It all started out as a favor to a friend. Jim, who is at the gym as often as I am, got onto the treadmill next to mine at 5:30AM and we exchanged our usual greetings.
"I have a business proposition for you," he said.
"You know that sounds bad right?" He grinned. Jim works for a public relations firm in downtown Boston. He deals with big name celebrities when they come to Boston for speaking engagements, opening of stores, and other events.
"While I usually enjoy our morning banter, I am a happily married man and need you for a client we have coming to town." I slowed my treadmill down to a walk and gave him the dirtiest look I could muster.
"Get your head out of the gutter. My client is having issues with an ex-girlfriend who is claiming he's gay. We need a "girl next door" for him to be seen at his events with. Someone "supermodelish" is going to look like we're trying too hard."
"So you need someone ugly." I turned the speed back up on the treadmill. "No thanks." He stepped off his treadmill and walked around the line of treadmills so he was standing in front of me. I ignored him.
"I didn't mean it like that and you know it. I, and a few of my associates each picked someone we knew for this client and then had a firm meeting. You were my choice. We put it to a vote and you won hands down. You are exactly who we're looking for. Smart, funny, and the kind of girl you'd have a crush on for years, but would never do anything about because it would ruin the relationship if it failed." I looked down at him.
"Plus, lunch at Fire and Ice. He always stops there when he's in the area so you'd also be getting a free lunch out of it. Just come and meet my client. If you hate him, I'll call our second choice."
"All right, I'll be there."
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At ten minutes to noon I turned onto Berkley Street headed for Fire and Ice. I texted Jim that I would be there in two minutes and found him waiting for me by the hostess stand. He ushered me upstairs and stopped before we got to the tables.
"I forgot to ask you a question." I raised my eyebrows at him and waited. "What's your opinion on pro wrestling?"
"Love it." He let out a sigh of relief.
'Who's your favorite wrestler?"
"CM Punk." He made a face. I don't know why it took me so long, but the realization finally struck me.
"Jim, who's your client?" I started to scan the room and found him sitting in a corner booth watching us. He smiled when he realized I saw him and I could see those dimples from clear across the room.
John freakin' Cena.
My mind was racing and my legs felt heavy as I made me way to where John was sitting. He stood up as we approached and I held my breath for a moment. He is absolutely breathtaking and I could feel the testosterone oozing off of him. Hopefully I don't say anything stupid. He held out his hand to me as I approached.
"John Cena."
"Colleen Morz." He squeezed my hand as we shook and I felt a flutter in my stomach. This is going to be interesting. I slid into the booth across from John.
"Why don't you guys go get some food," Jim said to both of us.
"Why don't you all go get some food and I'll make sure no one takes your table." said the waitress coming up behind Jim with three glasses of water. John looked at me.
"Come m'lady, let us get some grub. We are supposed to be a couple." He stood up and held out his hand to me. I slid out and took it. We went through the line picking out our meats and veggies and bringing them to the big grill in the middle. John went back to pick a sauce and left me holding his plate.
"You from around here?" One of the cooks said to me, taking both plates.
"Brighton."
"Where do you work?" He leaned on the counter between us and gave me his full attention.
"CoreFit, the gym in the Prudential Center. I'm in their HR department."
"Thanks Coll," said John from behind me wrapping an arm around my waist and kissing my temple. He looked at the cook.
"Sauce goes on the end one," he said handing him the little cup. The cook paused-assessing John and I. I looked over at John. His jaw was clenched and he was staring straight at the cook as if he was daring him to make a move.
"You got it," he said turning and pouring the sauce on John's food. He finished cooking our food in silence and handed me my plate. I turned to walk toward the table where Jim was sitting and waiting for us. Halfway there I turned to see the cook say something to John. John grinned and then followed the path I took back to the table.
"What did he say to you?" I asked when he caught up to me.
"He said I was lucky to have someone as beautiful as you are."
"Did you tell him I'm providing a service to you and the public relations firm?"
"Would you like me to go back and tell him you'll provide "services" if asked?" We got back to the booth and put our plates down.
"I think I'll stick with you. Providing you with "services" might be more than I can handle." He laughed. I slid into my side and John slid in next to Jim.
"I have been told my "services" are rather large." I laughed at that. I wouldn't mind seeing what services he could offer a girl.
"Let's have her sign the contract first before you show her your "service"," said Jim. He pushed a small stack of papers in front of me. I took a bite of food and began to read. Jim and John began discussing the Red Sox, a topic I could care less about. I do however live in Boston, so I know enough to get by in a conversation before I change the topic.
I was to accompany John to a celebrity dinner at a mansion in Newton, 2 days from now, and walk down Newbury Street the day after. Jim would have photographers snapping pictures of the two of us together to leak to celebrity websites. I could handle this. I took a pen out of my bag and signed and printed my name on the last page of the contract. I handed it back to Jim who checked my signature and, folding it in thirds, placed it in the inside pocket of his jacket.
There's no turning back now.
Thoughts? Hate it? Love it? This was only supposed to be a one-shot, but it exploded on paper.