Page 79 of When You Rescue your Celebrity Crush

Without looking up, Maddie waves a languid hand. “Some of them are coming, too. It’s a girl thing.”

Loretta leans forward, drawing my attention to a stunning redhead beside her. Her hair is burnished copper, making Maddie’s look pale and almost strawberry blonde. “This is Gina Wilkes. She works with Nica’s publicist.”

Gina rises and shakes hands with me. Her grip is firm and business-like. “Nice to meet you, Matt. I don’t know if Nica told you, but Sylvia—her manager—asked us to take a look at—” She breaks off and sizes me up for a fraction of a second. It’s so fast, I almost miss it. “The situation. We want to make sure your relationship with Nica is presented in the best possible way to reinforce her brand.”

My jaw drops, and I stare for a second before finding my voice. “You want to present our relationship—what?”

“Will you ladies excuse us for a moment?” She doesn’t wait for Loretta or Maddie to answer before shepherding me into the kitchen to sit at the counter.

Nica smiles and puts a mug of coffee in front of me. Her expression fades to neutral as she looks at Gina. “Sylvia insisted on sending her. Let’s hear her out.”

“Thank you.” Gina nods regally. “Nica Holmes is a brand. Her fans watch her movies because they identify with what they perceive her to be: sweet, wholesome, romantic. Nica tells me you’re a fan of her work, so you know what I’m talking about. We want to make sure her fans learn about your affaire de coeur in a way that reinforces that image. I’m going to arrange for a photographer to—”

“Not that Boitano guy!” I lurch forward in my seat.

“No, of course not. That man is the bane of my existence! His work is the exact opposite of what we’re trying to do. He tries to catch celebrities at their worst. We’re working to present your relationship at its best.”

“No offense, but I don’t know why this is necessary. My brother didn’t need a publicist when he and Rachel started dating.”

“Your brother?” She pauses for a second, her brow furrowed, as if she’s paging through a client briefing. Then it clears. “Oh, right, the singer.” She makes the word sound small, as if Blake is a busker on the corner stumping for tips. “Musicians are easy. People expect indiscretions from them, so if they just keep their noses clean, they’re golden.”

“My brother is very protective of his brand, which is quite similar to Nica’s, actually. He’s the clean and wholesome type. And he had no trouble dealing with that by himself. He certainly didn’t need to hire a publicist. And besides, people have seen me on Nica’s social media.” I turn to Nica. “Right?”

Nica nods, but Gina doesn’t give her a chance to speak. “Look, Matt, I get it. And frankly, I agree. You fit the brand. But Sylvia wants to make sure it’s done professionally. I’d like to schedule a photographer to get some good pictures of you two doing normal couple things. That’s all. We’ll use those on Nica’s social media.”

“I thought she posted her own stuff? In fact, that was one of the things she was doing here. We did some video.”

“And those were great. Perfect for her followers. But I need images that can be used in professional media. I promise it won’t take more than a few hours, and you’ll be done.”

“I’m still not convinced this is necessary.” Nica folds her arms. “We aren’t getting engaged.” Her face goes a little pink, and she avoids my gaze. “If we were, I’d be on board. But this is too new—it’s too soon to put out anything formal. I’ve posted a few pics and vids to my personal feed, and I think that’s plenty at this point. Would you want to have to do a formal—” She looks around the room, searching for the right word. “A formal presentation when you’ve just started dating a new guy? I’ve never done one before.”

Gina’s lips press together, and she looks away as if debating something. Finally, she sighs and leans a little closer. “I get it. And I actually agree. And I can tell Sylvia that. She seems to think this is different.” She nods at me, then raises her brows with a shrug. “I’ll tell her what you said. But if she disagrees, you’re going to have to take it up with her. Just between you and me, this is my last week at Webster Dillinger. I start a new position next month, so someone else will take over this campaign.”

“Perfect. Tell Sylvia you presented your case, and I—we—” Nica comes around the end of the kitchen island and puts a hand on my arm. “We said no thank you. I’ll tell her that, too. Now that you’re off the hook, let’s go back outside.”

Someone knocks on the open front door. “Yoohoo? Anyone home?” Gloria Mead traipses into the room, followed by her son Rob.

“Gloria!” Nica exchanges a hug with the older woman, then gives Rob an air kiss. He twitches, as if trying to avoid squirming. Nica smirks, then herds us all onto the deck. “We’re getting quite the party going, aren’t we? Gloria, Rob, do you know everyone?” She waves at the women on the deck. “My mom, Loretta. My sister Maddie. And this is Gina Wilkes from Webster Dillinger.” Her voice cools on the last introduction.

Rob shakes hands with Gina and nods at Nica’s family. He loiters by the door, as if he’s anxious to leave. His mother hurries around the deck, hugging everyone in quick succession. “Did you all know Loretta and I have known each other for years? She used to come here when she was married to Nica’s father. When I saw her at Locals’ Night, I told her we needed to get together, and here we are. Rob’s here because…” She turns to Rob. “Why are you here?”

Rob blinks in surprise. “Because you wanted me to meet Maddie.”

Gloria slaps Rob’s arm gently. “Don’t be silly. Maddie’s clearly not right for you. No offense, dear.” She aims this last bit at the younger woman.

Maddie drags her eyes reluctantly from her phone. “Don’t worry about it, Glo. Mamas try to set me up with their sons all the time.” She gives Rob a shrewd look. “Although they aren’t usually as hot as yours. You interested in moving to LA?”

Rob shudders. “Definitely not.”

Maddie shrugs. “There ya go. Not gonna happen.” She turns back to her phone.

Rob coughs. “I need to get some work done this morning.”

“But it’s Sunday!” Gloria shakes a finger at her son. “Didn’t your father and I teach you to rest on the sabbath?”

“I’m resting. I’m only working a few hours. I can come back and get you later if you want.”

“Don’t bother, dear.” Loretta waves Rob’s offer away. “Gloria and I are going to ride the scooters.” She turns back to her friend. “You have to try these things. They’re so much fun!”

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