He chuckles. “Is this how you treat celebrities that come looking for you?”
“Ugh.” I shake my head. “You’re so annoying. Leave me alone,” I say then turn around.
“No, wait.” He calls behind me. “I need to speak to you.”
I stop then turn around with a frown. “About what? I’m not changing my mind. I’m not going on a date with you.”
“Why not, though?”
I sigh then cross my arms on my chest. “I can’t stand self-entitled rich guys that think they should have everything they want just because they have money and are famous. That's why.”
He narrows his eyes at me. “I’m not—" He stops then purses his lips. “I came to make a proposition to you.”
I frown, a little intrigued. “A proposition?”
“Yes,” He says then looks around. “But not here.”
“I’m not going anywhere with you.” I tell him before he suggests it.
He sighs. “You act like I’m a psychopath.”
I shrug. “You could be for all I know.”
“Fine,” He says then he walks back to a black Tesla that is parked by the curb. Of course it’s his. He opens the backdoor and looks at me. “We’ll talk in the backseat of my car then?”
I raise my eyebrows at him. “Then you’ll leave me alone?”
“It’ll depend on you,” He says and his blue eyes look amused.
“Do you ever take anything serious?” I ask, annoyed.
“Yes but not too much. Worry isn’t good for the wrinkles.” He half smiles as he winks at me.
I roll my eyes at him. “You are so exhausting.”
“Just get in the car.” He orders.
I raise an eyebrow at him because who does he think he is to order me around like that?
He sighs. “Please?”
I bite my lip, trying to hide my smile. “Well, since you said please…"
He opens the door and I get in the back of his Tesla. It has black leather seats and wow—the screen on the dashboard is as big as an iPad. Truth is, I like Teslas and this is my first time actually being inside one of these cars. I hear they drive themselves. I wish Derek wasn’t an asshole. Maybe I would ask him to make the car drive itself. I would love to see it. But I can’t do that without him showing off to the middle-class girl who’s never even been inside a Tesla until today.
I scoot over to the seat behind the driver’s seat and he comes in and sits next to me. He shuts the door and I suddenly feel suffocated. It’s not that it’s hot. I’m just too close to him. There’s too much Derek.
Come on, Savannah. Remember he’s a rude asshole.
I sigh as I move so my back is against the door then I look at him. “Well?”
His blue eyes meet mine. I want to look away but I force myself not to. He’s just too good-looking. I never thought a person could be too good-looking but that is what Derek Collins is. It looks like he just walked straight out of Vogue magazine cover which wouldn’t be a lie. I know he’s been on the cover of Vogue many times. I spent way too much time looking him up on the internet than I’d like to admit. He also smells so good. It must be some expensive cologne. I hate that I like it.
“I’m guessing you’ve never dated a celebrity.” He starts.
I sigh, annoyed. “Yeah, I don’t want to talk to you,” I say placing my hand on the door handle.
“Hold on. I’m sorry,” He says. “I don’t know how to talk to you. Everything I say bothers you.”
I look at him. “Just say what you want to say.”
He nods then meets my gaze again. “I want you to be my girlfriend.”
My eyes widen at what he just said. I’m finally speechless. How is this happening? Am I dreaming? I went from not going out on a date in almost a year to being asked out by none other than Derek Collins? Is this some sort of joke?
“I won’t go on a date with you,” I say when I finally find my voice. “What makes you think that I’ll be your girlfriend?”
Is he really going these great lengths just to get me to say yes? Just so he can prove to everyone that he always gets what he wants? Yeah. That sounds like something he would do.
“Because it won't be real,” He says. “I want you to be my fake girlfriend.”
“Fake girlfriend.” I repeat in disbelief.
He sighs looking frustrated. Then he takes off his cap and runs a hand through his silky brown hair, making it messy and making him look even better. Jeez.
“My best friend’s app is suffering from the bad publicity, Gin,” He says looking at me. “His ratings are going down and people are bashing the app. I’m sure you’ve seen it on social media.”
I nod. Yes, people have been posting videos as they delete the app and they’ve been talking about how it’s all a scam. Dating apps are a scam but I know everyone’s just going to move onto to the next one. For the first time, I start to feel a little guilty about what’s happening with his friend’s app. I know this is all because of me. People keep saying that if the app didn’t work for the Derek Collins then how can it work for everyone else? It’s all been bad publicity. I’m not surprised the app’s ratings are going down.
“Ian worked really hard for it,” Derek says. “And I feel responsible for what is happening. I guess I should’ve anticipated the possibility of getting turned down?” It sounds like a question. Then he looks at me. “You have to understand, though. I never thought I was going to get turned down because that has never happened to me. People don’t usually turn down the opportunity of dating a celebrity and you know that’s a fact.”
