Chapter Four

I call Thea and ask her to meet me at the mall. As soon as I see her, I scowl.

"Thea, how could you not tell me about the document?" I cried. "You could have at least warned me!"

She blinks a few times. "What document?"

"Oh, I don't know. The one you signed this morning, maybe?" I replied sassily.

"I have no idea what you're talking about," she said, confusion eminent on her face. She looks sincere but I still can't let it go.

"Does the name Adam Owens ring any bells?"

"Oh! Yea, he showed up on my doorstep this morning and asked for my autograph," she beamed. "He looked amazing, I'll tell you! I don't know why he was wanted it, now that I think about it . . . Damn it, I should have asked him for his!" She exclaimed.

"Did he get mad because I didn't?"

It doesn't take me long to realize what actually happened. "So you just signed a document without knowing what it was about?" I deadpanned.

"To be fair, it was really early, and he looked like a god," she remarked.

"Jesus, Thea! You signed a contract saying that Adam and I are married!" I said exasperatingly.

"I DID?"

"Yes! He accidentally got married in Vegas and now his new wife is suing him for everything he owns," I explained.

"Woah, what a witch! What's he going to do?" She sympathized.

"More like what am I going to do," I lamented.

"Huh?"

"To prevent it from happening, I need to pretend to be his fake wife." I sighed.

"Oh my God. No freaking way . . . I'm going to faint!" She throws her arm around me and squeals, "I'm so happy for you!"

I gently push her away and narrow my eyes at her. "Woah, Thea. It's FAKE! We don't even have feelings for each other."

"Maybe not right now." She wiggles her eyebrows at me. Jesus, this woman. "You're going to be such a great fake wife that he'll want to marry you for real," she blurted.

Marry me for real? 

"Thea, you're crazy. I'm only doing this because he promised to upgrade me to a Music Production Assistant," I explained.

"Sure, you are sweetie," she grinned. I sigh and roll my eyes, wishing she'd let this go. "I mean, let's be real. Every heterosexual woman would kill to be his wife; fake or not. You should enjoy it while it lasts," she advised.

"I guess you have a point," I agreed with a nod.

"Naturally. Now, let's do some shopping!" She announced and dragged me into a boutique in the mall.

"So what do you need? I have to say, this was out of the blue. I thought you'd be working now."

"I was supposed to, but-- Adam and I are making an appearance as husband and wife tonight." I flash her the platinum card, and her eyes go wide. "I need to wear something amazing! It's the red carpet after all," I laughed.

"Say no more! I have just the right outfit for you!" She disappears for a while then returns with a handful of dresses in her arm.

"I thought you said you had the ONE perfect outfit?" I giggled.

"I found several more!" She shrugged.

"Okay then! I'll be right back." I entered into the changing room and put on an all black leather and lace outfit.

The blouse is the lace part with strings from the left and right meeting at the middle to form a net, exposing the sides of both my breast. The skirt is black leather, with a belt at the back that hugs my curves, attenuating them. I put on gold loop earrings and a bracelet.

I turn to check myself in the mirror. Wow . . . I look amazing. I step out of the changing room and head toward Thea.

"Adam will die when he sees you in this," she exclaimed. "Actually, scratch that- everyone will."

"Thanks, Thea." I glance at my phone to check the time. "Shoot, I have to pay for this and run. I have to meet Adam in twenty minutes."

"Are you ready?" She asked softly.

"As ready as I've ever be," I replied nervously with a small shrug.

***

I rush to the office, already dressed in the newly bought outfit. Everyone is looking at me as I approach Adam.

"Hey, am I late?" I questioned, a little out of breath.

"No, you're just on time." He too is dressed up; with a navy blue tuxedo, white shirt and a black bow tie, he looks yummilicious. "Wow, you look . . ."

"Good?" I interjected.

"Definitely." He scans me head to toe, and I give him a small twirl. He grins, "very good."

"Thanks!"

He offers me his arm, and I link it with mine. He gazes at me as he asks, "Are you ready to make an entrance on the red carpet?"

I hesitate, my heart beating a hundred beats per minute. "Mr. Owens, I'm really nervous," I confessed.

"Mrs. Owens. Don't worry, I'll be with you every step of the way." He gives me a peck on the cheek, and I blush at the untold display of affection, and instantly calm down.

"Okay. I'll try to make it through," I shyly said.

"Good. Let's go then, my love." As we leave the office everyone's eyes are on us.

When we walk through the door into a cafe I've never seen before, my mouth gapes open.

"What is this place? And weren't we supposed to go to the red carpet event?" I asked, my eyes drinking in the cuteness of the place.

"Soon- we have to make an appearance here first. And to answer your first question; it's called ‘Love Cafe’."

"This place is just so cute!" I squealed with excitement.

"At least one of us likes it," he remarked and looked around the restaurant. "I bought it a month ago when my financial advisor suggested it might be a good investment."

"You own this place?!" I gasped.

"Why the surprised face?"

"It's not really your style," I chuckled.

He sighs. "I was planning on renovating it and giving it a more elegant theme, but-- it's come in handy now." He raises his hand and brushes it against my cheek. "I am so beyond happy that we found some time to go on this date, Payton. Every moment with you feels like a dream."

I widen my eyes, not sure what's happening with him. Did he hit his head today or something? 

But then I catch a movement in the corner of my eye, and I see several cameras flashing. The realization dawn's in me. He's already playing the part! But surprisingly, he doesn't seem to have much experience with romantic phrases. I guess he's much more used to bedding women than marrying them.

We sit at a table for two, opposite each other. We both check out our respective drink menus, and I'm surprised at the selection.

"Order whatever you'd like," he said.

There's a drink that stands out from the others. "Love Milkshake for Couples." I glance at the paparazzi preying at us through the window.

If we order this and act all lovey-dovey, our date will be more convincing. I'd also like to see the look on Adams face when it arrives! 

I'm not sure Adam will play the part anyway, he might not like anything that we haven't planned well.

"I don't think I want anything. I'm too nervous," I remarked.

His face softens. "How about some water? If anyone asks about it, we'll just say that you're steering clear of coffee and alcohol. They'll think you're either pregnant or on a diet," he laughed.

"That sounds acceptable," I said with a laugh. He's good at making me laugh... I order a glass of water while Adam requests for some Irish coffee.

A whole hour passes before we leave, and Adam leaves a huge tip on our way out.

***

Adam and I step out on the red carpet, and I am instantly blinded by camera flashes. There are journalist and reporters everywhere, screaming out name.

Wow, is this how it feels to be a star? 

Sensing my hesitation Adam smiles at me and takes my hand. "Are you ready?"

I nod shyly.

Just as I start to say something, a journalist yells, " Adam, over here!" and gets his full attention. When Adam points his chin towards him, the journalist instantly attacks with his question.

"For how long did you and Miss Pritchard have a secret relationship?" The journalist asked.