“Thank you, you look really good yourself. So handsome in a tux. You should wear them more often,” she said, smiling.
I laughed. “You know I prefer my t-shirt and jeans.”
“Or your shorts and gloves.”
I winked. “You know me well.”
“I do,” she said, coming closer so that we were now sitting side by side as the limo drove smoothly to our destination. “Listen, for tonight, we really need to silence all doubts. The more believable we look as a couple, the more people will grow less curious about your sexuality. Right now, you’re not dating anyone. You’re not seen in any pictures with anyone. You don’t go to the wild parties like other MMA fighters do, so you’re never photographed with some slut on your arm. I’m sure there’s a lot of speculation about you, it’s just that no one is mentioning it out loud. But that’s why you keep getting asked that question about who you’re dating.”
“Well, you’re all business tonight, ain’t cha?”
“I want to help you, Macio. My father loves you, and I do too. We need to make sure we solidify your persona as a hot, straight stud who is spoken for, okay?” Kathy said, smiling.
I nodded. “Yeah, okay.”
“Good. Now, let’s go over our responses to the questions we are sure to be asked tonight,” she said, and that was what we did to make sure we were on the same page.
It didn’t take us too long to get to the event being held at the Fredrick’s Hotel ballroom. Media was lined up at the door, snapping photos of an actor and his date who had just climbed out of the limo in front of ours. I was nervous, I always was at these kind of events. I could walk into the octagon without one nervous jitter, but put me in a suit and on display? Yeah, I turned into a punk. Our door opened and I climbed out first to a flurry of blinding light from flashing cameras and questions from the reporters who were in attendance. I turned back towards the limo, hand extended, and Kathy slipped her dainty hand into mine as I helped her out of the limo.
More flashing lights and more excitable questions were being directed at us. We stood still for a few moments as our limo drove away. As far as I was concerned, that was enough time for them to get their snapshots of us. I started walking Kathy into the hotel when we were stopped by the reporter who was granted permission to cover the event, at the door.
“Wow, Macio, looking extremely handsome in…” the brunette reporter prodded.
“Ralph Lauren,” I supplied, referring to my tux.
“You are dressed to the max. And who do we have here, hmmmm?” she asked, perking her eyebrows inquisitively.
I smiled like I had practiced and pulled Kathy closer to me. “She’s my date for the evening.”
“Ooohh, just the evening?” the nosey bitch asked.
This was why I hated doing these things. When Aiden first interviewed me, he was not intrusive like them. Always prying and prodding. Man, I missed him. I wished he was here with me at my side instead of Kathy. But this was my career and I had to play the part.
“Well, we’ll see, won’t we?” I said, smiling. I turned, looking at Kathy, who kissed my cheek as more cameras flashed.
“I’ve got to say, I hope it lasts because you two make one sexy, hot couple,” the reporter said.
“We do, don’t we?” Kathy commented.
I smirked and led Kathy into the hotel. I was glad the reporter didn’t try to ask any more questions, probably because another celebrity was climbing out of their luxury sports car.
“Just breathe, you did great,” Kathy said as she rubbed my chest and adjusted my tie.
“Thanks. Now to get through this night.”
“Don’t worry, you’ll survive.”
I hoped I would. At least, I was selling a new image of my brand. Hopefully now, even that snooping reporter would be satisfied. Regardless, it wasn’t going to stop me from seeing Aiden this weekend. My heart skipped beats every time I thought about him and the weekend we were going to share. Bring it on, please. For now, play the part. I’d be glad when this evening was over.
Rupert met up with us and congratulated us on how well we were working the crowd. We mingled and posed for pictures. Finally, I’d put in enough time, so Rupert told me I could leave, which I did. They brought the limo around and Kathy and I climbed in.
“Oh thank God!” she exclaimed. “My feet are killing me.”
I caught the hint and reached down, putting her feet on my lap. I removed her heels and started massaging her aching walkers. “Is this better?”
She moaned as she let her eyes close. “Feels great. I think everything went terrific tonight.”
“As long as they bought it, I’m happy,” I said.
