Faking Love {t.h}

Two: Here are the Rules

It's been five days since the encounter with the man. Mabel and I have been doing major research on this man. So far, everything has checked out.

"Well, Ris. Everything he said was legit and his picture on this Hollywood website looks exactly like him. I'd say go for it. I mean, if it's a job for him, he'd pay you some major moola."

I chuckle. "Okay okay. I'll give him a call but if he sends me to an abandoned warehouse, I'm checking out."

Mabel nods agreeing and hands me the business card. I dial the number and wait for him to pick up.

"Curtis Brown."

"Hi, Curtis. It's Paris Taylor. You gave me your card on the street a couple days ago offering me a job for the summer."

There is a short pause before he begins again. "Oh yes yes yes. I was beginning to think you weren't gonna call."

I smile lightly. "Sorry."

"No worries. So you called, I'm assuming you want to take the job?"

"Yes please."

"Great! I'll give to the address of my office and we can talk about the rules and requirements. Does today work? I'd love to get started right away."

I think about it for a second. I cover the phone with my hand and look at Mabel for an answer. "He wants to get started today? Should I go?" She nods frantically.

"Yes, Mr. Brown. I can come in today."

"Great! I'll email you my address and see you in about an hour maybe?"

"Yes sounds great."

"Awesome! See you soon!"

He hangs up and I go rush into my room to change my clothes. I throw on black jeans with slits in the knees along with an olive green/gray t-shirt to match. I put on some quick mascara and comb through my hair to get out the tangles. Finally, I pull on some gold sandals and rush out the door.

"Bye, May! I'll let you know if anything seems sketchy!" Finally, I'm on my way to Atlanta.

**

I walk through the big glass doors of the building and go straight to the front desk. The lady in black looks up and smiles at me.

"Hello! How may I help you?"

"Hi. My name is Paris. I'm here to see Curtis?" I ask unsure if he is still legit. Her smile grows wider.

"Yes, yes. I'll send him a message to let him know you're here." She smiles as she turns to her computer and types away.

I turn around and head towards the black leather seat by a window. Not once in my life have I ever thought I would be working for an agent. I always had dreams when I was little but I never imagined it actually coming true.

"Paris!" I look away from the window and see Curtis standing over by the front desk. "Come with me."

I get up and follow him over to the elevator. We go up a couple stories until we stop and exit straight into his office. He quickly goes to his desk and sits down. "Welcome! Would you like anything? Water? Chips?"

I shake my head and walk over to the glass window wall at the back of his office and look out. The busy streets of Atlanta can be seen for miles. The people looking like ants from the 33rd floor.

"Wow."

"I know." He smiles while joining me over by the window. "I've been here in the this room for years and this view never gets old."

I smile and make my way over to the guest chair in front of his desk and sit down waiting for him to explain the job.

"Okay, Paris. The job." I nod and fix my slouching posture. "It isn't your typical job. I just want to put that out there."

I nod understanding. "That's alright. I like something different."

"Good. I'm glad to here that. Let's talk about pay first." I nod for him to continue. "It's a difficult job and will require lots of patience. So I'm willing to pay you $500 a day."

My eyes go wide. "Wait! Wh-Wh-What? Isn't that a lot of money for one day?" I question to make sure I heard him right.

"Yes. But like I said. It's a tough job and one that needs lots of patience."

I begin to get curious as to what he could possibly be wanting me to do. "Okay, so what exactly will I be doing?"

He sighs. "Here's where things get complicated." I nod understanding. "I want you to date my client."

I raise an eyebrow. "Huh?"

"My client. He's well, how do I explain this. He's different. His ego has gotten to him and I need something to pick his image back up. You're perfect for him and I think this will be perfect for his image. It's only for the summer and then after that, you two go back how it used to be."

I hesitate for a minute. I can't do that. Fake date a celebrity for two months? Once the word gets out, my life will never be the same. But $500 a day? That's so much money that I'll have by the end of the summer. My student loans will be paid off which would be amazing. But to lie to the media and the world about a love that isn't real?

I look at Curtis. "Who is it?"

He looks over at me with a shy smile. "Tom Holland."

My eyes go wide again. Oh my gosh. "Wait, you mean the jerk who spit off a balcony and was rude to an interviewer during his interview?"

He nods sheepishly. "Yes. But! Let's look past all of that. So, what do you say?"

I look down at my sweaty hands. "Do you mind if I call my friend for her opinion? Sorry, I just need some help."

He shakes his head and gestures toward the door. "Not at all. Take your time. It's a big decision and a big commitment."

I thank him and walk toward the door into the hallway, immediately calling Mabel. It rings twice and she answers sweetly. "Hello, Miss. Taylor. How may I help you?"

"Stop it, Mabel. I need your help."

"Okay girl. Shoot."

"The job! It's insane!" I yell quietly while pacing back and forth.

"Girl, stop pacing. I can hear you through the phone."

I sigh and lean against the wall. "Sorry. It's just this job."

Mabel sighs through the phone. "Stop saying 'this job' and start explaining it to me."

"He wants me to fake date a celebrity to help fix his image."

"Woah. That's new. Who is it?"

"Tom Holland."

"Girl, no. He has such a bad rep right now. He's super hot but a no go."

"He's paying me $500 a day."

"Never mind. Personality doesn't mean squat. At least he's cute."

"So I should do it?"

"Yes. I know it will change your life and the world will know who you are but I mean the money is way to much to turn down."

I sigh. "I know. I just wanted to make sure I wasn't delusional."

"You know you are. I mean your about to fake date Tom freaking Holland."

I laugh. "Oh my gosh, I know. Okay, thanks May. Love you!"

"Love you more!"

We hang up and I walk back into the room.

"So?" He says while looking up from his desk.

"I'm in."