“Sure,” I say. “People should do it more often.”
He studies me. “You really hate all of us, don’t you?”
“Just finish what you want to say.” I tell him, avoiding his question.
“I just want to fix it.” He shrugs. “I want to make people believe that the app works again.”
“Do you really believe it works?” I ask him because I can tell that he’s not really into the whole app thing.
“It doesn't matter if I believe in it or not,” He says softly. “My best friend does and that’s enough for me. I know you don’t think I care about anyone, but I do. Ian is like a brother to me.”
I bite my lip as I contemplate his words. I guess it is sort of sweet that he’s trying to amend the damage that he helped cause. I can tell that he means well. He cares about his friend and wants to help him.
“So you want us to pretend to be together to deceive everyone and make them think that the app was right in matching us.” I state.
“Yes,” He says.
I frown. “And you don’t see anything wrong with that?”
He shrugs. “All I want is to make it up to Ian. That’s all I care about.”
“I don’t think I can do this,” I say looking away.
I really don’t think I can. What would a fake relationship consist of? We would have to hold hands and touch for real. Would we have to kiss? I hope not...not that I’m going to do it. I shouldn’t do it. It’s wrong. I would be lying to millions of people just to sell a dating app that I don’t even care about.
“Just think about it.” Derek pauses. “Please.”
I look at him. He really wants me to do this. I can tell by the pleading look in his eyes. It’s the humblest look I’ve seen from him yet.
“I can give you something in return,” He says slowly.
I raise an eyebrow as realization hits. “You want to pay me to be your fake girlfriend?”
“I don’t want to offend you,” He says carefully. “But I have a lot of money and if that’s what you need to say yes, then I don’t mind it at all.”
I don’t want to offend you. His words repeat in my head. He wouldn’t be offending me because I do need the money. I have student loans. It’s not a lot. It’s under 30k but still. They’re there. I’m late on my rent almost every month. I wouldn’t be surprised if I’m kicked out one of these days. I’ve been struggling to pay fo
r school and rent and bills and my loans. I’m drowning. Living in New York is crazy expensive. Nobody knows how much I’m really struggling because I don’t like to talk about money problems, but it’s been tough.
Do I need the money? Yes.
Am I going to admit that to him? No.
I look at him. “So you want to pay me like I’m some sort of escort.”
“There would be no sex,” He says then grins. “Unless you’re into it.”
“Oh my god, you’re unbelievable.” I shake my head in disgust as I reach out and open the door.
Derek reaches out for my arm. “No, Gin, wait.”
I pull my arm free and get out of his car and head for the sidewalk. I can’t believe him. He really wants to pay me like I’m some kind of prostitute. I don’t doubt that any woman would probably jump at the opportunity to have sex with him but I have self-decency. I can’t and I won’t.
“I’m sorry, okay?” He says as he follows me.
“Just leave me alone, Derek.”
“Gin, come on,” He says reaching for my hand. I stop and turn to look at him, trying to ignore how soft his hand is. “I’m sorry I brought money up,” He says dropping my hand then he shrugs. “It’s just what came to mind. I should’ve known better.”
“Yeah, you should have.”
He scratches the back of his head. “I’ll do anything to get you to accept.”
I raise an eyebrow. “Anything?”
“Yes.” He insists. “I need to fix this for Ian.”
I look at him, thoughtful. I can tell that he really wants to help his friend and I’m starting to feel bad. I know he can’t just go and get himself another girl to pretend to be his girlfriend. Unfortunately for him and Ian, I am his match.
“We’ll go on fun dates,” He continues when I don’t say anything. “We’ll do anything you want to do. We’ll go on trips. I can take you to Paris.”
Do anything I want to do? Go to Paris? Is he serious? Paris is just a dream to me right now. Something I probably won’t be able to do until I’m old and retired at least, I hope I can afford it then.
“I’ll pay for everything,” Derek says. “It won’t cost you a thing. It’ll be fun, I promise.”
I bite my lower lip. I can’t believe I’m thinking about this. I can feel myself getting weaker and weaker. I don’t want to give him what he wants but this sounds too good to turn down.
“Come on, Gin.” He presses as a smile plays on his lips. He knows I’m thinking about it now.
“For how long?”
“Just a couple of weeks. I would love to bring you to my movie premiere in two months. We’ll break up quietly after that.”
I realize that if I agree to this, I would be a hypocrite. I don’t like Derek because he thinks money can solve everything. I would be proving his point.
No, Savannah. Say no.
I look at him. “You’re going to hate me after this.”
He gives me a pained look. “Why?”
I half smile. “Because my answer is no.”
I turn around and start walking away.
“This isn’t over, Gin!” He calls after me.
