by Ashley Goss
Ever since then, my guard was always up. I don’t date because I don’t have time for heartbreak anymore. My work was far too critical to be locked in my bedroom for weeks, crying like a baby. Kelsey was enough of that. From then on, I focused on myself and the family only. Women were trouble. I refused to let anyone close to me. They will just use me like every outsider had ever done.
Bringing Lacey along to the Bahamas would be the only way to get my family off my back. My sister, especially, had been hounding me about how I needed to get back out there. I couldn’t tell her the real reason why I didn’t have a girlfriend all those years but was it even any of her business? Yes, she was my sister, but sometimes it’s best to keep secrets. I don’t need any of my family to feel pity for me. I would be content by myself. No girl was going to give me happiness. If Lacey could play this part well, then I wouldn’t have to worry about my family breathing down my back for at least a couple of months.
But what if something went wrong? My mind started going on a rampage about the what if’s? What if they don’t believe us? What if they see right through our lie? I couldn’t imagine what would happen if my family found out that Lacey was hired to play the part? Honestly, Shawn would probably laugh at me, but the rest of them would probably kill me. Figuratively. Of course, I’ve had my doubts about going through with it, but I’ve kept talking myself out of it. Regardless of how Lace is, it was going to have to work because I was out of options.
Chapter 6
Lacey
Our flight was set to leave at 8am, but I wanted to be early because security would be crazy to get through. I made sure to arrive ninety minutes early to ensure time to check my bags, get through security, and get coffee. When I arrived at the gate, Matteo was in the corner, flustered, yelling at someone on the phone. Why did he already have to be in a bad mood? Five hours was a long flight when sitting next to someone who had a piss poor attitude. Not exactly the best way to start off my morning.
I took a seat awaiting the onboarding but then Matteo sat down next to me. I don’t open my mouth because I knew he was frustrated. We sat in silence for a good twenty minutes before he broke it.
“Are you ready for this?” He asked me.
He gave a little smirk for a split second and then it was gone. Was I ready for this? Once I got on that plane, this was happening. I wasn’t going to be close to safety. I would be flying across the country with a man I barely knew to stay in a hotel with him. Was I insane? No, I needed that damn money. I knew the moment I touched down in the Bahamas, I was going to have to act happy and in love with him. “I’m as ready as I’ll ever be.”
The airline employee came over the speaker to board first class. I looked at my ticket and see coach while Matteo got up and boarded the plane. Did he really buy me a ticket for coach when he’s flying first class? My temper was trying to make an appearance, but I stopped it. In the back of my head, I just kept reminding myself about the money. I could deal with this asshole for a week for $10,000. Shit, I’ve had to do it for years for free. At least I’m getting compensated for my troubles.
I boarded the plane with a bad attitude but today was my lucky day. The seat next to me was empty. I won’t have to deal with some asshole or a screaming baby. Hell, I think I might just take a nap. Who knew what I was walking into when I got there? I never thought to ask Matteo about his family. Do they even get along with each other? I could be walking into a shit show.
Five hours later, the flight attendant announced our descent to the ground. I cringed at the thought of being stuck with Matteo here. If anything happened, Dr. Shepard would be the first person I would call.
After several grueling hours, we finally arrived at the destination. When we departed the plane, I headed toward the baggage claim. I needed to find Matteo, so I knew where we were going. Aside from feeling lost in a country I had never been to, I had no idea where we were staying or where to go. He left me in the dark on that part of the trip. I started to feel like a dumbass as I walked in circles. He could be a murderer and just lured me here, and I fell for it.
“Stop freaking out!” I muttered to myself. Shepard knows where I was so if anything happens he will report me missing. Oh, fuck! Wait? My mind started running over scenarios, a symptom of watching way too many crime shows. Right as I was coming to the prime of my overwhelming fears, I turned and noticed Matteo staring at me with his right brow raised. “Hey, where you going? We need to be headed that way.” He pointed in the opposite direction.
