Page 26 of A Hard Sell

“I’m gonna do it.” Finn threw himself into the chair in Luka’s office.

“Do what?”

“I’m gonna ask Rory to wear a couples costume with me.”

Luka tried not to laugh. “That’s a great idea. Or, you could just ask them out.”

Finn sucked in a breath, shaking his head. “No, this is okay. This is good. This is a step.”

“If you say so,” Luka said. “What costumes were you thinking?”

Finn rubbed his face. “I have no idea. Maybe crayons?”

“Good God, please, no.” Luka thought for a minute. “Daenerys and Jon Snow? You’d rock the blond wig, and Rory would look sexy in that cloak.”

“Fuck, no! Too coupley! And I can’t support that show after what they did to Dany… The Mandalorian and Grogu?”

Luka wrinkled his nose. “I’m thinking maybe no to the parent–child vibe? Plus those costumes would be crazy expensive if you’re going to get good ones. How about a classic—Batman and Robin?”

“No tights.” Finn shook his head.

“What aboutDirty Dancing! Baby and Johnny?”

Finn raised an eyebrow. “And who’s going to want to wear those tiny shorts, me or Rory?”

“Good point,” Luka mused. “Goose and Maverick?”

Finn blinked at him, then a slow smile spread over his face. “You are a fucking genius! Flight suits are sexy, the inherent homoeroticism ofTop Gun… I love it!”

Luka grinned. “At your service.”

“Okay.” Finn stood and took a deep breath. “Now I gotta go ask them.”

“You can do it, Finn. You’re just suggesting costumes, not proposing,” Luka reminded him. “Oh, and hey, if something does happen, make sure you go to HR right away.”

“Well, of course.” Finn rolled his eyes. “I’m not an idiot.”

Ouch.

Finn took another breath, too caught up in his own turmoil to notice Luka flinching. “You’re right, I can do it. Okay, here I go.” He didn’t move.

“Finn?”

“Yeah?”

“You’re still here.”

“Fuck.” He shook himself and strode out, passing Thomas on his way in.

“He’s in here a lot,” Thomas commented as he settled in his chair.

“Yeah,” Luka agreed. “He can come across as a bit…loud, but he’s a really good guy.”

“Hmm.”

Oh, shit. Does he think I like Finn?“He was just—well, he’s trying to plan a couple’s costume. With Rory.”Fuck, did I just give away that he likes Rory? Change the subject, Luka.“So…any ideas for your costume?”

“I think I’ve figured something out. But I’ll keep mine a surprise, too.”

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