Dan

I arrived at Diamond Hotel five minutes before the start of my press conference. Obviously, my manager, Jackson, is not very happy. But hey, with a hang-over like this, I deserve an award for being present. And I'm not late. For the press conference at least. Jackson told me to be here thirty minutes before the press conference.

I'm not exactly looking forward for this conference, or for any conference for that matter. It usually only involves reporters digging in my love life. I know it's part of the life I had chosen. I left home and started racing when I was 18. It's impossible to support myself, my studies and my race practice without a good job. So as a result of that, I accepted an offer to be a model of a brand of jeans. It provides good money and made it possible for me to continue this life until I managed to achieve my first win. Right now, I only do occasional photo-shoots. I had saved enough money to support my studies and pursue my passion. I developed a liking for being a print ad model hence the occasional photo-shoots. Much to my father's distaste.

"How's your head?" Jackson asked. He's dressed in a black polo shirt and black jeans. I never saw him wearing any other color.

"Like hell." I hate hangovers.

"It would had been perfectly fine if you followed your limit." Jackson told me emotionless. He's always like that. I never saw him showing his emotions. "I guess you have no time to dress up for the conference. Just wear a coat. You'll be called in 2 minutes. "

Shoot. I put on the black coat the staff gave me. Facing the mirror, I quickly arrange my hair. I didn't shave for a day so my stubble are poking on my chin. I'm wearing jeans, my black converse, a blue v-neck-shirt and the coat. A cute little staff with pink hair started to straighten my sleeves. I stared at her and she blushed. Cute. I love it when a girl blush.

"We are ready for you, Dan."

I followed the staff to the conference room.

........

Camera flashes and demanding voices greeted me when I entered the room.

"Dan, look here!" 

"Strike a pose, Dan." 

"Give us a smile!"

I found my space at the center of the table as the camera continued their assault. My head started to pound harder. I tried to ignore it and smiled at the host to signal that I'm ready.

"Everyone, please be settled. Our conference is about to start."

The reporters didn't waste the time and started questioning me the moment they heard the announcement.

"So Dan, firstly, we would want to congratulate you on your victory last Tuesday! You made our country proud again." Candice, a reporter from Z magazine said. She's blonde, wearing a sexy mini-skirt and a provocative top which generously shows her huge bosom. And the fact that she leaned over didn't help too.

"Thank you. I still feel ecstatic right now. I'm really grateful to all the support and love I am receiving. I'm really happy I made our country proud."

"Do you have an inspiration right now, Dan?"

Don't tell me they are going to ask about my love life already. Isn't it just the second question?

"Well, yes of course. My supporters and fans motivate me so much. They give me strength to keep going and strive harder."

"Are you dating Marissa Weltch?" another reporter asked.

Marissa who? I only know one Marissa, and she's my grandma's nurse who is of the same age as my mother.

"I'm not." I said while wondering who is this Marissa.

"You were seen with her in a bar near techno hill." The man insisted.

"Ah, no. I'm sorry but I'm not dating any Marissa right now." I answered.

"Do you exercise abstinence during practice?" Someone asked. 

Sex while on practice? I imagine a hot girl on top of my car as I make love to her. A hot red hair with sexy green eyes and yummy lips. I laughed at the thought. Jeez, I can't forget her. The image of the girl in the wallet keeps on haunting my mind for the past few hours. I can't believe I'm lusting over a picture.

"I prefer not to answer that." I told the waiting reporters.

"That's a shame, everybody wants to know a hint about the World's Most Desired Man's sex life. Or even your love life. You never share something about your private life to your supporters who love you so much." There was a murmur of agreement in the crowed.

Shit, emotional blackmail? First my grandmother, now these press. My head started to hurt more.

"Well, I love my supporters that's for sure." I started.

"If you love us, why are you not sharing anything? I mean most of your fans and supporters spent a lot of efforts just to show our support to you."

Damn these people know how to push the correct button. I am truly grateful and touched with the support I am receiving. Considering the fact that I didn't get that support from my parents, I really value my supporters.

"Well.. "

It suddenly became quite, everybody's attention is on me.

"Actually, I'm in love with somebody." Wait. What?

So many voices started talking all at once. "Who is she?" "Is it Wanda Lou?" "How long were you in love with her?" "Are you two in a serious relationship?" "What's her name?"

What did I get myself into?

"What's her name, Dan? Is she beautiful?" "How did you meet her?"

The camera flashes almost blind me. I looked at the reporter's faces and their voices intensify my hangover. Oh yes shit. What did I get myself into?

I looked for my manager and saw him at the back of crowd. He looks like he's waiting for me to answer too. He looks very curious and interested in what I am about to say. I guess its because I never talk to him about my personal life. I never really talk about it to anyone. Not to my friends, nor to my grandparents who practically raised me. I think that's why my grandma was surprised earlier when I told her about my meeting my girlfriend. Shit. I told her I have a girlfriend earlier. I can't say otherwise now. She is definitely watching and will raise hell and cause havoc if she finds out that I lied to her.

"I'm in a relationship right now." Suddenly, the image of Ms. Red Hotie came to my mind.

"She's a very beautiful lady. Her hair is flaming red and her eyes are piercing green. Her smile can cure my hangover instantly. I fell in love with her the first time I saw her." I heard myself saying.

"Who is she?" 

"Tell us her name." 

"Where did you two meet?" 

"Give us the name, Dan."

"Her name is Madison. Madison Brown."

...................................