The Fake Girlfriend

Chapter 11

The rest of the week consisted of early morning workouts with Nick and then the rest of the the day to do what I want with my nice weekly check. But my sore muscles weren't happily obliging as I thumbed through the racks of clothes at stores. They obviously haven't seen this kind of exercise in quite a few years.

With a shopping bag and a coffee, I climbed back into my car and rode back to the apartment, it was friday afternoon and I was ready for a warm bed and hot tea.

After I had set my things down on my bed my phone started ringing from my purse.

"Hello?" I answered after yanking everything out trying to find the slim cellular device.

"Rayne, hi, darling," Scarlett's voice lifted through the speaker. "just thought I'd let you know that a car is on it's way to your apartment right now to take you to the airport to meet up with Nick."

My eyes widened. "Wait... What?" My hand went to rest on my forehead, because a pounding headache was erupting in my right temple.

"The boys have an interview on Jimmy Kimmel live tonight in L.A and Nick had things to do at the studio so he was going to fly out later. But you are the girlfriend and are required to be there in the audience being supportive," she said absentmindedly. I could picture her at her desk, phone between her ear and shoulder, red nails typing away at the keyboard.

"Scarlett... look, I really don't feel good-" I began.

"No excuses, Rayne. Must I remind you of the contract? Put some make up on and get in the car so Nick doesn't have to wait too long," she snapped and the line went dead.

****

Aspirin, a spritz of perfume, and a car ride later, I was walking through the airport to the place Nick said he would be. My whole body was aching with each step and I felt light headed going down the escalator.

I finally spotted Nick with a security guard, his head down and sunglasses drawn. He wore a tan leather jacket and dark jeans, raising his hand when he saw me.

"Hey... You okay? You look pale," he said, wrapping an arm around my shoulder and ushering us off to the waiting plane.

My fingers touched my cheek. I shook my head. "I really don't feel good. Sorry, I didn't know we were leaving for the interview. Scarlett doesn't really give me a heads up on these things."

His arm around me tightened as we were ushered through a throng of people, phones being pulled out and quick pictures being taken as Nick and I walked by.

His nose crinkled a bit, making him look younger. "Why don't I have your number? I could inform you faster that way. When we get on the plane remind me to give it you," he said.

I nodded, wondering why he was being so nice to me today. I mean, yeah, he was nice in general, he just sometimes seemed a little grouchy when it came to our fake relationship. But, heck, I'd be too if I were him.

Nick and I sat first class on the plane, our body guard leaving to sit visible to us in the back. The stewardess rustled around, handing us both a chute of champagne.

I glanced down at the sparkling liquid, my head spining quickly. Pressing my lips together, I set it down in the cup holder.

"You don't want it?" Nick asked, eyebrows drawn.

I shook my head. "No, I'm still not feeling so well."

He nodded and turned back to his open laptop.

The plan ride was interesting. My head was hurting so bad, I had the heels of my hands pressed to my eyes.

"Did you take any medicine?" Nick asked, running the back of his hand over my forehead. "Rayne, you're burning up."