Fic: The Deal (18/?)
Friends! Yes, Adam was definitely a glutton for punishment. In his defense, Kris Allen was the greatest actor on the planet or truly was confused and emotionally retarded. Kris’ confession had pulled at Adam’s heart strings and in the end he could not be a stone. No way was he going to go back to being his call-boy but he couldn’t deny a friendship.
The next day he and Allison went to the studio at 9 am. Allison raised a brow at Adam’s perfectly styled pompadour, “Did you have insomnia or something?”
Adam smiled innocently, “I woke up early and decided to make myself feel better by doing my hair.”
“Really? You sure it wasn’t because Kris is coming by the studio?”
Adam was caught off guard, “What? How did you know?”
“Kris called me this morning and admitted to drunk dialing you. He seemed a bit hazy about what he said but thinks he made plans with us for lunch. Sound about right?”
Adam frowned, “Sounds like he manipulated me again. Allison, I know you are is friend but do you think he is playing me?”
Allison seemed to ponder the question before answering, “I think he likes you a lot and he is experiencing genuine feeling the first time. Unfortunately, he has spent the last 26 years learning to live lies and hide feelings. He comes from a religious background, has conservative fans and a bitch wife. I am not sure how long it is going to take him to come to terms with being gay or dating such a polar opposite. Kris is a great guy but I wouldn’t want to date anyone that emotionally stunted. On the flip side, maybe you can help him grow and be the man he was meant to be. I think if you could do that you two would be amazing together.”
“That is a tall order. I agreed to be his friend. I am not sure either of us is ready for more.”
Allison smirked, “That is what I said from the beginning. Now let’s start singing since you have a lunch date.”
They played for three hours straight. Kris showed up and watched them finish up a track. Adam felt elated went Kris gushed about how good they sounded together. He mentioned he had a couple songs they would sound great on that he wasn’t going to record. Allison was ecstatic since Kris was an awesome song writer.
They went to lunch and had a great time by keeping things light. Kris could be kind of funny and Adam found they had a knack for cracking each other up. Adam did his best to think of Kris in platonic terms but he couldn’t help noticing Kris’ ass in his jeans or how alluring his chest was in a button down shirt. After lunch, Allison insisted they had back to the studio and Kris was not invited since they needed to work.
The rest of the week, Kris met them for lunch and everything went well until they were bombarded by paparazzi. Adam had forgotten that Kris and Allison were celebrities and was caught off guard. Allison was more than happy to have some attention so she spoke to the paparazzi telling them she was working on a new album and Adam was going to be on a few tracks. Kris seemed very agitated and didn’t even respond when they asked him who he thought was going to win American Idol. The paps left them alone as soon as Mila Kunis walked through the door.
Kris was pale and seemed to be distressed. Adam nudged him, “You can relax they found more interesting prey. I don’t think you’ll even make the TMZ cut since it was a pretty boring interview and you aren’t in any scandals at the moment.”
“I hope not because I really can’t be seen with you given your reputation.”
Adam stiffened at Kris’ hurtful words and Allison dropped her fork, “Kristopher you are slipping back to being an asshole. If you keep it up, we won’t have lunch with you again.”
Kris continued, “I think from now on we better just order in and eat at the studio.”
Adam did not like that idea at all, “Kris, if you can’t be seen in public with me then let’s not eat lunch together or do anything else. I don’t hang out with people that are ashamed to be seen in public with me. We aren’t doing anything wrong.”
“Adam, I slept with you and my wife knows. Katy is going to freak out if she sees me having lunch with you. It isn’t appropriate for me to hang out with you in public, why can’t you understand basic concepts?”
Adam just stood up, “Allison, I lost my appetite. I am going to head back to the studio.”
Kris because agitated, “Don’t leave, I am sorry I freaked-“
Adam took a deep breath to abate his anger, “Kris, you obviously are not ready for a friendship so there is no reason for me to stay. If you don’t want to be associated with me then you shouldn’t invite yourself to lunch with us. We should not see each other at all this way even someone as stupid as me that can’t get basic concepts will understand.”
