Page 57 of My Fake Fiancé

“No, Mom, she isn’t here right now,” I say and leave it at that hoping she won’t push the conversation. I can hear her little sigh, annoyed that I won’t give more details but she doesn’t say anything more on the subject.

“Will you two be available to come to dinner tonight?” She asks, hopefully.

I rub my hand over my eyes and try to navigate through the traffic while navigating around my mother’s questions. “I don’t think Juliana will be able to make it. Maybe another time.” I promise and instantly feel guilty for lying to my mother. “I’m free tonight if you’ll have me.” I tease her a bit trying to cheer both of us up.

She laughs and agrees. “Yes, do come. Your sister will be here too. We haven’t had a family dinner in a while. It’ll be fun!” She says cheerily. “Oh, I know just what to make! Or what I want your dad to make.” She laughs and then goes on talking about the different dishes she wants my dad to make and I tune her out, focusing on the road in front of me. When I pull into the parking garage of my apartment building, she switches to the topic of what to serve at the wedding, and I feel my heart falling apart all over again.

“Kurt?...Kurt?... Are you there? Did you hear me?” I turn off my car and pick up my phone, putting it to my ear.

“Sorry, what did you say?” I pretend to have not heard her and keep the pain out of my voice. I’m not ready to talk about Juliana let alone the wedding that will never be and never was going to be.

“I asked what Juliana would like to serve at the reception. Have y’all talked about it yet? You should probably start looking for a caterer.” She is about to continue rambling but I cut her off.

“Hey Mom, I just got back to my apartment, I have to go get ready for work.”

“Oh, okay, honey. We will talk about it more tonight at dinner!” I stifle a groan.

“Okay, Mom. I’ll see you tonight.” I say and then am about to hang up when she speaks again.

“Be here at 6! Love you, honey. Bye.” I tell her I love her too then we both hang up. I sit in my car and take a deep breath. This is not going to be fun.

Getting out of my car, I make my way into the building and up to my apartment to get ready for work. I know I’ll have to deal with this pain tonight but for now I can at least distract myself with my work.

I get ready for work quickly, calling my boss to let him know I’ll be coming in today and he seems grateful. We have a big case and they have been needing help on it. I smile, excited for the distraction then I get in my car and drive to work. When I get to work I toss my things onto my desk and go to the conference room to join the others. We sit at the table for hours working on the case, collecting information, and finding trails that lead to the defendant.

It’s around 5:35 p.m. when we finally find a stopping place for the day. Our boss tells us we did a great job and jokes about bringing us some of his famous donuts the following day. We all laugh thinking of how disgusting those must be considering he is dairy and gluten-free. Then he laughs with us promising to buy some real ones from the store.

I’m packing my things, and checking my watch to make sure I don’t arrive late. When I finish packing, it is 5:45 and I hustle out the door.

“Kurt!” Someone calls and I look over, seeing three of my coworkers headed my way. “Hey, we are all going out for a drink tonight, you should come!”

“Sorry, can’t,” I say, walking backward to my car. “Dinner at my parent’s house. I’m a momma’s boy. Can’t disappoint. Maybe next time!” I wave as they ‘boo’ and tease me, laughing with me. I hop into my car and take off, driving at the speed limit, of course, trying to make it to my parent’s house on time.

I turn on the radio to help distract me, but I can’t keep my mind off of her. Every song that comes on reminds me of her. I have no idea why. I shut off the radio, giving up. Putting my arm on the ledge of the window, I stare at the road.

“What am I going to tell my parents?” I wonder aloud. “Mom is going to be so upset.” I rub my forehead, a headache beginning to form.

Pulling into my parent’s driveway, I see my mother sitting on the front porch talking to my sister. I pull up and park then get out. They stay in their chairs, chatting as I make my way to them. I lean down and hug my mom, kissing her cheek.

“Hi, Mom. Dad inside?” She nods, smiling and waving me inside. I give my sister a hug hello then walk inside leaving them to their conversation. The kitchen is bright with lights and music. Dad is listening to Latino music and dancing around the kitchen. I lean against the door jam and laugh before knocking my fist against the cabinet to gain his attention.

“Hey, Kurt.” He says when he turns to face me, his hips and feet still moving to the beat. I smile and make my way over to the counter, reaching for the platter of sliders. Before I can get one, my hand is whacked with a wooden spoon. “Not yet. But if you help set the table I’ll give you the biggest one.” I laugh and roll my eyes.

“I’m not five anymore, Dad,” I remind him but narrow my eyes. “Fine, the biggest one.” He nods, smiling and then he hands me a couple of dishes to carry into the dining room. I set them down on the table and notice the table is set for five people. My mom probably expected Juliana to come, even though I told her she wouldn’t be able to. I make my way back into the kitchen to grab more dishes. “Jeez, Dad, how many things did you make? And why do you always listen to Latin music when you’re not making anything remotely Latin-related?”

He shrugs and keeps swiveling his hips, making it extra dramatic. I laugh at him. “Okay, okay. Slow down. You’re going to break a hip.’

“How old do you think I am?” He asks, mock offended before going back to a little less dramatic version of his dancing.

“Hey, if you think I’m five then I am allowed to think you’re about a hundred.” He waves me out of the kitchen, as I laugh and bring the rest of the dishes to the table. Walking outside I go to get my mother and sister.

“Hey, guys. Dinner is ready.” I put my hand on my mother’s shoulder and squeeze gently. She smiles up at me.

“We will come in just a minute. Girl talk, sweetie.” I groan slightly then remember I am a grown man.

“Don’t talk for too long. Food is on the table and I am hungry.” I say before making my way back inside to meet my dad as he comes into the dining room.

“They coming?” He asks.

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