I absolutely do not “got this.”
But here goes.
CHLOE
This is a bad idea.
Section 7 of the contract glows on my laptop screen. I’ve read it maybe fourteen times since yesterday, and it still makes my hands shake.
Furthermore, in the event that Player’s relationship with Ms. Dawson is proven to be fraudulent, staged, or undertaken primarily for publicity purposes, the following penalties shall apply immediately:
(a) Contract termination without severance
(b) Repayment of signing bonus in full ($547,000)
(c) Forfeiture of all future salary obligations
(d) Two-year non-compete clause preventing Player from signing with any NHL team
Two years.
His entire career.
Everything.
I slam the laptop shut as though doing so will trap the scary words inside. Keep me from letting my disastrous life seep into Brody’s. My gaze lands on the dress hanging at the end of the bed, and I let out yet another heavy breath.
Okay. List time. Lists fix everything.
1. Get dressed. In clean clothing.
2. Meet Brody at 11 a.m. Be cool. Don’t embarrass yourself. We’re going for Sandra Bullock from The Proposal, here. Not Sandra Bullock—Miss Congeniality. Poise. Professionalism. Altogether put-togetherness. You get the picture.
3. Align our stories, coordinate our watches, you know the drill.
4. Pick up flowers.
5. Decorate the venue.
6. Change into party dress. (Take off the Goodwill tag.)
7. Convince my entire family I’m in love. (Honestly, this is the easy one.)
8. Don’t get your heart broken. I think it’s important to keep this on the list, don’t you?
My phone buzzes. I grab it too fast, nearly fumble it onto the floor because I’m graceful like that. Maybe I should take the whole poise thing off the list…
Brody
On my way. Coffee first?
My heart does a little flutter that I refuse to attribute to the idea of a fake coffee date with my fake boyfriend. Attribute it to indigestion, if you will. Lack of sleep. Caffeine withdrawal. All great alternatives to the truth.
Me
Yes. Brew & Rumor?
Brody
