Adam 62
Maxieplus
The weekend came too soon, and we were on the road Friday afternoon, we stopped for treats and Sam had to take his photo with him to show his friends, Trish and Joe will follow later on. I turned the hot water on and Kasey started placing food into the fridge. He then set his computer up and Sam found the remote control, we are back in our second home again.
I placed the KFC in the oven and then I walked out to the salon. Collecting three notes I went about ringing the inquiries telling them we are open Saturday and Sunday, just to come in and we will do their hair. I didn't have anything to clean up so I went back inside. Four kids were sitting watching tv and the chicken smelt delicious as they went through a large bucket, with chips. Kasey had a few on a plate and I grabbed a couple then I sat with him.
"What are you working on now?"
"Just the Adele museum stuff, I thought I would get it out of the way first."
"What stuff?"
"The problem Trish has with Chloe, I have been thinking Adam."
"And?"
"Well what about a one-hour special with Chloe acting the part and narrating, a documentary on her life, then she can do a few follow-up shows on each room. I think Jimmy's idea is great I have seen it done at the museum. More information on the room can be on constant replay on IPads outside each room, Chloe can also do that."
"I see, it sounds very much like an idea I had the other day."
"Yes I pinched it, you do talk in your sleep Adam."
"I do not, and stop that I don't need any more insecurities."
"Sorry." He kissed me.
"So how do you approach it?"
"We approach Jimmy again, he must know someone in the industry that could make a documentary, or we film it ourselves. Trish and you can do her up, I can write a sort of script and we film it in the museum itself. She can do a short speech about Adele's life and then go through the entire collection, the only thing she will have to do is remember what she's talking about."
"I don't know, it will be a stop-start sort of production while she learns the words."
"Yes but she has to learn to be Adele first, think like Adele, and to do this we will get her to read everything we have with Adele's signature on it. And Adam you will have to be involved, you will be talking to her about your friend because only Jimmy and you know the real Adele."
"It will take her months."
"Then we will do it in sections and film one scene at a time that will keep her in work for the good part of six months."
"I want it to happen faster but will I have the time?"
"We talk to the museum and they hire Chloe as a tour guide, she can learn on the job." I thought about it and wondered if she would be eager to join our business, a good talk with Joe will confirm everything.
"She will probably move in with Trish and Joe. That could be interesting."
"I have thought about that also Adam, I will suggest she only works three days then she can either drive home or stay overnight with them. If that's too much for Trish then two days. Whatever we do it's her call."
"It's going to be big Kase a production company who would have thought."
"That brings me back to how you feel about it?"
"I will be fine Kase, it's not so upsetting to think about her now."
"No, I was talking about you heading up the production company."
"I do hair not produce films."
"You could, I think you would be perfect." He grinned, and he was passing the buck so to speak.
"We will ask Jimmy if he has more insight into filming and stuff Kase."
"Okay, then you miss out on being famous throughout the world."
"I'm already famous for my style Kase, I don't need more famous."
"Well we think some more on it then, but don't lose sight of why we are doing this Adam. To give Chloe some work and if I may say, to push her closer to her brother, that has to be fixed."
"I agree."
Trish and Joe arrived around four, the kids were playing in their cubby house and will be in soon, the sun is going down and it will get chilly.
Another bucket of chicken was produced and we ate some more.
"Do you have any more ideas on this Adele thing Trish?"
"Yes, actually I have Kasey. We almost hit on it last week. We start with the title, Being Adele Banks." She smiled, this will be interesting.
"What do you mean?" I inquired.
"Well, I am glad you asked my dear stylist friend. Opening montage for every episode. In the salon getting made up, at the museum getting dressed, Chloe reading Adeles letters touching her jewellry, and that will be the introduction to the yet-to-be-determined five episodes of Chloe, Being Adele Banks. She's not Adele, she's playing a museum employee that wants to be Adele."
"You have just described the opening," Joe said.
"That's my idea." She smiled.
"Is that all you have Trish?" Kasey said.
"Of course not." She giggled.
"Episode one. The contracts, the first photo shoots the designers the late nights the catwalks, Milan Paris London."
"Second episode, the fifties, the sixties, and then the seventies."
