Interview with Adrien English
He is very drunk.
Preoccupied, tired, maybe a little lonely, he has let me refill his glass — ply him with liquor — in a way he ordinarily would not. It’s not good for him, for one thing — not with that tricky heart of his. And he knows he has a tendency to…rock himself in the waters. So he’s generally careful.
He’s generally careful about most things, and yet…yet he keeps getting involved in murder. And with the wrong men.
You can tell a lot about a guy when he drinks. Adrien English is not a sloppy drunk. In fact, he gets more careful. Very serious — owlish, even. But his dark hair falls untidily into his blue eyes, and he has this little trick of watching me from under his lashes. He’s not flirting, exactly…
He’s better looking than I expected. Better looking than he thinks — a lot better looking than he thinks. And yet it’s hard to put my finger on what it is. The eyes are lovely, of course. Nice nose. Stubborn chin. Mouth is a little too sensitive. Maybe it’s just the trick of good bone structure. He needs a haircut but his hands are clean, well-cared for.
No ring.
I start with that.
“How are things going with Guy? You’re still seeing him, right?”
He cocks a brow. I think he imagines it makes him look sardonic, but somehow it emphasizes the fact that his collar is undone one button too far, and his hair keeps falling in his eyes.
“Have you been talking to my mother?” he asks — he’s amused. Mostly.
“No. I just know at the end of The Hell You Say things were moving in that direction.”
“Ah.” He sips his fifth Italian margarita. “Things are good. Guy is…good.”
It’s my turn to raise an eyebrow. “What about all that occult stuff he’s into?”
He levels a long blue look at me and offers a kind of smirk. “Five fold kiss,” he says succinctly.
I have no idea what he’s talking about.
“So you’re happy?”
“Of course.” There must be something in his drink, the way he’s staring into those amber depths. “Everything is great. Everything is…going very well. We’re expanding the bookstore. And I just sold the film rights to my first book to Paul Kane’s production company.” He rubs his forehead — yes, he’s going to have one hell of a headache tomorrow morning. “Everything’s coming together. Natalie is working at Cloak and Dagger –”
I interrupt what is beginning to sound like rambling. “Do you ever hear from Angus?”
“Not so far…”
“How are you adjusting to Lisa’s remarriage? Do you like being part of a big family?”
“Oh my God!” he says, and that’s the first absolutely unguarded response he’s given. “Oh. My. God.” He raises his head and stares at me like…words fail him.
“It’s not going well?” Now that I didn’t expect. “But they all like you. They care –”
“Believe me,” he says. “I know.”
I have to bite my lip to keep a straight face. “Well, I think they’re good for you.”
He just gives me a long, dark long.
“I think you need more people in your life,” I insist. “Maybe even a cat.”
“A cat?”
“Every bookstore needs a cat.”
He rolls his eyes, and now he’s ignoring me. I study his profile. Yes, that is one stubborn chin.
You can tell guys who’ve grown up with money. Even though he’s just wearing Levis and a simple white tailored shirt, he has this…air. It’s more than grooming. It’s more than the well-worn Bruno Magli loafers or the Omega watch. I don’t think he realizes how much he’s been pampered, protected — not really.
“What is it about you that seems to attract murder and violence?” I ask.
“Me?” Now I have his full astonished attention. “If you’ll notice –” he’s enunciating very carefully “I haven’t been involved in a murder since — in nearly two years. Coincidence? I think not.”
“You don’t think you’re bad luck or suffering from Jessica Fletcher Syndrome or something like that?”
He’s giving me a hard, un-Adrien stare. “Why don’t you ask me what you really came here to ask me?” he says quietly.
It’s my turn to look away. When I glance back, he’s still watching me — I’m apparently having more trouble with this than he is.
“All right. Did you read my interview with Jake Riordan?”
His mouth twists. “Yeah. So?”
“What do you think?”
“What is there to think?”
“Do you think Jake’s happy with the choices he’s made?”
“How the hell should I know?”
“Are you happy with the choices he’s made?”
He opens his mouth, then closes it. Gives me a wry smile. All at once he seems a lot more sober. “He had to make the choices that were right for him, and I’m all right with that.”
“Do you think if Jake came out, you could forgive him?”
“There’s nothing to forgive.”
“Do you think if Jake came out, you could have a future together?”
He says flatly, “That will never happen. Jake will never come out.”
“But if he did –”
Impatiently, he says, “I don’t want to talk theoretical bullshit. He won’t. He can’t. It’s moot. There’s no point talking about it. There’s no point thinking about it.”
“All right, already.”
He grimaces, tosses off the rest of his margarita.
“Do you still love Jake?” I ask softly.
