Chapter Ten- Sweet Misery

“So then after the award show it will be pretty much set that you two are together and then at the release party you’ll break up with him. Okay?” Gwyneth asked.

Felicity was at Gwyneth’s house discussing the final stages of ‘the plan.’

“Look I’ve been thinking.” Felicity said.

“This doesn’t sound good.” Gwyneth said.

“I don’t think I can go through with this. I’ll pay you the money back.” Felicity said.

“Oh no.” Gwyneth commented.

“What?” Felicity responded.

“You fell for him.” Gwyneth said sighing.

“No.” Felicity said defensively although Gwyneth was right.

“Then why did you change your mind?” Gwyneth asked.

Felicity shrugged. “I realized it’s wrong. I can’t do this to someone.”

“No way. You agreed to this. No changing your mind.” Gwyneth said.

“I can change my mind. How could you possibly stop me?” Felicity challenged.

“I could tell Lance why you agreed to go out with him in the first place.” Gwyneth shot back.

Felicity’s shoulders dropped…she had forgotten about that.

“So do we still have a deal? There’s no way you can explain your way out of this one.” Gwyneth said.

Felicity nodded. Breaking up with Lance and humiliating him would be bad, but if he found out what she had really done it would be so much worse.

*****

“Can you believe it? Male hottie of the year.” Justin said proudly.

“Umm…Justin. I wouldn’t get too excited about that.” Felicity said.

“Huh? Why not?” he asked.

“Because well…” Felicity started.

“What she’s trying to say is that the only reason you got that award is because the other nominees weren’t there. The Teen Choice Awards are totally rigged.” Natalie said.

Justin was about to protest but Natalie wasn’t finished.

“Besides do you really think you’re hotter than Paul Walker and Matt freakin’ Damon?” Natalie asked.

“Jeehz…I’m sure glad I asked you to be my date.” Justin said.

Natalie smiled sweetly. “I’m sure you are.”

“What a lovely couple they make.” Lance commented as Natalie and Justin went off to mingle.

“Indeed.” Felicity replied yawning.

“Tired?” Lance asked.

“A little bit. That show was pretty long.” Felicity replied.

“We can cut out early if you want.” Lance told her.

“No that’s okay. We can leave when you want.” Felicity said.

“We won’t stay too long. Do you want something to drink?” he asked her.

“Water’s fine.” She said.

“Okay, wait right here.” He said kissing her cheek before he walked away.

Felicity sat down at a nearby table when Gwyneth sat down next to her.

“Having fun?” she asked.

Felicity looked around making sure Lance wasn’t within hearing distance.

“What do you want?” Felicity asked.

“Don’t sound so hostile. Did the press take your picture on the way in?” she asked.

“Yes.” Felicity replied.

“Did you guys talk to any of the magazines or entertainment shows?” Gwyneth questioned.

Felicity nodded.

“And did Lance introduce you as his girlfriend?” she asked.

“Yes. Your stupid plan is working perfectly. Now you can leave now.” Felicity said.

“It didn’t seem so stupid to you when you agreed to it.” Gwyneth snapped.

“Agreed to what?” Lance asked as he sat down next to Felicity.

“Nothing.” Felicity said. “Ms. Porter was just leaving now.”

“Right, see you guys later.” Gwyneth said walking off.

“What was that all about?” Lance asked.

“It was nothing.” Felicity said. “Nothing at all.”

Chapter 11