Disclaimer: I don't own Camp Rock.
Author's Note: Apparently Tess is very popular, so by popular demand she is making a real appearance. This is sort of a transitional chapter to establish relationships. Eventually we will get to see Tess interact with Jason and the kids.
"Nice job, Adam," Caitlyn said into the intercom. "How about you take a 15 minute break while I listen to it, and then we should have time for one more before I have to get the girls at school."
Adam took off his headphones before replying, "I'm going to go grab some coffee then."
"And…?" Caitlyn asked pointedly.
Adam gave her a long-suffering look. "And would you like me to get you one, Caitlyn?" he asked.
"Why yes, Adam, thank you so much for asking," Caitlyn replied sweetly. It was a slow process, but she was determined to teach this kid some manners in addition to producing a great album. She grinned as she played back the song they had just recorded. As the music ended, she heard the door behind her open. She was startled to hear a woman's voice.
"How's he doing?"
Caitlyn spun around to find Tess Tyler standing directly behind her. "He's doing well. Do you want to hear?" she asked her old nemesis. When Tess nodded, Caitlyn played the last version Adam had recorded.
As the music ended, Adam opened the door to Caitlyn's booth with her coffee in his hand. He looked from Caitlyn to Tess in confusion. "Hi, Tess."
"Hello, Adam," Tess said. "I'm glad you took my advice. Caitlyn was just letting me listen to what you've been working on."
Adam looked a little nervous as he asked the icy blonde for her opinion, "What'd you think?"
Tess tossed her hair as she answered, "Not bad, but you were a little flat on the second verse."
Caitlyn watched Adam's face fall for a moment before hardening, and she jumped in before the younger singer had a chance to retort. "Tess has never been known for her tact, so how about I translate that for you. It was great, but just a little flat in the first line of the second verse. Head back in and I'll play it for you, so you hear what we mean."
Tess raised her eyebrow at Caitlyn's protectiveness. Adam was successfully distracted, though, and headed back into the studio to listen and try again. Tess couldn't help but give Caitlyn a hard time. "Does he call you Mommy?" she asked sarcastically.
Caitlyn ignored the comment and focused on Adam. Her expression changed as she watched the young man attack the song with total concentration. He looked almost defiant as he finished up the song, and his eyes brightened as he heard Tess' voice over the speakers. "Nice. You might be a real singer one of these days," Tess said.
Caitlyn spun in her chair and gave Tess an appraising look. Tess hadn't been too far off; Adam did look to Caitlyn for approval almost like a child would look to his mother. For the most part, their working relationship had been going well, but Adam sometimes closed down when she criticized him. Tess' remarks, on the other hand, had made him fight back.
"I can't believe I'm saying this, but what would you say to a partnership?" Caitlyn asked.
Tess looked confused for a moment, but a look of realization crossed her face as Caitlyn gestured towards Adam drinking his coffee on the other side of the glass. With a smirk, Tess replied, "Co-producing?"
Caitlyn rolled her eyes, "Probably more like co-parenting."
Tess grimaced at Caitlyn's choice of words, "How about good cop, bad cop?"
"Works for me," Caitlyn said. She put out her hand, and Tess shook it.
Adam opened the door and stuck his head in, "Are we done for the day?"
Caitlyn and Tess looked at each other before turning to face Adam, "Yes, all done for today. And Adam, I have some good news for you."
Adam walked all the way into the room before asking, "What?"
"Tess here has agreed to stop in and give us some feedback from time to time," Caitlyn said, throwing her arm around Adam's shoulder. "Isn't that great news?"
Adam looked at Caitlyn in horror. Caitlyn grinned at Tess, "Look, he's so happy he's speechless."
"I often have that effect on men," Tess answered. To Adam she said, "See you soon." Then she glided out of the room.
As the door clicked shut, Adam began to whine, "Come on Caitlyn. I've been behaving. Don't throw me to the Ice Queen."
"Look, Adam, I know she can be difficult, but she knows her stuff," Caitlyn replied. "And she got a great performance out of you, so she stays." She paused for a moment. "Think of it as a growing experience."
Adam turned towards the wall and began banging his head against it in frustration.
"You know that's only going to give you a headache," Caitlyn told him.
"Gee, thanks, Mom," Adam said cheekily.
Caitlyn narrowed her eyes. "Don't call me that!" she snapped.
"Whatever you say…Mom."