Relationship Guru

Alexis Martin was the Queen of setting up couples for her job. She would set up some of the ‘never in a million years couples’ beautiful models marrying single fathers, actors, and actresses marrying common men and women just to name a few. But her biggest and most successful client came from a guy named Bradley Johnson, a man who was terrible with relationships. This is his story of how he became undesirable to the most desired man in Malibu, California. Our story begins with Bradley attending a speed dating event there in Malibu and he hopes that he does not make a fool of himself.

Things started great with meeting a lot of beautiful women and having a few things in common with them until he came across that dreaded ex-girlfriend who came through speed dating. They immediately started bickering at each other, the scene was somewhat humorous but it all came to an end when his ex said “Ladies, trust me you will be wasting time with this one” he then said “Hey I warned you that I am terrible with relationships and you still dated me” with that said all the commotion stopped and all eyes were on him.

He ran out of that room seeing there was no chance of getting a date that night. But lucky for him, the talented Alexis Martin happened to be in the same speed dating and she saw the need to offer her services. Alexis strolled out whistling and said “I don't blame you for running out of there. So many snobbish women from what I could tell” he turned around to see the woman he was going to see next in speed dating “Yeah I kind of picked that up along the way. Hi I'm Brad Johnson”

Moments Later

“Hello, Brad I am Alexis Martin” that name sounded so familiar to him but didn't know why “Hmm that name sounds familiar have we met before?” she shook her head and smiled “No I don't believe so but I do think that I might be able to help you with your lady problem. I run a relationship advice website and have helped people find their true match.” he then knew why she sounded familiar and said, “Oh yes before I came here your name showed up on a google search, I wish I would have called you first.”

She giggled at his comment “Well here I am, I have gotten together some couples that never had a chance of meeting in real life and now are happily married” he nodded “I read your reviews online and they were impressive so I don't doubt your success. What is your secret to making all that happen?” she sat down on the bench outside and began to explain “Nothing special, I just get people out of their way and make it all about the other. And I find out the strong points of each client I come in contact with”

He didn't expect anything flashy and said “I have a lot of weaknesses but my strong point would have to be being able to hold a conversation. Not the most spectacular strong point but it's a start” she laughs and commented “and funny, so that makes two things. What is your biggest weakness?” he sighs “Not being romantic is my biggest one.” she smiled and said “Then I know exactly what to work on first, thank you for giving me your service, Brad. We will pick up your training first thing tomorrow” he smiled and could not wait to start it

The Next Day

Brad went home that night focused on what he needed to do the next day and Alexis gave him some homework before he left and his focus was on that. She challenged him by asking him to think of his dream woman from looks, personality, and she even asked him to think of a celebrity that he would love to get to know. He didn’t understand that part but to each his own. He wrote down some of the things he looked for in a woman like kind, easy to get a long with, have a great sense of humor and he feels that is a good starting point.

Brad was a publicist for a lot of actresses and models in the Malibu area and knew that each one of them was a snob and that was one thing that he hates in life. But there was one girl that he always has pleasant conversations with that he would love to get to know but he was always cautious in mixing pleasure with business. He arrived in her office early that morning ready to face any questions she might have for him. He approached her door and knocked before hearing “Come in”

He walked in and who happened to be there also was none other than the woman he worked for Ashley Garrett. “Bradley what are you doing here?” He did not expect to see her but he was not complaining “Hey Umm Ashley, just was Umm” he did not want to admit that he was seeking relationship help so he said “Oh met Alexis last night and just was coming by to see her” he smiled avoiding potential disaster “I won’t keep you any longer Lexie just wanted to drop by for a few” she winked at Brad before walking out.

Moments Later

Alexis saw a huge spark between the two of them and she asked “How do you know, Ash?” He sat down in front of her desk and said “From work, I am her publicist and been working hard to get her a new modeling gig. She is my biggest celebrity I work with and by far the prettiest.” There was hope in his statement and she knew what to start out with “So when was it that you fell in love with her?” He laughed nervously “Who me? Nah I am not in love with her”

“Close your eyes and keep your mind clear and I want you to pretend that I am her and tell me what you want to tell her so badly.” He sighs before she got from behind her desk and approached him “Ashley, can I be honest with you?” He closed his eyes and felt her hand go on his “Of course, Bradley. You can tell me anything” he took another deep breath before saying “I get jealous every time I see you with another model. I see guys hanging all over you and just wish I was one of them.”