Adam walked back to the studio. He wasn’t angry any longer but just tired; tired of Kris being hot and cold, tired of drama and tired of still being made to feel like someone’s dirty little secret. Allison came back a few minutes after him and they just continued to work on their duet rather than address the elephant in the room. At the end of the day, Kris came back to the studio, “Look, I am sorry I was a jerk and I didn’t mean to make you feel bad. However, Katy is a real problem right now so I think it is best if we limit our exposure together in public.”
Adam was just hearing noise at this point, “You said that already. Did you think I was too stupid to understand the first time? Is that the reason you are here to reiterate the same point?”
“Actually, I came by to give you and Allison the songs I mentioned. I know I am being an asshole but I hope you accept the music because they are really good if I do say so myself. Adam, your voice is amazing and it would be wonderful to hear your take on the songs.”
In another life the thought of laying down tracks on a Kris Allen song would be a dream come true. However, in this life it seemed like Kris was trying to buy him again, “Kris, are you trying to bribe me?”
Kris blushed a little, “I am trying to apologize but also I believe in your talent. Adam, just take this at face value. If you the like songs, than sing them. If you and Allison want to do a duet on her album with one of them, then do it.”
Allison took the songs, “Thanks, Kris now get out of here before you keep talking and screw up the apology.”
After Kris left they listened to the songs and Allison loved them. They spent the next two hours practicing one of them. The next day they performed it for the record producer and her management. They loved it and thought they sounded incredibly sexy together. In fact, they thought it had the potential for being a single.
One of the woman on Allison’s management team smiled at Adam, “You certainly would be beautiful enough in the video. You are doing a great job on the background vocals, if you are interested we might have some other work for you. We always need background vocals and you seem very reliable.”
Adam could not believe his ears and really hoped there was no catch, “I would love that, thanks.” Just maybe Kris Allen was good for him after all.
*~*
Kris kicked himself the whole way home for pissing off Adam again. He needed to distance himself from Adam before he totally destroyed any chance they had together. Being friends just wasn’t possible until he was ready to accept his homosexuality and dump Katy. Adam was far too flamboyant to be in the closet and they were just too different for people not to think they were lovers. Still, he wanted the best for Adam and really did think Adam was a great vocalist and performer. Just because he was a coward didn’t mean he would renege on his offer to provide them with some songs. Kris dropped them off and made a hasty getaway before he made things worse.
The next week he did some photo shoots and finalized the cover of his new album. Wednesday night Katy’s episode was going to air and she planned a get together insisting Kris attend. She invited his band-mates, any Hollywood people they encountered and her physical trainer. Kris couldn’t help but wonder if her physical trainer was the asshole that gave him syphilis. They arrived around seven for cocktails and appetizers. Katy had it catered which seemed a bit over the top for her two minute death scene.
For kicks they decided to watch TMZ. Kris never really watched the pap show but the guests seemed to live by it. Kris choked on his drink when he saw a snapshot of himself having lunch with Allison and Adam. The TMZ people were joking about how boring he usually is until one of the reporters said that Kris had been at a premier party earlier in the week when he got in the middle of a scene between Adam and his boyfriend.
The reporter continued, “…in fact Kris Allen and Adam Lambert seem to have a bit of history. Adam Lambert was one of the performers in a dinner theater show Kris Allen produced. Apparently, this Lambert guy is known for seducing married men and was actually kicked off several theater groups for that behavior. Oddly enough, it seems he was fired or quit the show a couple months ago.”
Harvey Levine feigned surprise, “No way is Kris Allen gay or that interesting. I bet it is his publicity people just trying to make him interesting before his new album drops.”
The other reports shrugged, “I don’t know, I talked to some people that knew this guy and said he was a real player and could convert the best of them.”
Harvey Levine shook his head, “People don’t just convert. Well, I start believing it when he dresses a bit better and files for divorce.”
Cale reacted, “I bet that asshole tipped them off for fifteen minutes of fame. He continues to try and use your celebrity status for his own ends.”
Katy was upset and smacked Kris before walking into the kitchen. Kris, told the guests to just enjoy the drinks and food and ran after Katy.
