Rent-A-Girlfriend: The Girlfriend Gig

Part 1

In the bustling heart of New York City, where skyscrapers touch the clouds and ambition is the currency of the day, the Rental Girlfriend Agency has found fertile ground. Catering to the city's elite—rich, successful men who crave companionship without strings—the agency thrives in this urban jungle. It's a world where appearances are everything, and the agency's young, beautiful college-aged women don new personas to keep their real lives hidden from view.

This is where we meet Selerity, a determined college student navigating the high stakes of the city's academic and social scenes. To afford her tuition and make ends meet, Selerity adopts the alter ego "Monica" and becomes a rental girlfriend. With her sleek black hair, deep brown eyes, and a sophisticated sense of style—often favoring a crisp blouse, fitted jeans, and heeled boots—Monica presents herself as the ideal companion. Yet, despite her polished appearance and charm, Selerity struggles within the agency.

While other rental girlfriends may cater to their clients' more intimate desires, Selerity draws a firm line. She sees her job as a means to an end—a way to pay for her education, not to compromise her principles. However, this stance has a cost. The agency's success hinges on glowing reviews from satisfied clients, and Selerity's refusal to go beyond the boundaries of simple companionship leaves many clients disappointed. As a result, her reviews are lackluster, and her client pool is thin.

Selerity is caught in a dilemma. She needs the income, but she won't betray her values. The pressure from the agency to improve her ratings grows, and Selerity begins to wonder how long she can hold her ground in a business that seems intent on pushing her beyond her limits.

Selerity sat on the edge of her bed, staring at her phone with a sinking feeling in her stomach. The Rental Agency app was unusually quiet—no new messages, no scheduled dates. "Oh man! Another dry day! What am I going to do?" she muttered to herself, her frustration building. The app had always been her safety net, but lately, it felt like the net was full of holes.

She quickly switched to her banking app, hoping for a miracle. But the numbers didn't lie—she was going to be short on tuition. Panic started to rise in her chest. "Okay, stay calm. This is not the first time this has happened. I just need to find a way to make some money." But then, as if on cue, her stomach growled loudly, reminding her of another problem. "I need something to eat too!" she groaned. "A nice date would really help out right now."

Desperation gnawed at her as she weighed her options. Selerity had always been careful to follow the agency's rules, knowing that any slip-ups could get her in trouble. But today, she was out of options. "I guess I don't have a choice. I'm going to have to go fishing for clients," she decided, knowing full well the risk she was taking. Fishing—approaching potential clients outside of the app—was strictly against agency policy, but she was too desperate to care.

She stood up, adjusting her purse on her shoulder, and took a deep breath to steady herself. "Fine, this will be the last time I go fishing. I can't be picky. I'll need to go out with someone regardless of what he looks like," she resolved, hoping she'd be able to find someone decent.

As Selerity walked through the crowded streets of New York, she scanned the faces of passing men, trying to gauge their interest. Time after time, she caught the eye of someone who made her skin crawl. One man, with a dangerous glint in his eye, looked like he was fresh out of a crime drama. Another kept glancing nervously at his wedding ring, clearly looking for trouble. And then there was the guy who seemed to think "no" was a foreign word—a definite red flag.

Just as she was about to give up, she spotted someone different. A young man, probably around her age, was sitting on a bench with a laptop on his lap. His chestnut hair was neatly styled, and his well-pressed button-up shirt and slacks gave him the look of someone who worked in an office. The designer glasses and Rolex on his wrist hinted at wealth, but it was the way he sat alone, focused on his screen, that caught her attention. He didn't seem like the type who had a girlfriend, and there was something about his serious expression that intrigued her.

"He's cute," Selerity thought, her heart skipping a beat. "But he's a bit young to be a client. Should I go for it?" She hesitated, chewing on her lip as she considered her options. He didn't look dangerous, and there was something refreshingly genuine about him. "Why not? What's the worst that could happen? He doesn't seem like a bad guy. And who knows, he could be a regular."

Steeling herself, Selerity walked over to him, her heart pounding in her chest. She put on her best smile and said, "Hey there, is this seat taken?"

He looked up from his laptop, his eyes meeting Selerity's as she stood before him. Her face was pretty, framed by sleek black hair, and for a moment, he blinked in confusion, unsure of what to make of the situation. "Uh, okay," he said, slightly puzzled, as he gestured to the empty seat beside him.

Selerity sat down, her posture relaxed but her mind racing. She subtly scanned the area, checking for any signs of a girlfriend—maybe someone watching from afar—but the coast seemed clear. This was it; she had to make a move. Leaning slightly toward him, she asked, "What's your name?"

