Page 94 of Fake it For Good
She shot Denton a dirty look before walking out and closing the door behind her. “What the hell was that about?” he asked.
“I told her I didn’t want to be disturbed,” I answered. “You know she takes that seriously.”
“But it’s me,” he said defensively. “She has to know I’m excluded from that rule.”
“Well…”
“What’s wrong with you?” he asked and studied my face. “You look hungover. I don’t remember you drinking that much last night.”
“I didn’t. I’m not hungover. I’m tired.”
“Well, you look like shit,” he said.
“Thank you. I’m glad my appearance matches my mood. It’s what I was going for.”
“Ohh, and cranky,” he said with a laugh. “Were we not at the same party? It was a hit. People were talking about the company. In a good way. No scandals. Not even Kelly with her ass hanging out brought you any bad vibes. Noelle looked amazing, by the way. People loved her. She really worked that party.”
“Yeah, I know,” I said with a sneer. “She’s great, right? Everyone loved her. She networked better than a politician.”
“You sound bitter.”
“Nope,” I said. “I got what I paid for. We got good publicity. The company looked good last night. Between the setup and Noelle working it, we’re back. I know we just distanced ourselves from the second-place company. I know the growth year over year is going to reflect all of it next year. Now, we sit back and watch it happen without taking our foot off the gas.”
“Why are you making it sound so sterile?” he asked. “The thing with Noelle worked because you guys worked. You looked happy, for the most part. Noelle was radiant.”
“I get it. She did great. When you pay that kind of money, I think it’s only fair you get a quality actress in return.”
“What the hell is going on?” he asked. “Last week you were practically floating around here. You were crazy about her. Did something happen last night?”
“No, I just had my eyes opened.”
“Opened to what?” he asked. “From where I was standing, your eyes were opened before mine were. You saw how great Noelle was. I wasn’t sure. Then you guys started sleeping together and I had my concerns, but you were happy. You must have trusted her enough to get into bed with her.”
“Sex doesn’t require trust,” I replied. “We had fun. Now, we’re done.”
“Did she dump you?” he asked.
“No, but how could she dump me? We were never together. She was paid to pretend to be my fiancée. We had a little fun together and now the job is over.”
He was staring at me with disbelief. “I don’t get it. What happened?”
“Nothing happened,” I said. “I know she was only doing the job to get money and to make connections. She needed me to bring her to a few parties and introduce her to the right people. She had an angle. I had an angle. We satisfied what we both needed.”
“I think you might be simplifying this situation,” he said. “I talked with her a little bit last night. She was glowing. She loved talking about your company. She talked about the toys and gave examples about why they were so much better than other similar products. Cane, she soldyoulast night. People asked about the nonprofit and she always turned it back to what you did for the orphanage. She talked about the toys you brought and how happy the kids were. I’m not sure what you are thinking, but I have to say it—you’re wrong.”
I shrugged. “Maybe, but it doesn’t matter. We used each other. I got my money’s worth, and I think she made out pretty well.”
“You’re just done?” he asked. “You’re not going to talk to her again?”
“No. I don’t see any need for that. We’ll keep going with the fiancée thing and let it fade away. I got what I needed.”
“Shit, I thought you were a block of ice before, but this is next level,” he said. “Does this have anything to do with Kelly? I saw her circling last night. I got the impression she was either trying to snare you or another unwitting victim. Did she say something to make you believe Noelle was something other than the way she presents herself?”
“No. Maybe. I don’t know. Kelly is a devil, but she’s observant. She sees things because she does them herself. Takes one to know one and all that.”
“You’re suggesting Noelle and Kelly are on the same level?” he said. “Please tell me you’re joking.”
“I don’t believe Noelle is like Kelly, but I believe Noelle took the job for more than just the money,” I said.
