Adam
Chapter 89
Maxieplus
When I got back to work I rang Lucy, Mitchell's dad. She was so happy he had mended a few fences and even happier I hadn't charged him for his styling.
I spoke to her about his acting and she told me she had taught him a lot about the stage in the hope he would get into it at some stage. She wanted to know what it was all about, but I told her it was just a thought I had, and if anything becomes of it she will be the first to know.
"The Adele Banks movie?"
"I can't say Lucy and please don't say anything I will get into trouble."
"I won't, but I will say he would look so good on camera."
"We will leave it at that then, I will ring you if we decide to offer him a part."
"Thank you Adam, I was worried Miss Anne would throw him out."
"She wouldn't do that Lucy, and she's fine with it all now."
"Thank you." I knew Lucy had been worried, not for Anne but Mitchell, this could have stuffed his whole life up if the affair had continued.
My next client is the local elite bitch, she's still having dinners with her boyfriends while her husband is away on business. She prattled on about her latest conquest and when her husband comes back she will go under the knife again. I pretended I was very pleased for her, but underneath I seethed. I had to pull myself back because who am I to judge what people do with their lives.
Kasey called in later in the afternoon, he had the biggest smile on his face and asked me to accompany him to the build, he had something to show me.
I said my goodnights and followed him into the fed building's underground car park. He drove us to the build, parked, then we walked down to the docks. I expected a cruiser, but instead I got a nineteen-foot speed boat. I called it a speed boat but he called it a cruiser. This boat he could drive and when he helped me down into it I was disappointed, no cabin to sleep in just a boat with seating for six. I couldn't get all that excited but I pretended to like it.
He fiddled with it all and looked everywhere, he even put the shade umbrella down as I took many photos.
"You don't like it?"
"I thought you would have at least got one with a bed and a galley."
"No Adam, this one is to learn in, the bigger one comes later."
"I think you have too much time on your hands Kasey Casey."
"I was told to find something other than business to concentrate on, this is perfect."
"For a fishing boat it is."
"Do you think Sam would like fishing?'
"Do you?"
"No particularly."
"Then he won't."
"Skiing then."
"Absolutely not."
"Then we just go cruising."
"Good, can we go home now?"
"Yes, I just wanted to see it that's all." I patted the seat next to me.
"Sit down for a minute."
"Okay."
"Kasey, you don't know how to drive it, you don't know what you actually want it for, but you can learn to drive it easily. I don't mind if you have a hobby but I can't for the life of me work out why boating?"
"I have always wanted a boat, and a plane, and a jet ski. I like the water."
"Then do it, but no skiing for Sam he will get frightened."
"I won't and when I can handle it on my own, we can go cruising."
"I am looking forward to it." I kissed him and he had a big smile on his face as he drove us home, it was good to be back on land again.
Everyone was home, the kids were in the pool and Kasey grabbed Joey to show him the photos, I rolled my eyes at mum and she giggled.
Trish was on the phone with Jessie and he will start in a few days. Paperwork had been placed in front of Kasey by dad, and then he had to take a look at the boat.
"When do you start training?"
"When the admiral has some free time, he will ring me."
"Can I drive it?" Joey asked.
"You will have to come with me and get your licence." Trish rolled her eyes.
"Great we will have a lot of fun."
"Oh god, we will never see them," I said under my breath to Trish.
"It won't last long Adam."
"Why?'
"Because they will miss our company."
"Best we work on that harder."
"You don't like boating?"
"I don't think so, but to be fair I haven't tried it yet." I grinned.
"I have put the lasagna into the oven son, no sign of Nat today."
"She is really busy mum, but said she will be here tomorrow." Kasey said.
"I worry she's doing too much," I answered him.
"She's fine, it's the kitchen installation she wants to supervise."
"Good, that's important to her."
"Important to our success too."
"I have something for you too Kasey, I have done my homework with a bit of help and made a list of some boutique supermarkets around the area. One in particular seems to be the most popular, Europa. There's a rundown on it's floor area and set up printed off."
"I will look at it later mum. If all's good I will approach them."
Mum must have had her girls onto it, she went to get a folder and passed it to Kase.
