“So is that it?” I asked, absentmindedly cracking a knuckle. “Now I’m officially your husband, and I just have to go out with you in public on occasion like a little lapdog so everyone knows you’re still hot?”
Ellen narrowed her eyes in thought as she looked at me, and then she cocked her head to the side. A slow smile spread across her face. “Actually, I have an idea. There’s something else you can do for me, too…”
Chapter Four
Olivia
“Olivia, darling. Did I wake you?”
I sighed and yawned before replying. “No, Mom. I was already awake.”
Her call had actually woken me, but I didn’t need a lecture on how bad it was to sleep in late. I’d had enough of them when I still lived back at home. Besides, I wasn’t lazy. I’d been up all night working on some new pieces for my jewelry line and also setting up an online site for it, so I could do online promos and take orders.
“Good. I have a request for you. Quite a serious one.”
I swallowed hard. Requests from my mother usually weren’t a good thing. “What is it?”
“Just hear me out before you answer me, sweetheart. I know it sounds crazy. But I really need your help. See, a female contestant dropped out of the cast for this season of Wed At First Sight. All the previously-rejected applicants aren’t available anymore, as they thought they weren’t needed. And it’s only two weeks till filming is due to begin.”
I groaned. The latest reality program Mom was producing was a ludicrous joke of a show. I’d only seen the adverts for it on TV, but that was enough for me to know how bad it was. If she honestly thought I knew a single girl who’d be up for applying for this season at the last minute, then she had another thing coming.
“Mom, sorry, but I don’t know anyone who would be interested.”
“That’s not why I called. I called to ask if you would fill in.”
I sat bolt upright. “What?”
“I want you on the show.”
I rubbed my eyes. Surely this was a dream. “Um…how about no way?”
“Please, Olivia. I’m desperate. I can’t have this season canceled! That’s what will happen if we don’t find a replacement soon. We need the numbers. And it’s not like anyone would know who you are. I’m back to using my maiden name professionally, and we look nothing alike. So no one would have to know little Olivia Esposito is actually my daughter posing as a last-minute fill-in.”
“Mom, I can’t be on TV!” I said. “And I can’t get married! Especially to a stranger.”
She scoffed. “The marriages aren’t real. Only the idiotic fans who get flown in to be guests at the ceremonies think it’s real. The marriage certificates are fake, and the priest is an actor from LA. You wouldn’t be legally married.”
“I’d still have to be on TV, pretending to be some stranger’s wife. I don’t want that, Mom. You know what I’m like. I’m not some nutty attention whore.”
She affected a wheedling tone. “You wouldn’t have to do it for long. Just a few episodes, then get yourself voted out.”
My brows drew together. “You can get voted out of a marriage?”
There was an edge to my mother’s voice when she replied. “Do you even watch the show?”
I blushed, thankful she couldn’t see it. I knew she worked hard at her exec producer job, and I was proud of her for that, but I couldn’t stand reality TV. “Er. Let’s just say I haven’t caught up on it in a while.”
“Well, thanks for the support, darling daughter,” she said sarcastically. She huffed before going on. “Let me explain how it works. On the first day, you get matched with a partner by the Love Randomizer. It’s pure chance who you end up being partnered with, and you don’t get to meet him before the ceremony. So the first time you see him will be when you walk down that aisle.”
“Riveting stuff.”
“Let me finish. After you’re married—and all the other couples are as well—you all have to spend time at a resort on the Starling Islands. There are all sorts of group and couples challenges to test how well you and your partner function together as a married couple. Viewers then vote on online polls at the end of each week, and whichever couple is deemed the most annoying or ill-suited for each other that week is voted off the island. Last couple standing wins a million dollars for their brand new life together.”
I wrinkled my nose. “Okay, but don’t you think that’s a bit unfair?”
“That’s how reality TV works, honey.”
