Page 19 of I Think They Love You

“Huh.” Jamie rubs greasy fingers over his round chin. “What if you dated a guy in a coma?”

Their last WTN wasWhile You Were Sleeping. Denz’s Sandra Bullock crush is strong. But it’s not altogether a bad idea. A pretend boyfriend. Someone sweet and funny that his family will instantly adore. Someone with best-friend qualities. Someone like…

“God bless you, Will Thacker,” Denz says, “you horny-for-books hero.”

Mikah tips his head back. “What’s horny, Uncle Denzie?”

“A triceratops.” Denz meets Jamie’s eyes. “What ifwefaked it?”

“Your death? Seems excessive. We could pull it off. I’ve watched so muchLaw & Order: SVUlately.” Jamie sighs dreamily. “I’d let Christopher Meloni step on me. He could spit in my—”

“No.” Denz shivers. “What ifyouwere my fake boyfriend?”

Jamie goes silent. Mikah slaps his final cards down. “I win!”

But Denz is the real winner. “Think about it. My family loves you. Mydadloves you—”

“Like a son,” Jamie says, strangled.

Denz slides off the sofa. He sits pretzel-leg behind Mikah to reshuffle the deck. “You know everything about me. My ambitions. My past. My favorite drink—”

“Your poop schedule,” Jamie adds.

Mikah giggles into his hands.

“Sure, that.” Denz deals out the cards. “We’rea perfect decoy.”

“We have zero chemistry. Other than that time in high school when you tried to kiss me—”

“Youtried to kissme!”

“—while we were drunk,” Jamie continues. “A hand might’ve innocently gone there… I was still figuring stuff out. You were obviously into it.”

Denz can’t fight off his smile. Jamie was the first person he came out to. A year later, Jamie came out as pan. He’s not saying whatalmosthappened between them helped Jamie understand his true self, but it was an epiphany for Denz. Sometimes, queer kids just know who their people are, even without saying it, and those family bonds can be stronger than the ones formed by blood.

“Point is,” Denz says, “we’ll make it work.”

How could any of the Carters disapprove of Jamie? He comes from a well-known family. He’s not a rando internet guy with a sketchy past. He’s not a hookup who knows more about Denz’s dick than his career goals. Definitely not an ex with a British accent and a tarnished history with the Carters.

Sighing, Jamie whispers, “Okay. But just until you get the job.”

“Promise.” Denz extends his pinkie. “Don’t worry. This is gonna be easy.”

Jamie hooks their fingers. Mikah joins them. Denz kisses the top of his unruly curls, chest relaxing.

He’s one step closer to proving everyone wrong.

What about pet names?is not a text Denz imagined himself sending while on the clock.

Or ever.

He’s on location at a chic hotel thirty minutes north of the city. The company’s planning a black-tie fundraiser for underserved schools, hosted by a local NBA player. While Connor does a walk-through with the organizers, Denz gathers social media content:

The Correggio-inspired mural on the ballroom’s high ceiling. Glimmering teardrop chandeliers. The proposed floral arrangements. If he sneaks a handful of selfies in the marble-floored bathroom with the gorgeous lighting for his own account, well, it’s all business.

Jamie’s reply comes a minute later:

Pet names?? Are we getting a doggo?? FINALLY!

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