just keep quiet while you are ahead.”
Kris decided to take Allison’s advice and just let Adam be. Kris was covertly watching him though and felt terrible that he seemed so lost and sad. Kris would have rather dealt with an angry Adam then a broken Adam. They took a taxi to the airport and were able to get on an early morning flight. Kris bought them all first class tickets. Adam went to protest but Kris lied, “There were no seats in coach.”
Adam accepted the lie and took his ticket, “Thanks.”
Kris sat next to Allison glad for some time to speak with her, “Good improvising. That was better than we planned. I gotta give it to you when you are on a roll-“
Allison had a weird expression, “Kris, I changed the story because I realized how fucked up this whole situation with Adam is. The new plan is Adam gets to have a life and he gets to chose who he wants in it. You are going to loan me the $20K because I am asking you to do that. Adam won’t be in your debt, I will be.”
Kris wasn’t sure why Allison was talking semantics but just nodded, “of course I will loan you the money. I planned on paying for Adam since he is my responsibility and I care for him. Hopefully, in a couple weeks he will move back into the apartment-“
“Kris, Adam is not your responsibility. That is what I am explaining to you. You don’t get to hold anything over his head, you don’t get to dangle anymore carrots and until you divorce that bitch of a wife, you don’t get to pursue him either.”
Wait, what? That was not the plan. . “Allison, I got married in Arkansas even if a filed for a divorce there is like a year waiting period.”
“Perfect, that will give you a year to man up and come out of the closet. Now, if you will excuse me, I want to read this trash magazine and see what the latest tabloid buzz is about.”
Kris wondered if Allison was just fucking with him. Surely, she was not going to cock block him indefinitely. Maybe, once they got to LA Allison would understand how much Kris wanted Adam and hopefully Adam wanted him. Maybe diffusing the situation and giving Adam some breathing room would actually help.