Alexis got lost in the moment and reached up to touch his cheek “Why me?” She asked him before he touched her cheek “Because you are beautiful and have never looked down at me like you are better and that is so important to me” he opened his eyes “I’m sorry I got caught up in the moment, Brad” she stepped away from him and he took a deep breath “It’s ok, I sort of enjoyed it. I just need to work up the nerve to tell her that” she smiled and said “I can help make that happen”

Next Week

All of Ashley and Brad’s work has finally paid off when Ashley was brought on to the biggest modeling agencies in California. He just received the call and was on the way to announce the big news when he received a call from Alexis “Just the person I was about to call, you won’t believe what just happened. The biggest modeling agency in California and possibly the United States just offered your BFF a 10 year contract worth over 10 million dollars. She is going to be thrilled” he heard Alexis sighing “I don’t like the sound of that”

“I’m afraid I have bad news, Ashley is moving away to New York” he had just taken a sip of some water and it came spewing out and he coughed “You said what!!!!” She held and then said “A smaller modeling agency took her on, did she not tell you about them?” He shook his head in disbelief “Had no idea, I told her I was working on something huge. I’ll get to the bottom of it” he pulled up to Ashley’s apartment and knocked on the door frantically. She rushed to the door and saw Bradley and immediately saw the disappointment in his eyes.

“Let me explain, Bradley” he shook his head “I told you I was working on something huge and that huge thing just came by in big flashing lights.” She sighs out and said “I know but the reason I am moving is because I am getting married” she pulled her hand up showing him the huge rock on her hand “No you don’t understand I am in love with you and since when were you dating someone?” She closed her eyes “I kept my life private and I know you are in love with me”

Moments Later

“That’s why I kept it private for so long and you are such a nice guy that I didn’t want to hurt you like that” he rolled his eyes and shook his head “Well you did by not telling me the truth, guess I will take your ten million dollar contract and give it back to the agency. Have a fabulous life and don’t come crawling back to me” he said frustrated and walked away from her. Once he got back into the car and called Alexis back determined to make Ashley regret that decision.

“Wow that was quick, what did she say?” He laughs at Alexis question “Oh she is getting married and moving to be with the guy” that was news to her “what married? She wasn’t even dating anyone” he shook his head “Yeah her private life must be private from her best friend also” it must be the case because of anyone would know if she dated anyone it would be Alexis “I’m sorry, Bradley. I knew how much you cared for her but the ultimate payback would be to date someone even bigger than Ash” he took a deep breath to calm down.

“That will work for me, who do you have in mind?” She smiled and said “I Umm did something big for you and please forgive me if I overstepped my boundaries but with a lot of work I got you on the bachelor” his eyes grew wide and he was not exactly sure how he felt about it “You are the best publicist to some high and mighty actresses and models while still being single and you would get an opportunity to work on what I have been teaching you to 33 beautiful women” she smiled hoping he would like it. He sighs and said “Ok, but you owe me if this doesn’t work”

One Month Later

Brad thought he had lost his marbles letting Alexis talk him into this but he could not wait to meet the girls who was selected for him. This was a complete surprise to who would be there for him and the girls involved. He stood in front of the huge mansion (see the first picture) seeing each and every girl walking up to the door and each of them from different races from black, white, Hispanic, mixed, but all beautiful in their own way.

He counted 32 women but the last one would sure catch him by surprise. His eyes widened in surprise when he saw the last woman he expected “Hello, Bradley. Surprised to see me?” He laid eyes on Ashley the woman who lied to him to become a contestant on this show. He folded his arms “You are the last person I want to see here, Ashley. Getting married wouldn’t fit you anyway.” She shook her head “It’s not like that, Bradley. You know the rule to this show and how you can’t tell a soul you are joining the show.”

He sighs out “I’m sorry, but seeing that rock on your hand made me lose my mind. But seriously you could have thought of a better excuse than that” she laughs and shook her head “I’m sorry also but now looks like I got to fight for your heart more than the other 32 girls.” He nodded and said “you are going to need to be on your game for sure.” She walked away from him and into the huge mansion. He soon walked inside his home for the next year not knowing that this year of the bachelor would be a completely mysterious event.

