DATE NIGHT

MAKE A MATCH- CHAPTER 1

Last night was a blur. I had finished a photo shoot with Travis Scott for his new clothing line, and it ended with an invitation to an after party. I never shy away from an opportunity to network, so I went. I should've stopped at 4 shots but oooooohhhhh no, Travis challenged me to a bet. Twelve shots later he's on the floor and I'm calling an uber to get home safely.

I remember ordering pizza. I remember eating a slice, I think? Then the softness of my bed. I've got to stop partying like this!

I roll over and grab my phone and disconnect the charger. I see 7 missed texts from my best friend/ manager Emma, Em for short. Instead of texting back, I call.

She answers sounding irritated with my lack of giving a shit, "Jazmin Flores! Where in the hell are you??!!"

"Damn! Calm down Em, I'm at home! I just woke up." I sit up and stretch.

"Don't tell me to calm down! You disappeared from the party last night after downing aaaalll those shots! I got worried!"

I know she's right. I need to take better care of my safety. I tried to be responsible but I can't turn down a dare! I hate being challenged.

"You're right ok?" She stays quiet. She can never remain mad for too long. "How about you come over and we chill by the pool today?"

I hear her giggle... I'm forgiven. "I suppose you want me to bring food as well?"

I laugh knowing she's right. "Well it wouldn't hurt."

ONE HOUR LATER

Em shows up with burgers from In -N- Out and we lay out in the blazing pre summer sun.

"Ok we got some shit to cover," Em starts in.

Always fucking work! "Geez Em, can't we just chill without work?"

"Well let me throw this one thing at you and then we'll be besties and not work partners ok?"

I nod for her to continue. "There's a small proposition on the table that would increase your visibility to the world but it's gonna take a little sacrifice."

This doesn't sound like fun. "Go ahead." I direct.

"Do you know who The Weeknd is?" She searches my face for a reaction.

"Uuummmmm he's a singer right? Some kind of woman hater that does a lot of drugs?" I answer.

Em laughs hysterically. "Some say he's a misogynist but hundreds of thousands of women don't think so. He's the hottest upcoming singer around. His team has contacted me. They need him to have a girlfriend for a couple of months to help tame his reputation. So they want to know if you're interested?"

Is she pimping me out? Did I hear this right? "Why me???"

"They saw your picture and thought you'd fit the role." She says simply.

I'm not the typical girl next door kind of girl. I'm also not fake like all these L.A. girls. Everything on me is natural. I can't help I was blessed with tits and ass. I'm Latina so of course I have curves. My hair is jet black and thick, my eyes are just as dark. My skin a light olive tone.

"Does he know about this?" I've never been asked to do this.

"They wanted an answer from you first."

"And what's my benefit?" It better be good.

"They'll sign you to a six month contract to their XO brand for clothing, you'll be on his next CD cover and a $25,000 flat fee along with any expenses paid."

"Uuummmmm no. I just can't get behind that shit Em. I feel like a hooker."

"It's not like you have to sleep with the guy. Just dates, being seen at his events, go to a couple of concerts and you're out. Your name will grow in the industry, opening up so much more opportunity."

I stop and think about it. "I want $50,000 flat fee, a guarantee to end it in three months tops, I want to direct the shooting of the CD cover and the rest that was stated. I also reserve the right to end the contract if he tries any stupid shit... if they agree, I'll do it."

This is the weirdest shit I've ever agreed to. I've never been in a fake relationship. I barely wanted a real one.

"Wow! They don't seem like the flexible type if you know what I mean, they're kinda mobsters."

"Then set up a meeting and I'll state my demands. You know I have no issue." I have always been the backbone.

Most men see two women and think of how they can take advantage. That is until they've met us. I'm not too be played with.

"Ooookkkkk," she says hesitantly, "I see this is going to start off on a good note."

"I hear your sarcasm." I laugh,  "but my way hasn't steered us wrong yet."

She stares at me long and hard. "It's also steered us into a couple of fist fights!"

I roar in laughter, "Truth."

I watch Em pick up her phone and start texting. She busies herself for about 10 minutes in the unknown conversation then places her phone down.

"Ok," she says,  "tomorrow at 11 a.m."

"What's tomorrow at 11?"

"The meeting with the mobsters." She laughs.

I'm not intimidated. My problem is, I never am, even when I should be.