The Lady's Everyman

-CH 6-

Zach mindlessly worked away at cleaning while Amanda took a seat on the couch. She was engrossed in something flashing on her laptop screen. Every now and then she would mutter to herself with a constrained expression as if she was deep in thought.

She didn't notice when Zach stopped what he was doing and walked closer toward her. Taking a peak at the laptop revealed what she was so intently reading. News of their entanglement had already made its way to the internet. Zach watched silently as she flipped through various news sites, each one carrying the same story followed by the blurred photos taken by Sanntach.

"They spread that photo around a lot faster than I thought they would," Zach observed. "We must have really ticked him off."

"I'm not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing," Amanda replied nervously. "Either way, I guess I have to give a statement now..."

"What are you going to say?" Zach asked.

"I don't know exactly. I mean, we were never together and I don't even know the first thing about dating, never mind marriage. Maybe I can just write something short? Just some sort of generic response about how we love each other and are getting married? Do you think that would be enough?"

Zach simply shrugged his shoulders. He was just as clueless as she was in this regard. "It might work but do you think the people will simply accept it so easily? I doubt most who see those pictures are going to believe that. People like to latch onto the negatives instead of seeing what is actually there."

Amanda had no reply for him. She had never had to do something like this before. Yet she still knew the power that tabloid magazines and articles held over people. It wasn't too long ago when a magazine had dug up dirt on her father, expediting her company's fall from grace.

With her family's reputation ruined, people would no doubt believe the tabloids over her word. They would need some solid proof that their relationship was true if they wanted anyone to take them seriously. And if nothing else they needed to provide them with more evidence of their bond.

Amanda had remained deep in thought as Zach toiled away at the messy home, staring blankly at the laptop screen until being interrupted by the chime of her phone alerting her of an incoming call. "Who could be calling me right now?" She asked aloud as she picked it up and answered it without checking the caller ID.

"Hello?" She asked. Her voice immediately became sharpened upon hearing the person on the other end speak.

"You're Amanda Carter, am I correct?" The woman spoke quickly but calmly. A common trait among those that worked in the media.

"That depends on who's asking. Who is this?" Amanda responded cautiously.

"My name is Sara Woods. I'm the chief editor of the Gossip Times. I'm sure you have heard of us." She replied with a chuckle as if trying to put Amanda at ease. "I have some questions regarding a certain article we ran earlier today. We'd like to discuss some matters about the story with you. How would you feel about coming onto one of our live shows to give your side of the events that unfolded?"

Amanda felt herself start shaking involuntarily. She knew that something like this would happen eventually, but the thought of being on television was terrifying. "Um, no, thank you. That won't be necessary."

Sara laughed again and told her not to worry, assuring her that they weren't going to ask anything too difficult or dangerous for her. She assured her that all she needed to do was answer a few questions and it shouldn't take too long before she could go back to living her normal life.

Despite still being wary of the idea, she had to admit that this was a good opportunity for her. If things went well, she could potentially use the stage to shut down any of the rumors regarding her and Zach's relationship. It was worth taking the risk if doing so meant she could clear up everything in one fell swoop. "I'll think about it."

"Excellent! Well then..." Sara began speaking excitedly after hearing any sign of agreeance from Amanda. "Go ahead and save my number. And whenever you're ready, just give me a call and I'll have everything set up for you.

Amanda thanked Sara for her time before hanging up. She did as instructed and saved her number into her contacts list along with a reminder to call them as soon as she was mentally prepared to take the step forward. Taking a deep breath to calm her nerves she turned to see that Zach was just about finished clearing away the mess.

"Thank you so much," Amanda said out of gratitude. "You really helped make this place look better than ever!"

"Not at all... It's what friends are supposed to do." He replied cheerfully, picking his way around the now tidy home. The kitchen was now free of any obstructions.

"So, what do you want to do now?" Zach asked. He was a bit unsure of what to do next. He was a little bit worried about how his first night with this beauty would go. He knew that nothing would come of this and that they would most likely remain separated within the home, but a part of him was still a bit hopeful.

Standing up from her seat on the couch, Amanda gave him a thankful smile before glancing at his stomach. "Hmm. After all that work, It's only right that we should eat something sweet and refreshing. Do you mind?" She asked shyly as she stepped forward toward the kitchen.

"Of course not." He smiled back, putting down his broom and dustpan and stepping to the side. He watched silently as her figure stepped past him, Tying her hair into a bun behind her head with one hand and reaching into a nearby cabinet with her other.

From inside, she drew a pink apron covered in cupcakes which she tied around her waist. Once done tying it together she slipped both of her arms through its loops making sure it stayed in place comfortably. She gave a short hop and pumped her fist in the air. "Perfect! I'm all ready to go!"