Page 2 of Heal Me

She shakes her head, a disappointed frown replacing her grin. “No, it’s my dad’s birthday, so we’re all getting together at my parents’ for a cookout. Otherwise I’d definitely go. I love Gary’s books.”

I nod. “I do too. But the birthday celebration sounds…”

Bethany laughs. “Yeah. Boring. But it’ll be fine. Dad pretends he hates the fuss, but he secretly loves it. My nieces and nephews will be running around, hopped up on cake and ice cream. It’ll be a blast watching my sister and brother-in-law try to wrangle them.” She rolls her eyes. “You have fun at the signing, though. Hope your boyfriend can make it.”

For a moment, I almost ask what boyfriend, but I catch myself. “Me too.” I smile and turn toward my desk, wincing internally. I hate lying, especially to people I like, and Bethany is one of the good ones here. But this late in the game, I can’t very well tell her my gorgeous, wonderful boyfriend I’ve been talking about for months isn’t real.

The whole situation is ridiculous and a bit embarrassing, initially born out of a last ditch effort to save my sanity. When Victor Knobb came to work for Trumble, Santori, and Knobb, we were introduced, exchanged pleasantries, and away I went, thinking nothing of it. Then Victor asked me out. I politely declined. That should have been the end of it, but alas, no. He asked me out again. And again. He still does. Not so much in a stalkery way, but he’s overly flirty, ignoring my polite refusals to get coffees or have dinner. I now try to avoid him like I avoid his aunt.

Astrid was the one who suggested I tell him I have a boyfriend. Unfortunately for me, someone else in the office overheard when I mentioned it to Victor, and by the next day, everyone was asking for details. I’ve tried to keep things vague, but I work with a bunch of lawyers and paralegals. They can sniff out a fabrication like nobody’s business. So I’ve taken to adding ‘my boyfriend’ to any of my weekend activities. When my friends and I go out to throw darts or hang out at Blake’s, ‘my boyfriend’ goes with me. He doesn’t have a name. Thankfully, I was smart enough to say he likes his privacy, doesn’t have social media accounts, and doesn’t like me to post about him online. I think Bethany believes he’s some kind of famous actor or singer, which makes me laugh.

The fake boyfriend story hasn’t stopped Victor entirely, but it has significantly reduced the number of times he’s asked me out, so I keep up the pretense, even though I hate doing it. And now the weasel is trying to take my biggest client? Well, that’s happening only if they fire me. Plus, I’m sure Blake would never allow it to happen. That, at least, brings me some peace. And if I can’t get to Alistair before Victoria does, I’ll go directly to Blake, tell him what’s happening, and everything should be fine. I hope.

2

Gunnar

“Gunnar,quitfidgetingandlet the man do his job.”

I sigh disgustedly, but straighten my posture and attempt to be still. “Astrid, you know this is a waste of money. Suits aren’t my thing. After Gary’s signing tonight, it’ll just sit in the back of my closet, collecting dust.”

Astrid peruses the dress shirts and ties, completely ignoring my reasonable argument. “Humor me. It’s not like you can’t afford it. Besides.” She grins wickedly, and I know I’m in trouble. “You never know who you might meet there. That might lead to another suit-wearing occasion. Maybe out to dinner at a fancy restaurant or to a play.”

I groan and cover my face with my hands. “Astrid, tell me you haven’t set me up with someone for this thing tonight. Dammit, I knew I shouldn’t have agreed to this. I love Gary and all, but you fixing me up with someone would ruin an otherwise mediocre evening.” Going to my sister’s boyfriend’s book launch isn’t my idea of fun, but I’m doing it to support them. Plus, Gary always insists on an open bar at his events. That makes it bearable. I give her my best pleading look. “Please, Astrid. I’m begging you. Stop with the sisterly matchmaking.”

The tailor steps back and nods. “It fits perfectly.” He helps me out of the suit coat and motions for me to go back into the dressing room and change into my street clothes.

Astrid’s voice follows me. “I haven’t set you up with anyone. But I could. I know someone you’d love. He’s very sweet and handsome. I swear he’s perfect for you.”

Panicking that she’s serious, I stick my head out of the fitting room and point at her. “No! Really, Astrid. Don’t start, or so help me, I’ll back out of this right now.”

She laughs and holds up her hands. “Fine, Gunnar. But why is it so wrong for me to want my baby brother to find someone who makes him happy?”

“You’re only five minutes older. That doesn’t make me your baby brother.” I drop the dress pants to the floor and yank on my jeans and black T-shirt, stuffing my feet into my boots. Feeling like myself again now that I’m back in my own comfortable clothes, I exit the dressing room, suit pants in hand and pass them to the salesperson. He patiently arranges them on a suit hanger with the jacket, and zips everything into a garment bag before handing it to me. I take it and put my free hand on Astrid’s shoulder, turning her to face me. “I’m going to this thing tonight to support Gary and his new book, even though I detest crowds. I’m doing it because I love you both. Don’t make me regret it.” She meets my gaze, wide-eyed and innocent, but I’m not fooled. “Astrid. Promise me you willnotattempt to fix me up with anyone at this event. Or at all. Ever. ”

“Gunnar, you don’t detest crowds, you detest people.” She laughs and hip checks me into the aisle.

I give her my best scowl. “All the more reason never to fix me up. And I don’t detest all people. I love you. And Gary, because he’s cool. And Bjorn and Erik. Okay, and maybe Jules, too. He’s too sweet not to love.”

Astrid squeezes me around the waist. “Awwww. You love Bjorn. You said it! I’m so happy!”

This time I scowl for real. “Obviously I love Bjorn. He’s my brother.” Okay. In fairness, we haven’t been very close. Mostly because of my own issues from my teen years. But things have been getting better since we’ve all gone to therapy. “Astrid, please. Don’t fix me up with anyone. Seriously. Just… don’t. Okay?”

Her sigh is epic, but she relents. “Fine. I just want you to be happy, Gunnar. I want you to have your somebody too.” She leans her head on my shoulder as we leave the bespoke shop and walk the few paces to her car.

“I’m fine, Bean. And I appreciate your concern. But I’m concentrating on work right now. I don’t have time for a relationship.” I pull her into a big hug and kiss the side of her head. “But thank you for wanting that for me. I love you.”

“Love you too.” I let her go and open the car door for her. She turns to me, pinning me with a glare. “One more thing, though. Get a haircut? And a shave? You look like a neanderthal.”

I smooth down my facial hair. “I like my beard. It took me a long time to get it this nice and full. And what’s wrong with my hair?”

“It’s too long. Both your hair and beard. Get a real style, Gunnar. Spend some money and go to a real salon. For me? Please?”

I glare back at her. It’s our love language. “Fine. But I’m not shaving. I’m only getting a trim.”

She kisses my cheek. “That’s all I’m asking. And thank you.”

“Drive safely. Tell Gary I said hey.”

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