My list of "actors" was growing and I have to take time out to see Mick. I needed some sort of list on who is who. I did think I would scout around for some genuine ones maybe at the theatres in town, so I made a mental note to go and see some shows. Dinner was delicious and so was the bottle of wine Kase and I had on our private balcony. No reading tonight because Sam and Billy were on the phone reading to each other.
I knew they wouldn't last long, I had to cancel his call and put the book away then tuck him in, he had fallen asleep.
Kasey almost did the same, he read mums report and then turned the light out, he kissed me and went to sleep. I was still wide awake and was still thinking about actors and gorgeous very grown up brats. I must have dropped off sooner than I thought because I felt great in the morning. I could hear the kids reading again, they were really into the story.
I looked at Kasey who looked at me.
"How did you sleep?"
"Like a log." He smiled.
Then he started kissing my neck, he knows that always gets me going.
We showered and then went to talk to the boys. They promised they would read their books separately and not do it over the phone, but I also got a slight grin from Billy.
"Now meet us downstairs, I will get your breakfast ready."
"Okay daddy."
We walked downstairs and through the kitchen, I could see Joe and Trish were sitting with mum, two boys screamed through the house and headed for her place, they had their books in their hands.
"We were just saying we should go to the cabin on the weekend."
"Done," Kasey said.
"Done?" I looked at him.
"It's pencilled into my diary, two nights at the cabin."
"Well done Mr Kasey."
"We might stay on for a further few days if that's ok?"
"You know it is Trish, honeymoon?"
"Mini one Adam."
The day started with a big breakfast and plenty of coffee. I had an urge to let Susan and Steff know we were going, but I held off wanting to talk to the others before I did. It's no problem but it does get a little crowded.
"Ask them Adam, they love it up there and I can talk to Steff about the docks." Kase said.
"All right I will then. What are you going to do about them?"
"Nothing just go with his plan I wanted to apologise properly I should have had more faith in him."
"What do you know?"
"He's been getting a lot of flack from his family, they have threatened to disown him. So I thought we would make them part of our family, now we trust them."
"So no more orders coming from your office?"
"Not many Adam, I do have confidence in him. He does know what he's doing."
"About time" I kissed him goodbye at the fed building, Trish and I walked on to the salon.
She started to get ready for the day and as the team came in I greeted them one by one. Tim was telling me that he was behind in the wigs and I told him Jessie was starting in the morning and in the meantime, I will help him.
We set up and I looked at my first one. Wicked was on at the Royal so I took wig number two and started stripping it down to a more manageable hunk of hair.
Tim was humming away to himself and I asked how the commander was, he just said.
"Awesome." I think he got some this morning.
"You will tell me if he has any problems, maybe I can fix them for him,"
"No problems Adam, he's got this in the bag, and he's loving it."
"Good, one less worry for me then."
"There's no need Adam, he knows what he's doing and security is his business he's done it for so long."
"Adam, can I ask you something?"
"Yes, of course."
"There's a rumour going around that you will be casting the Adele movie soon, is that right?"
"I guess I can't keep it a secret anymore Tim, but keep what I tell you confidential please. Yes, we are casting the movie and I get the last say with who plays who."
"Okay, it's just that I was talking to one of the actors in Wicked and he said he heard the rumour and wanted to know when casting day was. The show ends in a couple of months and hes looking for more work."
"Get his number and when I know he will know, what part does he play in the show?"
"He's the leading man's understudy but hasn't had the chance to tread the boards yet. He's done some acting and graduated with honours, but no one has given him a chance."
He pulled his phone out of his pocket and showed me a photo. Bingo.
"How tall is he?'
"My height, about six foot." I think I just found my Fred Banks the younger, he was perfect and he did have dad's bone structure.
"Tell him to send his CV in here to me. If there aren't any major roles there certainly will be work for him somewhere in the movie. What's his name?"
"Tony Easton."
"Good stage name is he nice?"
"Yes Adam all my friends are nice."
"So he's a friend."
"Yes." He laughed.
I was happy to interview him and look at his work it's a shame he hasn't done any of the musical as yet I would have gone to watch him.
