Chapter 3
Chapter Three
Camilla stepped into the dimly lit bar, her eyes taking a moment to adjust to the change from the bright Los Angeles lights outside.
The place was unlike anywhere she'd been in years – a far cry from the upscale establishments she usually frequented.
The walls were covered in an eclectic mix of local art and vintage posters, and mismatched furniture was scattered throughout the space.
The air was thick with the scent of beer and indie music played softly in the background.
As she scanned the room, her gaze landed on Jade.
The woman looked completely different from the disheveled barista she'd met earlier.
Jade's long blonde hair fell in soft waves around her shoulders, and she'd applied a touch of makeup that accentuated her big blue eyes.
She wore a simple gray sweatshirt that somehow managed to look effortlessly chic, paired with a mini skirt, tights, and ankle boots.
Camilla had come straight from the office and felt overdressed and out of place in her crisp pantsuit. "You could have proposed somewhere a bit fancier, you know,” she said approaching the table. “I am paying, after all."
Jade's eyes flashed with something that looked like annoyance. "No, this is just fine," she said coolly. "This place belongs to a friend of mine. I like it here."
It was only then that Camilla began to notice details she'd initially missed. Rainbow flags hung in various corners, and she realized with a start that most of the patrons were women, many of them couples. They were in a gay bar.
Camilla slid into the seat across from Jade, her curiosity sparked. "Are you...?"
"Gay?" Jade finished for her, one eyebrow raised. "Yes, I am, but that shouldn’t matter, because this is a business transaction. No sex, isn't that what you said? Because if you even think for a moment I'd take money for–"
"No, no, of course not," Camilla cut her off quickly, holding up her hands in a placating gesture. "I already told you, that's not what this is about."
Jade seemed to relax slightly and caught the eye of a passing waitress. "I'll have a draft beer, whatever's on tap tonight is fine," she said casually.
Camilla raised an eyebrow, a small smile playing on her lips. "Make that two scotches, neat," she countered, her tone brooking no argument.
The waitress nodded and left, leaving Jade looking bemused. "Scotch? Really?"
"If we're going to discuss business, we might as well do it properly," Camilla replied. "Besides, I have a feeling you can handle something stronger than beer."
Jade leaned back in her chair, a challenge in her eyes. "Oh, I can handle my liquor just fine. I just didn't peg you for a scotch drinker. I figured you'd be more of a... I don't know, expensive wine type."
Camilla chuckled. "There's a lot you don't know about me.
That's why we're here, isn't it?" Deciding it was time to get to the point, she pulled out a folder from her briefcase and slid it across the table.
"I've drafted up a contract," she explained, watching as Jade opened the folder and began to scan the document.
"It outlines the terms of our arrangement – the dates of your employment, the location – the resort in Aspen, the services you'll be providing – pretending to be my fiancée, and the total sum you'll be paid for the week. "
Jade's eyes scanned the document, her brow furrowing slightly as she read. She looked up at Camilla, curiosity in her expression. "So, these 'services' I'll be providing... it says here 'light touches of affection and the occasional quick kiss on the mouth or peck on the cheek'…"
Camilla nodded, her face serious. "I believe in being thorough and transparent. I want there to be no misunderstandings between us. My family has to believe that it’s real."
"Of course," Jade said. "It's just funny to see it all spelled out so... clinically. Like we're negotiating a business merger instead of pretending to be in love."
"Well, in a way, we are negotiating a merger of sorts. A temporary joining of our lives for mutual benefit."
Jade laughed. "When you put it that way, Ms. Parkes, how could a girl resist? Pecks on the cheek and all."
"Excellent," Camilla said dryly. "No swooning required. Just a little bit of convincing affection. As you can see you’ll be generously compensated for your time and discretion. There’s an NDA attached to the contract.
Speaking of which, you're welcome to let your family know where you'll be if that makes you feel safer.
But it's crucial that no one else knows our relationship isn't real. Can you agree to that?"
Jade was quiet for a moment, still looking at the contract. "I looked you up, you know. After you gave me your card."
“That was to be expected. What did you find?”
