Chapter Six
“Take The Cake”
“To be exceptionally good at your tasks”
“One of the first things a mentor had told me before I made a debut in this industry, was to not lose myself in the glitter and glamour of Hollywood”
The MusiCares Session had started an hour ago; I’d arrived through the back door because the last thing I wanted was to publicize this event in my name; or for the media to think that I’m going to be one of their patients, but I also knew all my attempts were really in vain because the pictures would hit Twitter anyhow.
“First and foremost, all of you beautiful people are so lucky that you get to be with the incredibly experienced faculty here in Los Angeles itself; they are so hard working and so dedicated towards their goal; which is to help musicians find their way back and that is highly commendable. So, can we have a huge round of applause for them?”
I was told that I also had a way with words; I would slip and forget a few things but most of time, the crowd was putty in her hands because it usually because emotional.
As a huge cheer broke out, everyone looked behind where all the mentors and nurses stood; shyly looking at each other before looking back up at me on the stage.
“I have been working with MusiCares for a few years now, and it's been one of the best parts of my job; to find such a platform and to encourage and motivate people like you; people who are so talented; whose talents deserve to be recognized and appreciated instead of being wasted”
Sometimes working with MusiCares was a little emotional for me; having seen numerous people lose their identity; which was their music. It's not only drugs and alcohol that pull you down; most of the times it's just life and situations.
“Sometimes life fails you and other time you fail yourself; but honestly, its okay. Its okay when you learn a lesson from it. Failures will only be failures if you perceive them as such”
Soon after the impossibly long speech, an applause broke out and all patients were on their feet; ready and eager to meet me.
Situations like these became a little daunting to me; all these people had the talent to be in the position I am right now; some of them probably weren't too far before they admitted here but to see them so excited to meet me; just another somebody was daunting to me as a thought.
I started greeting the staff first, who had lined up in the front during the last few lines of my speech; grinning with a lot of emotion in their eyes.
“Ma'am, I shouldn't say this but I particularly chose the LA department because of your previous track record of visiting this center” One of them, a lady with short blonde hair and green eyes, said as she shook my hand and smiled up at me.
“Oh my god, that is so flattering to hear. Whatever the reason, now you're here and your work helps people of my profession; so thank you”
The minutes passed as I met patients after patients; each with a different story and a different reason for being there. But they were all in such high spirits, I never felt as if I was standing in a rehab center.
“Adelaide; dear, it is so great to see you again” came a voice, an old and weary one but a recognizable one for me.
Jerka Jenkins had worked with me years ago on my first and second albums. She was incredibly impressive in her songwriting skills on slow and melodious songs. A lot of my first slow songs were thanks to her skills.
I looked at her; first in shock and then in concern. I didn't even know that Jerka was admitted here; I hadn't heard from her in years, yes, but in the industry, you find yourself in the same room with the same people way too many times.
“Jerka; I wasn't even aware you would be here. What happened?”
“Oh, you needn't worry too much, Addy. I'm doing quite alright; I've been here for almost a year; they should let me go any day now actually” she replied.
I frowned to myself; she’s been a whole year, I should’ve atleast heard about it from someone. “I honestly had no idea, I feel so bad now. You have got to call me as soon as you’re out of here” I said, grabbing both her hands and giving her a smile.
She nodded, “Ofcourse, I didn’t really expect you to know. It was a sudden thing and I didn’t want many people to know”
“But imagine my surprise when they told us a week ago that you’d be coming here; the atmosphere was absolutely electrifying Adelaide, and I assure you, that speech you just gave, it will really make a difference in all their lives” She said, heavy emotion in her eyes as her voice got a little shaky.
I didn’t say anything as I hugged her small frame, holding her close to me as I heard her sniffling.
“No, thank you for everything you have ever done for me, Jerka. You are so strong”
If I was honest; I never felt as powerful as I do when there are people I am genuinely helping.
“You shouldn’t have wasted your time in LA” said my sister, miles away from me but I could still practically see her rolling her eyes at me.
Amelia had called me while I was still in the MusiCares Session; and Lima had informed me about it as soon as I was back in the car, on my way to my Bel Air house. I hadn’t heard from my sister in the last one week and when she heard about my tightly packed schedule, she couldn’t help but be my elder sister.
“I know what you’re thinking Addy, but just think about yourself and your entire crew sometimes” she said, shuffling from her end as I chuckled when I saw Lima and Kyle share a look upon hearing her on speaker.
“Are you done quiet yet? MusiCares was important, Em” I replied, after hearing her rant.