"I see so we do a documentary maybe five to ten parts," Kasey asked.
"Yes, to start it off we have to hire Chloe so she lives and breathes Adele, even does tours at the museum. We can slip in an extra tour just for her, no customers. Kasey, there are some big-name designers and we will probably need permission to use their names, that's where you come in, all the legal stuff. Adam, you must be the director and I will be the co-producer. I will be there when things go wrong." She smiled.
"I will be the bouncer." Joe sat up.
"We need you, Joe. What you have to do is fix it with Chloe you are not her enemy you're her much loved brother." She smiled.
"We have the beginnings of a great adventure here the ideas are endless." Kase once again was excited.
"I did touch on a moment when Johnny went off to war and I thought you would be perfect for that cameo role Kasey, so we keep his uniform, not donate it."
"Trish you have to nut out each episode we need a final plan."
"I will work on it, and in the meantime, we get Chloe started on working at the museum, who is going to tell her?"
"You and Joe," I said eagerly.
"I will also work with Kasey, or even better Mick Kasey Jimmy, and Adam. Sorry, Joe but you didn't know Adele, I did because of the salon. We need Mick for his typing skills and Kasey for his brain Adam we definitely need you for your memories and Jimmy hopefully can fill in the gaps."
I had to have a drink this is overwhelming and Trish has done more than think about it shes almost wrote the whole thing.
"First off we have to sort out the episodes, then the content."
"You're loving this aren't you?" I smiled at her.
"Yes." She giggled. Joe kissed her deeply and thanked her.
"It's not set in concrete yet baby, we have to get Chloe on our side."
"We invite her for pizza night tomorrow then." He said.
I was excited inside but I was worried that Jimmy would not approve and put the breaks on it all, especially the Johnny episode.
"Adam do you have one of your coffee table books for Chloe to look at here?"
"Yes, I was going to leave a copy in the cabin, a sort of tribute from me."
"Good."
We almost spent the rest of the night thinking up names for the episodes and did very well. Trish and I, with Kasey, will expand it from there. The next problem is Chloe will she go for it?
Firstly an invitation for pizza tomorrow night, we can give her the outline of what we want to do.
"Budget?" Kasey said.
"No budget, art house kind of filming with handheld camcorders, stuff like that. We record Chloe being Adele." I said.
"When do we start?" Trish asked.
"Tomorrow night." I offered.
"From the concept," Kasey said.
Sam and his mates were tired and all of us being around is keeping them awake, so we moved down to the chill area. The boys will drop off and we all kissed them good night before we left.
At one am I pulled the plug we had so much information written down it was enough to sink a ship. I kissed my friends good night and we checked the kids then Kasey and I went to bed.
He wanted sex I wanted to sleep because we will be opening early and I need my rest.
He gave up after ten minutes and held me while I drifted off.
I was up early and felt like I had a hangover but in reality, I was sleep deprived. I made coffee and as the boys woke up they got milo, Kasey appeared and helped me do that while I showered.
I picked Trish up on the way and opened the salon. We started with a perm and a root touch-up, and the day went on from there. It wasn't busy thank god the worst of it is over so we had more time for chatter and banter with the locals. They all wanted to know how Trish was going with Joe and they got honest answers from both of us.
Now Trish is more comfortable with it all she had no real reason to hide it all away.
She took her phone out at lunchtime we had a lull and the boys made the normal sandwiches, she called Chloe.
"Pizza and wine night tonight Chloe we will see you at six."
"No, this is important I need to see you, the nightclubs will still be there next week."
"I'm sorry to hear that Chloe, I thought we might discuss something important to you." She was losing the battle so Joe grabbed the phone from her.
"Little sister, it's your big brother here. Please come for pizza and wine we need your advice on something and it can't wait."
"I know baby, but this is something I think you would be very interested in. Can you do this one thing for me?"
"Okay kiddo, we will see you at six, I love you."
He hung up and looked at us.
"What?"
"See that was easy, wasn't it?" Trish giggled.
"I don't hate her. I just don't like the way she is at the moment, but I always found some sweet talking from me gets better results."
"Keep it up, we need her." I laughed and beckoned another lady to sit down.
