Becoming Pastor's Wife Ch. 03

Harold stopped his loud bellowing laugh and shot a glance at Alan, "What do you mean you aren't married to Bambi?"

Alan had a choice. If he corrected his possible boss then he might as well go home immediately. Everything he had worked so hard for hung in the balance. He knew the group of lackeys Harold had assembled were conditioned to respond the way that the big man did.

Alan thought about what his real options were. The truth was there was no Bambi. It was just a metaphor Alan had used in the book to show how calm and caring a man should be towards the woman he was with. It was a relationship ideal to achieve, not the name of an actual woman.

He knew the odds of him being able to explain the nuance of what the metaphor meant to the group of drunk men was very low.

Left with no viable way to explain what Harold had gotten wrong, Alan said, "Oh, no we aren't married. We are...engaged."

Harold's eyes got wide and he looked around the room at the other men who were waiting to see his reaction. Harold laughed a hearty and deep laugh as the other men joined in as well once their leader had decided his reaction, "Well, glad we got that all cleared up. I was worried we were going to have a fucking problem there. These guys all know that I only sign guys that have their shit together. Fuck, do you guys remember when a few years ago I was told to sign a bunch of millennial losers? Remember all of them? Oh fuck, everything bombed! No, from now on only guys that fuck get signed."

Harold laughed again as the room commended him on making the right choices for the company.

One of the other men chimed in, "Harold, we still talk about how pissed off you got and make sure they were nuclear waste after you got rid of them. Arrogant fucks deserved it."

Harold looked at Alan, "Well, where is this future wife of yours? I think we all would like to get a look at Bambi this weekend."

Alan knew he was in too deep. There was no fun, vivacious, blonde, fiance Bambi anywhere.

He knew he should cut bait now. He knew though that Harold was a ruthless businessman who could easily end Alan's dreams before they ever got started.

Alan tried to muster up confidence for his lie, "Bambi...will be here. She's just...stopping by the salon and spa first."

Harold smiled, "Oh, that place is nice. Keeps my wife Vicki occupied when we come here. She's been bothering me about being here this weekend because tomorrow is our anniversary. I fucking love her but hopefully she runs into Bambi so Vicki can stay out of my way. Lots of deals to make!"

Alan let out a relieved sigh as Harold ordered up another round for the whole table.

Another hour passed as Alan told jokes and had a great time with Harold and the other guys. Alan felt like he was getting on the good side of Harold and so when it was time to depart he felt he had momentum towards getting the response he wanted that weekend.

Harold's assistant reminded Harold of his upcoming meeting. Harold and his team of followers then briskly exited the room off to conquer their next task.

Harold lingered for a moment to shake Alan's hand again, "Great meeting you, Alan. Very fucking excited about the concept you have. We'll chat again this weekend."

After another power squeeze handshake, Harold swiftly left the room and left Alan standing bewildered in his wake.

The high of meeting, and entertaining, a rich and powerful man like Harold Stevens was intoxicating to Alan.

Just a short time ago, he never would have even dreamed a meeting like that would ever happen to him.

The possibility of his dream becoming a reality seemed more real than ever before.

He was on cloud nine as he walked back to the elevators and pushed the button to call for the up elevator.

Then the high of the meeting, the alcohol, and tobacco wore off just long enough for him to remember that he needed to produce a Bambi.

He stepped into the elevator and pushed the button for the third floor. As the elevator went up, he looked at his reflection in the mirrors of the elevator and breathed in deeply knowing he needed to try to pitch to Erin to become Bambi for the weekend.

Alan reasoned that Harold Stevens would only ever truly interact with him this weekend. If Alan got signed on, then he could disappear into the massive company and be left to develop his content on his own.

The elevator dinged at the third floor and he stepped out into the hallway. As he slowly walked to the hotel room, Alan contemplated how exactly to explain things to Erin.

He breathed a deep sigh before he opened the hotel room key into the door and stepped inside the room.

Inside, he found Erin sitting on the bed with her back up against the headboard. A forced smile came across her face as the sweatshirt and sweatpants wearing teenager tried to wrap her head around the conversation she had with her parents. Erin said, "Hello Alan. How was the meeting?"

