As we accompany the waitress to our table, Melvin puts his arm around the small of my back. He couldn't tell me what he needed to say to me where we lived because he didn't want anybody to know what he needed to say to me, so he asked to meet me here tonight.
I hope it's not too serious.
Melvin is not the same person that you and I are. He performs on stage. He's one of Hollywood's most sought-after actors. You've seen at least nine action films he's starred in.
Everywhere Melvin walks, there's typically a camera waiting for him to make a move around the corner. They may be the first to report it.
The problem is that the paparazzi don't know who I am, and when they do, I'm sure they'll look me up and discover a ton of information.
All I can hope for is that it doesn't.
I sit at the table after Melvin pulls out the chair for me. He moves the chair across to sit across from me.
The waitress doesn't only ask once Melvin has taken a seat. "Can I get you something to drink?"
"A bottle of your most expensive champagne."
I give him a look. "What do you want to celebrate?"
His expression breaks into a smile. "I want to rejoice with my best friend since I have three more movie roles. I also want to tell her about my additional news."
I pick up the napkin lying on the table and rumple it up. I say this hesitantly. "Okay?"
I'm anxious to find out what he has to tell me.
"Will you be my Best Man?"
Women cannot be the best men; I know that.
Because Melvin is not the kind to care about customs or traditions, I will participate in the wedding celebration if that is what he wants.
Shocked, I cover my mouth with my palm. "You're asking Michelle to marry you?"
That's why I was hoping he would do something else. I'm not fond of the girl.
He gives a nod. "I got the ring tonight."
How come he would tell me that he received the ring tonight? When he has not yet intended to ask her?
I look at him and ask. "How are you going to propose to her?"
Melvin is in front of me, kneeling. "I'm going to get down on my knee like this."
Gosh, oh gosh. He will genuinely demonstrate how to do it in front of a large group of strangers at a restaurant.
He takes the box out of the pocket of his jacket. "After that, I'll say "I have never seen a more beautiful woman than you." I saw we would be together in the future and knew that my love would only deepen when I met you. I shall then give her my all. Before removing the ring from its container. I'll end it there and ask her, "Will you marry me?"
I'm hoping I'll get asked to marry someone someday.
Melvin keeps demonstrating his plans for Michelle to me. "After that, I'll put the ring on her finger and give her such a passionate kiss that she'll want to skip dinner and go upstairs to the private suite I had reserved. How adorable.
I'm startled out of my daze with Melvin, and my heart starts beating faster. I hear cheers from those who believe Melvin asked me to marry him.
We're not in a relationship. We are not together.
The restaurant manager approaches us and speaks. "Since you're newly engaged, dinner is on the house tonight."
"Oh, no," I say, shakily. "We're..."
Melvin interrupts me. "How generous of you. I sincerely appreciate it. He kisses me after putting the ring on my finger.
Being close to him and feeling safe in his arms rekindles feelings I had hoped would fade with our extended relationship.
It fits just right. He made the ring size to fit mine, but why? My fingers are not as big as Michelle's.
My mind is always buzzing about why Melvin would bring me here and show me his intended proposal to his fiancée.
Gazing outdoors, I notice several photographers capturing our picture. "Melvin?" The camera flashes continue as I duck behind him.
I object to people taking pictures of me. Usually, I'm the one in front of the camera, not the one behind it.
Melvin's face goes pale as he stares outside. "Shit!" He touches his hair with his hands. "We have to play this out for a while."
I give a headshake. "No, I can't do that." My heart races as I stare into my closest friend's eyes, and my hands quiver, fearing what might happen.
He touches me with his hand. "There isn't a choice for you. We shall split up in two months during my parents' celebration." Melvin speaks softly to me. "You'll have to move in with me until then."
I raise the glass of champagne to my lips and sip it slowly.
How will I be with my best friend for two months and not fall in love with him?
*********
One week later
Melvin's phone rings while he and I have breakfast in the kitchen. He glances at me. "I must accept this. It's my representative." He makes his way from the room.
Melvin is an actor who has appeared in numerous motion pictures. He's been in action movies for the most part, but he recently told me that he tried out for a rom-com that's being made in Los Angeles.
He won't be too far from home, at least.
I glance at the caller ID as my phone vibrates on the table. I respond to "Zinnia" when it appears on the screen.
Me: Hello, Zin.
Zinnia: Will you be visiting us today?
Me: Yes, indeed, but why?
Zinnia: He's running late!
I realize I'm late as I glance at the kitchen clock.
Me: I'm sorry; I'll be there in less than 30 minutes.
Zinnia: Why thirty? The office is only a short walk away from your residence.
Me: I don't currently live there. When I get there, I will tell you everything about it.
Zinnia: It would be best if you arrived before Seraphina does.
I don't want to irritate Zinnia's sister. Seeing her tantrums is terrible enough, but experiencing them firsthand would be even worse.
Me: When will your twin appear?
Zinnia: I'm not sure.