"Adam when he gets to go on stage I will let you know, usually they let the understudy do a few shows before it ends."
"Done, I would like to go anyway."
"You will love it, and thank you."
The do wasn't hard, the wigs were here for a complete overhaul they get a little flat after spending time under the hot lights.
I worked away for the next hour or two then I noticed the box was empty and ten beautiful do's sat on their polystyrene headstands.
"A job well done."
"On to the next box, Jersey boys but there's not a lot Adam if you want to go and have lunch with Kasey." He smiled.
"Thank you," I sent a text to Kase and no he hadn't eaten he wanted a salad roll today.
Over the road I went and then I walked into the fed building.
No Evans today and Kase had Mick in his office, he had a stack of paperwork in his hands and I figured that it had something to do with the movie.
"Hi Adam, how are you?"
"Fine thanks Mick, anything you want me to look at like a list of players?"
He shuffled his paperwork and handed me a list. I looked it over, it wasn't big except for the crowd scene.
Some names had been pencilled in like Glorias and dads, I noticed mine had appeared as her hairdresser and Joey as the pool boy, gardener and chauffeur. I was pleased he got a spot.
"I was just talking to Tim he knows the understudy for Wicked's leading man, and has asked me if any roles come up would we consider him."
"What's he like?" Mick asked.
"Perfect, a lot better than Mitchell."
"I'm sure Mitchell will get a minor role, you will have to get me the guy's CV."
"I can do better than that, he will be playing the part sometime soon so Tim will get us a few tickets for the matinee. You can come and watch him work yourself."
"Good, if he's gifted we will hire him, what about the general has anyone talked him into it yet?"
"No, I will tackle him slowly he will do it, but it will take time."
"I can blackmail him into it as a thank you for the apartment," Kasey said.
"Leave it to me, Lieutenant,"
"I get your point," I can't order the general around but you can."
"Anything else?"
"Here's a write-up on what it's all about, but please don't share it around Adam."
"I won't." He handed me more paperwork.
"The script has been started but not in any fit state for you to read yet."
"So you are hiding it from me." It wasn't a question.
Kasey looked at Mick and nodded.
"Adam, you will be in it, and you will be narrating it, when required. The movie is about Adele and Fred and their rise to Brisbane society, but we need someone to tell the story. As far as we know you will have three scenes and about four pages of dialogue. We want this movie to be much the same as the series but the whole story, it's going to be hard to cram it all in, so we are rewriting it to a simpler version."
"Don't scrimp Mick. her whole story has to be told."
"It will be, but we will have to work on it. I don't want to make it so people don't understand it and it jumps all over the place. The most important thing is her life with Fred and the fashion world. Then their lives together, him continuing to build Brisbane landmarks and her charities and fundraisers."
"Okay, sounds good to me. We don't mention Johnny?"
"Only as a toddler maybe a teen but not the latter Johnny, we will mention his death."
"Is Gloria going to get hounded?"
"No she won't be billed as trans, no mention of her personal life will appear. she will be Adele's secretary and personal maid."
"Right when does it start filming?"
"Already started, Chloe is already in the mood to be Adele so we have been shooting some scenes she is in."
"We had better get onto this actor guy then and I had better start having lunch with dad." I smiled.
"That's what we want." Kasey smiled.
"Consider it done, anyone else?"
"Not for the moment we did consider placing Mitchell into it as an office boy and maybe, just maybe, Aunty Mary as Adele's mum."
"Aunty Mary, will she have lines?"
"Only one Adam, it's right at the start, at the engagement party, and her look is perfect, but that's it for now."
"But will she do it?"
"That's up to you, tag along with Chloe on her next visit."
"I will ring her. She will be so blessed." I chuckled.
"She will have to come in for a screen test but when I saw her at the wedding I thought she would be perfect."
"I will look at the list maybe we had better hire more seasoned actors in some cases. And that reminds me, Joey's roles. I thought you were playing the chauffeur Kasey." He sunk back into his chair.
"I have bowed out."
"I won't have that, you will be in this movie and that's final."
"Thank you, it isn't hard to convince people is it Kasey?" Mick laughed and then he left me with my red-faced man.