“No, what is important is that we establish the fact that you have a known habit of derailing all over your schedule, baby” She said.
I knew she was right; I did make it a habit but even she knew that I went to huge lengths for the organizations I supported.
“Can we just forget about it now; I’ll be in New York within the next six hours, don’t worry” I said.
Amelia Edwards, my elder sister is a fashion designer. She worked with Victoria Beckham, our aunt and also played the role of the chief executive designer for my Adelaide line.
She was also a workaholic, always running from one country to another, always clashing ideas inside her brain. Maybe it was a family thing; but both of us sisters couldn’t sit idle. Good thing Arthur wasn’t a girl.
“Adelaide, honey, if you miss my show, I will make sure you don’t see my face for months to come” Amelia threatened.
All my career long Amelia had been one of my biggest supporters; one of the only few people I could whole heartedly trust; one of the only people who always understood my situations. She’d never been the one to complain if I wasn’t there for her important days; but she’d always made sure that she was there for mine.
And if I wouldn’t go to her show; even after being in New York; then what kind of a sister did that make me?
“Okay, now we wouldn’t want that. Don’t worry sister, I’ll be there, front row” I said; shooting Karol a look. She still hadn’t contacted the right people to inform my appearance day after.
Shortly after I hung up the phone, I sighed, thinking whether or not I was really taking a break.
I would already be the last person in the bridal party to reach Greece because I just had to prolong my stay in NYC another day to attend my sister’s show.
I sighed as I caught a glance of the Bel-Air, lavishly spread and unequivocally mine. I could still remember the day I had finally sealed the deal, clear as day. It was about two years into my career before I had gotten so absolutely sick of staying in hotels while I was over in Los Angeles, which was a good few months every year.
My father was the one that suggested that I waste no more time and just go along and buy myself a home here; ‘After all, it’s not like you don’t have the money for it”, Arthur had said.
It wasn’t very late before I was house hunting all over LA and its outskirts; the search all over the news because that was essentially the period that the paparazzi had decided that they would start to hoard me everywhere I go, and the media had also become unambiguous about my position in Hollywood.
Bel Air had soon turned into my passion project; I took part in its every finishing, going as far as to choose the exact windows I wanted in every balcony. It was also one of the reasons why the area was very soon inhabited by various other celebrities and tycoons; and the location came to be known as posh.
It had a totally different meaning for me though; I had so many memories in that house. Half my songs were recorded in there; so many of my songs were written there. So many gatherings, so many parties that was attended by almost everyone in the industry.
And as I looked up at it as we were slowly coming to a stop in front of the main gates; I felt Karol speak up. “So the DailyMail claims that they have inside information from one of your closest confidants that you’re very serious about leaving music” Karol broke the silence, a little humour in her tone as she scrolled on her phone.
I looked her weird, confused why she would tell me that but couldn’t help but join the laughter spree in the car.
“The DailyMail claims a lot of things, honey”.
“That doesn’t look good at all” I muttered as soon as I caught sight of the humongous amount of paparazzi waiting for me at the LAX Airport.
LAX is one of the hardest airports to get into because it is always lined with photographers waiting for a glimpse of one or the other celebrities. It always becomes messy and hard in situations like these but I knew that my entire crew is so used to it by now, they can do it with the back of their hand.
“Let’s get this over with” Karol said, quickly getting out after Kyle and Gary. I could see them get into position before I got out of the car. The crowd was huge, and the paparazzi were already clicking away instantly recognizing Lima and Karol.
As soon as I stepped out, slamming the car door behind me, my handbag on arm, sunglasses in place and phone in hand, I was rushed away from the crowd, which inevitably followed us all the way till the door. I could see a few fans here and there being pushed behind by the hoard of photographers, but couldn’t really do anything about that situation.
It wasn’t until I was almost to the entrance, Lima’s hand guiding me that I saw that a fan was pushed down in the mist of the chaos, laying on the concrete floor, crunched over as another man stepped on her stomach in the race to get a picture of me.
I instantly stopped, Lima turning to shoot me a dark look as I left her hand, all six of my bodyguards turning into place around me as I took fast trodden steps towards the girl. I gave her my hand, helping her get up and saw her tearful gaze set on me.
“It’s alright, I’m so sorry” I whispered in her ear, hugging her and turned to look at the man who had unknowingly stepped on her.
“Sir, next time could you please look where you walk; this isn’t a funny situation” I said to him, hearing all cameras recording my every word. The man shook his head, shamefully bringing down his camera and didn’t utter a word. But I knew that I had just given these people exactly what they wanted; an event to report about.
