“Oh, you still have company,” Theo says when he sees me and Oliver still sitting in the living room.
“Charlotte is in need of a roommate and knows that I have been looking for a new place to stay, so we’ve negotiated my renting out her room,” Oliver says.
I look over at him, wondering if he’s decided not to tell Theo about the full extent of our plan after all.
Theo looks between us, and I can’t tell what he thinks about that idea. I remember that Oliver said that Theo was looking out for him in terms of trying to help him maintain his reputation. It seems to me that if Oliver told him of the fake engagement idea, that would solve that issue.
“Oh, that’s wonderful,” Madeline says.
“See, even your girlfriend wants me gone, Theo,” Oliver laughs.
Madeline shakes her head. “That’s not true, Oliver, and you know it. But I do know that you would like to have your own space. And I can vouch for him, Charlotte, that he’s a very good roommate. And if you’re about to have a meltdown in the kitchen, he is also very good at helping with that.”
I’m not sure what she means by that, but I smile. “That’s good to know.”
Oliver gulps down the last of his wine and sets his glass on a coaster on the coffee table. “There’s one more thing about this deal.”
“Oh?” Theo asks.
“The thing is, some of the medical directors of the practices I’ve applied to are concerned about my history,” Oliver starts.
“Yes, I know. I have to wonder if moving in with a woman is going to help with that. No offense, Charlotte, but-”
I wave my hand. “No offense taken.”
“Well, the thing is, Charlotte and I really would be roommates. That’s it. But to my potential employers, she would be my fiancée.”
I watch Theo and Madeline stare at him with blank faces. I wonder if they think they misunderstood, or maybe they’re in shock.
“The thing is, I’m a little worried about acting like a fiancée. Maybe you two could teach me how to act,” I say.
Theo’s jaw drops. “You’re serious?”
Oliver nods. “I know how it sounds, Theo. But to be honest, I’m desperate here. I’ve had two people say that if I was settled, they might be able to put my past behind me.”
“You must have some reputation in Los Angeles,” Madeline says, also gaping at Oliver.
I look at Oliver because I’m thinking the same thing as Madeline and am curious about how he’ll respond. I wonder if I should have asked for details before I agreed to this plan.
Oliver sinks back on the couch and scrapes his hands over his face. “I’m a single, wealthy, good-looking guy and I have enjoyed spending time with women.” He looks at Theo, who reluctantly nods in agreement, I suppose because he was the same until Madeline. “But I will say that my reputation doesn’t fit the reality. There’s just….”
When his voice trails off, I wonder what he doesn’t want to say.
“There are some in Los Angeles who are putting their finger on the scale in terms of Oliver getting a job,” Theo says. He looks at Olive and I can see love and concern for his brother. “And if the fake engagement is what you need,” – Theo turns his attention to me – “and you’re willing to do it, then that’s what will be. I worry that this could bite you in the ass, Oliver, but I’ll support you in this.”
“Me too,” Madeline adds.
“So, you’ll teach me how to act? I mean, I know both of you have had to pretend to love somebody on the screen, so maybe you can give me some tips,” I say.
Madeline smirks at Theo. “Talk about somebody with the reputation. Were you acting with any women that you worked with?”
Theo wraps his arm around Madeline and pulls her to him. “I was acting with one or two maybe,” he says. “But you’re the only one who stole my heart.”
Madeline gives him a sweet smile and kisses him.
Oliver rolls his eyes. “Now you see why I have to move.”
I watch Theo and Madeline, seeing genuine love flowing between them. It’s in the way they look at each other, not so much in how he’s holding her or how she’s playing with the color of his shirt, although I suppose those actions contribute to it. I worry that I can’t look at Oliver like that.