Page 2 of The Pump Fake

We are both silent for a moment as we contemplate a plan, or at least that’s what I’m trying to do. I sure hope that’s what Hunter is doing, too. Thankfully, I’m right, because his eyes light up a moment later. Yes, he’s got an idea. I sit up straight in my chair, ready to hear what he has to say.

“I know. You just need her to date someone,” he says casually, like it’s that easy.

“Date someone? How is that going to help?” I ask him.

“Statistics say that woman who are in power and are in a relationship appear softer and more approachable. I mean, it’s bullshit, but this is all about optics, right?” he asks as he shrugs his shoulders.

“Right,” I say wearily. How would that work or better question how do I get Jade to agree to this?

“Cliff, all you have to do is make it appear that she’s dating someone. Just a few dinners here and there, maybe a few eventstogether. Have them show up to a few of her games. Maybe later they can break up. No big deal. This is done all the time.”

I roll my eyes at him. No big deal, yeah right.

“Okay, how will that work?” I ask, entertaining him and his idea.

“That’s for you to figure out. Do you know anyone who would do this?” he asks, standing up and buttoning his jacket.

I try not to examine too closely as to why the suggestion of someone else being with Jade makes my blood boil, even if it’s fake. It’s probably a moot point because there is no way she’s going to agree to this ridiculous idea. Besides, it will have to be someone else. Maybe I can find another celebrity who needs to “fake date” someone. All I know is it can’t be me. It could ruin everything for her.

“I don’t know,” I breathe out. “I’m not sure I could even get her to do it.”

“Well, it sounds like you have your work cut out for you.”

“Yeah. Get out of here, I have work to do.”

“Will do. Also, I need you to check out the email I sent you. It’s about our next client,” he says, rubbing his hands together.

I just nod as he walks out of my office. Taking a deep breath, I take my chances and call Jade, hoping she won’t have my balls for this.

2

Jade

“I’m sorry, but the team doesn’t like the persona you give off. They want to make you more approachable as a teammate and player,” my manager, Cliff, explains over the phone. I roll my eyes because I can’t believe we’re even discussing this.

Who cares what kind of persona I give off? I make the shots, right? I’m not outright rude to anyone. Privacy is important to me and I’m just particular with those I surround myself with.

I’ve been with the Los Angeles Stars for two years now and I’m not sure what they want from me. The team has a winning record for the first time in years and we’re heading to the playoffs. I’m not sure you could ask for much more.

“We need to have you perceived as someone that people like, someone that is just private and not mean,” I hear him say when I tune back into the conversation.

“Cliff, you know me. I can be friendly,” I say, exasperated.

“Jade, I know you can, but you should know more than anyone that people have different standards for women especially in the sports world.”

“I know but this…this is ridiculous,” I whine.

“Listen, I have an idea, but I need you to keep an open mind.”

Those words set me on edge. What is he going to say? The nerves within me tremble with anxiety or excitement, I can’t quite put my finger on which one. Not one to put off the inevitable, I whisper, “What?”

“What if we set you up with someone and make it look like you’re dating?”

“Absolutely not,” I snap at him.

“Jade, it doesn’t have to be real. You would just need to go on a few dates with them and we’ll make sure that you’re photographed.”

“How does that even make me look softer?”

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