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Sure, I’ve always thought he’s sexy as hell and I can’t say he hasn’t starred in an R-rated dream here and there throughout the years, but…what?Marriage?
And a fraudulent marriage to boot. The potential consequences here are more than just a broken heart. Deportation. Jail.
I can’t do this. It’s absolutely insane. My current situation isn’t great, and I might lose everything I’ve worked for, but at least I’d have the option, eventually, to start over.
But…
I want to stay here. I want to keep helping my family. Especially get Lia through school. And that takes money. What will I lose if I’m deported and unemployed in the Philippines? Money.
Plus, there’s so much more I want to achieve in my career. I’ll lose all momentum if I leave the U.S. right now. There’s no guarantee that I’ll get another job like this one. Leo’s not particularly vindictive or petty, but what will happen if I turn him down? Will he keep me from getting other jobs in the industry when I do come back?
I let out a deep breath, trying, unsuccessfully, to let out the racing thoughts and the anxiety. I have a million things to do.
When I let out a dumbfounded, squeaky “yes” to his proposal, Leo gave me a list of things to get together before going to the immigration office soon. Like, probably tomorrow soon. And then this doomed train will be in motion and all I’ll be able to do is wait for it to crash.
But right now, I’m wandering down the hallway, like a zombie. Just a lifeless lump of flesh trudging directionless under the fluorescent lights.
“Okay, you’re coming with me,” the familiar voice hisses behind me, hooking my arm in theirs and tugging me toward an office. “You have some explaining to do, girl.”
Cody turns to me expectantly as soon as the office door closes. I open my mouth and snap it shut, unable to form words.
“The word on the Hollywood streets is that you and a certain prominent studio director are getting married.”
Cody quirks an eyebrow at me, waiting.
I sigh for the millionth time in ten minutes. I should have known that the gossip and rumors would be spreading already. The Hollywood rumor mill is fast, effective, and ruthless. I can only hope and pray that people don’t catch onto the reason behind the sudden engagement.
“Look, Isa. This isn’t just so you can make your visa problems go away, is it? So you can get a green card? I know I suggested the plan, but I was thinking someone a little more… low key. Marrying Leo Camden? Your relationship is going to be put under a magnifying glass. Everyone is going to be poking holes and looking for problems.”
I almost start crying when I see the concern plainly on Cody’s face. This reallyisa stupid idea.
“Plus, you said this fake marriage thing would go against everything you want. I’m worried, Iz.”
“You’re right. I did say that.” I struggle to find the right words to explain everything to Cody. Mostly because I don’t even know what the explanation is. Something tells me that this isn’t the time for the truth. My mouth feels cold and metallic as I start speaking.
“But it was the most bizarre thing. I didn't even tell him. This was his idea…"
Cody looks at me skeptically and then nods his head once.
“You’ve been dating for a while, huh? I’ll be honest, I’m surprised that you didn't cave to me. ToME, your bestie!" Cody paused with his finger on his chin, looking upward. "But I guess it’s extra sexy, keeping it secret in the workplace. Dang girl, you played me good!”
He waggles his eyebrows and I force a smile. I wave my hands vaguely, feigning shyness, but mostly I'm trying to buy myself some time to figure out what to say next. What the hell? Cody thinks it's even possible that Leo and I could be dating? What have I been missing? I clear my throat to bring my thoughts back to the here and now.
“Oh, stop, nothing's happened in the office. We remain totally professional in the workplace,” I say, and this time, it’s not a lie.
Cody laughs out loud, the mood in his office lightening, and I can even feel the tension in the air starting to dissipate.
"I knew he couldn't resist you. I knew from the way you looked at each other that there was something going on. Not too many men would be able to resist you and your curvy, exotic lusciousness!"
I'm speechless at his words.The way we looked at each other?My curvy, exotic lusciousness? Am I missing something? But I have to carry on the facade. I feel somewhat relieved at the success of having pulled off the lie that will save both my ass and Leo’s.
“Okay,” Cody says, slapping his thighs. “Let’s talk wedding. Are you thinking traditional — like in a church? Destination? Oh, please don’t go somewhere cold. But most importantly…" He pauses for dramatic effect. "What are you thinking about your dress, girlfriend? Who are the designers you’re looking at? I'm sure you're given carte blanche to choose whomever your heart fancies.”
My head swims as Cody continues asking about bridesmaids and guest lists. My stomach starts to hurt and I need to sit down.
“Let’s slow down, Cody. We’re still in the very early stages of all of this. Remember, this wasn't my idea, right?”
“Iz, a wedding timeline isn’t like a normal timeline. Even if you’re getting married next year — hell, even two years from now — you’re already late with some of these questions.”
