They say having friends set you up is a great way to find love, though I imagine love can find you almost anywhere. But if there’s already a spark between two people, there’s nothing as cute as friends pulling for you (more or less) behind your back to give a sexy new love a chance to bloom – especially in a romantic story.
In this unedited snippet from my latest WIP, which picks up close to where last week’s left off, you get a peek at the behind the scenes maneuvering Sinna’s team does to help get her and Tan where they need to be.
Oh, by now you probably recognize the picture of Park Seo Joon. I know I’m always posting pictures of him, but that’s bae. Can you blame me? I just rewatched Fighting My Way. I seriously would lick his whole face. He better hope I don’t see him on the street when I visit Seoul this fall. I may get arrested. I’m kidding. Maybe. LOL
XOXO,
SS
“Mr. Big Wig noticed Tan’s interest in you.”
“Oh? And how did he notice that when he’s never set foot in the studio?”
“You know these gossipy ass Koreans got spies everywhere.”
“You act like Americans don’t gossip and spy.”
“Anyway, he told me in his indirect way that he supports a relationship between the two of you.”
Sinna stopped working to stare at him. “Bullshit.”
“Swear to God! I asked him how when idols aren’t supposed to date? He told me there are some long standing rumors concerning Tan’s sexuality that he’d like to put to rest.”
“How nice of him to make use of me.”
“Girl, please. That dude would use his own mammy if it would make him a dollar. Rumors about Tan and you will dispel the gay shit and generate buzz for the group. So it’s win win. He also mentioned that he believes in your discretion, which sounds like –
are you listening to me?”
“Barely.”
Sinna handed a box cutter to Cressida and yanked to open the next shipment of merch. This from an indy designer in France. Her shit was experimental, but very workable. She favored extremely breathable fabrics, and everything looked natural even though it was anything but. Technology had –
“Sinna!”
“What, Saint? That boy hasn’t expressed any interest in me. Matchmaking is a little premature, no? Mr. Big Wig was probably giving him the greenlight to use my black ass for some discrete sex; his telling you was to low key let me know to go along with it. Beyond that, I’m pretty sure they frown on interracial anything here.”
“Hey! So what if he was? Fine as that boy is, you don’t think you’d like it?”
He shifted uncomfortably under her stare, then redirected. “If they’re successful – because most of these groups don’t last – once they get in their 30s there’s some leniency. Marriage age and all that, and cut the crap. Your smart ass hasn’t noticed all the gifts and stares and invitations to dinner?
“When we go out to eat, he glares at the others if they try to feed you, and he always wants you to dress him. He’s also not a boy, and you know it. Everyone, including the fans, sees how he is with you, and Mr. Big Wig is going to capitalize on the international fans’ reaction. The gossip is already spreading fast. Y’all are like the unrequired love story of the year.”
“Interracial storyline aside, it’s actually quite suitable for South Korea,” said Jon, accepting each garment to hang on a rack. “Nothing obvious, all longing glances and behind the scenes maneuvering. It’s not like a little romance will hurt our business any. It will mean even more publicity, which means more offerings. I suppose you’ve noticed how interested everyone is in the woman behind 501K’s style transformation?”
Sinna grunted, her hands never stopping as she unpacked the next box of garments. “You all are assuming an awful lot – like my participation, for instance – but I’m glad I could help with publicity, international exposure, and act as a gay beard.”
Saint laughed softly as his cousin walked away. He looked up and caught Tan’s eye; he was watching her too. He winked at him.
“Those two are so cute,” Cressida sighed. “I hope she gives him a chance. But she hasn’t let a man near her in forever. She hasn’t shown any interest in one either.”
“Well, she’s interested in this one,” Saint confirmed.
Cressida inhaled an excited breath. “I think so too. But there’s no way she’ll admit it. He’s gonna have to do the running. But he’s so shy!”
“Not around her,” Jon said. “He’s very much a man around her. I feel like he’s waiting for her, you know? Like, he’s playing the long game.”
Saint nodded.
“Long game? What does that mean? You think he’ll make a move soon?” Cressida wondered.
Jon held out a hand to Saint. “I give them three weeks.”
Saint burst out laughing as he put his hand in his friends. “You not even gon’ give my girl a month?”
Jon shook his head, jerking his chin at Tan. “That one is primed. These idols love love, baby. And Sinna has Tan’s nose wide open.”
Sherrod Story - Here lies your book boyfriend...naked. 