"Can I have lunch now?"
"Eat up my friend."
He grabbed the two salad rolls and started unwrapping them.
"Have you stitched me up again?"
"No Adam, I always thought you would be the best at convincing dad to take on the role, and Aunty Mary was a tease, we want mum," He put his arms over his face in case I hit him.
"Perfect."
Someone else I have to work on.
When we stopped kissing Evans came back and Kasey wanted to talk to him about something, so I took myself up to Steff's office and leaned in his doorway.
"Cabin weekend coming up Steff, Saturday through to Monday. This is your invitation."
"Great, I will ring Susan now, thank you Tick won't stop talking about it," He looked relaxed and happy to be able to get away. I winked at mum and couldn't help myself.
"Adele's mum, one line a cameo at the beginning of the movie. The young Chloe is your daughter." She stood and stared at me for some time, then said.
"As long as I am not betrayed as an elderly lady."
"Done mum, she would have been in her early forties back then."
"Good, how much?"
"A lot."
I walked back to Kasey's office and said.
"One down and one to go."
"Who?"
"Mum is in, dad I will work on at the weekend.
Of course he was happy because he get's friends to work for a lot less than a seasoned actor.
I told Mick on my way out, hugged mum and left for work feeling very happy with myself.
The first thing I did was pencil mum's name into the players list.
"You look happy Adam, what's up?"
"Just doing a bit of movie work, mum has decided to do a cameo for us."
"She will look good Adam."
"So will Joey, he's the gardener and pool boy."
"Really?"
"He doesn't know yet but we will tell him on the weekend."
I know Trish will text him as soon as my back is turned. And that's why Joey burst into the salon and let the cat out of the bag.
"He put me in the movie?" He yelled at me.
"Yes, you're playing a deaf and dumb guy in the background." I laughed at his shocked face, but inside I knew Joey would be happy to do any role.
That night he was all over Kasey and he got a rundown of his character from me. There were a few short lines and Joey will look so dreamy on screen, and so will my Kasey.
I sat next to dad and listened to mums take on why she had said yes. She was helping the family and she needed a bit of excitement in her life. He looked at me and asked me if Fred Banks had been cast yet. I told him no it's a hard role to cast.
"I'll do it then, if your mother can do it, then so can I." I looked at Kasey and said.
"See it wasn't that hard was it?" He started laughing so much he had to go inside to get distracted.
"You both will be perfect, the older Fred does have some lines but they aren't long ones, the main character will be Chloe and she will have the most lines, and me of course."
"Who are you playing?" Joey asked.
"Her friend and the narrator."
"Do you think you can get Mick to write more for me?"
"No." End of conversation.
When I looked at Trish she was about to burst out laughing, but she was too quick for me.
"Don't think about putting me in that bloody movie Adam, I definitely won't be doing it."
"I won't."
The boys had to have their dinner, they had been sitting quietly reading after their swim, so little time so much to do. Natalie had been here and left a big pot of bolognese sauce, all I had to do was the spaghetti.
I went inside and Kasey was again reading something on the bench, so I filled the pot with water and started cooking.
"What are you reading?"
"Boating rules Adam, it's pretty easy and not unlike the road rules."
"Keep to the left and all that?"
"Yes basically. Dad caved in quickly."
"He did, I was prepared for an argument. But I knew if mum did it he would too, He can't let her get away with being in the spotlight without him."
"Do you think you will like narrating?"
"I think so Kasey, I would like to practice first so I need something to read."
"I will get Mick onto it, it will be a story about Adele, will you cope?"
"Yes, for her I will do it, this has to be perfect."
"It does." He grinned.
"Okay help me with the bowls" He put his book down and started taking stuff out to the back table. The boys were fed first then they all dived in, Nat's food is just the best.
The days went by and finally, we were in the car heading for the cabin. We stopped at KFC on the way and bought enough for all our lunches. Sam was the first out of the car and he stood there waiting for Billy to turn up. I could hear the kids next door playing so he was eager to get on with his exploring.
