“Exactly. Gotta get at least seven servings a day,” Adam riffs with a wide smile, just as boyish and charming as ever. “You should see me devour a stalk of celery.”
“God, he’s good,” Damien Bancroft says at my side. He’s been working overtime during this press junket and earning his grandchildren’s trust funds in the process. “A dream client. I can’t thank you enough, Cassius, for delivering him to my doorstep.”
“Exceptional talent requires exceptional management,” I say with a humble dip of my head. Damien has taken on the duties of both manager and publicist while I mainly serve in an advisory capacity. Baby wanted his independence, and I’m coming to realize that all relationships require some measure of compromise. Besides that, someone has to plan Adam’s dream wedding. We return our attention to the interview where it appears Sharon is now getting personal.
“And I hear you’ll be filming this summer in Sitges,” Sharon says. “You know Sitges is not only known for its beautiful oceanside views.”
“Oh, no?” Adam asks, playing dumb. “What else is it known for, Sharon?”
Sitges is in fact known for its gay orgies, fabulous nightlife, and nude beaches, but Sharon says, “Why, it’s also known for its excellent seafood.”
They share a titter at that, and Adam says, “My fiancé assures me it’s also a wonderful place for a honeymoon.”
“Oh my gosh, that’s right,” Sharon enthuses as if this is the first she’s hearing of it. “You recently got engaged, didn’t you? Well, don’t be coy now, Adam. Show us the ring.”
Adam holds up his hand and wiggles his ring finger. The diamond does not disappoint. The studio lights make it shine like a gay beacon that says, “Back off, bitches, he’s mine.”
“God bless America, Adam, that might be the biggest rock I’ve ever seen.” She shakes her blonde bob. “Someone sure does love you.”
“Yes, he does. And did I tell you we recently welcomed another addition into our household?”
“Adam,” she trills, “don’t tell me you’ve adopted a little one.”
“We sure did,” Adam says with a devastating smile. He glances over to where I’m standing with our “newest addition.” He gives me a wink that is only for me, and I damn-near swoon at his attention.Cripes.“If it’s all right with you, Sharon, I’d like to introduce her to your guests.”
“Of course, it is. I love surprises.” She claps her hands, playing along.
“All right, everyone, I’d like you to meet Elizabeth Taylor. Come here, girl.”
I unclip the leash and Elizabeth Rosemond Taylor goes bounding across the slick studio floor, nearly upsetting one of the mounted cameras because at twelve weeks old, she’s still terribly clumsy. She hesitates not one iota before launching herself into Adam’s lap and slobbering all over his face and neck. That suit will need to be dry-cleaned—the dog hair is quite atrocious. She’d never try that stunt with me because she knows better, but Adam lets her get away with murder.
“This is our new baby girl,” Adam coos, petting her compulsively while her entire body wiggles with joy. It softens my brittle heart to see it. Apparently, I have a weakness for rambunctious, blonde idiots.
“She’s three months old today,” Adam announces like a proud papa. “Isn’t she adorable?”
“She isprecious. Did your fiancé get her for you too?”
“He did,” Adam says with a smug smile and glances at me again. “He’s a real animal lover.”
Lies, all lies. I love precisely one animal, the dumb one with a dog in his lap.
“Wow, Adam, this fiancé of yours sounds like someone we’d sure like to meet. And I hear he’s in the studio right at this moment.”
Adam smiles, then glances over at me hopefully. I shake my head. He knows better.
“I wish that I could, Sharon, but he’s terribly camera shy,” Adam says with an innocent shrug. “You know how some men are. The strong, silent type.”
“He’s sounding better and better by the minute. Does he have any single friends he can introduce me to? Brothers? Cousins?”
“I wish that he did, but did I mention I have an older brother?”
“An older brother? Don’t tease me, Adam. Is he as handsome as you?”
“Handsomer and a hell of a lot straighter.”
They share a hearty chuckle while at my side, Damien says in a pining voice, “My god, what an absolute dreamboat.
“So, Adam, all joking aside, where can we send the wedding gifts?” Sharon asks.
