“I know you wanted to focus on your studies, but you’re four years out of college and not getting any younger.”
“I know. You like to remind me often.”
Mom gives a weak laugh. “Not that you listen. Life waits for no one. We think we have all the time in the world, and then we blink and realize how much time has passed us by. I want to see you happy and fulfilled.”
“I am.” I insist.
“All you talk about is work. You’ve yet to bring home a date for Sunday dinner or holidays. I’m worried about you. Look at how happy Gloria and Angel are. Don’t you want a family like your sisters?”
Mom’s tongue is a wicked blade, slicing at the mental armor encasing me.
“I do. I’m seeing someone.” The words flow out like a mudslide, uncontrollable and destructive.
“Oh.” Her eyes widen. Her face transforms as she beams. “You are?”
“Yes.” I force a smile as the ground beneath me becomes quicksand, and I begin to sink.
“Why didn’t you say anything?” Mom clasps her hands together as if it has answered her prayers.
“I didn’t want to disappoint anyone if it didn’t work out.”Because he doesn’t really exist, and I’ve just put myself up a creek without a paddle.
“Tell me about him.” The excitement in her voice pierces my heart. I scan the area, looking for anything to help me build the impromptu lie as I rack my brain for a scapegoat.
I spot my best friend walking toward me with the posters he picked up from the printer. A hank of his dark hair falls over his forehead and into his dark brown eyes. I smile at his confident stride as people step out of his way to let him pass.
With his chiseled jaw and enormous frame, he takes up space. A lightbulb goes off in my head. The youngest of his siblings, he knows better than anyone what it's like being in my shoes.
“Emanuele.” I rush toward him. He grins, opening his arms for a hug. Leaning in, whisper in his ear, “Please go along with this.” I press my lips against his. They’re soft and yield to mine.
Eyes wide, he tilts his head and moans slightly as electricity flows between us. Fire ignites, and my belly tightens as I see the man I’ve known since we were in the cradle in a forbidden light.
His brown eyes darken to a whiskey tone, and the masculine coffee and bourbon scent I associate with him intoxicates me. Our heads tilt. His tongue sweeps across the seam of my mouth, and the world around us falls out of view. Shivering, I drown in the sensations unexpectedly unleashed by my farce.
My mother’s cry pierces the haze that fell over me. We pull apart, breathing hard, and find her beside us.
“Manny! You’ve been dating Manny! Oh, this is a Christmas-miracle come early.”
Understanding flashes in his gaze, and he tucks me into his body.
“Surprise!” His husky voice makes my toes curl in my combat boots.
Mom squeezes his arm. “Your mom is going to be ecstatic. Maria and I talked about how we’d like to see the two of you settle down with someone. This could not be more perfect.”
Shame fills me. E’s locked into this farce now, too. His hand caresses my side. If he’s attempting to calm me, the warmth seeping through my clothing from his large hand has the opposite effect. Has he always been so built?
Heat engulfs me. I want to pull away as tingles break out over my skin. I can’t think this about the boy I used to bathe with. He’s my best friend, roommate, and the one I trust above everyone else. He has to stay in the don’t even think about it box because failure would mean the ruin of my oldest constant.
“How long has this been going on?” Mom asks.
“Hmm. It’s hard to pinpoint exact dates. It just…. happened.” E flashes his charming smile.
I snicker, and he pinches me lightly, making me squirm. “It hit us out of the blue.”
“That’s an understatement,” E mutters.
“I can’t believe you kept this to yourselves. Wait. Are–is this why you moved in together after college?” Mom whispers, salivating for more information.
“No. It’s recent,” E insists.