Kasey turned the utilities on and I put the food in the oven. I had grabbed a leg and was chewing on it when mum came over and grabbed another one, I guess everyone's hungry. The kids had run off next door to give the boys their treats and we sat at the table to eat. Steff and his family turned up just as Trish and Joey did. There was plenty for everyone and Susan looked smashing as usual.
Little Tick looked around for the boys but they hadn't turned up yet. I grabbed him and carried him over to June's place, he struggled to get down when he saw them all. After saying hi to her I reminded her it was pizzas tonight and she told me that Kasey hardly rings her now. I felt good when I walked back, and surprise surprise Eva and little Casey were there. I didn't get a nurse because Trish had bubs so I waited as I kissed my dear friend and took another piece of chicken.
"He will be fine, the boys know they have to look out for him."
"I will yield to your wisdom Adam." Susan smiled.
"Kasey bought a boat."
"What?" Steff looked at me.
"Well he's leased it, he has to learn how to drive it yet."
"I can teach you Kasey, it doesn't take much to get the license."
"Good because the admiral is taking his time."
"Tuesday morning we can take it out if that suits you."
"It certainly does."
"Eva how are the rentals coming along?"
"Full up Adam, for the next three months." She grinned.
"When is Wilson retiring?"
"Four weeks, then he's free to do what he wants, but they want him to consult so he has signed yet another contract."
"Good, extra cash."
"He only said yes because he can get stuff done for free, and if he hears anything about land sales or such, he will let Kasey know first."
"He's a good man." Kasey smiled.
"Trish I have some ladies coming in tomorrow for sets, are you available to help?"
"That's what I'm here for, what time?"
"Eleven, there's a local dance tomorrow night in town they want to look their best."
"Are you going to it?"
"No, too much to do, but I think a couple of our guests are going."
"You need to get more involved in the town Eva." I put my ten cents worth in.
"I am, I had my first mothers group meeting a couple of days ago, new mothers all getting together. They are a great bunch of ladies and we had fun. And before you all ask, yes, I still miss the city and the salon."
"It misses you also." I smiled and took her hand.
"Now, Anne's gossip. How is she coming along with her new man?"
"They are visiting his mum this weekend so I will have updates on Tuesday. He's a very nice young man, and did you hear Mitchell has turned up finally?"
"Yes, I hope she doesn't fall for it again."
"She won't, she realises he wasn't all that committed anyway."
"Thank God."
Susan was sitting there smiling, I think she likes salon gossip.
"She's a lovely girl Adam, deserves better."
I showed her the photos of Mitchell and she swooned.
"I see what you mean, he's bloody gorgeous." Steff glared at her.
"In his teenage way." She added.
"That's better. He said.
"I will get mumbles settled, be back." She took her bubs into the bedroom and I guessed he mumbles a lot, so I didn't have to ask.
I could hear the kids playing in the gully, Tick's squeals were the loudest and after Kasey and Steff talked he got up and went to find them. Joey, dad, and Kasey followed.
"He hasn't stopped looking in the mirror since you told him."
"No, you told him Trish, so you deserve what's coming your way." She ignored me.
"I even had to film him, so he could see how he looked on camera."
"I bet he looked adorable."
"He did actually."
"What's this about?" Eva asked.
"Joey's been cast in the movie."
"He will look good, what part?"
"The gardener, pool boy not many lines just background stuff."
"I play the mother." Mum leaned in and informed us.
"Great you were born for that part."
"Was I? I meant the younger mother."
"Sorry Mrs Sutton." Eva laughed.
Susan had put Mumbles down for a nap and little Casey was well and truly asleep on Trisha's lap, so no joy for me for the next hour or two.
Wilson arrived and headed for the gully to find the boys. His jeans and t-shirt screamed relaxed country boy. I am going to lose both of them if I'm not careful. I cleaned up and the wine was opened I had the opportunity to talk to Susan when the rest of them moved off to find the men.
"Is Steff happy baby?"
"He's more than happy Adam, he's got more time for us, he said Kasey had insisted on him only working nine to five, but I believe everything he had to do is done. Now he's working on sussing out the big companies that might use it."
"How is his family?"
"Still making noises, I will be glad to see the back of them."
