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I take a bite of bacon, so he doesn’t think I am rude. “Mmm. This is so good.”
“Thanks.” He takes a bite into his own bacon.
We eat in silence for a few moments before Marc clears his throat.
“I think we should continue this fake relationship.”
That is not what I expected him to say, but my heart leaps in my chest at the thought of being in a relationship with Marc.
“What?”
Marc puts his bacon back down on his plate and looks me in my eyes.
“Your ex-husband is going to continue making your life a living hell until he knows you have truly moved on. To make him believe you have truly moved on, you need a boyfriend and since he thinks we are already a couple, I think we should continue it.”
Yes. Do it.
My heart wants this more than I should.
When I don’t say anything, Marc continues. “You know I won’t take advantage of you. Plus, if I do get this new contract, I will be around you more so I can protect you at the studio.”
He does make some valid points. I did sleep very well last night knowing he was nearby. Maybe this could work out.
“What will we tell people?” How will we explain it to other models and staff?
“They don’t need to know, but if you want to say something, we can tell them it’s very new. We can just take it day by day and see what happens. After all, that is what happens in a real relationship.”
Marc seems indifferent to either choice, which leaves me relieved that he’s not putting pressure on me right now to decide.
“That sounds very reasonable. What about dates, hanging out, and sleepovers? You know, like things that happen in real relationships.” I ask before adding, “What are the rules?”
“Rules?” He asks before grinning. “I think you are overthinking things. Let it be natural.”
“Every relationship, real or fake, has to have rules. Like, for instance, I will only date you. There will be no other guys that I show interest in. If for some reason the situation changes, and I find myself wanting to get to know another man…”
I pause as I see Marc’s expression change from excitement to less than thrilled.
I feel guilty, so I add, “Don’t worry, that is highly unlikely as I am not looking for a relationship, but if something were to happen, I would discuss it with you first.”
Did the kiss last night ruin our friendship?
Did he think we were going to jump into a relationship?
I know I jumbled my thoughts and can only hope he can piece it together and really understand what I am trying to relay.
Marc’s usual casual expression returns to his face. “I don’t know what kind of relationships you are used to, but when I date a woman, I only date her. There is no one else.”
“Well, I know you are much younger than me, and I know how your peers like to date multiple people at a time. What is it they call it? Keeping their options open?”
I hear the other models, both guys and gals, talking about it in the studio. At first, I was shocked, but now I am used to hearing it. Times are changing.
“Well, call me old school because my mom raised me right and taught me how to treat a woman. I would never disrespect you, or any other woman, like that.”
Marc’s gaze locks with mine, and I know he is telling the truth.
“Okay, then, let’s do this, but what about affection? Do we need to play it up in public?”
Can my heart actually stand to kiss Marc and pretend that I don’t feel anything towards him?