"Landon," he replied, still trying to figure out why this attractive stranger had approached him.

"Nice to meet you, Landon," she said, flashing a warm smile. After another quick glance around, she leaned in closer, her voice dropping to a whisper. "Would you like to go on a date with me?"

Landon's eyes widened in surprise. "Do we know each other?" he asked.

Selerity shook her head slightly, leaning in even closer so that her words were for his ears only. "I work for a Girlfriend Rental agency," she whispered, hoping he would understand what she was offering.

Landon's reaction was immediate—he gasped in shock, the sound louder than he intended. Several passersby glanced their way, curiosity flickering in their eyes. Panicked, Landon quickly reached out and grabbed her hand, his grip firm but not harsh. "Come with me," he said, pulling her up from the bench.

They hurried down the street, the tension between them palpable. After a few blocks, Landon guided her into a nearby karaoke bar, one of those places where privacy could be bought for the price of a room. Once inside, they rented a small room, and as the door clicked shut behind them, Landon turned to face her, still holding her hand.

"Why are you asking for dates publicly like that?" he demanded, concern and confusion mingling in his voice. "Isn't there an app to match you with clients?"

Selerity bit her lip, embarrassed by how this had unfolded. "I'm sorry for putting you in this awkward situation," she said, her voice soft and filled with genuine remorse. "I know I shouldn't be doing this, but I really need your help."

Landon's expression softened as he looked into her eyes, seeing the desperation behind them. He could tell that this wasn't easy for her—that asking strangers for dates wasn't something she did lightly. The sadness in her voice tugged at something inside him. He'd heard about the economy's harshness on students and knew that many young women had turned to unconventional jobs just to make ends meet.

He took a moment to think, weighing the situation. Finally, he nodded. "Okay," he said, his voice gentle. "I'll take you out on a date."

Relief washed over Selerity, and she gave him a small, grateful smile. "Thank you," she said. "I'm Monica, by the way."

"Nice to meet you, Monica," Landon replied, smiling back at her, though a part of him wondered who the girl behind the alias really was.

After agreeing to the date, Landon and Selerity stepped out of the dimly lit karaoke bar and back onto the bustling streets of New York. The city hummed with life around them, but for a moment, it felt like they were in their own little world.

"So, where do you want to go?" Landon asked, glancing at her with a curious smile. Despite the unusual circumstances of their meeting, he found himself genuinely interested in making this date enjoyable.

Selerity hesitated for a moment before answering. "Usually, the client picks where we should go," she explained, her tone reflecting the routine nature of her job. She had grown accustomed to the formalities of her dates, where her role was to follow along with whatever plans the client had in mind.

Landon nodded thoughtfully, considering her words. He didn't want this to be just another date for her—he wanted it to be something different, something that would break the monotony. After a brief pause, his face lit up with an idea. "How about Coney Island's amusement park?" he suggested, a hint of excitement in his voice.

Selerity's eyes widened in surprise, and she gasped with delight. "Coney Island? I'd love to go there!" she exclaimed, her enthusiasm bubbling to the surface. It had been a long time since she'd gone anywhere just for fun, and the thought of spending the day at an amusement park made her heart race with anticipation.

But then, her excitement was tinged with a touch of frustration as she added, "None of my other clients ever take me anywhere fun. It's always the same thing—wearing fancy dresses and going to stuffy events." She sighed, rolling her eyes at the thought of yet another formal, lifeless date.

Landon smiled, understanding her frustration. "Well, today's going to be different," he said with a determined nod. "Let's have as much fun as we can."

Selerity couldn't help but smile back at him, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. For once, she didn't have to play the role of the perfect, poised companion. Today, she could just be herself—or as close to it as "Monica" allowed. The idea of letting loose and enjoying the simple pleasures of a day at the amusement park was exactly what she needed.

As they walked toward the subway station to catch a train to Coney Island, Selerity found herself looking forward to the day ahead. For the first time in a long while, she felt a spark of excitement about a date—not just because it would help pay her bills, but because it promised to be a day of genuine fun and maybe even a chance to connect with someone on a deeper level. And as they boarded the train, sitting side by side, Landon couldn't shake the feeling that this unexpected encounter might just turn into an odd yet fun friendship.

As they stepped through the entrance of Coney Island's amusement park, Selerity's eyes lit up with pure excitement. The vibrant lights, the smell of cotton candy and popcorn, and the sounds of laughter and rides whirring to life filled the air. She looked around, taking it all in, and for a moment, she felt like a child again, free from the worries that usually weighed her down.

