Total pages in book: 39
Estimated words: 36122 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 181(@200wpm)___ 144(@250wpm)___ 120(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 36122 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 181(@200wpm)___ 144(@250wpm)___ 120(@300wpm)
Esteban’s unspoken question seemed to hang between them for an eternity. Russ’s nose wrinkled as his mouth twisted. Then he gave an almost imperceptible nod.
“Russ, aren’t you going to introduce us to your boyfriend?” the tall woman, who had to be Judy, prompted while her husband juggled both a pie and the toddler.
“This is…uh…” Russ looked like he’d rather be auditioning for a hemorrhoid cream ad rather than deal with his family. He was back to the dejected guy he’d been when Esteban had met up with him at the dumpster. And that just wouldn’t do.
“Esteban. Or you can just call me the boyfriend. I’m easy.” With a wink, he stuck out a hand for Judy. He could do this, could act the part, and remove that air of failure from Russ’s otherwise impressive self.
Russ’s jaw had fallen open wide enough to land a 747. “Yeah…”
Roll with it, Esteban tried to tell him with a quick smile his direction.
“And you’re charming. Rusty, you didn’t tell me he was charming.”
“I didn’t know.” The grateful wonder in Russ’s tone was enough to convince Esteban that this was worth a few hours of pro-bono acting.
“What do you mean you didn’t know? You big goof.” Judy lightly docked her brother’s shoulder. She then shook Esteban’s hand, and introduced, her husband, Bob, and his mother, Connie, and the toddler, Benny.
“Here, let me take the pie,” Esteban offered. “Russ, you can help with their coats?”
“Yeah.” Russ continued to sound delightfully befuddled. As Esteban passed with the pie, Russ lowered his voice and asked, “What did you get yourself into?”
“Nothing I can’t handle.” And as he took the pie to the kitchen, he could only hope he wasn’t lying.
Chapter Three
“Why did you do that?” Russ managed to make himself wait until he was alone in the kitchen with Esteban before asking.
He’d left the guests in the living area with Bob setting Benny up with some train toys they’d brought with them. Judy had waved him away when he’d bumbled through some explanation of wanting to check on the food.
“Because it’s a holiday.” Esteban shrugged as he tied his apron back in place.
He’d already placed the decorated brie in the oven and was working on arranging crackers on a plate, easy familiarity with Russ’s kitchen, almost as if this actually were a joint party. “You seemed so reluctant to tell them and ruin their fun and happiness for you. It’ll be fine.”
“Fine?” Russ wasn’t mad, exactly.
He’d totally frozen by the door, and Esteban had bailed him out. There had been a moment when he could have corrected everyone, introduced Esteban properly, but instead he’d let Esteban present the ruse. He was still trying to figure out the reason why Esteban had been so willing to help though.
“You don’t want to date me!” he blurted.
“You’re right. I don’t.” Esteban patted his shoulder, his touch much nicer than Judy’s, the warmth easing the sting of his words.
Not that Russ wanted Esteban…
Oh, who was he kidding? Being wanted by a guy like Esteban would be great, even if Russ had sworn off dating.
“Me either,” Russ said.
“I don’t do guys on the rebound, and I’m not really looking for a relationship right now anyway.”
“Then how exactly is this supposed to work?” Rather than meet Esteban’s sympathetic gaze, Russ consulted his dinner plan chart, like that might have an answer for him about what to do about the accidental acquisition of a fake boyfriend.
“I’m the boyfriend tonight.” Esteban kept his voice low as he lined up glasses. “Monday or Tuesday, when the holiday stuff is all over, you tell them that we’ve decided we’re better off as friends and neighbors than in a romantic relationship. They’ll be sad for you and a little disappointed, but you’ll be optimistic about your future chances and our friendship. They’ll move on with their day and prep for the rest of the holidays, and we’ll become old news fast. You’ll see.”
“Uh-huh.” Russ wasn’t too sure about this plan, but he supposed it was the best available option. “At least you’re a good actor. I can’t imagine it’s easy, pretending to like someone you barely know.”
“Oh, you’d be surprised,” Esteban muttered, almost to himself as he garnished the glasses. Then he brightened, speaking more directly to Russ. “I’ve had harder gigs. Trust me.”
Surprisingly, Russ did. He’d trusted Esteban with all his cooking advice, and that had gone far better than even his modest hopes for the day. And in their limited prior interactions, he’d proven himself to be a nice guy. He was going above and beyond here, but maybe he was right and this was another acting job for him, a whim perhaps. Fun. Being around a party of strangers was hardly Russ’s idea of a good time, but Esteban was one of those naturally social people who likely always had weekend plans and a phone full of contacts.