Of course, towards the transportation exit. Sighing, I trailed behind him, unable to form words to express my discontentment. It looked like I was going to be stuck with him. Taking a deep breath and tried to forget all the crazy scenarios my head had cooked up.
A limousine transported us to the hotel which was beautiful. It’s a resort on the beach where the rooms lead out to the sand. I’ve never been somewhere so beautiful before. Honestly, I have only been to the beach once when I had been little. As we walked up the walkway to the hotel, I could see people out on the beach with sand that looked incredibly soft. I wanted to run directly over there and stick my toes in it. So, I did. I ran towards the beach, dropping my purse, and not caring if he followed me. Stepping onto the sand, it felt like pillows beneath my feet. Almost like I was walking on clouds. Remembering back to the only other beach experience I’ve had, the sand here seemed so much better. What was so different about it than the other? I found myself wondering while squishing the sand in between my toes.
“Come on, we need to check in. You can do that later.” Matteo yelled at me.
Such a buzzkill. I could tell this wasn’t going to be a fun trip. The rest of this trip I would probably have to follow him around like a puppy dog. I was in the Bahamas, and it killed me to know I might not even get to actually enjoy it. In the back of my head, I told myself you will, you better.
We walk up to the front desk, a young brunette woman handed him a key and apologized because there were no more rooms with two beds. Wait what? We are not fucking sharing a bed. No way! Hard limit for me!
“There is a pull-out couch in the room as well if needed.” The attendant said as she noticed how uncomfortable that made me. I’m glad I was that obvious.
Why was I so stupid? Of course, we would share a room. His family thought we were a couple. If we had separate rooms, it might raise suspicion. I can do this. It’s only a week. Afterward, I would go home and resume my normal life.
We made it to our hotel room, and all I wanted to do was feel hot water against my skin. I drop my suitcase on the bed, pulled out under clothes, jeans, and a tunic. A nice hot shower would make me feel better. All this traveling was making me feel icky. I don’t even let him know I’m getting in the shower I just did. I turned the shower on and let it warm up while I got undressed. Stepping into the shower, the water hitting my breasts, felt amazing. I feel disgusting after traveling all day with him. His attitude was unbearable. I noticed myself thinking about him while I was standing in the shower naked. Stop! I focused on cleaning myself and getting as much time alone as I could. A shower might be the only time I would get by myself while being here. I might as well enjoy it to the fullest.
A couple of minutes later, he barged in asking me to hurry up. Damn, did he have no patience? I wanted to jump out of the shower and slap him, but I was naked. No way I was giving him the satisfaction of seeing me bare. So, I just yelled at him from behind the door, “Get the fuck out! Don’t just come here while I’m in the shower. You sick Fuck!” I wanted to say so many other things but figured that would get my point across just fine.
“We are supposed to be down for dinner in an hour. You going to be able to get ready fast enough?” He asked like it’s going to take me hours to get ready.
“I don’t need to wear a bunch of makeup, right? I’ll be ready in time.” I yelled as he inched out of the bathroom closing the door behind him. I could tell he was just a little embarrassed, but he was trying not to show it.
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br /> I didn’t really like his tone much. I knew he was paying me to be here but still, he could treat me with some respect. You don’t walk into the bathroom while someone was showering. How fucking rude could he get? I asked myself this knowing it could possibly get a lot worse. Keep it together. Do it. Put up with it. Go home and collect your paycheck. I desperately needed that damn money. If I didn’t, my ass wouldn’t be here. Hell, I wouldn’t have made it past the first ten minutes of dinner that night if I wasn’t so desperate.
Once out of the shower and dressed, I walked out to see him in a very lovely tuxedo. I looked down at myself, realizing I needed to look more formal. Well, he could have said something. Honestly, I should have known. His family came from money, so I’m sure they always were dressed up like this when in public. To me, it would get exhausting. I could never live like this permanently.
I pulled a red gown on and black strappy heels and waited for his approval on the outfit. He looked me up and down, “I guess that will work. The first impression of you with my family is going to mean everything. Make sure to smile and laugh. You need to look happy for this to work.”