I looked at the parking area around one and it was empty except for a vintage Mustang convertible sitting there, Kasey and Joe were talking to the driver and looking at the vehicle. Jimmy has finally arrived and he has brought his lovely car for a spin.
I walked out and said.
"Wow."
"Something I have had for years, you don't see it in the garage it has its own lock-up space." He kissed my cheek and I looked through the magnificent car.
Kasey was behind the wheel with a smile as big as his face.
"You can take it for a spin if you like, just watch the gravel she's a mean wheel spinner."
"Really?"
"Yes, really Kasey it likes to be driven hard." Kasey started it up and he and Joe motored off, I hope they keep their pants on.
"Follow me, my friend," I said to Jimmy.
Trish waved and was awaiting her next client I had some time unless a blow-in comes by. I took Jimmy into the cabin and he stood there and stared, it's been a long time since he has been here I guess it will be a shock to his senses.
"It's beautiful." He whispered.
"It always was, and still is we only pushed it out a little, nothing has been changed much."
"I miss being here but only for two reasons and you can guess who they were."
He looked in the bedrooms and bathroom, there were no tears just quietness. I could hear the kids playing in the gully so I took his hand and said.
"Follow me."
He didn't `wow', he stayed silent as I took him down to our new place. He was amazed and stood at the windows watching the kids play in their hut.
"It is so beautiful here, I would like to come one day on my own and take some photos if I may?"
"You sure can, I will get Kasey to show you how to dim the windows at night."
"You can do that?"
"Yes he's put modern gizmos into this part, and the cabin stays the way it is."
I put the coffee on and told him to go for walk, he can grab Sam on the way he's the official tour guide. It wasn't that I wanted to get rid of him it was all for Sam, and he knew that.
"Uncle Jimmy." He screamed and fell out of the hut to get a hug.
They talked and he introduced him to his friends who grabbed his hands and pulled him toward the chill area. He looked back at a laughing me and rolled his eyes.
I know he was joking he was enjoying his visit.
I heard the guttural noise of the car pulling in, then it drove off again as Kasey came inside.
"He's taking Trish for a drive, she's locked up the salon." He kissed me deeply and I played in his jeans for a bit, tonight's the night, and I will make sure it's an early one.
"We better not Adam, there are cameras everywhere."
"What?"
"Joe and I stuck our phones around this room, we wanted to test the angles. We need to record Chloe's reaction to the news and now Jimmy is here, can we at least talk him into staying the night?"
"I guess so but I don't know if he will or not."
"We can try, saves us going through it with him again. Where is he by the way?"
"Out getting the grand tour." He kissed me again then shot off to catch up with him.
So I guess a quickie was out of the question. I looked up and sure enough, I found three phones that were recording every movement, they had included Sam's silver one.
Coffee and biscuits were at the ready as Joe and Trish came back, the boys dragged Jimmy inside to maybe watch something with them, they were all begging him to camp out with them tonight but he was resisting.
"We have wine and pizza tonight, old-fashioned pizza too."
"I will think about it, maybe I will stay and eat, I love pizza." He smiled.
Joe and Trish hugged him and we all sat at the table then we heard it.
"Chloe, it's aunty Chloe," Sam screamed and ran upstairs and when I looked there she was standing at the door.
"What took her so long, I thought she would have been here ages ago." Joe laughed.
"Well when we have informed her of what we want to do she won't be going to the clubs, I can assure you." Trish giggled Jimmy was interested.
"Just sit and listen and if you don't agree with our proposal just say so."
"Sounds like a plan I suppose Adam, any more chocolate biscuits?"
"Coming up kind sir."
Chloe looked lovely and now when I look at her in real life, yes she's a dead ringer for my Adele.
"So what is this important meeting about, I couldn't wait for tonight, I am a busy girl."
"Not as busy as your going to be sis," Joe said and smiled.
"What have you done?"
"I got you a job, well Trish got you a job."
"I don't need a job, Joe. But I need a straight answer, stop dicking me around will you." She had Sam by her side and was stroking his head, I'm sure she's getting around to kissing him hello.
Whoops, she knelt and gave him one and a big hug, he then skipped back to his friends.