Katy was pacing, “How can you continue to associate with that…that man. Why were you at lunch with him?”
Kris hoped to diffuse the situation, “He is recording with Allison so I met them both for lunch. It was completely innocent.”
“No, Kris, it is not innocent because you are making a fool out of us both. He is using you and you are too stupid to realize it. You ruined my night. How could you do this to me?”
“Katy, it isn’t my fault TMZ thought this was interesting. Look, given this rumor, our affairs, and your recent success maybe it would be better if we separated.”
Katy frowned, “If we divorce now everyone will know you slept with a man. Is that what you want? You want to embarrass me and make everyone hate you?”
Although Kris was freaking out on the inside needed to stop the charade, “I want to stop living a lie. Katy, the truth is I like men. I am sorry I didn’t realize this before we married but I wasn’t raised to even think it was a possibility. You must know on some level that I am gay.”
Katy looked at Kris and sighed, “Honestly, I just thought you were…clumsy. Even if I accept that you are gay, I still think this guy is a player and using you.”
Kris was surprised by Katy’s response since he was expecting her to go off the deep end, “Maybe he is but I want to find out and if not him, I think I may want to date men.”
Katy just shook her head, “Trust me dating men is not all it is cracked up to be. You are all assholes. Anyway, this is my acting debut and we have about 40 people out there so let’s be good hosts and deal with this tomorrow. Half those people are gossips so don’t bother saying anything since they are gonna make up your reaction anyway.”
Kris went back out and just stayed quiet. Katy put on a great act ignoring the TMZ story and just playing up her role. Everyone left about eleven.
Cale went over to Kris before leaving, “Kris, I really hope you get your head on straight. You have a beautiful wife that any man would kill to have and you are throwing it all away for some two bit player that already has a boyfriend. If nothing else respect the sancity of marriage.”
Kris resisted the urge of punching Cale and just said goodnight. He went into the kitchen by Katy and she seemed very melancholy. Kris felt bad but relieved to have finally admitted the truth.. Katy poured two shots of tequila and gave him one, “What are you going to tell your parents?”
“The truth I guess. I am a terrible liar so I may as well just be honest.”
“You aren’t that bad a liar because I really believed at one time we were in love. In a way, I am glad you are gay because I thought maybe it was me. Maybe I just wasn’t sexy enough. Since we are being brutally honest I purposely sabotaged your relationship with Adam because I was jealous. I saw how you reacted around him. Cale warned me when you first hired him that I needed to keep you on a short leash. Your bandmates and probably most of your friends won’t understand. I get it though. What you feel for Adam is what I felt for you when we first met.”
Katy did another shot, “You know the saying a ‘woman scorned’. I did a lot of things I am not proud of in this marriage. I cheated on you more times than I can count.” Katy frowned, “I hope you are not going to use this against me for the divorce.”
Kris shook his head, “Katy, I don’t want to go through a nasty divorce and it won’t do either of us any favors airing dirty laundry. For the record, I do love you and I really thought you were the one.”
Katy just frowned, “Until you met him. Now, you know what it is to lust after someone. If I thought you could forget him I’d fight for you but you have a stubborn streak. I want the house and alimony so that I can afford to pursue acting.”
Kris fought a smile at Katy’s resilience, “Ok, we have to wait a year to divorce once we file. I will just move into the apartment. I will continue to pay the mortgage and give you half my earnings until we divorce.”
“Fine. I want to still go to the Grammy’s and other high exposure events so I can network. That will give you time to release the new album before the shit hits the fan. I suggest you wait to come out until your album hits platinum. Also, we will file with irreconcilable differences and neither one of us will mention adultery.”
“Agreed. I really hope this ends amicably.” Kris knew he was pushing his luck, “Katy, did you sleep with Cale?”
Katy just looked at Kris, “We are not there yet. Ask me again in a few years.”
Kris pushed down his anger relieved that Katy was taking this fairly well. Hopefully, they could avoid a war of the roses scenario and maybe even be friends. They had both made a lot of mistakes. Also, he was not happy that she cheated so much but he really wasn’t in a position to cast stones. He felt relieved that he had made his first step toward freedom. He had a few more to make but it was a good start.
