Page 14 of Real Tree / Fake Boyfriend

Julien remembered that Tyler’s parents wouldn’t like him. They would like whatever stupid part he played. It didn’t matter if Tyler’s family wanted the fake Julien, either. But it still sounded lovely, especially now, with the sting of bile in his throat and the itch of tears behind both eyes.

It had been so long since he had anything even close to a real family. It would be nice to be somewhere with people for the holidays, even if it wasn’t real. “I know it will be. I told you I am going to be the best boyfriend ever,” he said. “After the plane, though, this doesn’t count.”

Tyler smiled and gave Julien’s hand a squeeze. “Yeah, right now, it’s my turn to be the best boyfriend ever. Have another sip of ginger ale,” he commanded.

Julien obliged, then dropped his head back on the seat. Their hands were still intertwined, but Ty didn’t complain or try to move it even when he couldn’t open up the tiny water bottle the crew gave him. Julien had to pull his hand away before Tyler bothered to open it. Once the cap was off, Tyler slipped his hand back into Julien’s.

Julien’s heart thudded in his chest at the small gesture. Tyler could be annoying, but right now, this wasn’t pretend. The kindness was almost too much, and Julien wanted to drown in it, savor it, and store it up for the next time he felt like all hope was lost. Julien knew better. Before he got too comfortable with the idea of having someone be there for him in tough situations, he buried it and focused on keeping his breath even for the rest of the flight.

Luckily, the barf bags were no longer needed on the descent. When they were finally firmly on the ground, Julien pulled his hand away, trying to ignore his embarrassment. He had been such a baby. Now that they had landed, he could appreciate how he may have blown things out of proportion.

“Thank you,” he muttered before they could finally stand up and get their carry-ons. He didn’t dare look at Tyler, but the squeeze on his arm told him that Tyler had heard.

Chapter 7

Julien

Tyler’s dad picked them up as promised. He drove a sleek silver Lexus that looked like it had just been driven off the lot. Julien complimented him and shook Mr. Ashford’s hand as he climbed in the back seat.

Mr. Ashford was in his early fifties, with the same thick hair Tyler had and brown eyes. He was a little chubby in the middle, but Julien could almost not tell from how well he dressed. He wore a button-down shirt, neatly pressed slacks, and a sweater similar to Julien’s.

Tyler’s dad hadn’t grilled him, which was good since he still felt nauseous. Tyler had mentioned that the flight had been rough, and Julien got slightly sick. His father seemed happy enough to let that be.

Julien wanted a cigarette, but there wasn’t time between landing and getting in the car. If he had to cover up histattoos and dress like a preppy car salesman, Julien suspected he wouldn’t be welcome to light up in the car.

The drive to the Ashford house wasn’t too long, but Julien couldn’t deny he felt a bit of trepidation. The ruse had officially started. There was no going back now. He would have to keep this up for a week and a half, and then he would get his money.

He didn’t think Tyler was out to fuck him over, but he wasn’t about to take a risk and not put his all into this. He didn’t want Tyler to change his mind because Julien wasn’t doing a good enough job.

They pulled into the driveway, and Julien looked out the window, waiting to see where Tyler had grown up, but they kept driving.

“How big is this property?” he asked, unable to keep the incredulous tone out of his voice. He wouldn’t be surprised if they passed a tennis court and horse stables or something crazy.

“Five acres,” Mr. Ashford said proudly. “We bought the property maybe twenty-five years ago and builtthe house. We redid it five years ago, updated and remodeled the whole thing.”

Eventually, the house came into view. It was a massive two-story house with a covered porch and the neatest shrubs Julien had ever seen. Despite the cold weather, the grass was a perfectly manicured green. He could see delicate lights outlining the house. It would probably look unreal on a snowy night. Hell, it looked unreal right now.

He was born and raised in Pittsburgh. Living somewhere so far from the hub of a city seemed like a dream only seen on TV. Julien couldn’t imagine how anyone could have grown up in a huge house like this. He didn’t know if his lungs could handle the fresh air.

Mr. Ashford pulled into a garage bigger than Julien’s apartment, and Julien stepped out to drag the luggage from the trunk.

Tyler rushed to the back to help him. “I figure we can go unpack and change, or whatever, and just chill? I know it’s been a long day already.”

“It’s alright. I’m glad we’re finally here.” Jules gave what he hoped was a tender smile as Mr. Ashford came to pullout one of the suitcases. The expression felt unnatural, and Julien hoped the smile didn’t appear pained.

“Good lord, Ty, what did you pack? You’d think you were moving back in.” Mr. Ashford shook his head. “He takes after his mother, a chronic over-packer.”

“Those are Christmas presents,” Tyler protested. He reached out for the giant suitcase and placed it upright. “Be careful. Some of those things are fragile.”

Julien chuckled. “I said the same thing to him before we left.” He attempted to sound friendly. This ruse would be exhausting. “But to be fair, the presents did take up one whole suitcase.”

Mr. Ashford laughed and led them inside through the garage door. It opened into a mudroom, and Julien could smell the scent of cinnamon and orange wafting through the house. The ceilings in the mudroom were needlessly high. He already felt like a fish out of water.

“Hey, shoes, remember?” Tyler said before he stepped out of the mudroom.

Julien noticed a rack of shoes lined up by the door. He kicked off the tasteful and not-at-all-practical sneakers and lined them up next to Tyler’s. The vanilla wood floor felt slightly slippery underfoot, polished to such a shine that Julien wasn’t sure it was natural wood. The entire floor was warm as well. Were theyheated?

He stepped into a vast kitchen with a refrigerator bigger than Julien’s bathroom and built-in double ovens. A massive island with marble counters housed a giant gas stove top. The kitchen was open to a dining room area, with a large table set with an ornate centerpiece—a wooden bowl filled with pinecones frosted with fake snow, pine fronds, red berries, and a candle that seemed to be made of bark.

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