I end the call.
Melvin wears a smile as he enters the kitchen. "I got the lead role in that rom-com I was telling you about."
I give him a big "Congrats." "If I didn't have to go to work, I would take you to celebrate right now. Are you able to lend me your car?"
He gives a headshake. "I'll give you a lift to work. Before I head to the set, I would like to spend as much time as possible with you. We won't be spending as much time together once I start filming. I might be asleep when you go to work, or I might be working when you get home." I hold Melvin's hand as we make our way to the car. I get in after he opens the door for me. He circles the vehicle and gets inside.
He follows the directions I give him to the office.
Fifteen minutes later, Melvin pulls the Mercedes into the parking lot. He scans the parking lot's automobiles. "What are we doing here, Katherine?"
I exit the vehicle and head toward the door. I check my badge. "I work here, Melvin."
He takes hold of my hand. "You work with the Miller Twins?"
Yes, he chuckles. Why was I unaware that you are employed by the top designers in the industry? I didn't know that someone I know well works for the twins until Michelle spent hours telling me everything there is to know about them."
Zinnia is stepping around the bend. "Katherine is here. Fantastic. Before the demon spawn enters, we must prepare you." When she spots Melvin, she stops. "Hello, gorgeous."
Melvin chuckles. "Hi, I'm..."
Zinnia interrupts him. "You're the movie star, Melvin Williams. Why are you here?"
Zin, he's with me." I present the engagement ring to her. "The rumors about me are true. I had stuff to do with my fiancé, so I skipped work last week."
She gives me a shoulder rub. "I gotcha." She gives me a wink.
"Hopefully, everyone is prepared for the shoot to begin. I don't have to spend the entire day in this office. I want to be outside enjoying this lovely day and soaking up the sun." Stepping around the corner is Seraphina. She has on a pair of high-end sunglasses and a cream-colored fur coat. She signals for a coffee with a sweep of her hand.
People start to disperse from her.
Seraphina halts ahead of us. She covers her head with her sunglasses. "Someone brought me a treat." Melvin clears his throat as she moves by him.
"Seraphina," I utter. She gives me a look. "He's with me." I hold up my finger to show her the ring.
She approaches me and puts her hand in mine. She lets out a whistle. "What a stunning ring. Mr. Williams, your taste is impeccable. Regarding your clothes, I wish I could say the same thing." She makes her way down the hallway.
"Seraphina?"
"Yeah, how's the men's line coming?"
Seraphina turns in my direction. "I've got several designs. I require a model." She looks at Melvin while licking her lips.
My face breaks into a smile. "Melvin is useful to you. He shouldn't be in my way while I take the pictures." Melvin moves to walk beyond me. "If you are not done in an hour, I'm coming for you."
Melvin gives me a head kiss. "Okay," he says, trailing Seraphina inside her office.
I head to the studio with Zinnia. The models are dressed and waiting for me when we arrive.
I grab my camera and begin shooting pictures of the men who are models.
When Melvin discovers this, he won't be pleased.
I walk around the room, advising the men how to posture and getting pictures of them from various perspectives.
The new Miller line's photo session ends after an hour.
Melvin enters the space dressed in a suit. In it, he looks stunning. "What do you think, Kathy?"
"You look unbelievable." I gesture to the middle of the space. "Stand there and pose?"
After placing it there, Melvin touches his face with his index finger, and he gradually becomes at ease with the camera angle. He gestures for me to come closer.
Zinnia takes off with the camera when I hand it to her. When I put my hand on his shoulder, he takes hold of one of my legs and holds it against his hip.
In another, he appears to be kissing me as he pushes forward and presses his lips against mine.
Melvin turns us around and picks me up.
Seraphina approaches us on foot. "You two are cute together." She touches Melvin's arm with her hand. "When you two go to a movie premier, I want the both of you to wear Miller Formal Wear."
"I wouldn't dream of wearing anything else."
Melvin gives a nod. "Could I give you a few suggestions with your suits?"
Seraphina gives me a look. "Can I borrow him for a bit?"
"Go ahead. He's the kind of guy that can support you."
Melvin and Seraphina leave.
Zinnia pats my arm. "Are you alright with them being in the same room?"
"I trust him."
She murmurs. "You two need to put more effort into persuading others that you are in love, Melvin. I can tell it's bogus from where I am. Conversely, my sister is easily tricked. I'm available to discuss this with you if you want to." She left the studio.
I begin to pack up the gear.
Half an hour later, Melvin comes over to talk to me. He glances at me, his lips painted with lipstick. "It meant nothing."
Who is he attempting to persuade? Either him or me.
I grasp his hand. "Melvin, we have to act more convincing. Meeting and kissing my coworkers will no longer happen. On the movie set, too, you will need to exercise caution. My fiancé cannot cheat on me, I promise." I turn away from him.
As I walk by Zinnia, she gives me a thumbs up.
Even though my engagement is fake, I know I'm moving in the correct direction.