The Next Day

Brad received a letter that morning outside his room explaining the details of the day but was approached by Kylie Johansson all dressed up and ready for her day. “Hello, Kylie, hope you rested well last night” she smiled and said “I did, was hoping to get some alone time before filming started in a couple of hours” he smiled at her “that sounds great, I was just about to relax on the couch on my balcony” they walked to the balcony and she sat next to him.

“Kylie, when I first saw you I thought you looked familiar but I still can’t put my finger on it” she smiled knowing where they met and said “Remember New Years Day back in 2015?” His mind went back to that night and remembered his friend Jeremy threw a party and the whole night was a blur but he remembered her and what a great time they had together and ended up kissing on New Years. They had so much connection but she lived on the east coast and he lived on the west coast so their connection would be delayed.

He smiled at her and she smiled back at him “Now where we about 7 years ago?” She asked him and he looked into her eyes “I remember I was right about here” she curled a finger around her chin and they kissed. “Call me crazy but it seems like the show grabbed girls from my past to put with me. Every woman looks so familiar to me and I’m wondering why that is. Maybe me being girl crazy has finally caught up with me” she looked at him and said “That is mysterious but you could be right.”

Later that day

Filming was just about to begin the next day and the host of the show Janine Martinez came by his room in the home to give him the run down. She knocked softly before he walked to the door and smiled “Hello, can I help you?” She smiled “yes, I am Janine the host of the show and wanted to introduce myself” he smiled at her and said “Nice to meet you, I have a question for you? Why is it every girl here is apart of my past” she smiled at him before going into detail about it.

“Well we received a mysterious call from someone and mentioned 33 names to us. At first we were skeptical but the more we thought about it the more we realized that it would make great TV to take a player back in the day and let him confront his past relationships” he rubbed the back of his neck seeing someone in his life must be pulling some strings and he had a great idea on who it might be. “There is only one person who knows all my past encounters and that person is” he was interrupted by the familiar voice of his relationship advisor, Alexis “I am the 34th woman to join the show”

Brad’s eyes grew large and looked at her “You cannot be serious? First you got me on the show and you brought all my past here? What is the point of all this?” She smiled and grabbed the back of his neck “Because you are a wonderful man and wanted to throw my hat in with all these beautiful ladies that will be around you for the next year” he could feel a headache coming on when all women heard the commotion going on close to their rooms and all of them started bickering at each other.

The Next Day

After the blow up between the ladies yesterday, Brad secluded himself for the day to let things mellow out between the girls and to reflect if he was the problem or not for all these bad relationships happening in his life. He truly saw the worse in all the girls he was romantically involved with over the years but he was determined to show them a new side to him and he wanted to show each girl how he has changed even if they are going crazy with jealousy.

The bachelor had some of the craziest rules ever and one was no one could have anything to do with the outside world but with the blowup yesterday the director and producer saw fit that every one deserved a chance to call someone if they needed any advice and Brad knew exactly who he should call. The host handed him a phone and immediately dialed his cousin, country singer, Carrie Underwood. “Hey, Cuz. What’s up?” He sighs out “Hey Carrie, I am sorry to bother you”

She could tell something was wrong and said “It’s ok, Bradley, never too busy to talk to you, what is wrong?” He began to explain to her “You are sworn to secrecy, if this escapes between the two of us, I could get heavily fined” she smiled “You know you can trust me” he then went into more detail “I have been brought on the bachelor as the main guy and things got dicey last night and I am just doubting myself if I am even lovable. All the girls here are from my past also, feel like this has been one setup after another”

Moments Later

“I told you one day your past will come up and bite you” she commented and he rolled his eyes “I know, Carrie, I know” she held back a laugh “Remember only you can pick up the pieces from your past and make your future better” His mom said that to him so many times growing up “Thanks, Carrie, you are the only family I have left” she smiled and said “I will always be here for you, Bradley. Now, go find you a bride and might even throw backstage passes for one of my concerts” He laughs “I will do that, see you when I see you”

They hung up and he was more than ready to conquer his messed up past. After the phone call he returned the phone to the producer and ran into the host of the show once again “Ok, Janine I am ready for whatever they throw at me.” She smiled at him and said “Great, because the first event of the competition is going to be a blind meet and greet. You will be blindfolded and the other girls will come up to talk to you and tell them all about them. This test is to not judge on their looks but their personality is why we will blindfold you.”

