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My heart thumps hard. I spin around, cutting off our contact, and follow Athena who’s power walking into another room.
“Are we late for something?” I sign.
“You have hair and makeup. Not because you don’t look lovely. You do. But makeup for TV requires a different application. Dare believed you’d need the prep.”
“Mr. Sullivan set this up?”
“Why do you look so surprised?” Athena doesn’t wait for me to sign a response. “Hurry. This way. We’re already late.”
I’m introduced to a makeup artist who doesn’t know sign but makes an effort to introduce herself via scribbles on a notebook.
“Do you want some water? Snacks?” Athena points to the corner where a spread lies. “Dare wanted the fridge stocked just in case.”
I notice all my favorite brands and wonder how Dare knew my preferences. Would someone who’s just using me go to so much trouble?
Don’t get soft, Yaya. He’s only being nice because he’s going to introduce you to the world as his girlfriend.
Right.
Exactly.
I need to remember that everything Sullivan does is for his own selfish gain. Even if it seems kind.
Jenny joins us while the makeup artist is working on me. She’s not alone. There’s a thick man with a balding head and twinkling eyes walking with her.
The makeup artist stops for a moment and Athena signs, “Yaya, this is Hassan Patel, your translator for today’s interview. He’ll be on stage with you to interpret in real time.”
My eyes widen. “I thought you or Jenny would be translating.”
“I’m not that comfortable on camera,” Jenny signs, blushing slightly.
“Patel has years of experience. He recently did TV interpretations for an actress in a very famous movie.”
My mouth forms an ‘O’.
“Don’t worry,” he signs with a smile, “my specialty is conveying a client’s unique personality and tone.”
I blink.
“Voicing is an art, especially in show business,” Athena signs. “Patel’s the best.”
“Did the TV network call him or did Mr. Sullivan…?”
“What do you think?” She shakes her head. “The TV network didn’t lift a finger. Dare did all the negotiations and it was chaos right until the very last moment. Patel almost didn’t make his flight. Dare had to send a private jet. Anyway… I won’t bore you with the details. The show must go on.” Her grin is strained, hinting at her exhaustion. Athena checks her watch and makes a pained face. “Alright, you need to finish your makeup and get out there.”
The makeup artist completes her work in a whirlwind, and I’m led back to the studio. The hosts are in place, but Sullivan is standing just beyond the lights.
He hands me his phone when I get closer.
This interview is about our relationship, but once the announcement has been made, you can discuss whatever you like.
What if I want to talk about you renting out a mountain to sign a contract with me?
His lips twitch. You can do that.
You trust that I won’t?
For better or for worse.
