6.
"Are you sure this is a good idea, Jasper?" Edward says, pacing the office of his long time friend.
"Trust me, this will work out fine. I totally have your back. The producers know our stipulations, they're in your contract. I won't let them compromise your integrity," Jasper assures his client.
"I hope you're right. It's starting to become real and it's scaring the shit out of me." Edward blanches. "What if they edit the shit out of the footage and create drama where there is none? Or even worse, make me look like an idiot or an ass? This could all backfire on me."
"You have more creative control than any other Bachelor or Bachelorette in the history of the show. They feel like they've hit the jackpot getting you out of seclusion and getting you to be their bachelor. They will do anything to make, and keep, you happy."
"I wasn't 'in seclusion', that's just the story the tabloids came up with. You know better than anyone that my life just got complicated and I had to step back and prioritize."
"It won't backfire. This is the perfect way to get back into the limelight, promote yourself and maybe even find love. You're even getting some say in the selection of the woman, which is unheard of I might add," Jasper says. "As a matter of fact. We have to meet up with them at 2:00 tomorrow. They've narrowed it down to about 30 woman and they want your help to get it down to the twenty that will appear on the show."
Jasper snickers and shakes his head.
"What?" Edward questions suspiciously.
"Nothing. You'll see tomorrow," he smirks, looking like the cat who ate the canary.
"Great," Edward says sarcastically.
"Well, what do you think Edward? Thirty beautiful woman, all here for you," Mike Newton, the producer of The Most Eligible Bachelor, boasts, practically patting himself on the back.
Edward is leery. He doesn't completely trust this guy. This guy, who in a few weeks will have Edward's life in his hands. Or Edward's future at least.
"Um, they're all very pretty?" Edward asks cautiously.
"Not just pretty, gorgeous. You've got everything from the girl next door to the playboy model," Mike responds.
Edward gasps.
"Not literally, you don't really have an actual playboy model, but a few of them could be," Mike back pedals.
Edward sighs in relief as he peruses the photo line up of women on the table. Edward's eyes stop on a woman he recognizes. His eyes shift immediately to his friend, and publicist, Jasper.
Jasper gives him a sheepish smile, mouthing, "We'll talk later."
Edward nods and continues looking at the woman.
An hour later, after much debating, the final twenty are selected.
As the friends are walking back to their cars, Edward warns, "I hope you know what you're doing, Jaz. Because I don't think I can handle this becoming a circus. I will walk away, mid-show, if I'm not satisfied."
"I know, Edward. You have a lot riding on this. I understand, I really do," Jasper assures him. Knowing his friend is not only putting himself out on a limb for his career, but also to find love. Edward has put his romantic life on hold for practically his entire adult life. That, by far, is where his friend's greatest fears lie, and Jasper will do anything he can to help his friend, because of all the people he knows, Edward deserves some happiness in his life.
A/N
How do you like Edward? Thanks for reading and reviewing :)
Pre-reader Ja Mash
Beta lady texasbells