Page 17 of The Marriage Playbook

Cara sighed. It was a good thing she’d made this call, she supposed. “That’s not quite what it said,” she reminded Stephanie. “You don’t have to involve yourself with any of the wedding planning, but there’s a little more expected of you. Specifically, we want to tailor your public image. You’ve been working as an actress, right?”

“That’s right,” Stephanie said slowly. “But nothing you’d have heard of. It’s all been voice work, and low-profile stuff so far.”

“But you’re hoping to break through in something bigger?” Cara asked. “That’s what I read in your resume.”

“I suppose. Yes.”

“I need to make sure you understand that you have to take a break from auditioning. Starting now, and until six months after your marriage with Liam is officially terminated, you’re exclusive to us. That shouldn’t pose any financial hardships, given your compensation.”

Another pause. “Right,” Stephanie said.

“We’re going to want to see your dress before the day of the wedding,” Cara said. “I’m sure whatever you pick out will be just fine, but we do want to be sure it’s tasteful. This is just something I have to do as Liam’s PR rep. It’s not a commentary on your taste at all. I hope you understand. The moment the door is opened and you appear is going to be the world’s first introduction to you. We want to make sure it’s the image we want everyone to see.”

“I didn’t really think about it like that,” Stephanie murmured.

“I know it’s a lot to deal with,” Cara said. “But let me handle as much of it as I can. If there’s anything you’d like to be a part of the big day, though, do let me know. I know this isn’t a real wedding, but it’s a celebration all the same, and the more you and Liam are able to feel like you’re doing the real thing, the more successful I think you’re going to be at it. Are you getting excited yet?”

“I think it should be a good party,” Stephanie said. “And there are going to be a lot of photographers, right?”

“Definitely,” Cara said. “I have to tell you, Stephanie, as a specialist in public relations, this is the kind of thing that could really boost your career. I know it’s not an acting gig…”

“It’s an acting gig,” Stephanie countered. “You want me to act like I’m in love with this guy I hardly know.”

“I guess that’s true,” Cara allowed. “But you’ll never be able to say that was an act. Even so, though, it’s going to get your name out there, and when you do go to your next audition, the whole room will already know who you are.”

“Right,” Stephanie said.

“Now you’re going to be giving interviews following the wedding,” Cara said. “I’m going to send over a press packet with our official story, which is going to be that you and Liam have been involved in a romantic relationship for years, but that you were sort of on-again, off-again. That’ll leave room for any interactions he’s had with other women, so they won’t be able to pop up and declare that he cheated on you with them. If they try, you two can just say your relationship was off during that time.”

“Okay,” Stephanie said.

“And you eventually decided to go ahead and get married because he came to you and told you that he’d realized he wasn’t taking life seriously enough,” Cara went on. “He was just ready for a more mature commitment. That’s what changed. You should look over the release I’m going to send you, but does that all make sense?”

“I think so,” Stephanie said. “If I have any questions…”

“Then you shouldn’t hesitate to reach out,” Cara said. “I know I work for Liam, but I want you to think of me as your representative too, for as long as we’re involved in this. I care just as much about your well-being as I do his, and I want this to run as smoothly as possible.”

“I appreciate that.” For the first time, there was warmth in Stephanie’s voice. She even managed a light chuckle. “I’m sure you can understand how weird all this is.”

“I really can,” Cara agreed. “It’s a bizarre idea, but I promise, I think it’s going to be to both of your benefit if we pull it off.”

Once off the phone, Cara checked her texts again. Liam hadn’t responded to her, and now she felt a twinge of anxiety. What if the reason he had decided not to argue with her instructions was that he had chosen quiet noncompliance? I’d better get him on the phone too, she mused, dialing his number.

Unlike Stephanie, Liam took a long time to answer the phone. When he did pick up, his voice was gruff. “Hello?”

“Liam? Were you sleeping?”

“I was watching TV.” The words were slurred.

“You were drinking,” she surmised.

He sighed. “I had one beer. Is it so bad?”

“No, not as long as you’re staying in your house like I told you to,” Cara said.

“Well, I’m in my house,” Liam said sourly. A moment later, the phone buzzed against the side of Cara’s face.

She pulled it away and looked at it. He had texted her a picture—his unshaven face. The backdrop was a throw pillow. It was apparent that he was lying on his couch.