~~~End Part 18~~~
The next day he and Allison went to the studio at 9 am. Allison raised a brow at Adam’s perfectly styled pompadour, “Did you have insomnia or something?”
Adam smiled innocently, “I woke up early and decided to make myself feel better by doing my hair.”
“Really? You sure it wasn’t because Kris is coming by the studio?”
Adam was caught off guard, “What? How did you know?”
“Kris called me this morning and admitted to drunk dialing you. He seemed a bit hazy about what he said but thinks he made plans with us for lunch. Sound about right?”
Adam frowned, “Sounds like he manipulated me again. Allison, I know you are is friend but do you think he is playing me?”
Allison seemed to ponder the question before answering, “I think he likes you a lot and he is experiencing genuine feeling the first time. Unfortunately, he has spent the last 26 years learning to live lies and hide feelings. He comes from a religious background, has conservative fans and a bitch wife. I am not sure how long it is going to take him to come to terms with being gay or dating such a polar opposite. Kris is a great guy but I wouldn’t want to date anyone that emotionally stunted. On the flip side, maybe you can help him grow and be the man he was meant to be. I think if you could do that you two would be amazing together.”
“That is a tall order. I agreed to be his friend. I am not sure either of us is ready for more.”
Allison smirked, “That is what I said from the beginning. Now let’s start singing since you have a lunch date.”
They played for three hours straight. Kris showed up and watched them finish up a track. Adam felt elated went Kris gushed about how good they sounded together. He mentioned he had a couple songs they would sound great on that he wasn’t going to record. Allison was ecstatic since Kris was an awesome song writer.
They went to lunch and had a great time by keeping things light. Kris could be kind of funny and Adam found they had a knack for cracking each other up. Adam did his best to think of Kris in platonic terms but he couldn’t help noticing Kris’ ass in his jeans or how alluring his chest was in a button down shirt. After lunch, Allison insisted they had back to the studio and Kris was not invited since they needed to work.
The rest of the week, Kris met them for lunch and everything went well until they were bombarded by paparazzi. Adam had forgotten that Kris and Allison were celebrities and was caught off guard. Allison was more than happy to have some attention so she spoke to the paparazzi telling them she was working on a new album and Adam was going to be on a few tracks. Kris seemed very agitated and didn’t even respond when they asked him who he thought was going to win American Idol. The paps left them alone as soon as Mila Kunis walked through the door.
Kris was pale and seemed to be distressed. Adam nudged him, “You can relax they found more interesting prey. I don’t think you’ll even make the TMZ cut since it was a pretty boring interview and you aren’t in any scandals at the moment.”
“I hope not because I really can’t be seen with you given your reputation.”
Adam stiffened at Kris’ hurtful words and Allison dropped her fork, “Kristopher you are slipping back to being an asshole. If you keep it up, we won’t have lunch with you again.”
Kris continued, “I think from now on we better just order in and eat at the studio.”
Adam did not like that idea at all, “Kris, if you can’t be seen in public with me then let’s not eat lunch together or do anything else. I don’t hang out with people that are ashamed to be seen in public with me. We aren’t doing anything wrong.”
“Adam, I slept with you and my wife knows. Katy is going to freak out if she sees me having lunch with you. It isn’t appropriate for me to hang out with you in public, why can’t you understand basic concepts?”
Adam just stood up, “Allison, I lost my appetite. I am going to head back to the studio.”
Kris because agitated, “Don’t leave, I am sorry I freaked-“
Adam took a deep breath to abate his anger, “Kris, you obviously are not ready for a friendship so there is no reason for me to stay. If you don’t want to be associated with me then you shouldn’t invite yourself to lunch with us. We should not see each other at all this way even someone as stupid as me that can’t get basic concepts will understand.”