Despite myself, I smile and I’m glad he can’t see my face. I’m walking past a group of some girls from school and I smile mischievously.
I stop and gasp dramatically. “Oh my god!” I say then I point at Derek. “Is that Derek Collins?”
They all gasp as they follow my gaze and Derek’s eyes widen. I cover my mouth with my hand as I begin to laugh. He shakes his head at me as the group of women hurry over towards him. He turns and hurries down the sidewalk and they all run after him.
I’m still laughing when I get to my apartment.
6. you’re welcome, world
“He asked you to what?!”
“Shh!” I hiss at Kim, looking around the kitchen. We’re on prep duty as we get ready for tonight’s service. I like doing prep. It’s less chaotic. It’s the calm before the storm. It’s been a good week so far. I can’t believe it’s Friday already. I hadn’t seen Kim since Tuesday so I hadn’t had the chance to tell her about Derek.
“I’m sorry!” Kim whispers. “I just can’t believe it!”
“You can’t tell anyone.” I warn.
She wiggles her eyebrows at me. “Does that mean you’re going to do it?”
I shake my head. “No, I told him no.”
Her eyes widen in surprise. “Anyone else would’ve jumped at the opportunity to be Derek’s girlfriend. You are crazy.”
“He said he would pay me.” I roll my eyes. “He literally thinks money can get him anything he wants.”
“I mean, money is important,” Kim says with a shrug.
“I know it is. I just didn’t want to give in. He’s so used to people saying yes to him. He needs to learn life isn’t supposed to be that easy.”
She laughs. “You love saying no to him, don’t you?”
I can’t hide my smile. “It’s fun,” I say with a shrug. “Someone’s gotta do it.”
“You weren’t tempted to say yes?” She asks, turning to look at me as we continue to work.
“Yes.” I sigh. “It could’ve been a lot of fun.”
It really could have. I wouldn’t let Derek pay me to do it despite needing the money. I just couldn’t do it in exchange for that. It would make me feel dirty for some reason but I know he could’ve offered me the adventure I’ve been seeking. That would’ve been my payment. The opportunity to explore and do something I’ve never done before. Since when was dating a celebrity on top of my bucket list? Well, since it became possible.
And now I’ve had to turn it away. Maybe if I get matched to a more decent celebrity with manners and humility? Yeah. That’s not going to happen, is it?
“What are you going to do if he comes back?”
“He won’t,” I say then roll my eyes. “I’m sure he’s already moved on to the next girl.”
A girl that will give him all the yeses he wants.
“Sucks for his best friend,” Kim says. “Poor him.”
I frown. “Yeah, I do feel kind of bad for him.”
Kim shakes her head. “I still can’t believe you turned Derek Collins down twice.”
I roll my eyes. “I’m trying to teach him a lesson. You’re welcome, world.”
She bursts out laughing and I can’t help but laugh with her. Unfortunately, we’re laughing as our manager, Jim, is walking into the kitchen. By the look on his face, I can tell he’s not in a good mood today. Great.
“Hey, Savannah! Come clean this mess up!”
I try not to groan at him as he points at the puddle of water on the floor. Jim can be a chill manager when he wants to be. He used to be harder on me when I began working here. He still makes me cry sometimes. I never cry in front of him, of course. I always go to the bathroom and let it out. I don’t cry because I’m sad. I cry because I’m angry that I can’t yell back at him because I need the stupid job. It’s a horrible feeling.
It’s gotten better now that I’m not new but it all depends on his mood. Today will probably be a hard shift. I stop what I’m doing and take my gloves off before going to the storage room for the mop bucket. You can only laugh if it’s with him, apparently.
It is a tough night. I’m usually able to find my groove on busy nights but I don’t find it tonight. I accidentally spill pasta sauce and, of course, it happens right in front of Jim. He gives me an annoyed look and then he yells at me in front of everyone. He makes me feel incompetent. I hate it when people make someone feel unworthy just because they’re in a superior position. If I ever become the executive chef of my own restaurant, my main focus is going to be in the type of people I hire. I’m going to treat people fairly and with kindness. It’s all about being kind. It costs nothing.
By the time service is over, I’m over tonight. Unfortunately for me, we still have to clean.
I’m all hot and sweaty when Kim and I finally head out.
“Are you alri
ght?” Kim asks as we walk.
I sigh, still feeling the heat on my cheeks. I feel like crying. I absolutely hate being yelled at. I’m not a child. As far as I know, the only person who can yell at me is my mom. Not even my dad yells at me.
“I just hate it when he treats people like that,” I say angrily shaking my head. “It’s so unnecessary. I mean, it was an accident. It’s not like I did it on purpose.”
DEREK'S MATCH Page 4