After a few seconds, I was already bounded inside, after making sure the girl was alright and sent up to her car. These kind of events scare the hell out of me.
As soon as I entered the highly designed entrance of Ralph Russo; I already knew that I was spotted and recognized by the wide-eyed and open-mouthed cashier, who then quickly controlled herself but her reaction definitely alerted some others littered across the showroom.
None of my crew were with me, all enjoying their own lives for some moments, which becomes rare for them day by day, with the exception of Kyle, who was outside the store, in the car. I looked around for a minute, taking off my sunglasses, my hands rubbing against the marron leather pants before I spotted Mary Olivia, glittering in her shiny wedding couture.
“Look at you, out of your hub in London and here in the average United States” I said, mockingly walking towards her and kissing both her cheeks in greeting, and turning to look at everyone else in the bridal party.
Each of them were dressed down, atleast according to their style, all smiling up at me as they each had a glass of champagne and were sat in the plush couches.
“Well, I figured that since you have actually made everywhere your hub, that I could try the average United States every once in a while” she replied, almost a minute later, but I laughed anyway.
I finally got around to greeting everyone, subtly noticing my sister’s absence even though she was in the city, and decided to bring up the matter later.
Sophia Fermor-Hesketh turned to look at me, as I sat down next to her, smiling slyly “Well, madam, hasn’t it been quite a long time since we’ve seen each other”
“Oh please, who are we even when she’s got the entire Hollywood running behind her” Willa Keswick scoffed, though I didn’t really know if she meant it as a joke because I didn’t know her as well as my sister did.
I couldn’t do anything besides laugh at their comments, “Don’t blame me; I think it’s equally your faults too” I said, taking a sip of my champagne before crossing my legs.
The bridal party did in fact include of all the people that I had known whilst growing up. There were some seniors of mine, very few classmates but a lot of juniors as well. I knew that Alicia, one of my childhood friends would be directly coming to Greece along with a few of my classmates from a while back.
My sister, Amelia is incredibly great friends with all of the ladies in this group, but knowing her; she probably decided to skip the bridal party meet because of her show in the evening.
“I did talk to Amelia a while back, Adelaide. She’s so busy with the show, I reckon she’d be travelling with you” Chloe Green said, her posh accent very noticeable but that was all intercepted by her kind eyes.
I nodded, shrugging wasn’t an option with this crowd sometimes, “Yes, I think so too. I’ll be at the show this evening, she’s almost threatened to disown me if I don’t go” I laughed slightly, thinking about my sister’s response.
The rest of the time passed fairly quickly as Mary Olivia finally settled on her’s and her maid of honour’s dress. It wasn’t too late before I was also trying on my bridesmaid’s dress, the shade of pale pink, up to my ankles and of the softest material of satin.
I was only here for Mary Olivia; having considered her a great friend since school days. She was loud and she was upbeat; but that was just her personality. She had had a difficult childhood, of sorts, having parents that were both very dramatic in their behaviors. And whatever it was, I just couldn’t say no to attending her wedding, now could I?
It wasn’t long before I was out of the store, earlier than the rest because they were all directly leaving for the airport; on their way to Greece. Promising to see all of them a day later, I was back in the backseat of the car, Kyle driving us to my apartment so that I could change before my visit to the New York center of MusiCares.
“Were we spotted, Kyle?” I asked my bodyguard, whom I’d known for the past five years.
He nodded his head, “I’m afraid we were ma’am, Lima called me up half an hour ago, seems to me that it was someone in the store itself”
I sighed, my eyes on the street passing by; will I ever be able to escape this attention?
“Alright, so I need a rundown” I said, when we were on our way back my apartment in New York City, ready to be dressed to attend my sister’s show.
The New York MusiCares session went just as good as the Los Angeles one did. I was able to meet some of the most hardworking people, and that honestly felt great in the midst of the absolute chaos, that is my life.
“Okay, so, the plane’s booked. We’ve contacted Amelia’s team about the timing, you are meeting Selena tomorrow morning for a late breakfast, if that plan is still in motion, Addy” Karol looked at me, pausing.
I nodded, letting her continue, “Jordon called this morning, apparently he’s heard from Victoria about your non-existent gym life and he’s frantically trying to reach you” she said, openly chuckling at the frightened look I gave her.
“Holy fucking shit, that had completely slipped my mind” I face-palmed, knowing Jordon would give me hell when I get back to London.
“Well, other than that, I think you’re ready for 5 days off at Mary Olivia’s wedding” She said, finally clicking her phone off.
“Adelaide?” I heard her call me after a few seconds.
“Hm?” I asked, turning to look at her.