Alan could tell something was wrong with her and sat down on the edge of the bed, "The meeting went quite well. Better than I could have even hoped. How are you?"

A look of concern from Alan to Erin lingered with his words. Erin breathed in deeply and looked out the window and at the mountains. She turned back to him and tried to force a smile. Instead tears began flowing as her words were chopped up with sobbing, "I...my...parents...didn't know I was coming. I...left them a note. Alan...when I go back home...I...can't do anything with you or the church again."

Erin's head dropped as tears flowed. Alan stood up and repositioned himself next to her and he clasped his hand in hers and said, "Erin, everything is going to be okay. We will figure this whole thing out. I'm sure your parents will come around."

She took her hand back from him and popped up off the bed and wandered over to the window and stared off into the distance to try to gather her thoughts.

With her arms folded across her chest, Erin turned back towards a confused Alan, "They said you were never going to succeed and that I need to stop wasting my time with you and with the Elevate Church dream. They are threatening to not help me with college if I don't do what they want."

Erin spun back around away from him before the tears began to flow again.

He took in her emotional words and they hit him like a tsunami. Alan stayed seated on the bed and looked towards Erin as she stood facing out the window. He said, "Erin, I'm so sorry for all of this trouble this has caused."

Erin spun back around towards him, "Don't apologize to me. I'm here because I believe in you and in Elevate Church and everything you have been working on these past few months. Alan, my parents have told me for years what I needed to do. What my goals should be. How I should act. I love them but they are trying to take over my life. I don't know what exactly my future holds. Alan, I might only be able to help you for this weekend so let's make the most of this opportunity."

Erin had a resolve in her voice that he had never heard before. He nodded his head and said, "Erin, know that I'm forever grateful for everything you have done to encourage me in more ways than you can know. I'm glad you want to help because there has been a change of plans."

She got an inquisitive look on her face as she wiped away her tears, "What happened?"

Alan stood up and slowly walked to the big window that had a mountain view.

He looked out of the window so he didn't have to face Erin, "The meeting with Harold Stevens went very well. He loves everything about the book and podcast. He has a team of people who are able to help launch everything to a much higher level than anything we could ever achieve on our own. He thinks every aspect will be a smashing success. It is all very exciting."

Erin shrugged her shoulders, "So what's the problem then?"

Alan sighed and shook his head slightly as he kept looking out the window and not at Erin, "Well...Mr. Stevens believes Bambi, the metaphor in my book about the idealized way a woman should be treated...is real. He also thought she was not only real but my wife."

Erin was familiar with the concept Alan had outlined in his book and podcast and laughed before saying, "Well that is ridiculous. Clearly, you have always referenced Bambi as an idealized source of feminine presence and identity to be protected by the man she is with. How could he possibly think she is a real person? What did you say to him?"

Alan smirked, "Oh, I corrected him and now he knows Bambi isn't my wife."

Erin shook her head, "Okay, good."

He turned to Erin and said, "I told him Bambi was my fiance."

"You did WHAT?! Alan Watkins, what is wrong with you?" Erin quipped as she smacked Alan's arm.

He recoiled after the smack on the arm from Erin, "Look, it all just happened so fast. The guys were all drinking and laughing and Harold is just so...powerful. They talked about how he likes to destroy people just as much as make them. If I had corrected him...then we might as well have just gone home."

Erin rolled her eyes at him and asked "Okay, great well then how are you going to get a Bambi right now?"

Alan looked at Erin, "It will just be for the weekend."

She recoiled, "Alan, me? What? You can't be serious? What are they expecting?"

He said, "Harold thinks the blonde, flirty, fun Bambi is staying with me. That's why the hotel rooms got changed. So, we probably can't change that either."

Erin's eyes got wide, "Are you kidding me? Alan! Why would you say all of that?"

He tried to calm down the situation, "Erin, look everything we need is right here at the resort. There is a spa and salon. There is a jewelry shop. Boutiques are just down the road to get the look. I totally understand this is a huge ask but here's the deal this weekend means everything to me and I know this is a massive ask of you. However, if you do this then everything I buy for you this weekend you can keep for yourself. You know I can't do this without you. Will you become Bambi for the weekend?"

