Page 35 of Just My Fake Husband

“Why not? I’m the only one who knows. Don’t you want to talk things out? This is a big deal, man.”

He’s right. It’s so far off the beaten path for me that it feels wrong. But everything I’ve done the past few weeks has been off the beaten path.

When I don’t say anything, he continues. “Fine. Don’t talk to me.”

“How about we talk about your future plans? What are you going to do with your life now that you’re graduated, huh? Because you know that at the party tonight, you’re going to be asked that fifty times.”

It’s a low blow and the instant I say it, I feel bad. I know Milo doesn’t know where he wants to work, and that’s been a concern for him and our dad. He’s given Milo an offer of employment, but so has Sebastian. Milo knows I want him in Denver. It’s a lot of pressure.

When he grows mute, his mouth in a severe line, I point. “You don’t like being badgered, either.”

“Okay, okay. I know. Still. Tonight’s the big debut for you and River. The big setup so that no one’s in complete shock about you two eloping next week.”

“They’re still going to be in shock, regardless of if they meet her first or not.”

“That’s true,” Milo says. “But it will help. I think they’ll all be able to accept it better if they see you together and in love first, you know?”

“Together and in love?” I feel my brows rise, nerves broiling in my belly.

“Yeah. You guys have practiced what you’re going to say and do, right? This has to be natural. If Dad thinks you’re faking it, he’ll never give you your job back.”

“I know. I was thinking she and I would just sort of play it by ear.”

“Play it by ear?” His look holds concern. “No. You’ve got to have a plan.”

“We only have a few hours until Mom and Dad get here, there’s not time.”

“I can try to help in the moment. I can talk about how I heard you were dating long-distance weeks ago. But there’s only so much I can do.”

“It helps that River already knows most of the family.”

“That’s a bonus. Or not. Because if they already know her and think that she’d never fall for you, that could potentially be a problem. Look. You two sort of have a thing going. Just ramp it up and you’ll be fine. Let it free. And practice how you’re going to answer the questions.”

“Why would there be questions?”

Milo’s head drops to the side as if to say,How could you doubt me?“Because Dad’s going to be extremely suspicious.”

“I was trying not to think about that possibility.”

“It’s going to be fine. What’s her favorite color?” he asks.

“How would I know? Why is that even relevant?”

“Because women care about color, okay?” Milo insists. “And food. You know the saying, ‘Feed me tacos and tell me I’m pretty?’ That’s like the truest statement in the world.” He leans forward on his elbows. “You get those two things down, and there’s hope. If you can’t provide those two basic needs, for a woman to feel desired and special and for her to be fed and taken care of?” He punctuates the last few words, “There is no hope.”

“And what makes you the expert on this? You’ve been in college the past few years. Women in college are nothing like women in the real world.”

Milo gives me a look like I’m a newb. “Your misgivings about women are worse than I thought. No wonder you got dumped.”

At my growl, he jumps up to standing from the bench, his hands out. “Sorry! Too soon? Just do the prep and then look at her like she’s the sun, the moon, and the stars. And by the end of the night, Mom and Dad will be practically begging you to marry her.”

I can’t help laughing. “We can only hope.”

Milo starts to walk away, probably to find food. The guy always had a hollow leg. He whirls back around and returns to the table. “There’s a spark there. Just don’t fight it. Let it blossom, andyou’ll be fine.” He claps his hands together. “My middle bro is getting married!” He grins and I shush him. “Oops. That might have been a little loud. But still.” He waves his arms down. “I’m happy for you, man.”

“It’s not real. You remember this, right?” I lower my voice even more. “It’s not real, and it’s going to end.”

Milo gives a knowing smile. “Whatever you say.”

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