“No, that’s not what I meant. I mean if you bring me in as a replacement…you said I’d only have to do it for a few weeks and get myself voted out. That’s not fair on the guy I get partnered with. I’m sure whoever he is, he’ll be desperate for that million dollars. So if I just mess things up and get voted off within two weeks, then he gets voted off with me as my husband, and he loses out on the chance to win the prize, right?”
“Let me tell you a secret, Olivia. Most of the viewers don’t even care that much about what antics you get up to, or how boring you are. They mainly vote for the hot ones. And this show attracts literal models as contestants. So people won’t exactly be expecting someone like you to last all that long anyway. Your future fake husband will surely realize that.”
Her words cut like a knife. “Wow, thanks, Mom. I just love being reminded that I’m not model material.”
She tut-tutted. “I didn’t mean it in a bad way. Most models these days look atrocious with those drawn-on Instagram eyebrows and big fake lips, and they’re all so damn tall and skinny that they look like birds of prey in person. But that’s the beauty standard these days for some ungodly reason. All I meant was that you’re real, darling. That bores people for some reason. But you know you’re lovely-looking.”
“Um. Okay. Thanks, I guess?”
Mom affected that same wheedling tone from earlier. “Olivia, it’s a free vacation to a tropical island for a few weeks. I know what New York is like this time of year, and it’s not exactly pretty...”
I chewed my bottom lip, considering her request seriously for a second. The city was a little cold and dreary at the moment, and the thought of sunning myself on an island beach made my stomach do excited little flip-flops. And by god, I’d worked so hard these last couple of years— I wasn’t even in my twenties yet and I felt like an old woman. I could definitely do with a nice break to make myself feel my own age again.
“We’ve barely even seen each other since you left, Olivia.” Mom was really laying the guilt trip on thick now. “Only on Christmas and your birthdays. So I think it would be good for us to spend some time together. And also, I know you’re trying very hard to start that jewelry line without your inheritance. Being on TV is a great opportunity for you to pimp your website, if you have one.”
That was true.
“Let me think about it for a few days?” I said.
“I really need an answer now.” The no-nonsense business tone was back.
I blew out a puff of air, quickly weighing up all the possibilities. “Fine,” I said. “Yes, I’ll help you out, Mom.”
“That’s my girl,” she replied proudly. “You won’t regret it! I’ll send over the plane ticket and the network contract right away, and I’ll see you soon!”
“Cool,” I replied flatly, already regretting my hasty decision to say yes. I really had needed more time to think it over, but Mom didn’t really give me much of a choice in that department, and I knew I’d feel too guilty to live if I said no. But I’d agreed to it now, and I had to deal with that responsibility. How bad could it be on the show, anyway?
I guess I was about to find out.
Chapter Five
Olivia
“We’re almost there.”
The bearded pilot of the small private plane called back to me, and I peered out the window as the Starling Islands slowly came into view. Holy hell. The place looked amazing. Surrounded by brilliantly-blue ocean, it was an archipelago east of Africa made up of dozens of islands, some ti
ny and some large. According to my recent Google spree, the bigger islands had once been a hotbed of pirate activity several hundred years ago.
On one island, I could see little huts standing on stilts right out in the crystal-clear water. On another larger one, a long beach with pristine white sand stretched out for miles, and on the biggest island lay a rugged jungle. The archipelago looked like a dream, and for a second I almost stopped regretting my decision to come here. This was a once-in-a-lifetime sort of vacation.
As the seaplane began to descend, I squinted, trying to take everything in. Now that we were getting closer, I could see beautifully-colored birds flitting around the tall palm trees on the beaches. I could even see fish swimming in the clear azure water.
The plane drew closer to the second-biggest island, where a gorgeous stucco resort with extravagant terraces overlooked the beach. A true island paradise.
“All right, hold tight. We’re coming in.”
I was so entranced by the scenery that I barely even noticed the bumpy landing by the pier, and I also barely noticed anyone speaking to me as I was led out of the plane and up the shell-covered path toward the resort.