"You are who you say you are," Jade continued.
"Camilla Parkes, Marketing Director of Cupid's Gifts.
Your company's been featured in Forbes for your innovative approach to romantic gifting.
You graduated summa cum laude from Stanford Business School.
You're on the board of several charities.
And according to your Instagram, you have a weakness for French pastries and designer shoes. "
Camilla took the Scotch the waitress put in front of her and sniffed it before she took a sip. "You've done your homework."
Jade shrugged. "I wanted to make sure I wasn't walking into something... unsavory."
"And your conclusion?"
"It seems safe, so I'll do it."
Camilla felt a wave of relief wash over her. "Fantastic," she said, unable to keep the smile off her face. "I promise, you won’t regret it. You might even have fun.”
As the server walked away, Jade leaned forward and took a sip of her own drink. "So, if I'm going to pretend to be your fiancée, I need to know more about you. The real you, not just what I can find online."
Camilla glanced at her watch, then back at Jade. "Do you have plans for the rest of the evening?"
Jade shook her head. "No, I'm free."
"Then let's start getting to know each other right now," Camilla said. "What do you want to know?"
Jade thought for a moment. "Let's start with the basics. Where did you grow up?"
"Here in LA," Camilla replied. "I currently live in Bel Air. My father started Cupid's Gifts when I was a child, and I grew up watching it become what it is today. Sadly, my father passed away of a heart attack six months ago."
“I’m sorry,” Jade said. And your mother?"
Camilla's expression tightened slightly. "She passed away seven years ago. Cancer."
"Fuck.." Jade winced. “Were you close to them?”
“I was. Closer to my mother probably. My father and I had more of a business type relationship since we worked together, but I admired him,” Camilla said. "What about you? You mentioned Ohio earlier?"
"Yeah, small town. Not much to do there except dream of getting out.
I came to LA right after high school, stars in my eyes, ready to be the next big thing.
" Jade let out a self-deprecating laugh.
"Seven years later, and I'm still waiting tables and making coffee between auditions and badly paid theater gigs. I’m not complaining about the theater part, though. I love being on stage."
Camilla nodded. Growing up in LA she’d met many aspiring actresses and Jade was no different to them. She was beautiful, possibly talented, but with so much competition, it was a game of chance. "What made you want to be an actress?"
"I've always loved storytelling and acting. The way you can step into someone else's life, even if just for a little while. I did theater all through school, and it just... it felt right. Like I'd found my place in the world."
"And now? Do you still feel that way?" Camilla asked.
"Most days. But it's hard. The constant rejection, the struggle to pay rent..."
"Is that why you agreed to this arrangement?"
Jade nodded. "Partly. The money will definitely help. But also... I don't know, it seemed like an interesting challenge and let’s face it; it makes for a good story, right?"
As the evening wore on, they continued to talk, sharing stories from their pasts and details about their lives. Camilla learned that Jade had a younger sister back in Ohio, that she was allergic to cats but loved dogs, and that she could quote entire episodes of Friends from memory.
In turn, Camilla found herself opening up more than she had in years. She told Jade about the pressure of growing up in her father's shadow, about her dreams for the future of Cupid's Gifts, and even about her disastrous attempt at learning to ice-skate last winter.
As last call was announced, she realized with a start that hours had passed.
"I guess we’ll have to call it a night," she said, handing her credit card to the waitress before turning back to Jade. “I'll email you some information about the resort and my family. I’ll also send you a storyline for how we met and fell in love."
“Are you sure you don’t want to leave our backstory to me?” Jade grinned. "After all, I am the actress here - and something tells me your version might be a bit too... corporate."
“Hmm…” Camilla shot her an amused smile. “Okay, why not? Let’s see what you come up with.” She took her copy of the signed contracts and put it in her purse. “Thank you, Jade. It’s a pleasure doing business with you.”
Camilla knew she’d be able to sleep tonight. She’d found a fiancée, the contract was signed, and in just five weeks, she and Jade would be heading to Aspen to pull off the performance of a lifetime. Looking at Jade across the table, she felt confident that she'd made the right choice.