I take toolong in the shower.
I know I’m taking too long. The water’s probably going to run cold soon and Rodriguez probably needs to get ready too, but I can’t make myself get out yet. The hot spray beats against my shoulders and steam fills the small space until I can barely see the tile walls. Because once I get out, I have to deal with reality.
Reality being: I’m sharing a hotel room with Rodriguez. One bed. For six nights.
Reality being: my parents just met him and my mom already loves him and my dad is doing that thing where he pretends to be skeptical but I could tell he was actually impressed.
Reality being: in two hours I have to sit through dinner with Garrett and his new fiancée and pretend everything is fine while my fake boyfriend who I’m maybe, definitely, starting to actually like sits next to me and plays the part perfectly.
This is fine. Everything is fine.
I turn off the water and wrap myself in a towel, staring at my hazy reflection in the steamed-up mirror. My hair is a completedisaster. I should have brought better products. Should have planned this better. Should have thought through literally any part of this plan beyond “bring Rodriguez to Toronto and hope for the best.”
There’s a light knock on the door. “You okay in there?”
“Fine. Just finishing up.”
I dry off and change into comfortable clothes then spend twenty minutes on my hair before giving up and putting it in a braid. It’s going to have to be good enough.
When I open the bathroom door, Rodriguez is sitting on the bed scrolling through his phone. He looks up and smiles.
“All yours.” I move past him to my suitcase and my arm brushes his shoulder as I pass, a brief contact that I feel everywhere.
He grabs his stuff and disappears into the bathroom. The shower starts and I try very hard not to think about Rodriguez in the shower. Naked. Ten feet away from me.
Oh my god.
Was he sitting out here trying not to think about me naked? I press my palms to my face. This is not helpful. Stop thinking about this.
My phone buzzes against the dresser.
Olivia
Mom said you guys made it!
Can’t wait to meet Rodriguez tonight! See you at dinner
Is he as hot as he looks in his hockey photos? Because WOW
She looked him up. Of course she looked him up.
He’s fine
Olivia
FINE??
Jules, the man is a solid 20. If you don’t lock that down I might
You’re getting married in four days
Olivia
Doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate a good-looking man.
Owen agrees btw. We both stalked his Instagram. Very impressed.
Garrett’s going to DIE
