Song for this chapter: Benson Boone - Before You on the multimedia.

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Juls

Manhattan's streets were beginning to bloom with the first signs of spring. The city felt alive with anticipation, but I had other things on my mind. Today, Sign and I were going to start our charade of a relationship, and I wasn't thrilled about it. But it was what it was. We had to play the part for the sake of the public and to keep things under control.

I met Sign outside the theater, a modest but charming venue showing the latest film, The Lost Horizons. Travis was with us, but he kept his distance, blending into the background as much as possible. He was there mainly to oversee things and take those planned yet candid photos we needed for the media.

"Hey," I greeted Sign with a warm smile, trying to ease the tension between us. She looked lovely, dressed casually but with a hint of effort to make it seem like we were just a couple out for a movie date.

"Hey, Juls," she replied, her smile was a bit hesitant. "Ready for our big performance?"

"Definitely," I said, trying to sound more confident than I felt. "I'm just hoping we can get through this without too much fuss."

As we walked to the theater entrance, I noticed Travis hovering near the corner, pretending to check his phone while keeping an eye on us. He was always the professional, but there was an air of irritation about him. I guessed he wasn't too thrilled about this whole situation either.

"So, how do you feel about The Lost Horizons?" I asked Sign, trying to make small talk. "I heard it's a decent film."

"I've heard mixed reviews," Sign said, glancing up at the marquee. "But I guess it's better than staying cooped up at home."

We exchanged pleasantries with a few fans who recognized us, keeping the conversation light and friendly. I could see the flash of cameras from Travis as he took a few candid shots of us interacting. It was all part of the plan, but it still felt awkward.

Once inside, we found our seats and settled in. The theater was dimly lit, and the atmosphere was cozy. I glanced over at Sign, who was seemingly engrossed in the previews.

"Thanks for doing this," I said quietly, leaning closer. "I know it's not ideal, but it'll help us sort things out."

Sign looked at me, her eyes reflecting the flickering light from the screen. "I just hope this helps clear things up for everyone. I really don't like pretending, but if it's for the best..."

"It is," I assured her. "We just need to stick to the plan. Show the world that we're a happy couple and that everything's fine."

The film began, and we both focused on the screen, but I could feel the undercurrent of tension between us. Occasionally, I'd glance at Travis, who remained stationed by the side, ensuring everything went according to the script. He seemed a bit more on edge, probably because this whole charade was as much a burden for him as it was for us.

Halfway through the movie, I turned to Sign and whispered, "Do you think this is working? Are people buying it?"

She shrugged, her expression thoughtful. "I hope so. It's hard to tell with all the media coverage. But as long as they see us together, it should be fine."

Just then, Travis sent me a text, his words brief but clear: "Keep it up. I'm getting good shots. Make sure to look engaged."

I nodded at Sign, who gave me a small smile. We shifted closer, our shoulders brushing, and for a moment, it felt less like a performance and more like a genuine movie date. I knew it was all part of the act, but I appreciated the small moments of normalcy amidst the chaos.

***

As we strolled away from the theater, my phone buzzed. I glanced at the screen and saw a text from Travis. The message was brief but to the point: "Need to head to the airport. Nat's waiting there. Keep the date going. Find a place to eat. Not your restaurant."

I sighed and looked at Sign. "Looks like Travis has to head out. Nat's at the airport, and they need to get back to L.A. for work."

Sign raised an eyebrow. "So what does that mean for us?"

"It means we've got to continue with the plan," I said, trying to sound upbeat despite the situation. "Travis wants us to go to dinner. He mentioned not going to my restaurant, though. So, I guess we're trying somewhere new."

Sign laughed softly. "It's about time we tried something different. Any place you have in mind?"

I thought for a moment. "There's a new Italian place a few blocks away. It's got good reviews and a cozy atmosphere. How does that sound?"

"Sounds perfect," Sign replied with a genuine smile. "Lead the way."

We made our way to the Italian restaurant, a charming spot with rustic decor and the enticing aroma of fresh pasta. The place was bustling with diners, but we managed to snag a quiet table near the back.

As we settled in, I noticed how relaxed Sign seemed. The pretense of our relationship felt a little less strained in this cozy setting. The waiter came by to take our order, and I tried to keep the conversation light.

"So, have you had a chance to explore Manhattan much?" I asked as we perused the menu.

"Not really," Sign admitted. "I've been so wrapped up in everything going on. But I'd love to explore more once things settle down."

"I hope you get the chance," I said, smiling. "Manhattan's a great city to explore, especially in the spring."

The waiter returned with our drinks, and we clinked glasses. The atmosphere was warm, and the chatter around us created a comforting backdrop.

"Thanks for doing this," I said, lifting my glass slightly. "I know it's not easy, but I appreciate you playing along."

Sign nodded, her eyes reflecting the candlelight. "I appreciate you too, Juls. It's nice to have a break from all the chaos, even if it's just pretending."

We chatted about light topics—movies, travel, and favorite foods—trying to make the evening as genuine as possible. It was a nice change of pace from the heavy atmosphere we'd been dealing with. For a few hours, it felt like we were just two people enjoying a meal together, not actors in a public performance.

As the evening wound down, I felt a sense of relief. We'd managed to keep up the façade and even managed to enjoy ourselves in the process. When the check arrived, I covered it, as planned.

"Let's get going," I said, standing up. "I'm glad we had this chance to unwind, even if it was under these circumstances."

Sign smiled, standing up beside me. "Me too. Thanks, Juls."

We left the restaurant and walked back towards the street, where a cool breeze greeted us. The city lights twinkled around us, and for a moment, it felt like everything was going to be alright.

We didn't let the night end too soon and went for an ice cream before we part ways. The ice cream parlor we chose had a warm, inviting ambiance. It was a small, charming spot with pastel-colored walls and a cozy vibe, a far cry from the chic restaurants we'd frequented for appearances. As we sat across from each other, the pretense fell away. There were no cameras, no curated smiles for the public. It was just Sign and me, reconnecting as old friends.

We shared stories and laughter, reminiscing about our high school days, the ones we'd spent together before life took us on different paths. It felt so natural, so effortless. For a moment, I let go of everything—Nat, the facade we'd been maintaining, the confusion swirling in my head.

As I watched Sign, her genuine smile and the way her eyes sparkled with nostalgia, I felt a pang of something deep and familiar. It was a bittersweet realization that my feelings for her hadn't vanished over the years. They were still there, hiding behind the veneer of my current relationship.

I kept my feelings bottled up, knowing that I was with Nat now, and that's where I should be. But seeing Sign again, being with her without any pretense, stirred emotions I wasn't ready to confront. It was confusing—my heart was conflicted between what was and what could have been.

I was still deeply in love with Sign, but I also cared for Nat, and my heart was struggling to reconcile these feelings. It was clear to me that my feelings for Sign hadn't faded. They were just buried beneath the surface, and the ice cream and the nostalgia had brought them to light. I didn't know what to do with this revelation or how to deal with the complexity of my emotions. All I knew was that, despite everything, a part of me would always cherish what we once had.