“You think it’s a good idea?” Finally some honest talk, because yes, I was that weak. I was very much on this level of ridiculousness because that was what these boys made me. They had me wrapped around their fingers, and I was getting pushed into another one of their virtual corners.
“We did all the research. The contract is solid; the NDAs are good. And there is a clause that says you can just walk away if you feel it’s not for you.”
“That’s the only clause…” Ed started as Cal slapped his hand over his brother’s mouth.
“Legal bullshit. Normal stuff,” Cal continued on. “And by the time the show airs, you’ll be happily settled down with the love of your life.”
“The statistics aren’t good,” I interjected.
“Shut up, Dad. Sign the papers.”
I had no idea. Zero. This? This would never end well.
I still signed. I couldn’t even explain why.
Chapter 2
Oliver
“We are so thrilled to have you on board!” the lady squealed, looking totally overexcited and strangely enthusiastic, whilst not for a minute fooling anyone, let alone me. I’d been watching her through the glass wall of her office, yawning and inspecting her elaborate nails, no doubt making me wait as she twiddled her thumbs. Or perhaps she’d just been contemplating my fate.
Reality TV star. Another notch to add to my already impressive CV. Something that no doubt would impress my colleagues, the ones who usually looked down on me with disdain. Fuck it.
At twenty-nine, I was the youngest account manager at Delaware Financial, and also the most successful one, who pulled in the majority of our clients and racked up the profit, pocketing those coveted extra bonuses with ease. My job wasn’t anything special; it was just basic numbers, graphs and scores. Convincing people that I knew better than they did. It was child’s play, but that didn’t matter much here. I was ready for a changeof scenery, a different pace for a while, because to be honest? I was bored. Super bored.
Take last night. I’d gone out, cruised around the usual places for a drink, getting the vibe, scoring some fun things and then? Oh yes. I’d got myself dragged to some party where I’d found myself on all fours servicing a nice hottie with a thick dick, who’d not only praised my excellent cock-sucking skills but also had a friend who willingly fucked me under his watchful eye. A good night, all in all. Not that I was telling this… – what was her name? Tiya? Taya? Tonya? – anything about that.
“Just need to go over the basics one more time to finalise your schedule. The official photoshoot will be next week, ready to launch your new social media. After that, you’ll be needed on set on Saturday, when we film the first arrival, the pre-show interviews and the idents…”
“Tanya,” I interrupted, sitting myself up straighter in the chair.
“Angela,” she said sternly. “I’ve introduced myself twice.”
“Angela, my apologies,” I said flatly. “Any chance of some coffee? I’ve hung around a while, and it’s way past lunch.”
“Certainly.” She smiled sweetly. “There’s a machine in the lobby downstairs, for later. After. We only have a certain timeframe to finish this, and I have another meeting to attend to.”
This truly wasn’t glamorous, not that I’d expected a red carpet or anything, but I was the contracted talent, after all. Also? I knew full well I was behaving like an entitled dick. Came with the territory, unfortunately. I was used to having people to run my errands. Bring me hot drinks. Sort out my needs and demands with a submissive nod of their head.
I wasn’t particularly liked at work; I knew that. I didn’t mind. I wasn’t there to make friends.
“You and the other resources…” she continued, her voice full of smarm.
“Resources?”
“Talent, acquisitions, whatever – I’m only using the terms from the contract here, as I said, you will be contracted full time, twenty-four seven, until the time the show wraps. Reshoots should be expected and are included in your fees. As is the reunion show, which will be shot at a later date. Also, there can only be one winning couple.”
“We still get paid our fees though, even if we don’t win?” I stuck in, just to get that part straight. I had read the contract. There was a nice hefty fee for my time, as well as the exposure which could, andcouldwas the potent word here, lead to brand endorsements and all kinds of icing on the cake. Angela’s words, not mine.
“You are bound by your contract, the NDAs, your twenty-four-seven availability and of course, it goes without saying, any behaviour that goes against the company’s ethos, values and disciplines, as per the said contract, will result in immediate dismissal from the production.”
“I understand that.” I might have rolled my eyes. I was not a child, and legal contracts were my bread and butter. I had read, signed and understood.
“Your preferences have been noted,” she said, flicking through the contract in front of her.
“Gay. Will be coupled up with a man. Someone fit, with the same view on this,” I parroted out.
“Which is?” She ripped out a sheet. Made a scribble in the margins, clearly not listening to me.