“No.” He doesn’t hesitate, he meets my eyes. He shakes his head.
“But you did? Once?”
His smile is a little bitter as he rises not quite steadily from the table. “Probably,” he says. “It was a long time ago.”
~*~*~*~
Find out more about the series of Adrien English Mysteries here.
I loved this interview. You’ve answered a few of my questions here and I actually like seeing a drunk Adrien. I’ve got a couple of bottles of single malt scotch in the cupboard if you want to get a few more answers out of him.
Definitely looking forward to the book.
“He had to make the choices that were right for him, and I’m all right with that.”
Always the diplomat. I am beginning to think that Lisa and her new family has helped to keep Adrien busy the last two years, even murders had to take a back seat…
Great interview! I hope you had given him the 6th margarita, so he would finally admit to him the real answer of that theoretical question you asked.
My god… I wonder what Guy would do to you if he reads your interview with Jake and Adrien!
Thank you!
So, there are some clues in this interview, not many, but a few. He says that he doesn’t love Jake anymore but he probably did a long time ago. Sounds like he’s getting over Jake b/c he’s too drunk to lie. He also seems resigned and accepting of Jake’s choices which doesn’t auger well for a Jake/Adrien future together. Well we don’t have to wait long. Drunk Adrien. What a hoot!!
Great interview Josh
Well, interesting interview. Josh asked all the questions and Adrien didn’t really answer anything. A very cagey interview! I enjoyed it.
I’ve got a couple of bottles of single malt scotch in the cupboard if you want to get a few more answers out of him.
I like your interrogation technique! *g*
Josh asked all the questions and Adrien didn’t really answer anything. A very cagey interview!
*g*
Thanks, Murphy!
My god… I wonder what Guy would do to you if he reads your interview with Jake and Adrien!
Wow. You have a nice instinct for creating disastrous scenarios! *g*
Sounds like he’s getting over Jake b/c he’s too drunk to lie.
He’s definitely not lying.
Of course, he could be mistaken.
He’s Stephen-ing.
Great interview! Adrien drunk and NOT talking theoretical bullshit. I need to drink with him. lol
He’s Stephen-ing.
People do have a tendency to deceive themselves. Case in point: Jake.
Thanks, Tracy.
First drink’s on me. *g*
Tracy~just don’t drink any of that Japanese beer we had in SF. blech. I don’t even remember eating the damned sushi! (we did have sushi, yes?)
Josh~This was really excellent. You got all those questions in, and LOVE, LOVE the shoes.
Josh~This was really excellent. You got all those questions in, and LOVE, LOVE the shoes.
Thanks! For spur of the moment, it turned out pretty well, if I do say so myself.
Josh — I love how you got the cat questions in. *g* And the question about whether he’s bad luck. I expected him to be much more angry with you, honestly. But it was a good interview.
I expected him to be much more angry with you, honestly. But it was a good interview.
He has very nice manners. *g*
What is the sound of one hand clapping. I heart you, man. Was it an interview? Was it Zen Koan? You decide. So good to hear that voice again. it still speaks to me. Maybe louder.
J–“All at once he seems a lot more sober.”
N– Nice.
EEEP!!! SHOOES! You are simply fabulous. 🙂
OK, now for sensible things, not sure it is completely appropriate but the phrase ~ Oh what a tangled web we weave… kept running through my head. I just can’t wait and this is such a huge tease 🙂
[…] my squee from there. In the mean time check out a fab new *interview* with Adrien himself over at In Their Own Words. There are shoes and everything, […]
“Yes, that is one stubborn chin. ”
Best line ever.
I think I liked Jake’s interview better for some reason…hm. And here I’m suppose to not like Jake. Bad me. I love how you break the fourth wall so seamlessly.
Heh, cats. I really do hope it’s canon. And Tybalt. I might have to rescue another cat and name it Adrien. Unfortunately, we had a dog named Jake who died early this week. It was very ominous, made me wonder about this story of all things.
Great job, anxiously waiting for the next installment!
So good to hear that voice again. it still speaks to me. Maybe louder.
I expect he’ll be roaring before the end.
Thank you. I heart you back, man.
J–”All at once he seems a lot more sober.”
N– Nice.
Thank you. One never knows what little thing will please.
I just can’t wait and this is such a huge tease
Thanks! I hope it lives up to all that teasing. *g*
[…] my squee from there. In the mean time check out a fab new *interview* with Adrien himself over at In Their Own Words. There are shoes and everything, […]
Thank you. I appreciate it.
I think I liked Jake’s interview better for some reason…hm. And here I’m suppose to not like Jake. Bad me. I love how you break the fourth wall so seamlessly.