"Please sit down Chloe, this is Jimmy a very good friend of ours, it was him and his man who built the cabin."
"Pleased to meet you, Jimmy. Do you know why I'm here?"
"I'm sorry kiddo, I can't get over how much you look like her."
"Who?"
"Adele Banks, my friend."
"Thank you. Trish tell me or I won't be your friend anymore."
"How would you like to make a movie, you will get star billing?"
There was silence in the room, the kids were only interested in their program, you could hear a pin drop if it wasn't for the volume.
She eventually said.
"A movie?"
"Yes a movie, we are making a movie about a famous model, you have heard about the Adele Banks museum haven't you?'
"Yes mum wants to take me there one day, I'm looking forward to seeing it but it's hard to get tickets."
"Well we will be showing you through it and mum can come along. Chloe, you are the spitting image of Adele, we want to make a documentary about her life and we would like you to play Adele."
Trish took her hand.
"You want me?"
"Yes it can only be you, we need you and I promise if it's too much for you we will cancel our plans." I went upstairs and got the coffee table book then as she was protesting to Joe, I slipped it in front of her.
"You had something to do with this, are you setting me up to make a fool of myself?"
"No, I want you to do this for our friends. I think you will enjoy it and you will be perfect for the main role."
"Look at the cover Chloe and tell me you don't look like our Adele," I said.
She looked twice and I knew she had seen herself, the only thing she said was.
"That dress those jewels, was she rich?"
"Yes very wealthy, and if you say yes to our proposal you get to wear some awesome gowns and jewelry." I pushed her.
She flicked through the pages and I could see the excitement building on her face, there were tears but they were happy ones.
"So what do you want me to do?" She looked at me.
"We want you to play the leading role in a documentary called `Being Adele Banks.'
You will read everything you can about her life, you will know her back to front by talking to the ones that knew her, me and Jimmy and we will get you a tour guide job at the museum a few days a week so you can consume her life. Trish and I will transform you into being Adele, and we shoot the whole thing for maybe eight episodes of you talking about her life. Or your life, because you will be her. You will be wearing some awesome vintage one-off frocks and jewels, as you transform into a famous model whose working life spanned four decades."
"So you want me to be this lady?" She pointed to a photo of Adele.
"Yes."
"But I have no experience."
"You will do fine, I saw a couple of shows you did at school you were outstanding."
"You came?"
"Of course I did, dad and I sat up the back and watched you, it was amazing."
"I thought you and dad wouldn't dream of being there."
"Not the case sister, we were dying to watch those shows we just never told you, we didn't want to embarrass you."
"What do you think Trish?"
"You know the answer to that, we are going to have so much fun. You can stay with us while you work those few days, we can get the ladies around and have girly nights." She giggled.
"When are you starting?'
"We already have, camera, camera, camera." I pointed them out she squealed.
"Yes, I will do it, how awesome."
I leaned over and said to Jimmy.
"Is that what you had in mind?"
"Yes, perfect Adam and thank you all at long last." I thought he might have thought about it, but he needed a push.
"I have a suggestion though."
"Yes, anything you say is good with us."
"Do Chloe's transformation as an amateur production, like your doing now. When she transforms into Adele which will be mainly done at the museum, hire a film crew to make it more professional, that way you will have star contrast along with the human side. The museum will use the professional footage for the tours and talks."
"Does everybody agree?" I said.
We all said yes.
"Do it through the trust Kasey, everything has to be copyrighted to it." He grinned then winked.
"Perfect boss, already working on it." Kasey laughed and winked back.
They watched what had been taped and Trish opened the wine, Chloe was full of questions and her first task was to read the coffee table book. We will take her on a tour as soon as possible. The nightclub was all forgotten as Joe took her for a walk into Sam's playground.
"That went very well," Trish said.
"More than I thought it would."
"Have some faith Adam, she will do good," Kasey said as he tapped away at his laptop.
"How do you like your pizzas Jimmy?"
"Soon, I'm getting hungry." He laughed and the kids stirred, I had better get onto ordering them.
He said he will stay the night but no camping, he will stay in Sam's room if we didn't mind. Before it got dark he parked his car nearer to the cabin and put a cover on it, this is the old-fashioned way to do it he explained to Sam.