Adam walked back to the studio. He wasn’t angry any longer but just tired; tired of Kris being hot and cold, tired of drama and tired of still being made to feel like someone’s dirty little secret. Allison came back a few minutes after him and they just continued to work on their duet rather than address the elephant in the room. At the end of the day, Kris came back to the studio, “Look, I am sorry I was a jerk and I didn’t mean to make you feel bad. However, Katy is a real problem right now so I think it is best if we limit our exposure together in public.”
Adam was just hearing noise at this point, “You said that already. Did you think I was too stupid to understand the first time? Is that the reason you are here to reiterate the same point?”
“Actually, I came by to give you and Allison the songs I mentioned. I know I am being an asshole but I hope you accept the music because they are really good if I do say so myself. Adam, your voice is amazing and it would be wonderful to hear your take on the songs.”
In another life the thought of laying down tracks on a Kris Allen song would be a dream come true. However, in this life it seemed like Kris was trying to buy him again, “Kris, are you trying to bribe me?”
Kris blushed a little, “I am trying to apologize but also I believe in your talent. Adam, just take this at face value. If you the like songs, than sing them. If you and Allison want to do a duet on her album with one of them, then do it.”
Allison took the songs, “Thanks, Kris now get out of here before you keep talking and screw up the apology.”
After Kris left they listened to the songs and Allison loved them. They spent the next two hours practicing one of them. The next day they performed it for the record producer and her management. They loved it and thought they sounded incredibly sexy together. In fact, they thought it had the potential for being a single.
One of the woman on Allison’s management team smiled at Adam, “You certainly would be beautiful enough in the video. You are doing a great job on the background vocals, if you are interested we might have some other work for you. We always need background vocals and you seem very reliable.”
Adam could not believe his ears and really hoped there was no catch, “I would love that, thanks.” Just maybe Kris Allen was good for him after all.
*~*
Kris kicked himself the whole way home for pissing off Adam again. He needed to distance himself from Adam before he totally destroyed any chance they had together. Being friends just wasn’t possible until he was ready to accept his homosexuality and dump Katy. Adam was far too flamboyant to be in the closet and they were just too different for people not to think they were lovers. Still, he wanted the best for Adam and really did think Adam was a great vocalist and performer. Just because he was a coward didn’t mean he would renege on his offer to provide them with some songs. Kris dropped them off and made a hasty getaway before he made things worse.
The next week he did some photo shoots and finalized the cover of his new album. Wednesday night Katy’s episode was going to air and she planned a get together insisting Kris attend. She invited his band-mates, any Hollywood people they encountered and her physical trainer. Kris couldn’t help but wonder if her physical trainer was the asshole that gave him syphilis. They arrived around seven for cocktails and appetizers. Katy had it catered which seemed a bit over the top for her two minute death scene.
For kicks they decided to watch TMZ. Kris never really watched the pap show but the guests seemed to live by it. Kris choked on his drink when he saw a snapshot of himself having lunch with Allison and Adam. The TMZ people were joking about how boring he usually is until one of the reporters said that Kris had been at a premier party earlier in the week when he got in the middle of a scene between Adam and his boyfriend.
The reporter continued, “…in fact Kris Allen and Adam Lambert seem to have a bit of history. Adam Lambert was one of the performers in a dinner theater show Kris Allen produced. Apparently, this Lambert guy is known for seducing married men and was actually kicked off several theater groups for that behavior. Oddly enough, it seems he was fired or quit the show a couple months ago.”
Harvey Levine feigned surprise, “No way is Kris Allen gay or that interesting. I bet it is his publicity people just trying to make him interesting before his new album drops.”
The other reports shrugged, “I don’t know, I talked to some people that knew this guy and said he was a real player and could convert the best of them.”
Harvey Levine shook his head, “People don’t just convert. Well, I start believing it when he dresses a bit better and files for divorce.”
Cale reacted, “I bet that asshole tipped them off for fifteen minutes of fame. He continues to try and use your celebrity status for his own ends.”
Katy was upset and smacked Kris before walking into the kitchen. Kris, told the guests to just enjoy the drinks and food and ran after Katy.
Katy was pacing, “How can you continue to associate with that…that man. Why were you at lunch with him?”