Ah. Interesting.
Glad you enjoyed it!
The quickest answers are always the ones that have a deeper meaning. I don’t think Adrien loves Jake as he did before. I think time changes you as a person, but if Jake were to come out, I do think Adrien would go running. Not a bad thing per say, but I have this romantic notion that they’ll end up together. One day.
*she hopes*
And I agree with KT. Jake’s interview was more interesting. Maybe because we don’t get to read his POV’s or maybe because he seemed more sincere in his interview. You showed Jake in a different light. Whereas in this interview Adrien is just being Adrien 🙂
Looking forward to the new release. Much luck with it.
Thanks, Tracy. First drink’s on me. *g* Very cool!
lisabea
Tracy~just don’t drink any of that Japanese beer we had in SF. blech. I don’t even remember eating the damned sushi! (we did have sushi, yes?),
Honey that Saporo was awesome! I’m gonna go out on a limb and say I think it had more to do with the fact that you’d been drinking since arrival in SF that had you forgetting the sushi! lol
Uff that was short interview, but very interesting one.
In the interview Adrien is strictly saying “No, I don’t love Jake anymore” This is bullshit and we all know it. He does love Jake with his whole being, but he was wounded to many time from him to say directly again “Jess, I do love him, but am afraid to gave him one more chance”.
In reality Adrien doesn’t believe Jake would ever come out with being a homosexual. And because of it there is not reason why he should admit to any of us that he still loves Jake.
And if we take are look from Adrien’s point of view then years of separation from Jake can make a guy angry and depressed.
So, now we only have one option, to wait for book to come out and see how will Jake win Adrien back.
Great work Josh
And I agree with KT. Jake’s interview was more interesting. Maybe because we don’t get to read his POV’s or maybe because he seemed more sincere in his interview.
Very true!
Thanks for the good wishes. I hope the book lives up to expectation.
So, now we only have one option, to wait for book to come out and see how will Jake win Adrien back.
It’s a plan! *g*
Love that you gave interviews to both Adrien and Jake. To get to see their POVs about the past, present and future. It was very interesting to see Adrien this drunk as we have never really seen him in the series. I’d love to read a scene where Adrien tells Jake off on how he treated him. One of the most painful scenes was in ‘The Hell You Say’ when Jake was in the hospital and Adrien had to walk past the room occupied by Jake’s family and girlfriend so as not to raise any questions of their relationship.
I think Adrien is in denial about his true feelings for Jake and is just in self-protection mode. Obviously it sounds like his life isn’t picture perfect and is leaning towards the booze to help him through it. Can’t wait to see the developments of the Jake/Adrien/Guy relationship and the mystery plotline.
Thanks for the interesting interviews!
I’d love to read a scene where Adrien tells Jake off on how he treated him. One of the most painful scenes was in ‘The Hell You Say’ when Jake was in the hospital and Adrien had to walk past the room occupied by Jake’s family and girlfriend so as not to raise any questions of their relationship.
That was a difficult scene to write — there were about four of them in that book.
Thanks, LJ. Hope the book lives up to expectation.
Poor Adrien. Sometimes I think he’s as confused as Jake. The two of them can’t see what is so obvious to the rest of us. 🙂
The two of them can’t see what is so obvious to the rest of us.
So true of most relationships — good and bad. *g*
As always, I am late. But what a fab interview! Now I am even more anxious to read the book (as if I weren’t already anticipating it with bells on).
That scene at the hospital…broke.my.heart. 😦
As always, I am late. But what a fab interview! Now I am even more anxious to read the book (as if I weren’t already anticipating it with bells on).
Thanks, Sula! I’m in the home stretch now — and what a relief that is!
The hospital scene I think really illustrates how far apart Adrien’s world is from Jake’s.
It’s so strange to be outside of Adrien’s clever head! It makes me appreciate his witty and bracingly honest narration all the more. I hope we get to find out what he means by a “five fold kiss” but then you thankfully are not one for the loose ends. I loved your observation about Adrien’s lack of self-awareness about the degree to which he has been pampered in his life. He does seem to play fast and loose with his life at times and most certainly with his heart. Poor Guy is soooo the rebound lover. It would be great if were to do or say something dastardly so that we won’t feel so guilty when Jake finally gets his act together and reclaims Adrien’s heart (hope against hope), though life is rarely so neat. I also hope your poor wrists are feeling better Josh!
It’s so strange to be outside of Adrien’s clever head! It makes me appreciate his witty and bracingly honest narration all the more.
Thanks, Patty. Yes, it’s weird writing Adrien from the outside — fun too, to play the role of the other characters in the books and see Adrien as they do.