Erin thought about what the weekend would mean, "I would have to go blonde. I don't have the clothes to make the look. Plus there is the little issue of not having a ring. Alan, just go tell him the truth."

Alan sighed as he looked at the hesitant young 18 year old woman, "I just can't do that. Harold isn't like other men. He is very used to getting what he wants, when he wants. Plus, it seemed that perhaps the biggest reason why he is even interested in the book and podcast is because he thought it helped me get Bambi. My guess is he probably didn't even read the book. Look, this is all just a lot to take in I know. I'm sorry, Erin. I really shouldn't put you in this situation. This was my mistake. I blew it. I have failed."

Erin could see that saying the words out loud hurt Alan. While she was annoyed at how he had handled the situation, the reality was she knew going back home was likely the only real option. She knew deep down the whole reason he was even invited here by Harold was because of the belief Alan was with Bambi.

She knew in that moment there was only going to be one person who could help him. She knew what she had to do to keep the dream alive. In that moment, the worry of what would happen to her when she returned home washed away in the chance to live in the moment of the days before she was punished. Perhaps, they could actually accomplish something amazing over the weekend. It was worth a shot in Erin's mind.

"Alan, you know that I believe in you. Even if Harold only invited you here because of Bambi that doesn't mean that your impact is limited. If all that it takes for your dream to be realized is for me to get my hair done and buy some clothes and pretend for a weekend then let's go for it."

Alan brightened up immediately, "Erin, seriously? Oh, yes everything will be so simple and easy I promise. I will forever be grateful to you for this."

Erin playfully pointed a finger at Alan, "No funny business Mr. Watkins. We will build a pillow wall on this bed. No crossing it for any reason. Understood?"

He raised his right hand to his forehead and saluted her, "Yes, ma'am."

She wasn't totally at ease with the whole situation but knew her only other option was for the two of them to go home at which point Erin knew she would be essentially locked away for the foreseeable future. She did care for Alan but also felt strongly she needed to be a part of something that she believed in.

He went over to the hotel room phone and placed a call to the salon at the resort. Upon getting through to the salon, he quickly asked if they have anyone who can do a cut and color immediately. He was told there would be someone available and when asked for the name for the appointment, Alan looked at Erin as he said into the phone, "Bambi. Her name is Bambi."

Erin could feel a rush of redness reach her cheeks. Hearing the name spoken for the first time was oddly alluring and even a bit exciting. She felt like she was now a deeply vital person in this dream that Alan was trying to turn into a reality.

After he conversed for a moment about time availability, he hung up the phone and looked at Erin. The thought of having the gorgeous teenage brunette turn into Bambi, his fiance, for the weekend was a thought Alan had to be careful to not run with. He knew the reality was this had to be a deploy as necessary mission. Overwhelming Erin as Bambi was certainly a risk and the potential of some sort of meltdown and collapse of all of his plans was very real.

In that moment though, he knew the reassuring smile he had was helping Erin with all of this whirlwind of a day. He said, "Erin, they said they can take you in any time. So, I think you should go get changed into something a little more appropriate for the persona you will be this weekend. Again, you have my utmost thanks and I promise to find a way to repay you for all of this someday."

Erin looked down at her sweatpants and sweatshirt ensemble and nodded her head in agreement, "Right, sweats isn't quite the look is it?"

Alan took a couple of strides immediately in front of Erin and reached out his hands to place them on her shoulders as he looked her in the eye and said, "I just want to be clear. You don't have to do this if you don't want to."

Erin looked up at Alan and closed her eyes briefly before opening them with an exhaled breath, "I believe in this cause and I believe in you. I know I don't have to but I need to be a part of something that I believe in as well. Plus, I've always wondered what I would look like blonde."

He released his hands from Erin's shoulders and they both smiled. She went off to the bathroom to change quickly and opted for a comfortable pair of jeans and soft pink top. The change was quick and soon the duo was ready to depart.

Before they left the room, Alan said, "Now, the moment we leave this room you will have to be Bambi. That is all I will call you by and how you should be with everyone. You ready?"

Alan opened the hotel room door and out they both walked to the elevator with awkward silence lingering between them as Erin was now officially going to be Bambi.