"This is going to be so much fun! I haven't been here in years!" she exclaimed, her voice carrying an almost childish glee. She turned to Landon, her smile wide and infectious, making him grin in return. Seeing her so genuinely happy was worth every bit of the spontaneous decision to come here.

Not wanting to waste a moment, Landon nodded and said, "Let's make the most of it." He led her to the nearest ride, and soon they were racing from one attraction to the next, the thrill of the rides filling the air with shared laughter and screams of delight. They went on roller coasters that twisted and turned, spun around on the teacups until they were dizzy, and rode on the bumper cars slamming into each other.

After the rides, they wandered over to the carnival games. Landon, determined to win something for Selerity, took on one of the challenging ring toss games. After several attempts and some playful banter, he finally succeeded, winning her a fair-sized plush—a soft, cuddly bear. Selerity hugged the bear to her chest, beaming up at him. "You didn't have to do that, but I love it. Thank you!"

With their feet beginning to tire, they made their way to a funnel cake stand, the sweet aroma drawing them in. They ordered one to share, and as they sat down at a small table, Landon watched Selerity's face light up as she took her first bite, powdered sugar dusting her lips.

"So, are you enjoying yourself?" Landon asked, genuinely curious. He'd wanted this date to be special, something different from what she was used to.

Selerity nodded enthusiastically, her eyes sparkling with happiness. "This is the best date I've ever been on," she admitted, her voice soft but sincere. "It's been so long since I've had this much fun. Thank you, Landon."

Landon smiled, feeling a warmth in his chest at her words. "I'm glad you're having a good time. That's what today's all about."

As they continued to eat and talk, they didn't notice that they had attracted some attention. Across the park, one of Landon's friends was walking with his girlfriend when she suddenly stopped, squinting at the couple sitting at the funnel cake stand.

"Hey, isn't that Landon?" the girlfriend asked, nudging her boyfriend and pointing in their direction.

The friend looked over, nodding slowly. "Yeah, that's definitely him. But who's that girl with him? I didn't know he had a girlfriend."

The two of them watched curiously from a distance, puzzled by the sight of Landon with someone they didn't recognize. The girlfriend tilted her head, studying Selerity. "She's cute. But I wonder how long this has been going on. He never mentioned anything about a girlfriend."

"Maybe it's new," the friend speculated, still trying to make sense of it.

As they whispered among themselves, Landon and Selerity remained oblivious, lost in their own world of funnel cakes and easy conversation, unaware that this seemingly perfect day might soon lead to questions they hadn't anticipated.

After finishing their funnel cake, the sun had begun its descent, casting a warm, golden glow over Coney Island. The sky was a gradient of soft oranges and pinks, and the air had cooled just enough to make the evening pleasant. Landon and Selerity walked side by side, their earlier laughter now replaced by a comfortable silence as they took in the sights and sounds of the amusement park winding down for the day.

"We should go on one more ride before we head back," Landon suggested, glancing at Selerity with a smile.

She nodded in agreement, her eyes scanning the park for the perfect last ride. Then she spotted it—the Ferris wheel, its lights twinkling against the dusky sky. She paused, her gaze fixed on the giant wheel as it slowly turned, each cabin offering a fleeting moment of privacy and a panoramic view of the world below.

Landon followed her gaze and smiled. "Do you want to get on the Ferris wheel?" he asked, sensing her interest.

Selerity hesitated, turning to him with a hint of concern in her eyes. "Are you sure you're okay with it? I don't want you to feel uncomfortable… you know, since we're not a real couple."

Landon's smile softened as he looked at her. "I promise, I won't feel uncomfortable. Let's do it," he said reassuringly.

Feeling reassured, Selerity nodded, and they made their way to the Ferris wheel. As they settled into their cabin and it began its slow ascent, the sounds of the park grew distant, replaced by a peaceful quiet that enveloped them. Up in the air, with the world spread out beneath them, everything felt a little bit smaller and a little bit more magical.

Selerity leaned forward, her eyes wide with wonder as she took in the view. "I like Ferris wheels," she said, her voice soft with reverence. "It feels like a whole world just for us. The experience is so intimate."

Landon nodded, watching her as she spoke, noticing how genuine and unguarded she seemed in this moment. "Yeah, it is," he agreed. "It's a good way to bond with someone, to just… be together without any distractions."

