ChapterTen
Gia
Joel and I decided it was best to divide and conquer, so I was tackling projects inside the house and he’d recruited a few of his old high school friends to help him with the barn. One was a contractor, so he was able to make sure they were doing everything to code and the place wouldn’t collapse on us during the ceremony. That video might go viral, but we probably wouldn’t live to tell about it.
I was busy painting the old maple kitchen cabinets white when my cell phone rang. I immediately recognized the number. Elaine, the showrunner, who was responsible for the production of my new show. I prayed she wasn’t calling to tell me they’d had a change of heart and decided I wouldn’t be a good fit for the network after all. Until all the i’s were dotted and t’s crossed, I wouldn’t believe it was real.
I cleared my throat before swiping the screen. “Hi, Elaine.”
“Gia, I’m glad I caught you. I know I could have emailed, but I just wanted to make sure next Thursday works for you?”
My heart started racing. I couldn’t believe this was really happening. They could have had their pick of a million influencers in the lifestyle space, but they wantedme. “Um, sure. I can be there next Thursday.”
“Perfect, the whole team will be here. They can’t wait to meet you.”
“I’m looking forward to meeting them too.”
My eyes fell to Duke, who was sleeping on a rag rug by the back door. He followed either myself or Joel from room-to-room, like he was afraid to let us out of his sight. Given the way he’d lost his last mistress, I’d have to make sure Joel gave him plenty of love while I was gone.
“Congratulations on your engagement, by the way. How exciting.”
“Thank you, it is.” Between the cosmetic upgrades we were making to the house and planning the wedding, I’d barely had time to sleep since we told our friends we were getting married a few weeks ago, but I wasn’t complaining. I’d never had more fun.
“And that fiancé of yours is bound to bring in his fair share of female viewers. I hope he won’t mind appearing on camera from time to time.”
The thought of women tuning in just to see Joel pissed me off. Jealousy hit me like a gut-punch, but I had to play nice. “I’ll ask him. Joel’s not really the type to—”
“Oh, but think about how great it would be for viewers to see you two together, Gia. I’ve seen all the likes and comments your photos with Joel have gotten. Women are going crazy over him.” She laughed. “Not that I can blame them. If I were twenty years younger, I might try to steal him away from you.”
I fake-laughed, clenching my teeth. “You could try, but he’s not going anywhere, believe me.” Where the hell had that come from? I was acting all territorial and possessive, like I had a right to be!
“Oh, I’m sure he’s not. And why would he? He’s not the only one who’s a catch.”
“Thank you.” Joel always told me how fake people were in L.A. and I was starting to see for myself. “If you send me the details about the meeting, I’ll book my flight and hotel tonight.”
“Perfect, see you next Thursday, Gia.”
I didn’t realize I was scowling at the screen until Joel walked in, raising his hands. “Uh oh, if I’m the guy you’re pissed at, I can back out slowly.”
I shook my head, trying to school my expression. “I’m not mad. In fact, I’m happy.” Or at least I should be. “That was Elaine, the woman in charge of my show. They want to meet with me next Thursday.”
His face lit up as he crossed the room, hauling me against his chest. “Hey, that’s great, babe. You can get those contracts signed and it’ll be one less thing for you to worry about, right?”
Joel played the role of supportive fiancé a little too well. Even I was starting to believe it. “Yeah, but there’s one thing… and you may not like it.” I’d already asked so much of him, how could I ask for another favour? “You know what, forget it.”
I tried to walk away, but he hooked a thumb through the beltloop of my denim shorts and pulled me back against his chest. “Talk to me, G. What is it?”
I sighed, wishing he’d learned the fine art of letting things go sometimes. “Elaine thinks it would be good for ratings if you were on the show sometimes.”
He turned me to face him. “So? What’s the problem?”
“I wasn’t sure how you’d feel about it.” My gaze drifted to the ground as I forced myself to be honest. “In fact, I’m not sure how I feel about it.”
He tipped my chin, forcing me to look at him. “What are you talking about?”
I closed my eyes. “Ugh! I can’t even believe I’m saying this. They want you to be the eye candy.”
He threw his head back laughing and I wanted to smack him. This wasn’t funny. I was seething and he had the nerve to laugh?
