“What made you think that?” I ask.

“Nothing, really, but you seem more lively lately… more energetic. Usually happens to people who are in love.”

“Didn’t have much of a choice if I wanted to deliver everything Teddy asked for.”

“Hey, don’t get defensive, I was only saying you look better. Maybe it’s the hair. Anyway…” She taps the tickets now resting on my desk, taking the hint my happiness level isn’t a topic I care to discuss with her. “Both Part 1 and 2 start at 7:30 p.m. The ticket lady advised getting there a little early just to be on the safe side.”

“Thank you, Mel, that’ll be all,” I dismiss her.

I stash the tickets away in my wallet and take a moment to stare out the window.

I’m not happier.

Why would I be?

Ten

Bossy Much

The show is everything Diego promised. Definitely a much better experience than reading the script, and sharing it with him has made it even more special. The moment my fake boyfriend set foot on Broadway, his whole demeanor changed. The passion he has for the theater is contagious, and now I get why he can’t surrender his dream and give up on being an actor. Getting a regular nine-to-five job would kill Diego’s spirit. Pity it’s so difficult to have a breakthrough in his field. I wish I could do something more to help him than sneak him into a few castings.

A frantic work schedule and two nights in a row spent on Broadway make the weekend and the imminent departure advance in no time. On Saturday, I indulge in a late morning and a lush brunch while Diego takes his last shift at the restaurant. Before I know it, it’s time to get everything ready for the trip home. