The Millionaire’s Fake Wedding

“I’ve never been interviewed by the press, but I’m certain that won’t be a problem.”

“Great. Now, don’t get offended or anything. How do you feel about interracial relationships?”

That completely puzzled Belle. Just what the hell was she getting into? Out loud she said: “Nothing wrong with that. People love whoever they love, more power to them. Excuse me, am I at the wrong interview?”

Natalie finished making a note and said: “I believe you are in the right interview, Ms. Jameson.” She handed Belle some papers. “Before we continue, could you please sign this? It’s an NDA, standard procedure.”

Belle read through the papers and discovered they were exactly that – an NDA, demanding of her to never tell anyone about the interview. She signed it, and Natalie continued: “Again, I’m sorry about the secrecy, the ‘assistant’ position was a misdirect. Here’s what we’re actually here for…”

Natalie went on to explain that if Belle were to accept the position, she would have to play a role of Allen Rodgers wife, no less! She would not only have to appear at all public venues at Allen’s side, but would also have to live at his place most of the time. Natalie made emphasis on the fact that Allen lived in a mansion, which had enough space for Belle to be alone whenever she wanted, everything necessary provided. She would receive monthly salary, just like at a regular job, with often bonuses for inconveniences such as traveling overseas or moving to another state, were Rodgers to change teams. There were a lot of small details and conditions, of course, all of which would be listed in the contract. Bottom line was – Belle would have to pretend to be Allen’s wife.

Belle took a deep breath, trying to wrap her mind around what she just heard. She had never even imagined that such positions existed, much less that she’d ever find herself interviewing for one. After a long pause, she said: “What’s the catch?”

Natalie uttered a laugh. “Besides a coke-snorting womanizer for a husband?”

Belle managed a smile. “Surely it’s not that bad. There must be two sides to the story.”

Momentarily Natalie became serious again – another test passed. She said: “No. There’s one side to the story, but I commend your attitude. Listen. What we’re trying to achieve here is not a publicity stunt. Well, it is, but on a much bigger scale. Do you understand?”

Belle did. “What is the catch?”

Natalie sat back in her chair. “I don’t know if you’ll consider it a catch per se, but the contract states that you will not lay up claim on any of Rodger’s income. Your sole profits will come in form of salary and, I guess, Instagram followers. That’s about it.”

Belle thought for a moment. At first the concept sounded bizarre, but as she thought about it her outlook changed. No harm, no foul. Hanging out with Rodgers, holding hands and smiling, eating well, driving good cars. Meeting celebrities? Surely. Add getting paid for that and you’ll get a dream job for any girl.

Natalie interrupted her thoughts: “By this point you must have realized this is a great opportunity for a young woman like yourself. So I wonder, what holds you back?”

“Honestly? The money. I know it’s bad tone to wonder…”

“Not at all, Ms. Jameson, I appreciate that. We don’t have much time anyway. The money is good, I’ll tell you that much. I haven’t come up with the exact figure, but it’ll be times more than what you earned at your previous position.”

“Right.” Belle was still doubtful.

“News does travel fast, remember?” Natalie brought out a piece of paper. “I see you’ve left Mr. Fogerty with a scandal.”

Belle’s blood froze. She thought she’d expected this to come up, but she hadn’t. “Yes, you see…”

Natalie crumpled the paper and threw aside. “I’m with you, sister! Forgerty is a racist fuck and I’m glad somebody gave him a reality check. Just… try to control it, okay?”

Belle breathed out. “I will, Natalie, I will.”

“It’s settled then! I’ll discuss this with Allen and get back to you, all right?”

The meeting ended at that, with them shaking hands and exchanging smile. Belle wasn’t sure she’d get the job, but thought her chances were good. There was a good vibe between her and Natalie, and then, like they said, 80% of success is showing up.

*****

The first thing Natalie said when the Jameson girl left was: “You heard that?”

“I did,” Allen replied, his voice coming from the speaker on Nat’s desk.

She took out her phone and clicked a button to switch off the loud speaker, when she put the phone to her ear.

“What do you think?”

“Well, I like her voice.”

“I know, right? So smooth! I can imagine her giving an interview already. But what do you think about her besides that?”

“Hard to tell, Nat. Does she look good?”

Natalie knew it was Allen’s nature. In her experience, most women interested him physically above all else, unless they could make his life easier somehow, like, say, Natalie Arnolds. That was fine by her – they had a working relationship anyway, and neither had ever shown particular interest in the other.

“She’s a very good looking girl, Al. Anything else?”

Allen said nothing.

“Alright,” Nat said, “I’ll say it. Yes, she’s black. And it’s a gift from God.”

Two white folks discussing a black girl never came off the right way, Natalie knew, but she was a PR manager, and PR wasn’t moral or immoral, it wasn’t racist. PR was in the business of promotion, and went after what was effective and efficient. And a white superstar in disgrace marrying a black girl? In 2015 America? That was, without a doubt, a winning combination.

“They’ll love you guys. Can you imagine what the fans will say?”

“Nat, you’re scaring me. I don’t care if she’s white or black, is she, in your opinion, the right fit for the job?” Allen sounded more serious than usual.

“I think she is. She’s a smart, beautiful girl, who takes sh*t from nobody, talkative, honest, all those good things. And she’s already agreed to sign all the papers. Salary’s negotiated, but I promised to do right by her.”

“That won’t be a problem, Nat. I don’t envy the girl!”

“Yeah, me neither!”

They both laughed, more out of nervousness than anything else – it was a serious decision, after all. Then Allen said: “If you’re in, I’m in, Nat.”

“Oh, I’m in, Al.”

And that was that – Belle Jameson was to be awarded the fake-wife position.