Page 102 of Game Changer

Jeremy cleared his throat.

“Uh, dude? You guys wanna get a room?”

Yes, yes I do. Is that an option right now?

He shifted his weight and hoped she had noticed that his entire body was thrilled to see her again.

“Uh, dude?” she said, pulling away from AJ. “Wanna give me a hug?” she said as she hugged him.

Dude, you better not have the same reaction to that hug as I did. I may have to hurt you.

***

Re-meet the parents, up first. Let’s do this. At least this time you haven’t broken their daughter’s heart by her finding out you’re married to another woman – that’s a plus. Though they probably know what the hell is going on at this point and hate your guts – that’s a big negative.

“Hey AJ, how’s it goin’?” Lisa’s dad cornered AJ in the kitchen as he refilled his glass.

“Ok, thanks, Mr. Millar. You?”

Shit. Get out of here. Fast.

“Aye, I’m alright son, thanks. Here, Lisa was telling us that you have a,” he paused clearly trying to think of a sensitive way to put it. “Special situation.”

“Yes, Mr. Millar. I’m married to a friend to help her with her immigration process.”

“Aye, that. Well, I’m not versed on the ins and outs of what that all means. But Lisa has assured me that you’re treating her well and that’s really all I’m concerned about. And I just want her happy. You make her happy, most of the time anyway, and you seem like a decent lad. As her parents, though, we are just concerned about thissituationof yours and how it pertains to our daughter’s happiness, you understand.”

“Yes sir, I do. Lisa knows I’m going to be fake-married to Britt for a few years and she seems ok with waiting, at least for now. Marrying Britt was a stupid thing to do, Mr. Millar. I’m the first to admit that, but I made a commitment to my oldest friend and I need to honor that, even if it was dumb. I’m a man of my word.”

“Aye, it’s important. I just don’t want my Lisa hurt in all of this.”

I don’t either.

***

As he unpacked his bag in the hotel room, the conversation with her father weighed heavily on AJ’s mind. He didn’t like being responsible for Lisa’s pain, but he stood by what he’d told her dad. He had to keep his promise to Britt.

Right?

A pillow hit him on the back, between his shoulders. “Hey! What was that for?” he asked, turning to face his grinning girlfriend, who shrugged.

I’ve missed you, beautiful girl. I’ve missed your smile; your sass and I’ve missed seeing you nervously bite your lip in real life.

Damn, I love you.

“I felt like it.” She stuck her tongue out.

Well, I feel like doing other things, Miss Millar.

“Oh really?” he said, returning the pillow to her the same way.

“Hey!” she said approaching him and smacking him, full thwap with the pillow.

“Oh no, you didnot!” he exclaimed, grabbing a pillow of his own.

Pretty soon, they were play wrestling on the floor.

Yeah, I definitely want to do other things to you right now, but first...

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