Kris hoped to diffuse the situation, “He is recording with Allison so I met them both for lunch. It was completely innocent.”
“No, Kris, it is not innocent because you are making a fool out of us both. He is using you and you are too stupid to realize it. You ruined my night. How could you do this to me?”
“Katy, it isn’t my fault TMZ thought this was interesting. Look, given this rumor, our affairs, and your recent success maybe it would be better if we separated.”
Katy frowned, “If we divorce now everyone will know you slept with a man. Is that what you want? You want to embarrass me and make everyone hate you?”
Although Kris was freaking out on the inside needed to stop the charade, “I want to stop living a lie. Katy, the truth is I like men. I am sorry I didn’t realize this before we married but I wasn’t raised to even think it was a possibility. You must know on some level that I am gay.”
Katy looked at Kris and sighed, “Honestly, I just thought you were…clumsy. Even if I accept that you are gay, I still think this guy is a player and using you.”
Kris was surprised by Katy’s response since he was expecting her to go off the deep end, “Maybe he is but I want to find out and if not him, I think I may want to date men.”
Katy just shook her head, “Trust me dating men is not all it is cracked up to be. You are all assholes. Anyway, this is my acting debut and we have about 40 people out there so let’s be good hosts and deal with this tomorrow. Half those people are gossips so don’t bother saying anything since they are gonna make up your reaction anyway.”
Kris went back out and just stayed quiet. Katy put on a great act ignoring the TMZ story and just playing up her role. Everyone left about eleven.
Cale went over to Kris before leaving, “Kris, I really hope you get your head on straight. You have a beautiful wife that any man would kill to have and you are throwing it all away for some two bit player that already has a boyfriend. If nothing else respect the sancity of marriage.”
Kris resisted the urge of punching Cale and just said goodnight. He went into the kitchen by Katy and she seemed very melancholy. Kris felt bad but relieved to have finally admitted the truth.. Katy poured two shots of tequila and gave him one, “What are you going to tell your parents?”
“The truth I guess. I am a terrible liar so I may as well just be honest.”
“You aren’t that bad a liar because I really believed at one time we were in love. In a way, I am glad you are gay because I thought maybe it was me. Maybe I just wasn’t sexy enough. Since we are being brutally honest I purposely sabotaged your relationship with Adam because I was jealous. I saw how you reacted around him. Cale warned me when you first hired him that I needed to keep you on a short leash. Your bandmates and probably most of your friends won’t understand. I get it though. What you feel for Adam is what I felt for you when we first met.”
Katy did another shot, “You know the saying a ‘woman scorned’. I did a lot of things I am not proud of in this marriage. I cheated on you more times than I can count.” Katy frowned, “I hope you are not going to use this against me for the divorce.”
Kris shook his head, “Katy, I don’t want to go through a nasty divorce and it won’t do either of us any favors airing dirty laundry. For the record, I do love you and I really thought you were the one.”
Katy just frowned, “Until you met him. Now, you know what it is to lust after someone. If I thought you could forget him I’d fight for you but you have a stubborn streak. I want the house and alimony so that I can afford to pursue acting.”
Kris fought a smile at Katy’s resilience, “Ok, we have to wait a year to divorce once we file. I will just move into the apartment. I will continue to pay the mortgage and give you half my earnings until we divorce.”
“Fine. I want to still go to the Grammy’s and other high exposure events so I can network. That will give you time to release the new album before the shit hits the fan. I suggest you wait to come out until your album hits platinum. Also, we will file with irreconcilable differences and neither one of us will mention adultery.”
“Agreed. I really hope this ends amicably.” Kris knew he was pushing his luck, “Katy, did you sleep with Cale?”
Katy just looked at Kris, “We are not there yet. Ask me again in a few years.”
Kris pushed down his anger relieved that Katy was taking this fairly well. Hopefully, they could avoid a war of the roses scenario and maybe even be friends. They had both made a lot of mistakes. Also, he was not happy that she cheated so much but he really wasn’t in a position to cast stones. He felt relieved that he had made his first step toward freedom. He had a few more to make but it was a good start.
~~~End Part 18~~~