She was frowning, a concerned look on her face, “Do rest while you’re in Greece, won’t you? You deserve it”
“Yes, thank you Karol” I smiled softly at her.
Stepping right into the small blue carpet laid out before the entrance to the arena had about 200 photographers littered around, behind the railings.
And as soon as I stepped onto the said carpet, my bodycon dress tight against my figure, Lima trailing behind me, reminding me to not give any interviews and to stop at the right places for photographers.
It was an instant havoc, the paparazzi were on their toes, yelling at the top of their lungs to get a good angled picture of me. I didn’t plan to stay long on the carpet; just enough for a few pictures.
I was dressed in the Altuzarra Gramm Sweater dress; perfectly fitting me in every sense of the word. Not that I had much of a choice in the matter of my outfit for the evening, Amelia having send over two options for me to choose from her campaign.
I was led inside the small arena, Lima’s hand on my back, guiding me straight towards the front row. Several familiar faces turned to glance at me, some having the audacity to throw a smile while others kept staring.
I was sort of used to this by now; I wouldn’t have been able to survive all the attention if I wasn’t. There were people who didn’t like me; some for no reason at all and some because of reasons they’d heard from others. I didn’t let it bother me though, because I genuinely was too busy for shit like this in my life. Nor did I have the effort to keep up with the acts of the people in the fashion industry.
Speaking of fashion industry, I smiled when I saw the very familiar face of Anna Wintour, posture straight and upright staring directly up at me as I paused at my seat, beside her’s.
“Anna, been a while” I said, smiling widely.
She was on her feet within the very next second, kissing both my cheeks with loud ‘muah’s as we sat next to each other. A lot of cameras were pointed our way because it had been almost 2 years since Anna and I were last seen together.
“The kiddies went to your New York show, I heard you made them come to the backstage” she said, her face now perfectly set with the right amount of emotions.
I nodded swiftly, “Yes, I had gotten your message. You didn’t think that I wouldn’t do that?” I shook my head lightly.
There was very little that I wouldn’t do for Anna Wintour. She had, in a way, shaped up my global image. It was because of my first Vogue cover, just a week after my first album, that people actually thought I was someone.
Very less of any of my fashion endeavors are not discussed with her; with me trusting her opinion about it the most along with my sister’s and aunt’s. Anna had, in lots of ways, favored me multiple times; which also might be the reason behind my numerous Vogue covers despite not being a model.
Other than all that, she was also such an inspiration. All my years spent in the industry, and I had learnt the most important part of having an inspiration; someone whose work ethic inspires you. And that was Anna Wintour.
Half an hour later, I was heading backstage with my crew, after greeting goodbyes with Anna and cheering loudly when Amelia had come on stage with Joseph Altuzarra.
“Oh my god, that was brilliant” I shouted as soon as I was within arms reach of Amelia, wrapping her to myself in seconds.
The backstage was too crowded to hold a decent conversation; but I grinned at Joseph as Amelia introduced us. Turns out, he was a fan.
“I’m getting a feeling as if you used me just so you could meet my sister” my older sister said in a playful huff, a few moments after Joseph stopped freaking out about meeting yours truly.
He shrugged, “Who says that ain’t true”.
“Wow; you’re actually up early, even with all your jet lag” Amelia said, sipping her morning coffee and sat in the kitchen of my New York Apartment, cross legged while working on her laptop.
I made a face at her, so used to all of her taunts, “I was in the gym an hour ago actually” I told her, noticing that nobody else was awake yet.
Now that had her attention, “Are you okay, Adelaide? That is just so not like you at all” she said, shaking her head.
I stomped towards the marble dining table, with my glass of orange juice, putting my head on the table in exhaustion even though it was barely 9 in the morning.
“Jordon is making me do this” I cried, remembering how he had finally caught me after I picked up his call.
It did not take her another second as she threw her head behind, laughing at my current state, “I always knew I loved that boy”
“Don’t let him hear you say that”
Jordon might’ve been gay and married; but did he ever hide his attraction towards Amelia? Definitely not. She grinned at me as her phone rang, Edmund’s name flashing on it.
Amelia and Edmund had a long history that involves family drama at its best, but they got through it. It was something that made you yearn for a love story like that.
I went to pick it up but she was quicker, snatching it from right under my nose and making a dash towards her room. I shook my head chuckling loudly.
“Pick your stuff up from your flat and meet me at the airport, okay?” I yelled, standing up to leave the apartment after I heard her shout her agreement.
“I swear to god, you always make me feel under-dressed” was the first thing Selena said to me as I moved forward to hug her, ignoring the numerous eyes following my movement.
