Page 27 of A Hard Sell

“Do I get a hint?”

“Well…” Thomas tilted his head. “I’m a time-traveler.”

“Um…Marty?”

Thomas frowned. “Who?”

Luka gasped. “Hello? Marty McFly?Back to the Future?”

“Oh, right. Never seen it.”

“What?” Luka lurched forward in his chair.“Anyof them?”

Thomas shook his head, having the decency to appear remorseful at least.

“Okay, this is just unacceptable. We are having a marathon.”

“All right.” Now Thomas looked amused.

Luka shook his head, muttering, “Never seenBack to the Future, I mean honestly…”

“Well, my spotty movie-viewing history aside, how do you feel about those casting options I sent you?”

Oh, right. Work.“I had a look and I mostly agree with you, but I was thinking about making one change.” They got down to it, flipping through head shots, but a large part of Luka’s brain simmered with excitement. He couldn’t wait for the party.

Chapter Eight

We Go Together

Luka turned to examine himself in the mirror. Skintight black pants and a clinging black off-shoulder top. He adjusted the curly blond wig and stepped into a pair of red pumps he’d borrowed from Tawney’s roommate. The perfect Sandy. He just had to ignore the way she’d changed everything about herself for a guy, even one as cute as young John Travolta.

He hummed along to theGreasesoundtrack as he clipped on hoop earrings and applied his makeup. “Tell me about it, stud,” he cooed into the mirror when he was done.

He was snapping a selfie when his phone buzzed. It was Tawney. He grinned. She was Danny and he couldn’t wait to show up at the party with her. Then he read her message.

Omg, Luk. I’m so sick. I can’t make it tonight.

Oh no! Are you okay??

My stomach’s been hurting all day and I just threw up. I’m in bed. I’m so sorry.

It’s okay, babe. Take care of yourself. Stay hydrated. xo

Poor Tawney. He was disappointed his other half wouldn’t be there. Sandy would have to be cute on her own.

He hopped onto the subway, giving the oglers a little extra wiggle in his walk on the way by. Fortunately, Finn’s place wasn’t far from the station. Luka wasn’t used to getting around in heels.

Finn lived in an old but meticulously maintained bright yellow bungalow, the front walk lined with crude jack-o’-lanterns in compromising positions. The inside of the house was all redone, but retained its funky, vintage vibe with wood paneling, an avocado-green couch and smooth, ceramic lamps. Large paintings adorned most walls, abstract with hints of skin and hands and lips. Luka knew that Finn had painted them all. A hallway on the right led to a bathroom and bedrooms, and the living room was to the left.

Luka made his way in, smiling and complimenting costumes. A decent crowd was already there, mostly from accounting and IT, people he didn’t know as well. The kitchen was toward the back, partially visible through a pass-through window. A bar was set up on the counter on this side of the sill, and a table of snacks and candy was along the far wall.

Luka took in his surroundings, very much aware that he was looking for Thomas and Thomas was not there yet. He sighed and was about to find Finn, when Thomas appeared from the hallway. Every cell in Luka’s body curled up and died.

“Oh, my fucking God,” Luka moaned under his breath. “Is hekidding?”

Thomas was all in black—tight jeans, fitted T-shirt and an impossibly sexy leather motorcycle jacket. His hair was pulled back into his usual knot, with heavy black sunglasses completing the look.

Luka’s insides quivered as Thomas scanned the room. His face relaxed when he saw Luka and began to make his way over.

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