“Hello?” A bespectacled man waved a clipboard in my face a moment later. “You in there?”
I smiled. “Sorry, I was just lost in my own world. It’s so gorgeous here.”
“Whatever. I assume you’re Olivia?” he asked.
“Yes.”
“I’m Ben. Junior producer here on the show. Follow me. Seeing as you’re a last minute replacement for one of the dropouts, you have to meet with our exec producer upon arrival.”
“One of the dropouts?”
“Yeah.” Ben let out an exasperated sigh. “Apparently there were two. Anyway, this way. You aren’t allowed to meet any of the male contestants yet, for obvious reasons, but you can meet the other women until Ellen is available for that meeting. They’re all having lunch at the moment.”
“Ellen?” I asked, pretending not to know who she was.
“Save the act around me, kiddo. Most of the show workers know who you really are. It’s only the viewers and other contestants who don’t know.”
“Oh.”
“Remember to keep it that way. If anyone catches wind that you’re related to the exec producer….well, they’ll all cry favoritism.”
“I know. I don’t plan on staying on the show too long, anyway, so don’t worry.”
Although with this view, I might just try to stop myself from getting voted off for at least a few weeks, I added silently.
Ben took me into the resort foyer and barked orders at someone to take my suitcases to my room, and he handed me a key. “Third floor, room two. You can find it later,” he said. “This way to the other ladies.”
He led me to a large room which overlooked the water, and I sighed with pleasure. Just when I thought the views couldn’t get any better, they did. The far side of the room was one big glass viewing window, and I almost wanted to smash through it and jump right out into the inviting azure water below. The room itself was gorgeous, too. Gleaming marble floors, dark wood furniture, crisp cream-colored walls and features.
An enormous lacquered-wood table sat in the center of the room, and I counted eleven women sitting at it. They all looked up as I approached with Ben. Some stared at me with interest, some with suspicion, and others went right back to their crab cakes and cappuccinos.
“This is Olivia. She’s the twelfth female participant,” Ben said. “Olivia, this is everyone else.”
He went around the table, rattling off everyone’s names. I tried to remember them all, but I knew I would need reminders later. Then Ben hurried off, promising to come and get me when my Mom was ready to see me. I sat down awkwardly at the end of the table between a brunette with pale skin and an elegant neck—Isobel, I think her name was—and a petite blonde with a gorgeous tan and stunning blue eyes.
“I’m Shayla,” the blonde said, reaching a hand over as she flashed a radiant smile. She had a soft, lilting Southern accent, and the way her eyes crinkled around the sides as she grinned told me she was genuine, unlike some of the other women here who looked like bitchy wax figurines as they side-eyed me. “Figured you might’ve forgotten some of the names already.”
I gave her a wry smile. “Yeah, I have. Sorry, it’s just all such a whirlwind.”
“No worries. I was the same when I arrived yesterday.”
When she paused to take a sip of water, I turned to flash a friendly smile at Isobel. She simply rolled her eyes and turned her attention back to her food. Oookay then... I guess she was going to be one of the bitchy contestants this season. There were always more than a few on reality shows. It created good drama, and drama led to good ratings. That didn’t mean I liked being on the receiving end of the bitchiness, though.
Shayla leaned over and whispered in my ear. “Just ignore it. She’s been like that to everyone.”
“Well, at least there’s one nice person here so far,” I replied.
She smiled as she moved the food on her plate around with her fork. “So what made you apply for the show?”
I hesitated. Shit. I hadn’t even thought of a cover story yet. “I…” I felt a blush spreading across my cheeks, and Shayla playfully elbowed me.
“Ooh, I get it. You’re really looking for love, huh?” She winked.
I gave her a sheepish smile. “Yep. So sick of all the guys these days. Figured it’d take something really dramatic to fuel my fire.”
“Hear, hear. Most men suck.” Her voice was soft as she spoke, staring down at her lap. I got the impression she’d been hurt in the past. “But I’m the same as you. I’m hoping to get paired off with a truly nice guy here. I figured if a man is applying for a show like this, then he must be serious about looking for love.”