The ride down the elevator surrounded by mirrors allowed Bambi to take in her hair for the last time. Her brown hair was long, down midway of her back and had volume. Bambi ran her fingers through her hair as Alan watched in the reflection.

Bambi said, "I do think my hair will look great blonde. I guess I...well Erin...never really had the courage to try it. What shade and style should I go for?"

Alan could hardly contain his excitement at seeing Bambi admire her long brown hair and hearing her speak in the past tense of Erin. If Bambi was to buy in and help seal the business dealings this weekend then moving past things Erin would do was critical.

Alan stared at Bambi as the elevator hit the main floor and said matter of factly, "Bambi, I know exactly what look to go for."

The look in Alan's eyes conveyed more than his words did and Bambi found herself attracted to Alan and his simple command over the hair choice. She thought briefly about asking again but felt that he knew what was best.

Bambi refocused on the mirrors on the elevator and ran her fingers through her hair again as the elevator doors opened.

Alan clasped Bambi's hand as the duo exited the elevator and went into the buzzing main level filled with people there for the Stone Rock Publishing convention.

As she held his hand, Bambi couldn't help but notice happy butterflies were in her stomach. Something just felt right about it even though she knew it wasn't real.

The couple walked past the hustle and bustle of the crowd and into the hotel's salon.

The well lit mirrored stations were nestled with hardwood floors and gray toned walls to give a feel of relaxation.

A smile from the front desk attendant was accompanied with a greeting, "Hello, what can I do for you two today?"

Alan glanced at Bambi as he said, "I called down earlier about getting an appointment for my fiancé Bambi."

The girl at the front desk nodded and said, "Oh yes, we have a spot open with Dorothy. Right this way."

Alan accompanied Bambi to the salon chair where they were greeted by Dorothy, a woman in her 50s with a healthy bit of sass and smarts from decades of working on hair. Dorothy's bright colored red glasses and throwback style were a welcomed sight for Alan and Bambi, who could both tell the woman loved her job.

After a brief introduction, the front desk attendant left as Bambi sat in the salon chair.

Dorothy couldn't help but run her fingers through Bambi's long and luscious brown hair. As Bambi looked on in the mirror, Dorothy said, "Honey, this is just gorgeous hair. Oh, I love it so much. What are we thinking today Bambi darling?"

Before Bambi could respond, Alan pulled out his phone, "Dorothy, today is a very special day. You see, my Bambi is going for a special look today. She is letting me pick her hairstyle and so I want it to be a surprise. Do you think you could keep it hidden from her until the reveal?"

Dorothy's eyebrows raised and she looked at Bambi and said, "Bambi, darling what did you lose a bet or something?"

Bambi rolled her eyes at the comment, "Dorothy, he promised me the world for it."

Dorothy laughed, "Okay, well then I think I can make that work. What do you have in mind?"

Alan pulled out his phone and showed a picture to Dorothy. Dorothy lowered her glasses to take a closer look and her eyes got wide. Dorothy shot glances at the mirror to see Bambi in the reflection and Dorothy ran her fingers through Bambi's hair.

Dorothy nodded and said, "It will take awhile for sure but she would look incredible. Bambi, hun...he has really good taste. Oh my, you will be incredible and we will have so much time to chat. This will take quite a long time."

Satisfied with the answer, he slid away his phone and said, "Good, I have a few business matters to tend to. I will come by later for the big reveal."

He then took one more look at the brown haired young woman in the chair. When he returned, he hoped to see his dream woman staring back at him.

Alan confidently strode out of the salon and back to the elevator to go back up to the room. Once in the elevator with all three mirrored walls, he looked at himself and sighed a breath of relief. Erin was going along with becoming Bambi for the weekend. He knew the hairstyle he chose for her was a risk but he felt confident that Harold Stevens would find it quite alluring and any edge he could get to help finish the deal was paramount. Plus, he knew the whole look and attitude of the new Bambi had to be magnetic and he was determined to make Erin feel comfortable with the new Bambi persona.

He entered the hotel room and thought about everything he needed to do in the next few hours while she was being worked on. He quickly moved over to her suitcase and picked it up and tossed it onto the bed.