Page 19 of My Rock Star Neighbor
He laughs.“No.She is right.You should get back out there and date.This is the universe telling you that being a monk is not the right approach.”
“I don’t think that’s the lesson I’m supposed to learn from this,” I say wryly.
The lesson is that I should have publicized my non-dating stance.But I can apologize to Maddie for saying that I didn’t trust her.
“I can fix this.I’ll write up a contract that favors her and slip it under her door.”
“Cause that’s going to melt her heart,” José says.“I always find contracts incredibly sexy.”
“You don’t know Maddie.She willlovethis contract,” I say.
José laughs.“I’m coming over.”
“Don’t,” I say.
“I’ll bring food,” José says.“Plus, Elena has her friends over, and they need some time for girl chat.Or so I’ve just been told.”José lives about fifteen blocks away from me.
“Bring Maddie’s favorite dumplings, then.”I hang up.
Shewilllove this contract.I open up my laptop and stare at the blank screen.I start typing:
Dating Contract
Nick Devlin and Maddie Hughes hereby agree to fake date for three (3) months.As part of this:
Nick will not play music past ten p.m.everagain.
Nick will also invest in soundproofing his apartment.
I don’t even own this place.That seems like a lot to pay for when I’m going to have to remove it.And what if the landlord catches me?
3.We will appear in public once a week, holding hands.
4.Maddie will also show up at any appearances required by my record label, provided that she doesn’t have a work conflict.
Okay, I’ve veered into the wrong territory.This is too much about me.What can she get out of this?
5.Nick will show up as Maddie’s boyfriend at any event where Maddie requires a date, provided Nick doesn’t have a work conflict.
I doubt Maddie needs a date at events.It’s the twenty-first century.Uh-oh.What if Maddie wants to date someone else?
6.Maddie and Nick resolve to be exclusive for the three months.
Great.Now she has to give up dating anyone else as well.This is not a contract she’s going to love.
7.Nick will cook dinner for Maddie two nights a week.
8.Nick will scoop out Sherlock’s litter box every day.
José is going to die laughing when he sees this.What else can I offer?
