The Quiet Contract

The Event - Alcohol

Jennie POV

  

The room grew quiet as my father cleared his throat, signaling a shift in the conversation.

"As you both know," he began, his gaze alternating between Lisa and me, "this event is not just a gathering. It's an opportunity for everyone in the industry to see the strength of our partnership—not just between our companies but between the two of you."

Lisa nodded, her expression serious, while I did my best to keep mine neutral.

My mother chimed in, her tone softer but just as resolute. "What your father means, Jennie, is that appearances matter. A simple, lowkey connection between you and Lisa—a hand on the arm, perhaps holding hands occasionally, or standing closely—will go a long way in convincing them that this partnership is as personal as it is professional."

I stiffened, my mind immediately rejecting the idea. "That's unnecessary," I said, trying to keep my voice composed. "We've been managing fine without... all that."

My father raised an eyebrow, his tone firm. "Jennie, this isn't up for debate. This is about perception. These are seasoned professionals, and they'll expect to see a genuine connection between you two. Standing side by side and exchanging pleasantries won't cut it."

Lisa glanced at me, her face calm but her eyes careful, as though she was waiting to see how I'd react.

"I understand, sir," Lisa said, addressing my father with her usual politeness. "If that's what's needed, we'll do our best."

Her easy acceptance of the idea irritated me. It was as if she had no problem with the suggestion, while I was sitting here feeling my insides twist at the thought of it.

"I'm not comfortable with that," I said, my voice sharper than I intended. "We're not... like that."

Lisa's gaze met mine, steady and unreadable. "I get that, Jennie. But this isn't about us. It's about what they need to see."

Her words threw me off. She wasn't being pushy or playful—she was being practical, and it only annoyed me further.

I crossed my arms, trying to mask the flicker of uncertainty I felt. "Fine. If that's what's expected. But don't think I'll... suddenly change my mind about anything."

Lisa tilted her head slightly, her expression softening into something almost reassuring. "Of course not," she said, her tone light but sincere.

The conversation moved on, but I couldn't focus. My mind was stuck on the thought of Lisa's hand brushing against mine, her arm casually resting on my shoulder, or—God forbid—her leaning in close for some ridiculous, over-the-top show of affection.

The worst part? Every time the image appeared in my mind, I couldn't tell if the warmth in my chest was irritation or something else entirely. Something I wasn't ready to admit, even to myself.

When the meeting finally ended, my parents lingered behind with Lisa's, leaving Lisa and me to walk out together.

"Hey," she said as we stepped into the quiet hallway, her voice softer now that we were alone. "Are you okay? About what they said?"

I shot her a quick glare. "Why wouldn't I be? It's just business."

Lisa's lips twitched, almost as if she wanted to smile but decided against it. "Right. Just business."

Her calmness annoyed me even more. How could she be so composed while I was over here unraveling at the seams?

As we reached the front door, Lisa paused, turning to face me. "For what it's worth, I'll follow your lead. If something makes you uncomfortable, just let me know."