They continued to enjoy the view in silence for a while, the city below looking like a miniature version of itself, with tiny cars and people moving about like ants. The buildings, which once towered above them, now seemed small enough to fit in their pockets.

As the Ferris wheel reached its peak, Landon took a deep breath, gathering his courage. He turned to Selerity, his voice gentle but curious. "So… outside of your job, do you have a real boyfriend?"

Selerity stiffened slightly, her gaze shifting away from him as she felt a pang of self-consciousness. She had never been great at talking about her personal life, especially when it came to relationships. "No, I don't have a boyfriend," she admitted quietly. "I've always been shy growing up, so it's always been hard for me to meet someone. And once I started working for the agency, it became even more difficult. I mean, how do you meet someone who won't judge you for what you do? Keeping my job a secret is almost impossible."

She sighed, feeling a mixture of relief and vulnerability at having said it out loud. But then, she turned to him, her eyes meeting his with a sincerity she hadn't allowed herself to feel in a long time. "But… being here with you feels different. It doesn't feel forced or fake. I feel like I can be myself."

Landon's heart swelled at her words, and he felt an unexpected warmth spread through him. He reached out, gently taking her hand in his. "I'm glad you feel that way," he said softly. "Because I've had a great time today, too. And for what it's worth… you don't have to be anyone but yourself around me."

Selerity smiled, her heart fluttering at his words. For the first time in a long while, she felt a connection that went beyond the boundaries of her job—something real, something worth holding onto.

As the Ferris wheel began its descent, the world below them slowly coming back into focus, both Landon and Selerity knew that this date was far from ordinary. It was the beginning of something new, something neither of them had anticipated, but both were curious to explore. As the Ferris wheel came to a gentle stop, Landon and Selerity stepped out of their cabin, the magic of the evening still lingering between them. They walked together toward the park's exit, the once-bustling amusement park now winding down as the night settled in. The lights twinkled like stars around them, casting a warm glow on their faces.

When they reached the gate, they turned to face each other, both reluctant to end the night. "Thank you for today," Selerity said, her voice soft but filled with genuine appreciation. "This was… unforgettable."

Landon smiled, his eyes meeting hers. "It really was. I'm glad we did this." He hesitated for a moment before pulling out his phone, discreetly completing the transaction to pay her fee. He didn't want to make a big deal out of it, understanding that this was still her job, but he couldn't ignore the bond they'd formed.

"Hey," Landon said, his tone hopeful. "Do you think we could hang out again sometime? Not as a client, just… you know, as friends?"

Selerity looked at him, surprised but pleased by the request. She felt a warmth in her chest as she reached into her purse, pulling out a small card with her personal number on it. She handed it to him with a smile. "Here. You can reach me anytime if you want to talk or, you know, hang out."

Landon took the card, his fingers brushing hers briefly. "Thanks, Monica," he said with a grin, though the name now felt a bit odd on his tongue.

Selerity paused, then shook her head slightly. "Actually, my real name is Selerity," she admitted, her voice carrying a hint of vulnerability.

Landon's expression softened, and he nodded, appreciating the gesture of trust. "Goodbye, Selerity," he said, his tone warm and sincere.

"Goodbye, Landon," Selerity replied, feeling a strange mix of emotions as she watched him walk away. This was no ordinary client interaction, and she couldn't help but wonder what might come of it.

When she finally arrived home, Selerity kicked off her shoes and collapsed onto her bed, pulling out her phone to check her budget. After calculating her earnings and subtracting the agency's fee, she felt a wave of relief wash over her—she had just enough to cover her tuition. A smile spread across her face as she realized she wouldn't have to stress about school for a while, at least not financially.

Just as she was about to put her phone away, a notification popped up from the rental agency app. It was an alert for a new review. Her curiosity piqued, she quickly opened the app to check it out. The review was glowing, praising her for being kind, fun, and easy to talk to. The reviewer had described the date as "one of the best experiences" they'd ever had.

Selerity didn't need to see the name to know who had left it. Landon was the only client she had seen in the past few days, and his thoughtful words made her heart swell with gratitude. Not only had he been kind and respectful during their time together, but he had also gone out of his way to leave her a review that would undoubtedly help her attract more clients.

Feeling a sense of gratitude, Selerity couldn't help but smile. Landon's kindness had given her more than just a good review—it had given her hope. Hope that maybe, just maybe, she could find someone who saw beyond the job, someone who might understand her for who she really was.

With that thought, she set her phone down, feeling a little lighter than before. The night had been unexpected in so many ways, and as she drifted off to sleep, she found herself looking forward to what tomorrow might bring.