The Client's Idea
955 Words
"I love your shows! I'm really surprised your last show flopped. I dont know how people didn't find the RV family race as exciting as I did. I can't wait to hear your idea!" I said, excited.
Chris gave me a look to shut my mouth. I know this look all too well.
"Josh, do you need to fund this show by yourself? Is that why you are here today? Do you want to ask us if we think it is a good financial decision? Of course, we will keep everything confidential in this meeting." Chris reassured Josh.
"Josh, I am really sorry. I just got excited." I felt like I needed to apologize for my sudden outburst, especially after reading Chris's mind.
"Stacey, it is not a big deal. I like your excitement. Look, I'm going to be direct. I've been looking at you two for this show. You're both perfect for this show's idea," Josh said.
"Let me stop you right there! I said I loved watching your shows, not that I wanted to be in one," I interrupted.
"Yeah, I'm not the camera type," Chris said.
"This is exactly why I have you both in mind. You're both down-to-earth people. Everyone I have cast for my shows in the past has been so fake. It is not working anymore. People want authenticity. You two are perfect. You're relatable, real people. I really need you both for this to work for me." He said, sincerely.
"I'm not saying yes, but what is this idea? I need to hear the details," I asked.
"Remember all those toads you've been kissing?" Josh asked me.
I nodded. Like I needed a reminder of my nightmare of exes. Of course, I remembered the toads.
"You and Chris are both single," Josh started to say...
We both cut him off. "Wait!"
Chris and I looked at each other.
"Whatever you are thinking, don't. This is a professional workplace. We do not think like each other like that. I consider Stacey a good friend but I don't have feelings for her like that." Chris said.
"Awe. Chris you are so sweet! I consider you a good friend too. You'll be relieved to know that I don't have feelings like that for you either!" I said sarcastically.
I stuck my tongue out at him.
"Good, now that you are both on the same page, you two dating each other isn't what I had in mind. I wanted to bring you guys on a kind of dating show. You'll go on double dates with 10 people and each week the audience will vote for who they think is perfect for each of you. The guy or gal with the least votes will go home. You don't have to end up with the winner in the end if you don't want to, but it'll be an added bonus if you do." Josh explained.
"Good luck finding someone who will date this train wreck," I said as I was gesturing to myself.
"I already have the 10 selected. We are going to have a prize for the winner. It'll be half a million dollars for each of your audience choices. If you choose to be with them, you'll have a nice little nest egg to start your new life together. If you don't, you go on living your life as normal. You get the love of the nation for a few months because they are absolutely going to love you both. Then, a few months later, when the next big show comes out and I get my respect back from the studio, they'll forget all about you. Oh, did I mention we are filming at a nice romantic getaway so you'll get a nice 10 week vacation!" Josh pitched.
"I don't know how I feel about dating with cameras and an entire country controlling my relationships. However, it's not your worst idea," said Chris.
I really started thinking. I am 30 and still haven't found the man of my dreams. It is all very tempting, but the winner getting half a million dollars? That is crazy. Although with a prize, it explained how he found 10 sorry suckers to date me.
"How will I know the winner isn't just there for the money?" I asked Josh.
"You don't, it's all part of the drama. You'll have to figure that out on your own. We will give you plenty of opportunities to figure it out, I promise. Look, I don't need your answer today. However, I do have the studio on board for this, with you guys in these roles. I need an answer by Friday. I'll have to look for alternatives if it's a no. Then we will start filming in two weeks, if you both agree. And I am hoping you both will." Josh pleaded.
"Two weeks? That is so soon," I said.
Chris had been sitting quietly deep in thought. "I am in," he said suddenly.
Josh and I both looked over at him. What was he thinking? Why would he agree with this so quickly? I know he just had a rough breakup last month, but why jump in so fast?
"Great! That's amazing man. You are really helping me out on this! Stacey, you have until Friday! Think about it. I'll be back on Friday with contracts and, hopefully, I have you both on board.", Josh said, looking at me.
"I'll think it over and have an answer ready by Friday," I said.
"If you know before, then let me know!" Josh replied.
Just like that, Josh was leaving the office and my head was spinning. I had a lot of thinking to do in the next four days.
- Writer
