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Was she right? Did I really need a committed relationship to improve my own brand and show that I was capable of stability and solid leadership?
At first, the idea seemed absurd, but as it wiggled its way through my brain…it made some sense.
"Reyna," I said slowly, hoping I wouldn’t regret my next words. "You might be onto something here."
The rest of the table that had been stone cold silent, murmured in agreement. Even though they were hesitant to speak up before, now that Reyna had broken the ice with her brutal honesty, they all seemed eager to pile on with their own thoughts about my supposed shortcomings.
"I think we should get you set up on some dates," suggested one of my public relations specialists sitting across from me. "We could create some buzz around who you're seeing and make sure the media is following your every move."
Another person chimed in: "Maybe we could even hold a search for your perfect match – like "The Bachelor" or something."
I laughed at that idea but couldn't help feeling slightly anxious about this newfound pressure to find someone special. What if nobody wanted anything serious with me? What if the truth was that I was only good for a short fling? Maybe I was just the person you went to for good times, and not long times?
But then Reyna leaned toward me and whispered almost conspiratorially, "Listen, worst-case scenario, you could always fake an engagement.”
Despite my shock at her words, I couldn’t help but notice that shedidsmell good, just like I thought. She smelled like berries and sunshine. Pure brightness.
And then the words she’d whispered sunk in.A fake engagement?No way in hell would that actually work. People didn’t justfakeengagements. What would happen if anyone found out?
How would we keep anyone from finding out?
It seemed daring and risky.
But what if…
In an instant, I was suddenly intrigued – and maybe a little too caught up in Reyna’s gaze and the smell of strawberries.
“Okay. Since it’s your idea, you’ll be my fiancée.” As soon as the words were out of my mouth, I wondered whether I had just gone mad. What the hell had I just asked her to do?
This was insane. I immediately wanted to take it back and by the shocked look of confusion on Reyna’s face, she also wanted me to take it back. Everyone in the room was paying attention now, and I heard a few whispers. They were likely just as shocked as both me and Reyna were that I had suggested such a terrible idea.
Who in their right mind suggested that their employee pretended to be their fiancée?
“Me?” Reyna practically squeaked the word as she looked around the room.
“Yes, you, Reyna.” Okay, I guess I was doubling down now. My mouth was officially detached from my brain. “Put a plan together and we’ll get it in motion.”
The whispers around the table grew, and I knew everyone thought I’d totally lost the last of my marbles to even be considering this ridiculous plan.
“I – I’m not so sure this is a good idea. I’m your employee.” Reyna was desperately trying to be the voice of reason this conversation very much needed and it made me appreciate her all the more. “We could hire someone like a paid actress or something. Someone more qualified to play the role.”
For some reason, I was already shaking my head.
“No. I don’t want to bring in anyone from the outside. It needs to be someone I can trust. I think I can trust you. Can I trust you?”
Reyna was quiet for a moment. But somehow, the more I thought about this idea, the more it made sense.
“How about we get some input from everyone else?” I gestured around the table, inviting comments. Surprisingly, people were quick to speak up now.
“I think it’s a brilliant idea. It does seem like it would be better to keep the plan in-house.”
“But how can she still work here while she’s engaged to you? Wouldn’t that also look bad?”
I leaned back in my chair and thought about that question for a moment.
“That is a good question,” I said after a long pause. “We might have to consider changing Reyna’s title or job function. Although, I don’t think it’s all that problematic since she doesn’t directly report to me. But let’s give that one some thought.”
“How do we convince everyone outside of this room to keep this quiet?” Someone else spoke up.
