Page 12 of Not My Fault

“Gus, hey, I’m so sorry for just ambushing you at work, but I wanted to talk somewhere private.” Emily’s standing in my office with a brunette woman by her side. She looks familiar, like she’s been photographed with her before or something. “Sorry, this is my best friend, Georgie.”

“Hi, I’m Gus. Pleasure to meet you.” I smile and shake her hand.

Georgie smiles and then we both look at Emily.

“I’m sorry about the photo. I didn’t realize the paparazzi were around. I should’ve gone down first last night to protect you.” I sigh.

“No! It’s okay. It’s actually why we’re here. I wanted to ask you something.”

“Okay?” I raise an eyebrow.

“My label is looking for me to date someone, for the media. Someone low key, down to earth, who won’t take away attention from me, and keep my name out of the tabloids for the wrong reasons,” Emily explains.

“Okay…” I still don’t understand how I fit into this.

“Georgie and I were thinking, maybe that could be you...” she finishes with a smile.

“Excuse me, what?” My eyes go wide. Surely this was all a dream, and my alarm is about to go off any minute. I don’t really have a pop star standing in my office asking me to be their fake girlfriend.

“We’d need you to sign an NDA and go out with me on a few fake public outings. But otherwise, you’d resume your normal life, and I would mine. The record company is offering a large check if you last six months, and more for a year,” she explains.

“I’m sorry, I don’t think I’m hearing you right. Are you asking me out?”

“No. I need someone to pretend to be my girlfriend—well partner. Whichever term you prefer. And to the press, we’d be a couple, but in private, we’d just be friends,” Emily adds.

“Emily’s label is worried about her image, and in the last twelve hours since your photo was taken, she’s gone from being labeled the ‘wild child’ to a loyal lesbian. I know it’s silly to have to worry about those things, but perception is everything, and we just want her to be able to focus on her music. This would be mutually beneficial to both of you,” Georgie adds.

“So, we just have to look like we’re dating? But we can date other people?” I think of Cari immediately.

“Well, no. You’d have to remain loyal to Emily, otherwise the press would have a field day with this.” Georgie sighs.

“Which is why the label is willing to pay you. I know it’s asking a lot.” Emily does a half smile.

“I-I’m sort of seeing someone. Not seriously, but it could be. So I’m sorry but no. I just can’t do this,” I say aloud. Emily’s face falls but she quickly adjusts it.

“I understand.” She nods.

“You understand that even if you don’t agree, this conversation needs to stay private?” Georgie adds.

“G, they’re not going to tell anyone,” Emily says before I can.

“She’s right. Your secret is safe with me.”

“Okay,” Georgie says.

“I should get going then but thank you. If you happen to change your mind, you have my number. Just give me a call and I can answer any questions if you’re worried,” Emily says before leaving.

I nod and watch as she walks down the hallway. The security guard opens the doors, and Emily takes the time to sign some things—which is a lot of boobs—and take photos with the fans. Before leaving, she turns back to give me a soft smile. I feel bad for saying no. I just don’t want to miss my chance with Cari if I’m busy pretending to be with Emily.

“I know you probably can’t tell us what happened, but can you check your phone? Cari asked me to tell you.” River looks at me with an eyebrow raised.

Reaching into my pocket, I see a few missed texts from Cari. She’s never one to double text, let alone triple or quadruple.

CARI: I know we said we could see other people, I didn’t realize that included famous pop stars

CARI: I’m free tonight if you’re not too busy

CARI: Okay, I saw your photo and maybe you’re right. I’m not ready to be serious yet but I want to see you more

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