Better Be True (Harrison Campus 3)

Nico shut the cover and put the tablet down. “I shouldn’t have said that. Elliott’s family is old money, and the idea of taking a train seemed beneath him.”

“So why is he a dumbass?”

“His flight leaves at 10:05 a.m. In order to make that flight, he left about the same time as we did. We’ll be at Penn Station about twenty minutes before his flight takes off. These seats are way more comfortable than a commuter plane’s—because there is no first class on the short trip from Philly to New York City—and he paid twice what we did for both our tickets combined. Pretty much we’ll have less travel time, have a more comfortable trip, arrive before him. All so he can say he flew.”

“That does sound stupid.”

“Yeah, well. He’s not from the city, so he has to learn the hard way.” Nico opened his iPad but didn’t open the lock screen.

“And what is the ‘hard way?’”

“Finding us there before he gets to my parents’ house. Commuter planes are noisy and small. I don’t recommend them. Plus, he’s flying to LaGuardia. It’s harder to get to Brooklyn from there than from Penn Station. He probably won’t show up before lunch.”

Throw in practical to Nico’s list of good qualities. “All things being equal, I’m happier taking the train, since I’ve never been on one.”

“Not that I want to diminish your experience, but it isn’t that exciting.”

“No, but it is my first time—and don’t you dare say anything about popping my cherry or how I’m no longer a train virgin.”

Nico smirked. “Not that I would say such things, but you’re hardly in a position to renegotiate your conditions.”

“Whatever.” He turned back to the window, trying to act annoyed. Truth was, he and Nico got on way better than he expected. The guy was funny and fun to be with, but he knew when to be serious. Too bad both of them were in a bad place . . .

Yeah, best not to go there.

“This might be a bad time to raise this.” Nico didn’t sound one ounce concerned it was a bad time. “Did you want to experience the full Monty of railway travel for your first time, or is the train ride enough stimulus for one day?”

Luke laughed. “Full Monty of railway travel? What the hell is that?”

“I’m sure you’re aware, I don’t live at Penn Station.”

“Really? This new learning amazes me. Tell me more.”

“Since you asked, the train also doesn’t go all the way to my house.”

“Shit, there goes my image of this being Amato Railways.”

“Seriously, if we owned this business, the café would serve real pastries, not whatever those things with the red stuff in the center sealed in plastic bags were. And coffee that didn’t taste like it had been filtered through a train engine.”

“You’ve clearly tried the coffee.”

“Hence getting up a few minutes early to make us something drinkable.” He raised his reusable mug. “Now that we’ve establish our train-riding adventure will leave us several miles from our destination, we are left with finding our way to my house. We can take the subway—the full Monty of railway travel—or we can catch an Uber.”

“I know you want to get home before your future brother-in-law, so I’ll defer to you on this. I wouldn’t want to pick the slower route. You wouldn’t get to gloat.”

“I’m reasonably sure either mode will get us home first, so I’ll let you pick. Since I know you like to be in control.”

“And you’re totally submissive? Not buying that.”

“Actually, I’m a switch hitter.”

“Really?”

“Yep. Depends on my mood.” The color in Nico’s cheeks deepened. “TMI?”

“Considering I asked, not sure it could be.” Luke winked. “In the spirit of fair play, I switch hit too.”

“Um . . . right. Good to know . . . I think.” Nico was so adorably flustered, Luke pressed his luck, just to stretch the moment.

“I’m feeling in full Monty mode today, let’s take the subway.”

“Right.” Nico’s cheeks flamed. “Just don’t give everyone a full Monty on the subway, okay?”

“Of course not.” Luke saved that for the right people.

Nico

Nico: We’re off the subway. Will be home in ten.

Nonna: Ok, gigio. Looking forward to meeting your bello.

The two-block walk home never felt so short. Bringing Luke along upended him more than anyone else, and it didn’t make sense. They weren’t really dating, so why did it matter if his family liked Luke?

After a super flirty start to the trip, they’d settled into much calmer conversations. It surprised Nico when the conductor announced Penn Station. Fastest train ride he could remember.

Luke behaved on the subway, though they both snickered when someone said they were enjoying the full New York experience.

“This is my block.” He pointed to the Amato’s Bakery van parked just ahead of them. “Though that probably gave it away.”

“Which one is your house?”