We found out that Johnny had bought the car for him for Christmas one year, he didn't have the heart to sell it, so he enjoyed it instead. Naturally, Kasey was looking them up on the internet.
By the time Joe and Chloe got back the pizzas had arrived, she had been crying and he was smiling. I guess they had a good talk.
They fought over which pizzas they ordered then the laughing started and they ribbed each about who can eat the most. I figured this was something they used to do a few years ago. She thanked us all and then left to go back home, my book was tucked firmly under her armpit. She made a fuss over Sam and the boys and let the cat out of the bag by saying she will see him at the farm tomorrow. He immediately looked at Joe who winked at him. He will take Sam to the farm to see the animals which will distract him for half a day.
Jimmy talked for some time and he was very happy something will be done in his lifetime, and we told him we were pleased to do it for him. I was tired and Joe and Trish had already gone to bed. The trundle bed had been made up and Jim retired. Kasey steered me to the bedroom and I kissed our son goodnight, they had all dropped off to sleep.
"She will do well Adam, the ideas are running around in my head and I have written a sort of script. I think most of it should be unscripted."
"Why?"
"To make it more realistic and natural not rehearsed."
I snuggled in and he shook me.
"Kase I'm sorry but late night last night and nearly midnight tonight I'm so tired. I thought we came up here to relax."
He kissed my head and pulled me closer, if he wants a nookie he can ask Joey at the farm tomorrow. I slept well and was woken by the kids again. Jimmy was sitting at the table when I arrived, he was smiling at himself. I said my good mornings to everyone, took a coffee into Kasey who moaned then I sat with Jim.
"I had the best sleep ever Adam, my God this place is so quiet and peaceful."
"That's the way I feel about it also, I always sleep better here."
"Well, I will be off shortly. I need to get back to town, and thank you."
"Our pleasure Jimmy, you come here anytime you want."
"I will do that, when are you going to shift the salon to once a month?"
"After today, we have to do it otherwise I won't get any time to myself. I won't need Trish but I'm sure she will be here anyway."
"Good, I think if you keep up the every weekend thing you will make a rod for your own back, you dictate the hours, and people will work in with you."
He got up and kissed my cheek thanking me again then he did the boys, he was leaving and I was disappointed but glad in a way. Apart from last night, we didn't have much time to talk about the cabin.
He spoke to Joe and Trish on the way out and poked his head in the bedroom to say well done to Kasey, god knows what he was up to in there.
The car burst into life and he waved as he drove off. I went back inside and showered, then kissed everyone goodbye, Kasey had dressed and was getting ready to go to the farm. The boys had to go home, they have chores and homework to do. They have been to the farm before many times, June is friendly with Joe's mum so she often goes there for coffee.
Sam was excited and Kasey had showered with him, I didn't see this because I grabbed Trish and we opened for business.
"There's not many bookings, what happened?"
"I have no idea, I guess it's settling down a bit."
"That's good gives us time to settle into once a month then, or twice."
"That will depend on the bookings." She had her phone in hand and started looking at the salon's page.
"Oh my God." She gasped.
"What's up."
"Listen to this,"
"Special request, if possible stay away from the salon today. I need my lady to come to the farm with me. Adam will be working on his own." It was signed by Joe.
"What the fuck I can't leave you on your own."
"Of course, you can go and have some fun you won't be long."
"But he can't do that to me, I'm your business partner. I'm here to work."
"The town has taken notice of him, hence the lack of bookings." I smiled. I didn't mind at all Trish had covered for me many times and I can work through what we have. I don't mind if I'm busy, I kind of feed off it.
Joe poked his head in and said.
"How are the bookings?"
"Down thanks to you." Trish placed her hands on her hips.
"Good, Adam do you mind?"
"Of course not, go on nick off Trish, you are in my way."
She giggled and said she will be back in two hours. I doubt it will be two maybe three then Sam will need a nap probably, he will be tuckered out.
She waved as they started leaving, Kasey came in and kissed me.
"Tonight okay?"
"Tonight I promise, fuck I'm horny."
"I might stay home."
