Fake Out (Fake Boyfriend 1)

Damon gives a single nod. “I can handle that.”

“Come on, boyfriend,” I singsong.

“Are you sure you’re not like a little gay?” he asks in a playful tone. “You’re way too natural at this.”

“Sorry to disappoint.” Although, I’m surprised by how easy the word boyfriend slips out.

His face falls. “Shit, I didn’t mean I’m hitting on you. I—”

“Whoa. It’s cool. I knew you were joking.” I want to make it as comfortable as possible between us. I’ve dragged him into my mess, and now he’s worried I’m gonna flip out at the fact he’s gay or think he’s hitting on me when he’s not. His downcast expression makes me think he doesn’t believe me. I risk reaching for his arm. “Seriously. It’s cool.”

He stares at my hand with a furrowed brow until I pull it away. Okay, got it. No touching the fake boyfriend. Damon glances out the windshield at the house again. “Uh, I think we’ve been spotted.”

I follow his gaze. “That’s my mom. We’ve been parked out here for too long. She probably thinks you’re chickening out.”

“That’s an option?” Damon asks.

“Too late. Here she comes.”

My mother started going grey in her thirties, and instead of dying her long hair, she always said she wants to age gracefully. She’s wearing overalls and rain boots and is the perfect picture of a country bumpkin. All that’s missing is a piece of straw hanging out her mouth.

“Hi, Mom,” I say as we get out of the car.

She approaches and gives me a big bear hug. “My baby.”

“I’m twenty-three. I don’t think you can call me that anymore.”

“You’ll always be my baby.”

“Cute,” Damon quips as he rounds the car. Fuck, he’s good-looking when he smiles. So much so, I’m wondering if my family will call bullshit on our little act. Clearly, if I was with Damon for real, I’d be punching above my weight. “Hi, Mrs. O’Shay. It’s nice to meet you.” He holds out his hand.

“She’s a hugger,” I warn.

As expected, Mom wraps her arms around him. “And call me Alana.”

“Where’s Dad?” I ask.

“Inside, carving up the turkey.”

I look at Damon. “Did it take us eight months to drive here? I didn’t realize it was Thanksgiving already.”

“Funny boy,” Mom says sarcastically. “You bringing a boyfriend home is a special occasion, so I cooked a turkey. Got a problem with that?”

I throw my hands up in mock defeat. “No problem at all.” Only, it turns my stomach sour. This whole fake being gay thing had never been a problem until now, and I never realized how misled my family’s been.

We’re what I’d call a happy family, but it’s not like we’re close. I barely see my sister, and I’ve met my nephew and niece only a handful of times. I see Mom and Dad on holidays and call maybe once every other month and on birthdays.

Mom often asks if I’m seeing anyone, but I always change the subject. I’d do that if she knew I was straight though too. I haven’t had a real girlfriend since Chastity.

“Coming, Irish?” Damon asks when he gets halfway up the path and realizes I’m not following.

Mom’s already back inside the house.

“Starting with the cutesy nicknames? Dik?”

A grin lights up his face. “Well played.” He takes off his cap and bows.

Ah, so he’s got dark hair. Dark hair and green eyes—probably something I should know about my boyfriend. It’s the complete opposite to his sister’s blonde locks.

I catch up to him and throw my arm around his shoulder. Damon stiffens for a fraction of a second before relaxing into it. Leaning in, I say, “I’m sorry for this. Again.”

“It’s all good.” His voice is gruff.

When we enter the house, Mom calls out, “You can put your things in Jacie’s room.”

“Jacie’s room?” I ask. “I figured Damon could take my room and I’ll take her room. Don’t know if you’ve noticed, Mom, but we won’t fit on a single bed.”

Mom appears around the corner from the kitchen. “Didn’t we tell you? Last time Jacie visited, we bought a queen for her room and moved the twin beds into your room for the kids. I’m not delusional, Maddy. I know you and your boyfriend sleep together. Take Jacie’s room.”

Well, fuck.

“And then wash up and come down for dinner.”

We march up the stairs, with Damon in front of me, and he pauses at the top. “Which way?”

“Left,” I mumble and avoid eye contact. As soon as we’re in my sister’s room which has been redone into a guest room, I close the door behind us. “I’m so sorry about this. Last time I was home was a while ago.”

“It’s not a big deal to me, but I understand if it’s a problem for you. I don’t know if you realize this, but I’ve shared a bed with a guy a time or two.”