It’s not like I’m an idiot. I knew what I was getting paid for and that was to make them believe a lie. Why he doesn’t have a girlfriend, I could never guess? Oh wait, being by his side for this long, and I already want to gauge his eyes out. Being single for him made sense.
We walked downstairs, his mother greeted us with a huge smile. Matteo grabbed my hand eagerly. I looked happy, but he doesn’t. I elbowed him and gave the evil eye. If he fucked this up, I’m still getting paid for doing my part.
“Mom, this is my girlfriend, Lacey.” Matteo introduced me. Although, he didn’t seem very sincere. You are going to have to do a better fucking job than that!
“Hi dear, I’m Lorraine, I’m so glad to meet you. I was surprised to hear Matteo had a date for the wedding. He has never been the type to have a girlfriend for very long. Hopefully, you stick around.” She said with a sincere voice but watched her eyeing me looking for my flaws. I could tell she was definitely protective of her little boy.
At this point, I wanted to laugh so bad and let her know it’s all just a scam, but I don’t. I kept the thought of $10,000 in the back of my mind. It’s the only thing that’s going to get me through this trip safely.
Lorraine walked me over to meet the rest of his family. First, the father, Jack, then his sister and her future husband. They all seem very surprised I showed up. His sister kept giving me looks from afar like she didn't believe this ruse for a second. I don’t blame her. Matteo doesn’t even look happy. He’s the worst actor ever. If he wanted to sell we were a couple, he needed pointers because, at this rate, I’ll be going home tomorrow. If we were, in fact, a couple, then we looked like the unhappiest couple around.
We sat down at the table for dinner, and I was surprised to find out that it had already been ordered. I didn’t even get to choose my food while being here? Shit! The family was discussing things that I knew nothing about, so I just smiled and nodded my head every once in a while, so they would think I was listening. The truth was, I kept spacing out thinking how bad the time here was going to be if I couldn’t even pick my own damn dinner. Do they get to choose my outfits too?
At this point, the food was served, and it was a fancy fish contraption. If Matteo knew anything, he would know I hate fish. There was no way I was going to eat this. For the next hour, while everyone was eating and talking, I was taking spoonful of food and tossing it under the table onto the ground. Not one single person noticed, but I felt terrible for the waiter that would have to clean it up once we left. The sad thing was I was starving, my stomach gurgling loudly caught his attention.
“Do you want more?” He asked looking at my cleaned plate.
I wanted something to eat badly, but I couldn’t say anything to him. It’s not like we even got along. He would probably lose his shit if he knew what I did. I just shook my head in response. When the waiter came back and asked if anyone wanted dessert, I spoke up quick. Everyone around the table looked at me. What? Was it not customary to get dessert? I didn’t care. I needed something to put in my stomach. I hadn’t eaten all day. I was not going to bed hungry. The waiter brought my brownie delight to the table which was a colossal brownie with ice cream on top with nuts. It didn’t look as delicious as a steak would but right now, I just wanted something to put in my stomach that wasn’t fish. I devoured it in a matter of minutes, and when I finished, everyone was staring at me.
“This woman loves her dessert. I can’t take her anywhere without getting dessert before we leave.” He said smiling and grabbing my hand.
Nice save. I knew I would probably get asked about it later but right now, my belly wasn’t growling, and that’s all that mattered. They could stare at me all they want. I was entitled to dessert if I wanted it.
Chapter 7
Matteo
Heading back to the hotel room, I couldn’t believe how the night had gone. Why couldn’t she sell it better? I doubt anyone believed that façade tonight. Right now, I was furious. If this doesn’t pan out, then I’m screwed. Maybe, I should have picked someone else. Lacey just wasn’t meeting my expectations. I couldn’t have this fall thru then I would look like an absolute fool in front of my family. That can’t happen. We must do better tomorrow.
I checked my phone to see if my assistant, Kimberly, had left any voicemails. Nothing. Usually, when I was away from the office more than a couple hours, she was calling me with an update. Weird.
