Page 59 of Just for the Cameras
Maple looks out toward the zoo, clearly considering this.
She can’t be serious.
I don’t think I can back out of this, and they can’t force someone into pretending to date me for good press, butherchoice forces my hand.
“Maple, this is ridiculous,” I say. “You realize what they’re asking of us?”
Her eyes land on me, and her expression is devoid of all emotion. “I understand.”
“Okay, so then, tell her no, and we can just…we can figure out something else.”
“Why would she want to figure something else out?” Gretchen asks. “This will bring awareness to the flamingos, secure fundraising, and, if all goes well, procure a significant donation from Welcott. It’s a win-win for her.”
“She’s putting her personal life on hold. She’s putting herself in the public eye.”
“She did that the moment she created the Instagram account. I think she’s aware of what’s going on.”
“That was supposed to be a friendly thing. That wasn’t supposed to pick up so much steam.”
“Well. It did, and here we are. So what do you say, Maple?”
“She’s not going to—”
“I’m in,” Maple says, not looking at me, causing Gretchen to nod.
What the fuck?
“Great, I’ll get some NDAs prepared and sent over to you to sign electronically. Let me know if you have any questions.” She stands. “Until then, keep doing what you’re doing. Please no public appearances until this weekend at the fundraiser. Maple, do you have a dress to wear?”
“Yes,” she says, almost looking insulted.
“Great. No PDA, no answering questions from press, and please continue to post pictures, but nothing that looks like you’re dating just yet. Keep it platonic. We’re edging the public, don’t forget.”
She pushes her chair in and then offers us a wave before taking off without another word. When she leaves, I turn to Maple and ask, “What the hell?”
She takes her time standing and winces with every movement. She heads toward the door, so I pop out of my chair and grab her by the wrist. “Maple, I’m talking to you. You’re just going to agree to that?”
She glances over her shoulder, her eyes darker than usual as she says, “Yes, I am.”
“You realize what you’re agreeing to, right? This isn’t just some social media posting. This will get real, and it will flood your life. The press will be unstoppable, and you’re going to be torn apart online because the public will be relentless. They’ll say things about you, make up lies, pick apart your life, your appearance, the way you act and present yourself. You’re opening yourself up to the public in a way that you’re not ready for.”
Her eyes slowly lift to mine, the blue swimming with unspoken emotion. She wets her lips and says, “But I’ll be able to help the flamingos, so I guess it’s worth it.” Then she moves away and pushes the door open. She glances over her shoulder and asks, “You coming? Or are you skipping your duties for today?”
Irritation plucks up my spine as I head in her direction.
This is not over.
I will not let her do this.
I will not subject her to public scrutiny.
And I most certainly won’t allow her to attach herself to me, someone who…who…doesn’t deserve to have someone like her at his side.
CHAPTER 12
MAPLE
“Maple,” Graydon says, his voicelaced with anger. “Stop ignoring me.”