"I am guessing they have an office here."
"Yes they do, and most of the noise comes from the two cousins that run it."
"I will see what I can do then."
"There's nothing you can do Adam, it's the family they will always resent me and Steff for leaving. Me the most because they think I put him up to it."
"You didn't did you?"
"No, I only planted the seed, he did all the growing."
"He loves you."
"He does, and I love him. But he has doubts sometimes. Mainly if he's done the right thing."
"He has for his family, why would he doubt that?"
"They are a powerful company Adam, anything could happen."
"We will see about that."
"What do you mean?"
"They may be powerful but I have an ace or two up my sleeve."
"And what's that supposed to mean?"
"I have the full backing of the Australian military behind me, and I will talk to dad through the week."
"Don't make trouble Adam, I couldn't stand another argument with his mother."
"She will be the first on my list." I grinned.
I think a visit from the military is in order, just to see if their operations in Australia are legit.
"Now, mumbles?"
She laughed.
"Tick's real name is George, his brother is James, his brother mumbles in his sleep, so he gets that until he is a little older."
"Australian names I think."
"Their second names are Italian, we thought if we give them Aussie names business will go well for them. Another thorn in his mum's side, the names are from my brothers and father."
"You do like to live on the edge."
"I do, but to be honest. I like a little spice in my life."
The kids came screaming by, they all kissed us both, then ran inside, it was TV time.
The men opened beers and started talking business.
"What are you doing Tuesday Adam, feel like some cousin visiting?"
"Certainly my lovely lady, I'll bring my team and baseball bats."
She screamed laughing, Tick started to cry so Steff picked him up.
"It's okay baby, mummies happy that's all." He said to him, he's a good daddy and Tick did calm down, and his mummy is so evil.
Mum and I took the pizza orders and Kasey made Joey pay for them this time, there won't be much left of his acting wages.
Everyone was there for dinner and the boys will be having a sleepover. Billy and Sam had packed their books but I didn't see either of them open them up.
The next morning Kasey wanted to lay in. He reminded me that he has a weekend pencilled in for us to come here, this time it will only be the three of us, he won't leave Sam home alone.
"He won't be alone he can sleep over at mums."
"We didn't bring him the last time and I still feel guilty."
"You had a reason, but if he does come then Billy has to come also."
"Then your mum will want come,"
"He stays home, just for a night."
"I will help Eva today, there's nothing to do except go out to the farm."
"They are doing that tomorrow, and I want to talk to Steff about driving boats."
"Good, I will feel safer if he teaches you, the admiral knows ships and it's certainly not a ship."
"Point taken."
"Do you want to play with me now?"
"Oh yes."
The kids were in the gully, the men were having a meeting and Trish and I manned the salon with mum and Susan supervising. She got a lot of compliments from the half dozen clients we had in, and she lapped it up as she handed champagne around and acting like the star she was. Her bubs and Evas were sleeping in the garage and Wilson was with the boys. The ladies were pure country and the social dance was old fashioned so there will be no noisy loud music for any teenager that wants to go to it. We all got invites and we were extra careful with their do's. They looked wonderful when they left and we all cleaned up. Susan had to feed Mumbles and mum went looking for Billy.
Kasey was talking about future investments, he had heard there was some land for sale up the river, a little bit out of town but it would make a great canal village.
"We can divert the water and make canals for waterside living. It's just a thought we will see how the current build goes."
"Has any of the units been sold yet?" Steff asked.
"There's one with a view that has your name on it, and the rest will be offered to the market soon to avoid taxes. They should sell quickly, the big buildings at the back will be sold off the plan."
"Okay guys enough talk about business, Kasey give me a hand with putting dinner together."
"What are we having?" Joey said.
"Casseroles." I heard a groan and turned around he had his sad face on.
"Pizza it is."
"By the way, does mum and Joe have to join any actors union?" I looked at Kasey.
"They used to have to be members of actors equity but now all they have to do is prove they have done a course. The courses vary from two weeks to three years I believe. And by the way Adam."
"Yes?"
"You will have to do it too."
"I already have."
When I did the Being Adele Banks documentary I did the two-week course, that should be enough.
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