I dialed her phone number. She answered, “Thank you for calling Matteo’s office. How can I help you?”
“Everything okay? I’ve got no voicemails or emails from you.” I said worriedly.
“Yes, boss. Everything is okay. Enjoy your vacation. I got this handled.” She replied, and I could tell she was wearing a smile on the other end.
Kimberly had been my assistant for five years. She knew almost every aspect of my life. My laundry schedule, how I liked my coffee, my favorite places to eat, and probably anything else you could think. A dedicated employee, she knew how important it was for me to get away.
Lacey walked into the room, huffing and puffing like she had any right to do. “I don’t know what happened tonight, but you are going to have to step your game up. Tomorrow must be better than this. I got way too many looks like they were unsure. Do you understand?” I didn’t mean to come off like an utter asshole, but after the way she turned and looked at me, boy was I glad I did.
She scoffed, “Excuse me? Step my game up? All night you looked like someone murdered your puppy. Who the hell is going to believe we are together when you look at me like I’m your crazy ex-girlfriend who tried to murder you.”
I couldn’t believe the way she was speaking to me. No one talked to me that way, especially not hired help. How dare she? I felt my face get hot and I couldn’t think of anything to say in response.
“You want me to be better than you need to do better. You need to look happy and smile occasionally. Matter of fact, look at me like someone you love!” She said standing in front of me waiting for a response.
I couldn’t. All I could give her was a disgusted look. I didn’t like her attitude towards me. It’s off-putting. How could I look at a woman like I loved her if I didn’t know a damn thing about her? This had gotten off to an awful start, and it needed to get better. Something had to give.
“Well, you want to know something, I can’t stand you either. It’s mutual, buddy. You have got to be one of the biggest assholes I’ve ever met. The way you talk to women is despicable. No wonder you had to hire me to pretend to be remotely interested in you. No one else would otherwise.” She said as she slammed the bathroom door in my face.
How fucking dare she? My face gets hotter when I realize this woman just called me an asshole and then told me no women would ever be interested in me. Not that I’m complaining because I don’t want a woman in my life anyway, but it still hurt. How
did I not defend myself one single time throughout all of that? I didn’t even get a word in! Well, I will now. “First of all, you have no right to talk to me like that. I’m this close to calling this a loss and sending your ass back home. Second, hurry up. I need to get changed so I can go to bed and forget about this day happening.”
Lacey stormed out of the bathroom with her hair in a bun, and her makeup taken off. “There, it’s yours, asshole. Send me home, I wouldn’t mind. The company I’m stuck with is unbearable, to say the least. I don’t know if it’s worth the $10,000 anyway. Actually, no amount of money is worth this. You realize that I didn’t even eat but dessert tonight. Your family ordered me some disgusting fish. I hate fish! You should probably get to know your girlfriend better.”
I didn’t have anything to say back to her. I was at a loss for words. This woman was getting under my skin and making me be the worst version of myself. Things must be bad if I can’t pay a woman $10,000 to spend a week with me. Then, I realized the end part of what she said. She didn’t eat? Where the hell had the food gone? I remembered her clean plate but also hearing her stomach grumbling under the table next to me. That explains it. Wow, the first meal all day and she didn’t even eat. I started to feel bad because I knew when we got dinner, devoured wouldn’t even be the right word to describe how fast I had eaten.
“I’m sorry. I had no idea. You should have just said something. You could have gotten something. There’s no need for you to starve while you are here.” I said in the kindest tone I could find inside me right now. I looked over at her waiting to read her, but I couldn’t.
Once I had changed, I laid down on the bed and turned out the lights. I could hear her breathing heavy across the room. This indicated she was still very pissed. I turn the lights back on. “Listen, we are both pissed right now. We are going to have to get over this disgust for each other and make it work. You need the money, and I need my family to believe this for a week. Can we come to an agreement to try and get along for the sake of this trip?” I don’t know why I felt the need to say this to her, but I did. My mouth started speaking before I even had a chance to stop it.