Page 105 of Real Fake Husband

Cal laughs. “Deal. That actually sounds really good.” He studies me for a second, tucking my hair behind my ear. “Are we okay?”

I can’t help but close my eyes and savor the touch, no matter how brief. “We’re okay,” I assure him, smiling. “For now. Maybe not in twenty minutes if you don’t order that pizza.”

Cal kisses my forehead. “Yes, wifey.”

38

CAL

TWO DAYS LEFT

Saturday

The soft opening was bumpier than expected, but still fairly positive, given the size of the shop. We tested our systems and procedures, and a select group of fellow bikers gave feedback. It was a good opportunity to showcase the facility and models to close prominent friends. We have a couple of days to nail any necessary adjustments before opening to the general public next Saturday. The last bikes should arrive by then, as well.

“Hey, are we going for drinks tonight?” Theo asks after everybody has left. It’s late.

“No, I’m beat.”

“How about tomorrow?”

“Can’t,” I tell him. “It’s my and Josie’s last day. Technically. Vance, the lawyer, is going to be there at 8:30 p.m.”

“Man, I’m sorry. I know how much you care about her.”

“I’m not giving up without a fight. I’m going to make her dinner and tell her I want her to stay with me. Before Vance arrives.”

Theo quirks an eyebrow. “Dude, that’s a fucking great idea. You cooking?”

“Don’t be ridiculous.”

He chuckles. “Kaylin thinks Josie doesn’t want to leave either.”

It’s my turn to raise my eyebrows. “You two talking?”

“We’ve been texting almost every day. I like her. She writes cute texts. With smiley faces and shit. Her first message cracked me up.”

“Oh, yeah?”

“She told me thank you for my number, and that she’s single.”

“What did you say?”

He finds the message and reads it aloud: “It’s okay that you don’t have a man. Let me be the man to take you out on a date.”

“She liked it? Despite the overuse of the word ‘man?’”

“Hell yeah. I told her I’m game for anything. She’s been super busy with work, but we’re going on our first date next week. Maybe.”

“Maybe?”

“Well. She saidmaybe.”

I clap Theo on the back. “I’m happy for you, man.”

“Nah, you better wish me luck. She’s still living with her parents. She’s told me stories of her dad. Looks like he’s gonna shoot me the second I show up on his porch. Should I get a haircut? Trim my beard? Cover up some of these tats somehow? You know?”

“Loser.”

---