Page 23 of Going Viral for Christmas
“How have your sales been the last few days?” I ask casually.
Renata answers for her. “Steady. Good, even.”
I look right at Ava. “And today?”
Renata lifts her tablet. Scrolls. Then beams. “She’s up eighty percent.”
Boom. Mic drop.
Ava’s face changes. There goes the fight between pride and logic. Control and possibility.
It’s settled.
“So, you in, Bells?”
Ava lifts her gaze. “Don’t call me that.”
“All couples have cute nicknames for each other.” I cross one leg over the other. “What’s mine?”
“Brood Lightyear,” she replies instantly.
“To infinity and beyond, huh?” I tilt my head. “Is that… a request?”
Ava rolls her eyes then moves toward her publicist. “I want a detailed itinerary, a veto on all captions, and the right to block his number after New Year’s.”
“Deal.” I raise my glass. Her attention snaps back to me. “Cheers to love.”
Renata lights up. Camille starts on the paperwork.
My eyes slide over to Ava. She’s ringing her hands, twisting them all up, probably rethinking every career decision that led her here.
Fake dating.
Me and Ava Bell.
This might be the best worst idea ever.
Or the best.
Five
AVA
After the meeting, I headed down to the hotel bar, regretting everything, and immediately texted my agent, Victoria, like a tattling younger sibling.
Renata’s gone rogue.
She’s fake dating me to Soren Pembry.
Send help or legal fire.
She told me my only option is to smile, nod, and basically do whatever she tells me to.
Her words. Not mine.
Unfortunately, Renata sidled up next to me and saw my text messages. In her sweet, condescending tone, she assured me it’s too late to pull the plug—everything’s been signed, sealed, and delivered to Victoria for approval.
Then she ordered herself a victory drink.
