Operation Fake Relationship

“That not what I was going to say.”

“What then?”

Jackson scrubbed a hand through his hair as he looked down for a moment before meeting Nick’s eyes. Brow furrowed, he asked, “Wouldn’t it be weird? Pretending to be like, you know. Together… a couple, acting like we’re in love with each other?”

Nick stared at him. He loved Jackson like a brother, and he’d never thought about him any other way. But Jackson was undeniably attractive. Although they were used to living together, he supposed that sharing a room—and a bed—would be a little strange. Nick’s heart beat faster as his imagination filled in those gaps. “Yeah. I guess it would be. You’re right. Just forget about it. I can go on my own.” He swallowed. “It’ll be fine. I can cope with a couple of nights, right?”

Jackson’s face softened. “Nick. It’s okay. I’ll come.”

A surge of warmth filled Nick, making his breathing catch. Jackson had always been Nick’s protector, right from the moment they’d met in the club all those years ago, when Jackson had pulled an over-enthusiastic admirer off him. “I would love it if you did,” he admitted in a small voice. “But only if you’re sure.”

“I’m sure,” Jackson replied firmly. “My mum won’t mind. She sees me often enough, and she’ll have her hands full anyway with the rest of the family there.”

“What about the weirdness? Do you think you can manage to put up with pretending to be a couple while we’re there?”

“I’ll find a way.” The corners of Jackson’s mouth lifted and his dark eyes gleamed with mischief as he added, “As long as you don’t eat too much cheese because that makes you fart like a dog, and I’m not sleeping with you if that happens.”

Nick laughed. “Okay. Deal. No cheese bingeing. I promise.”

“Cool. Let’s do it.” Jackson held out his large hand for Nick to high five. They grinned at each other as their palms touched.

Nick waited a couple of days before calling his mother. Partly to let her stew, and partly in case Jackson changed his mind.

When he was ready to make the call, he went in the living room to find Jackson who was sprawled on the sofa with the Xbox controller in his hands. Two burly wrestlers were laying into each other on the screen.

“I’m going to go and phone my mother in a minute,” Nick said. “This is your last chance to back out.”

Jackson paused his game and looked up. “Nah. I’m in. It might be quite fun. It’ll be like being a spy, or a secret agent or something.”

Nick grinned. “So, you’re ready to accept this mission?”

“Yeah. Operation Fake Relationship. Let’s do it.” Grinning back, he gave Nick a thumbs up before returning to his game.

Nick sat on the other end of the sofa, Jackson’s familiar bulk right there next to him a reassuring reminder that he wasn’t in this alone. “Here goes.”

“Good luck.”

Nick took a deep breath before hitting Call. Heart pounding, he waited as her phone rang and rang before finally going to answerphone.

“Fuck’s sake!”

“What’s wrong?” Jackson shot him a quick glance.

“Why don’t people keep their phones on them? I mean, what’s the point of having a mobile phone if it’s not with you. It’s a mobile. The clue is in the name!” All geared up to speak to her, he didn’t want to do this in a message. “Ugh. I’m going to have to use their landline, and bet my father picks up.”

Fuck it. He selected that number and hit Call again before he could chicken out.

“Hello?” His father’s voice was still so familiar.

It made something resonate deep inside Nick, evoking a strange push-pull of yearning and fury. He gripped his phone and clenched his other fist, digging his nails into his palm. “Hi. It’s Nick,” he said curtly. “Is my… is Mum there?” The word Mum caught in his throat.

After a short pause his father replied, “Yes, hold on.” There was a rustle and then his voice was more distant and muffled as he called, “Sue! It’s Nick for you.”

More rustling, and a few seconds later his mother was there, saying brightly, “Hi, Nick. How are you?”

“Fine.” Nick wasn’t here for chitchat so he cut to the chase. “I’ve decided that I’ll come for Christmas, just for a couple of nights though.”

“Oh, darling! That’s won—”

“But I’ll be bringing someone with me. I assume that’ll be okay?” He poked Jackson with his socked foot, grinning at him as he turned in Nick’s direction.

“Someone? Who?”

“My partner.” He upgraded Jackson instinctively. Boyfriend sounded too casual, too young. Nick wanted them to take this fake relationship seriously. Jackson raised his eyebrows.

“Partner?” The shock was evident in her voice. She was clearly getting more than she’d bargained for when she’d asked him to come back to the fold.

Silence followed, so Nick clarified. “Yes, partner. You know, my significant other, boyfriend, other half. Whatever you want to call him.”