Page 41 of Bi-Partisan

“Well, I know that something like this wasn’t really in our original agreement, but my birthday is coming up, and usually I don’t like to make a big deal out of it. I hate being the center of attention like that, but my parents and friends like to at least do something, so we usually just go to dinner. But this year… well, you remember I told my parents about us—well, the fake story—and Casey pointed out that they’d probably find it weird if my so-called boyfriend wasn’t at my birthday so—”

“Are you trying to invite me to your birthday dinner?” I ask, unable to stop my face from splitting into a grin.

He huffs. “Yeah.”

“That’s hardly a favor. I’d love to be there. I know our arrangement is a little weird, but I’d like to think we’re at least friends.”

“Are you sure? It would be a weekend, and I know you usually go back to your district—”

“My district won’t miss me for one weekend,” I say, cutting him off. “When is it?”

“April 9th at my apartment.”

“And your actual birthday?”

“The eleventh.”

“I’ll be there. Thank you for inviting me. And thank you for giving me enough of a heads up to get you a present.”

“Oh, you don’t have to get me anything,” he says.

“What kind of boyfriend would your parents think I am if I didn’t get you a present?” I ask incredulously.

“One who knows me well enough to know that I don’t really like gifts, especially in situations where I might be expected to open them in front of everyone,” he counters.

I sigh because I can’t really argue with that one. “Fine. But you have to let me bring something. My mom raised me better than to show up to a party empty-handed.”

“It’s not a party. It’s just my parents, Casey, and Sophie. And maybe Sophie’s boyfriend, if he actually comes.”

The way he says that last part has me immediately curious about the backstory there, but he continues before I can be nosy enough to ask.

“All you have to bring is yourself. Oh, and Sophie instructed me to tell you to bring your friend Mina because we quote, ‘could use more female energy in this friend group.’ But also, you’ll be meeting a lot of new people, so if you wanted a familiar face there to make you more comfortable, I’d understand.”

“I love meeting new people, so don’t you worry about me, darlin’. But I appreciate it. I’m sure she’d love to come,” I say, which is a much nicer version of saying that she’d probably kill me if I denied her this opportunity to vibe check him again.

“Okay, um, good. Well, I’ll let you get back to your cleaning,” he says, slightly awkward.

“And I’ll let you get back to your cat cuddles and book. I’m assuming you have at least Joseph on your lap?”

“Yeah, Molly gave me an offended look and ran off the moment my phone rang.”

“Well, offer my apologies to Molly,” I say with a laugh.

“I can already tell you she won’t accept. She’s persnickety like that,” he says, although there’s nothing but fondness in his tone.

“Bye,” I say.

“Bye.”

I hang up the phone, and it’s only a minute before my phone buzzes with a text. From Adrian. Fumbling only slightly, I tap the notification, pulling up our messages to see a picture of his two cats—Joseph stretched out on Adrian’s blanket-covered legs, and Molly sitting primly at his feet.

Perhaps she forgives the intrusion after all

And with the swooping feeling my stomach does, paired with what I’m sure is a dopey grin on my face, there’s really no doubt about it. I’ve got a raging crush on my fake boyfriend. God, I’m fucked.

Chapter 14

Jamie

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