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“Well, the media coverage around us is starting to heat up,” Elliot told Olivia once he met up with her at Starbucks. “Sorry; that’s why I was late. My ex-wife, who was the last person I expected to care about this, was showing me the article when I dropped off my son after my weekend with him.”
“I know.” Olivia laughed in disbelief. “You are kind of acting as if Rafael and Sonny don’t catch me up on what the media is saying about me on a daily basis, if not hourly depending on the day.” She pulled out a copy of the New York Post and started to read from the page. “All we know at this time is that the former mayor of New York City has been seen out and about with a man named Elliot. Little information is known about him; however, a source close to the Benson campaign states that when they met, it was love at first sight and they were quick to establish themselves as each other’s one and only.”
“We were deemed inseparable,” Elliot chimed in. “The writer already knows we tend to walk around the city holding hands and I was first spotted at your fundraising dinner two weeks ago. I’m surprised they aren’t speculating on when I’ll meet Noah. Have they mentioned anything about me having my own children?”
“I don’t even think the media knows you’re divorced. So our secret isn’t entirely out. But I don’t think either me or Fin considered that I can’t randomly just start appearing with a guy in public and not have any paparazzi or Internet speculation surrounding me. I was always the career-driven woman who almost gave it all up to become a single mother to my adopted son. Sometimes I get overwhelmed by the spotlight and my popularity, you know?”
“That’s what I’m here for. I wouldn’t consider myself very media savvy; that’s why you have Rafael and Sonny. But you know what? I told you I wanted to do a job and I had a very specific plan for how I could protect you. So, be honest with me. How do you feel the dinner went? You seemed happy after it was over but haven’t said much since. Although I don’t know of many employers that do a performance review after less than a month on the job.” He grinned and laughed at his own joke.
“I think you do a very convincing job,” she replied. “You know how to play the part of my significant other, that’s for sure. You compliment me and understand my campaign platform. You stand next to me looking confident with a smile on your face. If we were a real couple, I’d believe you were on my side and that we could be together for a long time.”
“Do you believe in love at first sight?”
Olivia sighed. “I mean, I never really have. And no offense, but even though you’re doing a great job, I’m still kind of warming up to you and getting comfortable. It’s no different than any other relationship.”
“You know, I definitely agree. Before the dinner, I was worried that I would accidentally blow my cover. I was thinking about what to do if someone saw my earpiece and figured out what my real purpose was. What if I didn’t act like I was truly in love with you and people were instead speculating on why you’d date someone like me who didn’t even seem to care about your work? I already knew who you were before I interviewed for the job, but it was a whole challenge to go from seeing you on TV to being your protector and having to act like I knew you very intimately.”
“You’re going to get a lot more used to that. I’ve been thinking it probably isn’t a bad idea for you to meet Noah, and it should probably happen sooner rather than later.”
She stopped herself because she noticed she was getting excited when she said that. She recalled the last two weeks and how they looked like a power couple whenever they were out and about. Before Elliot came on board, she was fighting to stay focused on her campaign and not get pre-occupied by any chaos William could cause if he turned up at an event. Not to mention she was worried about how many potential bodyguards she’d have to meet before finding “the one.”
Although she and Elliot were only pretending to be a couple, even the thought of meeting Noah made him feel like her very real significant other.
“You OK?” he asked. “Not to call you out, but your face is bright red.”
“Yeah, sorry,” she replied. She laughed and brushed her hair behind her ear. “I guess I was just thinking about how much I’m enjoying our partnership. I really think that Noah’s going to like you and I can trust you to protect him in the same way you look after me.”
“I’m glad you feel that way about me. We don’t have to discuss this today if you don’t want to, though. I’ll just say I’m looking forward to it. He seems like a great kid from what you’ve told me.”
“Oh, he is. He’s just going to have a lot of questions.”
She noticed that there was more conversation around them, and she turned to see a few people looking in hers and Elliot’s direction. He immediately went on alert, trying to figure out if anyone in the small crowd might be a threat.
“Olivia?” A young woman approached the table. “Listen, I’m so sorry to bother you, but I really admire you. I was at the first-time voters event you spoke at. I was kind of freaked out when some guy approached the stage and was trying to talk to you, but your security guard, I think it was, led him right away and you didn’t even miss a beat. You just went on like nothing ever happened. I thought it was pretty badass.”
“Thank you.” Olivia said. “And no, it’s not a bother. I always enjoy meeting people in the community.”
“Oh, I’m so glad. Um, can I have your autograph? If you don’t mind?”
“Not at all.” Olivia took the campaign postcard and a pen Elliot handed her, signing her name across the front. “What is your name?” she asked the young woman.
“Kylie. And thank you so much. I just turned 18 a few days ago and I can’t wait to vote for you. I hope you don’t think it’s uncool that I went to your event before I could even legally register to vote.”
“Not at all. I think it’s great that you’re getting involved in politics and current events so early. There’s no age limit on educating yourself about elections and the issues politicians are basing their campaigns on. And thank you for your support.”
“For sure! And isn’t this Elliot? I’ve heard a lot about him on Twitter. You guys look so happy together; you’re such a cute couple.”
“I appreciate that. It was great meeting you.”
Elliot turned back to her after Kylie walked away, breathing a sigh of relief that the buzz was nothing more than curious supporters.
“A cute couple?” he remarked, chuckling again. “Looks like you really are stuck with me for the duration of your campaign. And if you make it into Congress, I guess I have to follow you to Washington, since I swore I would support your career and all.”
“I’m starting to think that wouldn’t be such a bad idea.” Olivia smiled back, wondering just how much longer it would be before their fabricated romance became very real.