Ah yes…loose ends…
This interview is waaaay too short, and you are such a terrible tease.
It’s hard to hear Adrien say he doesn’t love Jake anymore; and like everyone else, I too think he just fooling himself. That said, he can’t live a life hoping that his lover will one day come to his senses. What a horrible life that would be!
So how soon are we to reading ‘Death..?’ I can’t wait!
So how soon are we to reading ‘Death..?’ I can’t wait!
September 16th for the ebook.
Thanks, Connie. Hope it lives up to the wait!
Josh,
First and foremost you rock. Plain truth. Love your books. I also love this interview. I mean who doesn’t love Adrien? Although I do have to say that he is in the worst case of denial I’ve ever seen. People are wonderful liars ESPECIALLY to themselves.
Sighing…and Jake. Well, I really like Jake too. But…Jeeesusss. How many sticks of dynamite between his ears would it take for him to get “it”? LOL probably a lot. Thanks again and keep on a writing!
Thanks, Amanda. Glad you’re enjoying the books so much. Yes, I think Adrien and Jake have both highly developed skills at avoiding facing truths about themselves and each other. *g*
Josh,
I got turned on to your books by another m/m author, KA Mitchell. I read all four of the Adrien English novels over this last weekend and I’m hooked!
You have create such unbelievable passion between two complex characters that I was on the edge of my seat. Pirate King was an emotional rollercoaster for me. The push/pull of Adrien and Jake’s relationship was an amazing experience.
The two interviews are a nice “appetizer” for the great meal which is Death of the Pirate King. Now I’m jonesing for the next book!
This is absolutely perfect. You nailed him (well, he is yours afterall).
Thanks, Maxine. And thanks also to KA Mitchell. That’s very nice of her — I’ve heard good things about her work as well.
The next Adrien book should be out in December 2009.
Glad you enjoyed the interviews!
Thanks, Oshun. Glad you enjoyed the interview. Thanks also for that very kind review of DOPK on your LJ. Much appreciated.
Thank you for this interview Josh! I finally received my copy of DOAPK last night and while finishing my re-read of The Hell You Say, I remembered about this interview and Jake’s. I had actually read Jake’s, but not Adrien’s, but I think it’s the perfect way to prepare myself for DOAPK. It’s fascinating to see Adrien from the outside, and finally have Jake talking at all :-DD You reveal a lot on their inner turmoils with a few well-chosen lines or details about their voice or body language. *sigh* If I could afford not sleeeping tonight, I’d jump into DOAPK right away.
Thanks very much, Mary. Glad you enjoyed the interviews. I hope you enjoy the book!
God, I loved this series so much. So long since I’ve found books so unputdownable. You made me hate Jake in The Hell You Say, so I can’t believe how much I wanted them back together in DOAPK! And the sex – wow! *fans self*
Unbelievably good. Particularly admire the seamless way you brought in all the extra characters when Lisa remarried – Emma and Adrien’s mutual affection is a very nice touch!
Fantastic. And the interviews – great, and so poignant.
Mina.
Mina, I’m delighted you enjoy the series — and thanks for taking the time to let me know.
Glad the interviews still amuse!
All the best,
Josh
Hello, Josh.
Great interview, I read Jake’s interview also, searching for spoilers about The Hell you say, because I just read that Jake is getting married and I can’t wait to know what happened.
So… you made me hate Jake, but also love him. I try to put in his point of view and try to understand why is so difficult to came out, but I think I’ll do it anyway (in theory ^^).
Poor Adrien. Guy is nice, but is not for him (in my modest opinion), and as he says… “Guy is…good.” and nothing more.
I hope to finish the 3rd book soon, but can say that is the most interesting of all and the largest (or longest? i am not sure of the correct word)
Thanks again for this interview and for write such beautiful novels.
A big hug from Peru
Hi there, Aurora. If you’re enjoying The Hell You Say, I’m pretty sure Death of a Pirate King will make you happy. *g*
Thanks for taking the time to write. I appreciate it!
Death of a Pirate King made ME very happy. I was devastated at the end of The Hell You Say… though Fatal Shadows remains my favorite. I still have reservations avout Jake’s relationhip with Paul Kane. I just don’t get it, I guess.
But I love this series. I think I’ve read all of your stuff and Adriene English is my favorite!
Thank you for writing more! I see from the note at the end of The White Knight that you are continuing the series. I can’t wait!
Hi Kae,
Thanks for writing! I’m glad to hear you’re enjoying the series — Adrien is one of my favorites too. *g*
[…] Ah. I did just that very thing! There is indeed an interview with Adrien over at ITOW. […]