Guidebook ↠ Shawn Mendes

Chapter 13: Business Deal

Part 5: Date her based on false pretenses

London

"It's been a week. Can't you tell me what the secret business deal is now?" I groan.

Sarah laughs. "I know how long it's been London. Also, nice try getting Sophia to snoop but the details are locked up."

"Come on Sarah." I sit down in one of the chairs inside Sarah's office. "Please?"

Sarah sits down behind her desk as well. "Luckily for you, it's time for the actual deal to take place. I figured it's time you know. But before we get to that, I need you to promise to be on your best behavior."

"My best behavior? Why? Don't you usually deal with the business aspect of these kind of things? I never really take part in them."

"Like I said last week, this deal is very...different. Just promise."

I sigh. "I promise."

"To be on your best behavior?"

"I don't have a best behavior, but sure."

Sarah rolls her eyes. "I suppose that's the best I can get. Alright, in a few minutes a friend of mine is going to meet us here. He's bringing one of his clients."

I nod along and begin to play with my fingers.

"He's a manager as well." Sarah continues. "His client...well that's where you come in."

"What do I have to do?"

Sarah smiles. "Your reputation precedes you. You have to do what you do best, flirt."

I freeze and look up at her. "Excuse me?"

"His client is a boy." Sarah shrugs.

"I don't do that kind of stuff anymore." I mutter. "You told me I wouldn't have time for dating."

"But it didn't stop you from going on a date last week with that boy." Sarah laughs slightly.

My cheeks turn pink. "Not a date." Speaking of dating, I have to find a way to ask him out. Jesus, do boys have to struggle with this kind of stuff all the time?

"Good, because you won't be able to do that anymore."

I raise an eyebrow. "But you just said that you wanted me to flirt with-"

"I'm aware of what I said. I meant you won't be able to do that with that other boy."

"Why not?"

Sarah thinks for a moment before responding. "Magazines, TMZ, that kind of stuff, they cover a lot of things. But you know what kind of stuff they focus on the most?"

I stare at her confused.

"Relationships. Specifically, celebrities dating celebrities. Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez. Katy Perry and John Mayer. Taylor Swift and...other people."

A lump has formed in my throat. I swallow it down and attempt to speak. "What are you saying?"

"You need publicity. Publicity is good. You know what's going to get you that?"

Tension has settled in the room. I knew this was going to be bad. "A relationship. Specifically, with someone else who's...famous."

"Yes, exactly. And I believe I've found the perfect person."

"But I don't want this!" I stand up. "When I came to California I remade myself! I specifically avoided dating and relationships!" That's true. I haven't flirted blatantly. I haven't gone on any date dates. I've successfully avoided having feelings for anyone (other than two guys, but that's besides the point). "I don't want to do this Sarah. Does my mom know? Aren't you supposed to take care of me?"