Cowboy like me

Mean

I am heading to the office of Miss Paine, where I have an appointment with her, John, and Parker to discuss how we should handle the PR relationship. I like to call him Jack in my head (short for Jackass); he is so annoying. He is quite good-looking with his brown hair falling over his face and his light blue eyes, but he is pretentious and acts like the world owes him something.

I am waiting in the room with Tree and John, with no sign of Jack. It's the second time I'm supposed to see him, and the second time he's late. Great, I am stuck with a chronically late person. He finally comes in 20 minutes later.

"Now that everyone is here, I am going to read the contract in its entirety, and if you have questions, please save them for after I'm done," Tree explains.

"Well, can't you sum up the important points? I don't have time for all of this; I am giving a concert in half an hour, and the meeting is already running late," Jack interrupts her.

"Whose fault is that?" I shoot back.

"I had some stuff," he finds an excuse.

I roll my eyes.

"Fine, I'll make it quick. Here are the rules:

You cannot talk publicly about this at any time during and after the fake relationship. It's your responsibility to only inform people you trust with this secret; the fewer people know, the better.

You should publicly show affection and act like a real couple. You don't have to kiss, but you are encouraged to hold hands or hug, especially when you know you're being filmed. Assume you're being filmed in any public place or event, including around people who aren't in the loop.

You should respect the schedule set. During the first month, you should be seen together at at least three public events and two public places. You'll post on your social platforms, and at the end of those two months, you'll announce the relationship. For the next five months, you should be seen at least at 15 public events and places, and post more than three pictures of both of you or of the other partner. After that, you're free to end the relationship anytime."

I nod, taking notes in my little notebook I always carry with me. It has a blue cover with gold flowers on it. I write everything important in it—thoughts, notes, songs, things I want to remember, pretty much everything. I feel someone looking at me, and when I glance up, I see Jack smirking at me. He's laughing at me, and it makes me mad, but I don't react. I don't want to give him that satisfaction.

"4. You cannot be seen with another person in a romantic relationship, even if it's not forbidden to have a relationship with someone else. I do not recommend it, as you'll have to hide it and can't afford to be seen with someone else. Cheating allegations can spread quickly and would be bad press.

And finally, you cannot engage in a real romantic relationship with each other. No sex, no kissing, nothing, until the end of the contract. Trust me, it will be easier that way.

Does anyone have any questions?" Tree finishes.

"What will be our first public event?" I ask.

"We thought you could attend Taylor's next show and meet there. You'll act like you've never met and spend the night next to each other, dancing and talking. You should act like you're interested but keep it like a first meeting—no kissing or anything like that. Right, Parker?" she asks him, as he's fiddling with his phone.

"Um, I'll do whatever. I have to go, see you soon," he says as he leaves.

What an ass.

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Sorry it's a little short, but I'll post the next chapter tomorrow.

I would like to extend my thoughts and condolences to the three little girls who were tragically killed in Southport, UK, and to the other victims of the attack. Words cannot express how horrible this tragedy is; these kids were just having fun and living their innocent lives, which were taken from them. I hope the children and adults who were injured recover swiftly.

Rest in peace, Alice, Elsie, and Bebe.