Page 40 of Great Pretender
I remember him mentioning why he slipped up but not telling me the reason. I’m curious as to what it was.
He mentioned me.
“What did Curtis say about me?”
“It’s okay, just forget what I said.”
“You know that’s like asking me to pretend I didn’t see the sun come up. If he was saying stuff about me, why didn’t you just come to me?”
He shakes his head. “Next time, I’ll know better. My point is, this is my last chance, and the only one I’ll have to really show I’m serious about what I want. It’s my own fault I’m in this mess, so I have to get myself out of it. This plan is possibly the worst stunt I’ve ever pulled, but I don’t think I could trust anyone else not to ruin me. So, I’m glad it’s you. I swear to God I will be eternally grateful for your help.”
“I know you will. That’s why I’m doing it. I do have my own terms, though,” I state, steeling my spine.
I have a few terms he might not like, but despite my willingness, I don’t want him to embarrass me.
“You name it, and I’ll do it.”
“No women when I’m around.”
“That goes without saying.”
“Maybe so, but I think it needs to be said, to be sure.”
He gives me a smirk. “You think I’m going to cheat on you?”
“Yes, I mean…I guess it’s not cheating if we aren’t truly together, but what I don’t want is the embarrassment of peoplethinkingyou cheated. So, no women, no flirting, and no ogling when you’re with me. But if you must hook up with someone, please make sure it’s done in utter silence. Completely discreet.”
“I wasn’t planning on hooking up with anybody,” he replies to my surprise, but I think it’s because he’s thinking of the present.
“According to the time span of this venture, I don’t expect you to remain celibate.”
I frown when he laughs because I want him to see how serious I am. “Chad, it’s not funny. Please don’t embarrass me.”
“It’s the way you said it. I know it’s not funny.”
“Good, because Heath cheated on me, Chad. If some pesky little cameraman caught you doing it, that story with images would be all over New York. If people think we’re dating, I’d just look like some joke. Especially if Heath saw it, which he would.”
Seriousness washes over his face at the realization of what I mean.
“I promise you; you won’t have to worry about anything like that.”
“Then it looks like we have a plan in motion.”
“You sure?” he asks again.
“I am. I even have a rough draft of the plan. We could date and gain some exposure and be engaged by your parents’ wedding anniversary. I’d bet they’d love that.” If we stuck to that, it would give us five months to get the show on the road.
I’m sure no one would even bat an eyelid at us being engaged by then.
“You’ve really thought about this.”
“I have.”
“Then it’s a deal.”
I put out my hand to shake his. “Deal. Welcome to the start of our fake relationship.”
“Welcome to you too.”
