Chapter 31: JERK IN CHARGE

"What!" We exclaimed at the same time. Sam jumped in his seat from the nose we caused.

Sitting beside me, was Jeremy. He was upset and did not attempt to hide it. Instead, he insisted Sam gave him reasons why he should be forced into working with me. Hmph, I am sure the hard feelings are reciprocal. I don't want to be stuck working with a jerk anyway.

As demanded by the head jerk in charge, Sam explained his need to pair us up. I guess, he was used to his attitude by now. The one thing I would never see as normal.

"Firstly, We need a couple. Or least two adults that could pass a couple. Secondly, you are extremely picky about the people you work with Jeremy. You made that clear when you yelled the need for me to make sure they aren't clingy weird ladies."

"Plus, this is going to be Natasha's first big break. She has modeled for some clothing lines and that isn't enough exposure just yet. You on the other hand are the best Male model here."

"Since we need a spark or connection, you also live together. What better option than the two of you? As a benefit, the pay is also good."

His reasons were fairly justifiable. But it bugs me to see that he doesn't seem to understand the concept of a spark. We can barely stand the sight of each other and now he wants a connection? Or rather, Sam wants us to feign one. Talk about impossibilities.

"If this is so important, why not give me someone... ummm I don't know.... more experienced?"

" I agree" I found myself concurring with his point.

"The only other reliable and experienced person is Stacey. She has been with us just as long as Jeremy. Since you aren't willing to work with her I thought of it as an opening for Natasha. " Sam was speaking to the both of us this time.

This new arrangement made me feel uneasy, I don't know about Jeremy. But surely, he must feel the same way or close.

"Stacey wouldn't be a problem" Jeremy suggested to his agent. In return, I gaped at him in disbelief. Considering the way he insisted that Stacey was unprofessional and clingy and may be guilty of harassment. I would never have expected him to pick her over me in a jiffy.

She might be my friend but to be rejected like that was downright insulting. He would rather bear the pain of her weirdness than me.

For some reason, that didn't settle well with me. I can't remember doing anything wrong except for trying to look out for my daughter. It solely depended on the way he interpreted it.

"I'm sorry but she had been given another job. I hadn't expected you to choose her, it baffles me. Fortunately or unfortunately she would be way too busy"

I don't think Sam got the hints or he chose to downright ignore it. Jeremy's suggestions weren't making him budge or consider any alternatives.

"Ok then" I assured, ignoring the look of horror and disappointment on Jeremy's face.

Sam gave us a briefing about what the task entails. We would be modeling for an AI-watch. It had some pretty good features like Bluetooth connectivity, a tracker, a health fitness monitor { steps calculator}, activity checker. The watches were braced with AI-phones.

They both had similar features with an emphasis on Artificial intelligence. Apparently, there were other brands of technology with AI but none to be compared with the ones. They were willing to spend as much as possible for advertisement and promotion for the products even before its official release.

At some point during Sam's speech, I zoned out. It was easier to block out every unimportant detail he was giving than have my keen interest. It didn't matter anyway, the period I would be working with Jeremy is sure to be topsy-turvy. I can bet a thousand bucks that one of us or even both would be upset most of the time.

Well, it wasn't like we could continue avoiding each other forever. Since we live in the same house. But now, there wasn't even a choice at all.

Maybe I should discuss with Jeremy ways to make things more convenient for both of us. Like instead of taking two cars we can go with one since we are heading in the same direction with matching schedules too. Whether he likes it or not, at some point it has to be discussed.

"The both of you have enough free time on your hands to round up with pending work before jumping into this. That's till the Easter holidays. After that, your complete attention and dedication would be needed.."

When Sam talked about the important details I listened for a while.

I haven't given much thought to the Easter holidays this year. Most of the time I spent the holidays with Lucy since she was born. Samantha lived so far away and I barely had enough to feed. Plane tickets and celebrations would be too pricy for my pockets.

This would be the first time I would be spending the holidays in New York. Sadly, Samantha and her family will be driving to see David's parents. Her husband's parents are extremely welcoming, just not enough to convince me to tag along. It's not in my place to intrude.

Jeremy might like to visit his mother so I would be left alone with Natasha. Thank goodness at least there would be enough breathing space for me.

"Would you guys come in tomorrow to sign the contract? Or you would rather meet the people you would be working with first?"

"I would like to meet them in person, I can't speak for Jeremy" Nonchalantly, I responded for myself. It's not like I would ever be able to speak for Jeremy. Our thoughts and ideas can never be the same. One person thinks normally while the other is a ticking time bomb waiting to blow up in our faces at any second.

Surely, this is going to be a very long process.