"And disappoint our son, no way we get it all on tonight." I smiled then a lady walked in to have some roots done.
"Off to the farm I hear."
"Yes, he sprung it on us this morning, I hope I don't get too busy." I giggled.
"You will be fine Adam, he's just excited he has a new woman in his life and he needs to share it around."
"That he is and she is a wonderful woman, I think she's going to be good for him."
"Well his mum thinks so, I work at the dairy and have coffee with her sometimes, she's very happy with his situation."
"That is great to hear Mary, I think he is moving in with her soon."
She grabbed her phone and I laughed, she couldn't wait to tell her fellow community.
I worked the next two hours and nothing was too much for me, a young lady arrived for a split-end trim and good wash, she was a walk-in. She had a hot date tonight, I started doing blonde tips with the cap and stuck the client under the dryer for a half hour while I did a little kid's hair. Everything fell into place for me.
I heard his screaming before I saw him, he ran into the salon and straight into my legs as he grabbed them. I was up to my neck in blonde tips which I had to cut, but a very nice lady took my brush and said.
"Go welcome your family Adam, I got this. Now, what style would you like?" Trish took over my lady and I made a coffee then took Sam out to the table to talk. Kasey was smiling and I knew it won't be tonight that we make love it will be pretty soon.
Chloe arrived five minutes later she wanted to ask me if she could hold onto the book and I told her she can keep it. She also said she was on the internet most of the night there was a lot written about Adele and she read it all.
Sam was standing quietly at the ready so I looked at him and said.
"Now tell me." I loved listening to his excited conversation.
Chloe was a little pissed off Jimmy had left, she had questions for him.
"We can ask him tomorrow night lovely," Trish said, she had finished her client and now it is time for a glass of wine.
"You are coming for a sleepover aren't you?" She almost squealed with joy then Sam said.
"You can sleep in my bed aunty Chloe." She kissed him and then placed him on her knees.
"Did you enjoy your horse ride?"
"Yep, it was the best ride ever."
"Good because we will do it again sometime."
"I am going to teach him how to ride." She smiled.
"Isn't he a bit too small?" I raised my eyebrow.
"Not with me on the horse with him, maybe a few more years until it's safe for him to go it alone."
"Good."
I already knew what we were having for dinner so I didn't have to cook. Chloe was invited to stay, and at one stage we ended up sitting by the chill-out fire, she was a lovely girl and as I talked to her about my Adele she asked loads of questions. The conversation had come around to Trish and Joe and she was so grateful to Trish, she didn't know what else to do to get her brother off her back. She had a father and now he's gone, she didn't need Joe to be riding her ass all the time. I understood completely and we became firm friends over a bottle of wine, and occasionally a tear.
Sam was eating his pizza on the couch, and we were all back at the table again, Kasey was printing off something for Chloe to read. Joe went to grab it but Trish was too fast she got there first and handed it over to her new friend.
"We will read it later Joe." He smiled, he knows she is going to be good for him. I was stuffed and Sam had nodded off, no sign of his friends tonight they have school tomorrow. I figured we will sleep with him and as Kasey looked at me he must have had an idea.
"Come for a walk with me Adam you look like you are going to sleep."
"I am a bit tired Kase, sorry."
"Come on." That was it, we found a quiet spot and he was doing wonderful things to my body in no time. I wasn't tired anymore, he knows how to kickstart me with one smooth lunge.
We did sleep on the floor with Sam, and Chloe stayed the night in his room she had too much to drink, and she was very happy, all evening I could hear her beautiful laugh.
We go home today but Chloe will come to our place later, she had to get home and pack some things. She thanked everyone and a special hug for Sam was dealt out.
Trish and Joe left and Sam was in front of the tv again. The bedroom door slammed and Kasey was on top of me trying to get my jeans down.
"Wait a minute will you?"
"No, can't wait."
It was long loving and exhausting but oh so stress relieving. I showered and started packing stuff up, we had bought some plastic tubs to make it easier to move.
"Sammy baby, have a check around and see if you have left something."
"I got it all daddy,"
"Are you very sure?"
"I think so."
"You better check again, particularly in your bedroom."
He screamed, how could he forget Buddy Blue and mister Brown?
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