Page 14 of Not My Fault

“I do. And that’s okay with me. I’m willing to play the long game if it means getting to be with her.”

“Okay. Then yeah, I would need you to come to my concerts, hang out backstage. There are certain obligations and events my manager would request your attendance at. And in between that, we’d need to go on several public outings to prove we’re a real couple. We don’t want anyone knowing the truth, obviously,” I explain.

“And who would know the truth?”

“Georgie, my manager, and if you have a best friend or someone you feel like you need to tell. The less who know about it, the better.”

“I don’t need to tell anyone,” Gus says.

“We obviously would need to keep it professional and not actually fall for each other. This isn’t some kind of rom com,” I joke.

“You don’t have to worry about me,” Gus says with a chuckle.

“You’ll have to be okay with being in the limelight, and depending on how things go, we might need to get a bodyguard—” Gus starts to make a face, “At least at your house and at the shop here. Fans can be a little nuts.”

“Fine.” They grimace.

“What about what you’d like to be called? I know you go by they/them, so how would you prefer I refer to you?”

“I wish there was a cooler word than partner, it sounds like we’re gay cowboys. But partner works. I appreciate you being aware and asking me that.”

“I don’t want to assume. I’ll make it clear in posts and when speaking about you. I can’t guarantee the press won’t have shit to say because sadly that’s the kind of world we live in.” I sigh.

“What about like…kissing? Or public displays of affection?” Gus blushes as they ask.

“We can discuss specifics; it would obviously be like acting. I’m comfortable with holding hands, kissing, being touched—like if you touch my face or hold my waist. But if there’s anything you’re not comfortable with, I will be sure to make note.”

“I-I uh, think I’m fine with everything,” Gus says.

“Viv, my manager, gave me a contract I have to have you sign. It’s basically an NDA saying you won’t tell anyone about us being fake or about anything that could hurt me or my career. It’s pretty standard but if you need a lawyer to look at it, I understand.” I hand it to them, and they start to look it over.

They take their time reading each page before they sign and initial wherever they need to. They hand it back to me and smile.

“So, what now?”

“Well, the media will see me leaving here again. Maybe you could walk me down? Another hug wouldn’t be the worst thing, and this time we’d be expecting it. I’m going on a podcast tomorrow morning, and I’m sure it’ll be one of the first things I’m asked about. Once that’s out in the open, then we’ll plan our first public outing and compare schedules.”

“Got it, that all sounds good.” Gus nods.

“Oh, and feel free to bring that girl you’re trying to impress to my concert. It might ruffle her feathers that you’d bring her to see me. It would definitely make me jealous.” I smirk.

“You wouldn’t mind?” Gus looks surprised.

“You’re doing me a huge favor. I’m sure the money has a little to do with it, but trust me, helping you out in the relationship department too is the least I can do.”

“Oh, I don’t want the money.” Gus frowns.

“What?”

“I didn’t see it mentioned on the contract, so I didn’t think to say anything. I’m not looking for financial compensation. I’m set and we’re both helping each other, it wouldn’t feel right to me.” Gus shrugs.

“Well, if you change your mind, the offer stands.”

I stand, feeling more relaxed than when I walked through the front door. Gus walks me out toward the elevator and as soon as I step outside, I spot the paparazzi. They aren’t doing a very good job at hiding, but I guess that’s how they get the better shots.

Gus pulls me in for a hug, and this time it feels different. Their body presses against mine and in a shock, I forget how to breathe. I can feel my pulse racing, and I almost forget to smile for the cameras. Their hands stay on the top of my waist, holding me steady as I wrap my arms around their neck. They’ve got a few inches on me but right now, all I can feel is their warmth and the smell of cherries. Is it their Chapstick? Some sort of hand sanitizer? I can’t put my finger on it, but soon we were pulling apart.

“I’ll see you soon, babe.” Gus adds a wink for good measure.

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