Page 11 of Something Blue

Sadie shifted uncomfortably on the doorstep. She’d only cleaned half of her apartment. The other half was in a mad disarray. “I guess.”

She led the way to the love seat, which she had cleaned and offered him a bottle of water before sitting across from him on the couch.

After he took a sip, Tanner pulled out a small stack of papers from his briefcase. “This is only a formality. Andy is very scrupulous with even small details. Here is a simple contract he drafted for you to sign so both parties are happy.”

“A contract? Really?” Sadie took the papers and skimmed the first two lines. Interesting he’d included his real name as Party A. He’d neglected to confirm a last name. Simple wasn’t a word she would’ve used to describe the black ink in front of her. She tried to search for the main points. After a few moments, Tanner reached over, seemingly reading her mind, and pointed out the key parts.

“Basically,” he said, “this is a contract stating you won’t ever reveal your true relationship with Andy. Also, that you’ll never repeat anything that might reflect negatively on him, and lastly, you will follow through with any arrangements leading up to a marriage.”

Sadie dropped the papers on the ottoman. What had she signed up for? A contract made it seem too real. And exactly what were the negative parts about him she wasn’t supposed to reveal? An uneasiness slipped into her cheerful demeanor.

His ready smile eased her discomfort some. “Don’t worry. Andy is not really marriage material, so this is all about putting on a show for his parents.”

“Seems a bit weighty.”

He shrugged. “Maybe, but in return, he will pay for any vacation expenses, dates, and a handsome bonus after everything is said and done—should you pass the test tonight.”

Why hadn’t she taken the money and run? This web of lies was quickly binding her into a stronghold. “Did he say he’d come for the whole week?”

Tanner pulled more papers from his briefcase and handed them over. “We have booked tentative flights for your trip, though they can be easily canceled. If things go well tonight, your flights leave next Friday at eight in the morning and arrive at four in the afternoon in Fort Walton Beach. A rental car will be waiting for both of you at the airport. Andy wanted to be there a day early to get your story straight before your friends arrive . . . and to work on your chemistry.”

Sadie’s face reddened, and she held a hand to her hot cheek. “He thinks of everything, huh?”

“Don’t get the wrong idea. Dinner is the only test you’ll have to see if your personalities mesh well. The trip is just extra.” Tanner took the confirmation papers back. “Like I said, he’s meticulous with small details. Now we need to get going. Are you ready to sign?”

Sadie flipped to the second page of the contract and asked for a pen. She crossed out the agreement stating she would receive a bonus. “He must’ve forgotten I didn’t want any money from him.”

Tanner raised an eyebrow. “Okay, hang on.” He reached into his briefcase and pulled out another small stack. “Andy thought you wouldn’t change your mind. Please sign this revised contract.”

They swapped papers, and Sadie skimmed the new contract and saw the bonus part had been taken out. Was she crazy for not taking the money? It would help her financial stability for at least a year. No, she couldn’t take advantage of their situation. She wouldn’t. With a wild flourish, she signed the appropriate line and handed it back.

He smiled and took the contract back. “Should we go then?”

“Go where?”

His smile wavered a bit. “Andy has paid for a spa day, complete with some new outfits for your vacation. I’m afraid it will take us up until your dinner appointment tonight.”

“Like, a makeover?”

Tanner lifted his briefcase. “You’re quick. By signing the contract, you agreed to follow through with any arrangements leading up to marriage. That would include looking your best for Andy. His dad is a bit of a stickler on appearances.”

Fisting her hands on her hips, she shook her head. “Andy’s taking it to extremes, don’t you think?”

He shrugged and made his way to the front door. “A revamp can’t hurt, right? Aren’t you seeing some friends?”

She imagined herself with a new look, walking past her forever one-sided crush, Chase, and ex-best friend, Piper, on the beach. It definitely couldn’t hurt.

After they were settled in the car, he drove toward the city, but instead of stopping at one of the sky-scraping casinos, they drove to a hole-in-the-wall building that looked like it had once been a doctor’s office.

Tanner saw her eyeing the building and smirked. “Don’t let the outside deceive you. This place is magic. Some of the best actors on Broadway come here before their debut auditions. It’s busy enough they don’t want to attract any unwanted attention, so they keep the outside shabby.”

Sadie bit her lip. “If you say so. No one would guess magic is going on.”

They made their way to a set of dusty, glass doors covered with fingerprints. He opened one door and gestured for her to enter.

The inside was as disappointing as the outside. Old chairs lined the wall, the leather on the backs of the seats were faded and peeling. Even the wallpaper was falling off the walls. She looked around for anyone, but it was as empty as the parking lot. She gave Tanner a hopeless look.

“It’s a ruse,” he said, coming up behind her and leading her by the shoulders to the only other door in the room. “Executives and clients park in the back. This is where the magic happens.” He paused for dramatic effect, then opened the double doors with a flair.

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