The Colonnade Room

Alternate World Of Adam Newman
Chapter 4

Billy glared at Phyllis and Chloe as he slammed the magazine down.  “We just got our butt kicked by the Genoa City Monthly!  The Genoa City Monthly, do you hear me?!”

“Phyllis, how could you let them scoop us on Devon Hamilton?  Devon’s the hottest thing in the music scene along with the Chipmunk’s new wife; plus Devon is related to the uber-rich Tucker McCall!”

“Chloe, the ‘Glamour in Genoa City’ article is genius.  Look at this model, and look at the styling.  Who is the photographer anyway?  Why don’t we have him working at Restless Style?”  Get it together ladies, or I’ll find someone who can!”

As Billy slammed out the door, Chloe looked over the magazine.  “I know this woman.  She’s Adam’s stalker woman, and I guarantee she never looked like this before!”

“What do you mean, she’s Adam’s stalker?”  Phyllis asked.  “If anyone is doing any stalking, my money is on Adam stalking her!”

“No,” Chloe replied.  “I’m telling you, this woman is following Adam around like a puppy dog.  Her name is Bonnie, and she used to be housekeeper for the Newmans.  She freaked out and quit when crazy Patty threw the deck cleaner at Victor’s head.  Maybe Adam can get her to talk to me, and I’ll find out what is going on over at Genoa City monthly.”

That evening Chloe went to Gloworm to meet Adam for dinner.  Sure enough, Adam was sitting at the bar with Bonnie.  “Alright you two, just what is going on?” Chloe demanded.  “By the way, nice pictures, Bonnie,” Chloe added as she displayed the copy of Genoa City Monthly. 

“It’s just business between us,” Adam replied.  “I’ll tell you about it over dinner.  See you tomorrow, Bonnie.”

“You’ve got to be kidding me!” Chloe exclaimed.  “You’re seeing both of us now?”

“Gloria, could you bring us two glasses of Merlot?” Adam called across the room as he guided Chloe to a table.   “Look, Bonnie needed some work after quitting her job at my dad’s, so I hired her for some modeling.  That’s all there is to it.”

“You had something to do with these pictures?” Chloe asked.  “It says A. Adams is the photographer.  Is that you?”

“Yes, it’s me,” Adam replied after some hesitation.  “After I was lucky enough to regain full eyesight, I realized how much beauty there is all around me every day; so I started taking some photography classes so that I can enjoy the pictures even in the dark of night.  It’s become my passion, and it’s turned into a way to break away from my father.  I’m so done with the Newman drama.”

“So Bonnie is really just your model?” Chloe asked. 

“Well, it’s you I’m having dinner with tonight,” Adam replied.  “I enjoyed our Valentine date so much, and I feel happy the rest of the day when I’ve run into you at Crimson Lights on coffee runs!”

“Back to the subject, buster!” Chloe winked.  “You and your model Bonnie are in direct competition with Restless Style, and Billy Abbott is livid!  Who is behind this big change in Genoa City Monthly?  Who did your styling?  Bonnie didn’t know how to look like this on her own.  By the way, that outfit that Bonnie wore at The Colonnade Room for dinner, Gloworm for dessert, and then to Jimmie’s Bar for a nightcap was pure genius.  How did you make a dive like Jimmie’s look about as classy as The Colonnade Room?”

Adam sat back and considered Chloe’s questions.  “Let’s order dinner Chloe.  Afterwards I’ll take you over to Genoa City Monthly to scope out your competition.  I can’t guarantee you’ll get all the answers to your questions though.  There’s bound to be some secrets between competitors!”

“You’re on,” Chloe said as she raised her glass. “Cheers!”