That was an interesting way of doing things but he liked it “Ok I like that, let’s begin” she led him to where a couch was and he sat down before being blindfolded. All the girls went through and told their lives since they came in contact with them and now he was given the difficult task to choose his top 5 that made a huge impact on him. “My top 5 that I will for sure will get an automatic bid into the next round are number 6,15, 23, 29, and 33.” All five girls squealed and they happened to be Alexis, Ashley, Kylie, Scarlett, and Laura.

“Great choices, Bradley, but tonight you will need to say goodbye to 10 of the 34 girls here and out of the top 5 you will choose one girl to have a one on one date with right now.” One girl truly surprised him and that girl was “Difficult choice, but I want to take 29 out” Scarlett smiled and went to him and took the blindfold off of him and he smiled from ear to ear seeing the beautiful Scarlett in front of him. Scarlett was the most cunning girl he ever dated and she was the girl that would do anything to get her man.

Later that Night

Before the ceremony to send 10 girls home Scarlett showed up at his door wanting to see him one more time before everything happens tonight “Can’t get enough of me huh?” He asked her and she looked up at him “I can’t get you out of my head. I have never opened up to anyone like that before”

He smiled at her and said “It is ok, really. I am just glad to see you have changed since high school. To be honest with you I can’t get your kiss out of my head but I need something more than just physical attraction right now. That was my game in high school and college and it truly got me nowhere” she leaned in and tried to kiss him but he stepped away “Im sorry Scarlett but I am being serious. Please go on, I will see you at the ceremony but keep up the honesty. It will sure get you far” it was at that point Scarlett hatched a plan.

If she couldn’t get him with just her looks then no one else would stand a snowballs chance in getting him. “You say that now, but I know you better than anyone here and I will get you one way or another” she said before letting him be and now he knew that she could not be more right. When she makes a vow she will see to it that it happens and he fully understands that. He soon made his way to the outside stage to break the news to 10 ladies who would be going home.

6 Months Later

A lot has happened in the six months of the show. Scarlett was voted off months ago after being caught in the act of bullying and trash talking, Brad. It now was between Alexis, Ashley, and Kylie but something has happened in the home that has threatened his chance of finding love and perhaps ending the show prematurely. He received a knock on the door early in the morning and he sleepily went to the door wondering why it was so early.

The director, James Franco was standing right there “James it’s 3 AM” James nodded and apologized “I do apologize but this is truly important. I have some bad news and it’s not easy to say. One of the three women left has been sabotaging the entire show. She has been cunning and has been steps ahead of me” he immediately woke up hearing the gravity of the situation “Wait what? I got rid of Scarlett, months ago. She was the only one sabotaging” he shook his head “Im sorry but the three women you are closest to have been doing this the entire time and now we have to stop filming and find brand new girls who does not know you. I will explain more later”

James walked away and left Brad alone in his room. He hung his head disappointed in all three girls because they have been close the entire six months and he hopes that this was a whole misunderstanding. Around 9 AM all 4 of them met in the living room. Brad was exhausted by not going to sleep after the announcement early that morning “Ladies, the gig is up, we all know that one of you has been sabotaging the entire time. With that being said, Brad will be going home until we select 34 new girls for him to date.”

Moments Later

Brad looked at them disappointed and all three looked down “We all did it together, we just felt that no one deserved him so we just got rid of them and he could decide between us” Alexis said while he shook his head and stood up “now none of you will have me, it’s over. Our friendship, past lover, relationship advisor. Do not try to contact me either” All three watched as he stormed out of the room to pack his things and get as far from here as he can.

Within 30 minutes his bags were packed and he waited outside for the limo to come and get him. He wiped away tears from his eyes when he saw the three girls and all three of them felt about three inches tall. “Who was I kidding? Once a player, always a player. Maybe I am just meant to go from girl to girl. Love them and then leave them alone before someone gets hurt. Its all I am good for right?” His words cut through them deep but they just stood there silent.

They saw a limo come up to him, followed by three taxis for them. After what they pulled ABC could have made them find their own way home. He finally was able to get his phone and saw a text from Carrie saying she was performing in Malibu that night. That is exactly what he needed to get his mind off of everything. *Hey, leave me a backstage pass tonight, long story short I am done with filming and need family* Carrie read the text and replied *I’m sorry, I am at the arena already if you want to talk*

To Be Continued in Second Chances.