“I have to directly go to the airport after this, Sel” I said, rolling my eyes and taking a seat on the small round table we booked for the two of us.
“Where are you off to now, didn't you just come to New York, like, a day ago?” She asks, taking a sip of her cocktail as a waiter handed us appetizers’ menu.
“Yes, yes, that's right. You know my friend, Mary Olivia? She's getting married to her rocker boyfriend and I have to be there” I said, shrugging, my eyes scanning the expensive list of dishes.
“Wait, isn't she another aristocratic friend of yours?”
“There we go, that's the one” I said, grinning.
“Wonderful, so rich and high society crowd for the next week or so for you then; have you got your wardrobe and sarcasm ready?” Selena says, her eyes twinkling with mirth.
“Yes, absolutely” we laughed some, looking around in our habit of doing so.
“No but honestly, I've grown up in that kind of atmosphere in school; so I'm sort of drained into it, you know?” I say, sipping my water.
Marlborough was elite; it was for the elite and it was by the elite. Aristocracy was in the walls and meals of that school. And as
“It just makes me realize how people view all these things so differently than they really are” She says, nodding her, clearly double meaning it.
“Yes, true. Is there something you wanted to talk about?”
Selena had called me as soon as she had come to know that I was in New York for sometime or so. I did not expect her to be in NYC; but it was a last minute trip for her as well.
Selena and I had met at the set of Wizards of Waverly Place back in 2007; when I was asked to guest star in one of its episodes. She was young and a debutante back then; whilst I was already knee deep within 3 albums.
What struck me the most about Selena Gomez was her absolute genuinity. You couldn't question her intentions if you actually knew her like I do. She's brutally honest with if considers you a friend.
“Yes, actually” She said, glancing around the restaurant, rather inclusively.
I sighed, almost wanting to put my face in my hands but I knew better than to do that, in case if anyone in the restaurant was lucky enough to click a picture of us.
“Is this about Justin? Selena-”
“No! I mean, yes, but no. Addy, you know I would've told you if anything like that would've happened. It's all great as of now. No, what I wanted to talk to you about is this show I want to produce” she interrupted me.
I frowned, signaling a waiter over to our table and to the star in front of me to stop talking; we gave our orders and as soon as he was out of the hearing range, I spoke up.
“You want to produce a show?”
“Yes, my mom just read this book called Thirteen Reasons Why and she suggests that I should go ahead with it” she replied.
I sat back, “well, I mean, your production house should be put to use for something atleast; and Mandy does have great taste. Have you read the book though?”
She nodded, instant in her answer, “I'm in love with the story, Adelaide. It absolutely needs to be out there”
“But a show? Why not a movie? You do realize producing a show is too much work” I reminded her, pointing her finger her way.
She took a deep breathe, “Well, it was supposed to be a movie at first, I was to star as the protagonist but that went down the drain pretty fast and we brainstormed some ideas, nothing seemed better than a show”
I thought about it, and then about my production house, “Hey, would you mind having another producer on your team?” I asked her with a sly smile knowing she wouldn’t refuse me but also knowing that she’d feel more comfortable about going ahead with the project with me on her team.
Her eyes brightened within a quick second, “You’re not insinuating what I think you are” she almost squealed.
I paused her frantic words, “Hold up though, you need to give me time to read the story first. But I mean, like I’ve said before, Mandy has incredible taste”
And just like that we were switching from topic to topic. Talking first about how her parents were trying to get pregnant again after Mandy’s last miscarriage to her relationship with Justin. She had suddenly found herself as a name on everyone’s lips because of the interest generated by the media in her relationship.
I knew it overwhelmed her at moments; and she’s still just so young, I would be worried if it didn’t shock her at times.
“Oh hey by the way, I think now you’ll be the one interested in my proposal. WE Day’s around the corner-“
“Yes, yes, I know, Adelaide. I read all about the list of performers online. Now imagine my surprise when I read that! I’ve been behind you for this for years. You let Taylor perform two times now” she interrupted me, almost in hysterics.
I stared at her wide-eyed, not expecting the outburst, “And that’s exactly why I’m letting you in it this year. Taylor is on tour, so, you can do it if you want” I said, a playful smile on my lips.
She rolled her eyes, incredibly annoyed with me at this point, “Yes, okay. I’ll do it”
“Now that’s what I call a good girl”.
Outfits:
Los Angeles MusiCares Session
LAX Airport
NYC MusiCares Session
Mary Olivia’s Bridal Meet
New York Fashion Week
Meeting Selena for Lunch