“Or serious about getting a million dollars,” Isobel muttered snidely, clearly eavesdropping on our conversation.
“Well, obviously the money doesn’t hurt either, but you’re one to talk,” Shayla said, eyebrows dipping in an offended frown. “After all, you’re here too, aren’t you?”
Isobel shrugged and returned her gaze to her plate. Shayla rolled her eyes at me. “See what I mean?” she mouthed. I nodded. Isobel was clearly one to stay away from.
“Olivia? The exec producer is ready to see you now.” Ben called to me from the entrance to the room.
I smiled at Shayla and stood. “Wish me luck.”
“Luck. See ya later.”
I followed Ben up two flights of stairs to what was apparently my mom’s office while she was here. He opened the door for me, then took off again, and I stepped inside, squealing as I saw that Mom had brought William with her.
“Hey, birdy! I’ve missed you.” I cooed at him in his travel cage, and Mom stood up, tight smile on her face.
“Nice to know you missed me too,” she said.
“Of course I’ve missed you. That just goes without saying,” I replied, carefully defusing the situation. She could be such a drama queen.
She smiled, and I noticed she’d recently had her teeth whitened again. “Good to see you, sweetheart. Thanks again for doing this for me. You’ve really saved our asses.”
“That’s okay.”
“Now, let’s get down to business. There’s a few things I need to tell you.”
“Oh?”
“I didn’t tell you this the other day, but another contestant dropped out at the last minute too. A male one. I was able to find a replacement for him very quickly, though.”
I raised my brows. “Oh. Okay.”
“Male and female contestants aren’t allowed to meet before the show starts filming. But I want you to meet him. It’s a bit of a…. different situation.”
I wrinkled my forehead. She was being very vague, very esoteric. “Um. Right. Go on. Why do I have to meet him? Is it someone I know?”
Seeing as she’d roped me into filling in for a dropout contestant, it made sense that she would’ve f
ound someone else she knew to replace the other dropout. And that meant there was every chance it was a guy I knew as well.
“Not exactly.” Mom tapped her fingernails on her desk and let out a sigh. “This is going to take some explaining. But let’s just wait until he gets here.”
The door opened again a moment later, and I turned my head to see a familiar face. Familiar eyes, familiar lips, familiar muscles….oh my god.
Mac.
He stared back at me with an equal amount of shock on his face.
“I…” I was about to say something, ask how and why the hell he was here, but he shot me a warning glance that made the words dry up on my lips.
“Declan, this is my daughter Olivia. Olivia, this is Declan,” Mom said proudly, stepping over to him. “My husband.”
Chapter Six
Dec
“Your husband.” Olivia’s mouth dropped open and her pretty hazel eyes widened like saucers. She began to dart her gaze around the room, like she thought this was all some big joke and was waiting for someone to jump out and say ‘gotcha!’ “He’s your husband?”
I was having pretty much the same reaction right now. When Ellen briefly told me about her two kids—one of whom was sadly deceased—I had no fucking idea that Liv was one of them. She couldn’t look any more different from Ellen if she tried, and she lived in goddamn New York, thousands of miles away from Monterey.
“I don’t understand,” Liv went on. “You got married?”
“Yes.” Ellen nodded and stepped over to her. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you until now. It’s all very recent.”
“You couldn’t even invite me to the wedding?” Liv threw her hands up. “Jeez, Mom, I know we don’t talk much, but come on!”
I stayed silent while the two women talked. That was best for now. Ellen held up her hand in that infamous silencing gesture of hers. “Listen, Olivia. It’s not what you think. I—”
“Hold on a sec. You said he’s also a replacement contestant?” Liv asked, truly on a tirade now. Even Ellen’s hand-flailing couldn’t stop her. “How? Why? This makes no sense!”
Husband For Hire Page 28