“That won’t happen,” I state firmly. “There will be no eating of any kind. It’s a business proposition.”
Orson gives me a sarcastic look. “Are you also planning a dowry or herd of cows to sweeten the deal?”
“For fuck’s sake…”
“What’s she like?” Scarlett asks curiously.
“She’s cute,” Orson says. “Red hair, big boobs.”
Scarlett laughs again and takes a mini quiche. “Yeah, this is going to be real fun.”
I lean back and give them the finger. “Mock me all you like. Like I said, it’s a business deal. I’m meeting her today at Whenua Law. Tane has drawn up a document making it all legal and above board.” I pronounce his name ‘tah-neh.’
“Why aren’t you using our usual lawyer?” Orson asks.
“I wanted to keep this separate from work stuff.”
Scarlett snorts. “Nothing says romance like a binding agreement with penalty provisions.”
“Just make sure you add a force majeure for broken hearts,” Orson says.
I grit my teeth. “I’m not going to break her heart.”
“I didn’t mean her.”
I just laugh. “The contract will make sure everyone’s on the same page, and keep us both safe.”
“How long do you plan on this show lasting?”
“Dunno. Six months?”
“And… what will it involve?”
“I honestly haven’t thought about it that much.”
“I can see that.”
I huff another sigh. “I dunno, going on dates, being seen together in public, and then we’ll put on an engagement party at Midnight.”
He eats another piece of sushi, his eyes dancing. “Is she going to move in with you?”
“What? No!”
“Don’t you think it’ll look weird if she doesn’t?”
I hadn’t thought of that. “Well, maybe she can stay over occasionally or something. The house is big enough.”
“So she’ll sleep in the spare room?”
“Of course.”
He just chuckles.
Scarlett frowns. “Seriously, Kingi, this has disaster written all over it. I know what it’s like to be an ordinary girl thrown into this world of glitz and glamor. It’s scary and overwhelming. And I don’t think you realize how attractive you are.”
“I’m right here,” Orson says.
She gives him an amused glance. “I just mean he’s very charismatic. She’s going to fall for him, and she’s going to get hurt.”