“No, Levi, we’re not,” Jan continues.“We’re actually here because you two are the stars of the show and we need to come up with a plan to keep it that way.”They’re smiling like they just told me I won the Powerball lottery worth four billion dollars.
I look at Tate and she looks as confused as I feel.“What does that mean exactly?”
It’s Kim’s turn to talk.“It means the whole country is invested not only in your ability to sing but also your romantic relationship.”
“Yes, and the stunt you guys pulled with the costumes at the pier...I knew when I told that reporter to follow you I was going to strike gold, and I was right!”Jan finished.
“What?Are you saying you planted the reporters who chased us?”
“You’re welcome!I got word that you guys are going to be in three different publications this month, not to mention the amount of media presence...You guys are all over the internet.Everyone loves Tay-vai.”
Tate shivers at the sound of our names merged.I fall back in my chair, looking at the ceiling for help.
“So, Kim, you, um...you kissed Levi for ratings?”
I turn to look at Tate, but she doesn’t look back.I hadn’t even thought about the kiss really, but now I’m interested in the answer.
“I’m an actor, you guys.It was improv, and honestly, not terrible.But yes, it was for the show.”
I stand, my chair scraping against the floor with more force than necessary.“Well, if that’s all, I’m going to get in the jacuzzi and finish enjoying my night.I’m letting you know in case you want to send a camera or maybe someone to objectify me.Come on, Tate.”She stands to follow me.
“There’s already a camera out there,” Jan retorts.“Guys, we’re here to join forces.No more secrets.”
“Why start now?You seem to enjoy playing puppeteer with our lives.”
“Levi, that’s enough!”Her voice rises to the octave of an angry mother.“You want the record deal, right?You want to make it in the music industry?Welcome.This is it, buddy.You’re going to have to occasionally do things you don’t want to do so that you can make money doing what you do want to do.”
I bite into my bottom lip.She’s right.What am I doing?
“For the next couple weeks leading up to the Christmas break, you two are going to date publicly.So going out on the town, talking about each other in interviews, holding hands, doing what lovers do.Then, when we come back, someone is going to spot Levi sneaking out with Kim.The whole country is going to hate you while Team Tate hashtags circulate.One performance before the finale, you guys are going to make up and join whoever wins with a big smooch.The end.Do you both understand the assignment?”
This is so messed up.Everything about this is messed up.
“What if we don’t move on to the finale and one of us gets voted off?”Tate’s voice is off.Softer, sadder.
“You will,” they both say in perfect unison.I’m about to question that, but then they’re both pushing from the bar and coming to a stand.
“I’ll see you both in five days,” Jan says before she and Kim take off towards the front door.
Once I hear the door shut, I follow behind them to lock it.I watch them through the glass as they embrace before getting in their own cars and driving away.How did I not see the resemblance?I walk back slower than normal.When I make it back to the kitchen, Tate hasn’t moved from in front of her chair, but somehow, everything’s changed.The air feels thick with conversations to be had, decisions to make.I rub the back of my neck, making my way back to the barstool beside her, shoulders slumping inward.
“Can you even believe that?”Her voice is thick with disdain.
I shake my head, staring at the floor.“No.”
“The way they came in here, told us what to do.HA!As if!”
I laugh.“Yeah.Wait...what?”I look at her confused.
“We’re not going to play their game.They don’t own us.”Her shoulders are rolled back into a warrior stance.“We’re going to do this our own way.But how...”
l watch as she paces the same path Jan did not twenty minutes ago.The same sinister smile creeps up her face.
“Tate.”My voice is just above a whisper.
“We won’t break up.You won’t cheat.America loves love...”
“Tate!”
