Page 36 of Split Decision

Sensing the change in me, Syndi turns and looks at the screen. When she turns back to me, understanding shows on her face, and she reaches her hand across the table to squeeze mine.

"Luke," she says reassuringly. "This is all for show. They're selling the illusion of happily ever after."

I nod. "I know." And I do know. Doesn't make it easier to watch. "So how will the coverage affect my image? When I come on the scene, and it comes out that I'm engaged to her?"

"You'll be the loving, trusting, supportive fiancé. Let Travis's camp worry about how he's seen."

"And how will Andi be seen?"

"That's the wild card in this scenario, Luke," she says hesitantly. "It can be good or bad for her. If it looks like Travis is pining for her but she's faithful to you, she'll be the most envied woman in the world. If it looks like she's with Travis and stringing you along, she'll be the most hated. There's really no in-between and no way to control which way the tide will turn."

"I've seen how the tide of the paparazzi turns on people, Syndi. I don't want them turning against Andi again. You make sure that she's viewed in a positive light."

"I'll do my best. But you're my primary concern, not Andi."

"Well, that's enough of that talk," I say as the waitress sets our appetizer in front of us. "Tell me all about Syndi. The only thing I know about you is how good you are at your job."

She flashes a genuine smile at me. It's demure, unsure, and a little surprised. There's no doubt that she's abeautiful woman, but her bulldog attitude sometimes overshadows her looks.

"You really want to know about me?" she asks, and I nod.

"None of my clients has ever asked about me before," she says thoughtfully. “You are different from most men I've met.”

"Let's see. I was born and raised in Los Angeles. My parents own a successful chain of restaurants, so I grew up in an affluent area. I've always known what was expected of me, what I wanted to do, and how to get what I want. My parents are still a major influence in my life, and we're very close."

"Any siblings?" I ask.

"Yes, I have a brother and a sister."

"So do I." I smile. "Older or younger?"

"My sister is older, and my brother is younger." She smiles widely, pleased we have something in common.

"My sister is younger, and my brother is older," I laugh. "I'm also close to my parents, though we've had our rough patches."

"What family doesn't? The important thing is that you can count on them when it matters the most. Minor disagreementscan be forgotten when the big needs are consistently met."

"So true. I know without a doubt that I can call my family for help, and they'd be there for me in a second. Even if I'm wrong, they'll still have my back—after telling me about it."

"Exactly!" she exclaims. "Sounds like our families are very similar in that respect."

"What drew you into public relations?" I ask, genuinely interested now.

Her expression morphs into a mixture of serious and sad at the same time. “My best friend in high school was a guy. He really was just a friend, and we were very close. His name was Parker Lee. Parker was an incredible athlete, but football was where his heart and soul were. He had college scouts coming to watch him play, and several agents were each trying to woo Parker and his parents to sign with their companies.

“Parker's parents were very wealthy and well-known. One agent got especially vigorous in his attempts to get Parker to sign with him. He dug up some information about Parker's parents that revealed that his father wasn't really his father. It caused a huge fight in the family. His parents went through a nasty breakup, and Parker blamed himself for it.

"He committed suicide over it. The note he left said he couldn't take the negative publicity that his talent created. He thought that if he hadn't pursued a football career, his family would still be together because none of it would have ever come to light.

"So, after watching what happened to my best friend and his family, I decided I wanted to help the people who are in the limelight. Most people are just trying to realize their dreams. If I can help my clients achieve them, I feel like I'm honoring Parker's dreams."

"I'm very sorry for what happened to your friend, but I'm glad you shared that with me. It helps put a lot of things into perspective for me," I say honestly.

"I've never told anyone that story before. I don't know why I felt so comfortable telling you, but I'm glad I did. I'm fully aware that I can come across as bossy and all business, but it's always with my clients' best interests at heart."

"I believe you mean that."

When our meals arrive, we eat and chat about anything and everything, like old friends catching up. It feels good to enjoy a meal with someone else for a change. Shane is always busy and is on a different schedule than I am. Andi's schedule, with the frequent and late-night concerts, doesn't give us much time to talk. I've missedreal conversations with someone who genuinely wants to talk to me.