Page 49 of Wild Catch
“I don’t know. Negotiations are under way.”
I lean forward. “Couldn’t we just pretend to date until you go? Stage a breakup when it’s time? That’ll also get us engagement.”
Logan also leans forward, elbows on the table. “Is that all you’re after? Views on social media? You’re willing to go this far for that?”
“Well…” His eyes narrow at my little slip. He did share a humongous secret just now so maybe I should reciprocate. “Actually, there’s a chance this could get me a promotion.”
His lips curve. “Now we’re talking.”
“Steve Boateng is retiring soon, and maybe if I get my face recognized by the fans I can apply to take his position.” I shrug, like what I’m saying isn’t my dream since college, ever since my hopes of becoming Miss USA crumbled to dust.
“And hypothetically,” he comments while spreading more meat on the grill, “if I wasn’t leaving the team, what would I even get out of this?”
“Uh…” I—shit. I can’t think of anything convincing enough, so I start spitballing. “Higher brand recognition? More endorsements? Maybe from beauty brands? Commercials? Cameos?” When nothing seems to land, my mind starts to break. “A fake girlfriend who can beat off your Annies with a stick? Or how about a fake girlfriend who can feed you? Say ah.”
“What?” His face scrunches up.
“Sayah.” I shake the bundle of food I prepared in front of his face.
Still staring at me, he reaches forward to bite the food. I jump a mile when his upper lip brushes against my finger ever so slightly.
But Logan doesn’t seem to notice. As he chews, he asks, “What did you say about Annies?”
“You have some pretty, uh, intense fans. Trust me. I’ve seen their unhinged comments.” I spread a hand over my chest. “I can shield you from them.”
“Yeah?” He tucks his hair behind his ear and leans back. “And what if they try to manhandle you again?”
“That’s what security is for.” I offer my sweetest smile, and also lift up my shot glass so he tops it with the last little bit in the bottle. Grunting, he reaches for the bottle and obeys. “Good boy.”
He stops. “Am I a dog now?”
“Just practicing for when we’re fake dating.” I laugh and toss back the last of the soju. A bighahcomes out of me when I’m done. I can feel the heat of the drink expanding through my ribcage and if it wasn’t for the food, I’d be well on my way to slurring my words. So I won’t get a second bottle, which is a shame. It really is yummy. Maybe I should just come here again.
After a moment of placid eating where he consumes twice the amount of food I do in the same time, and where the waitress keeps bringing more side dishes and rice, I say, “What about charity? Helping your fellow coworker get the promotion she has dreamed about for years.”
“Do I look like I have a heart?” He seems almost offended by the notion.
I tilt my head. “Something is pumping all the blood through your big body, right?”
One of his eyes twitches and he presses his lips tight. “What if I get traded tomorrow?”
“Then it’s no big deal. We probably won’t have sufficient content to reel people in by tomorrow.” I lean forward again, but smiling this time. “What if you don’t get traded so fast?”
“I already have three offers.” He takes a big sip of his water.
“Well, did you accept any?”
Grudgingly he admits, “No.”
“Then I have a chance.” I tilt my chin up. “And if I don’t convince you tonight, I’ll try again tomorrow.”
“You’ll be too hungover tomorrow to remember most of this conversation.”
“I am very stubborn, Logan Kim.”
“So I am discovering.” He turns to signal to the waitress. “One more, please.”
“No, thanks. I actually won’t drink more?—”
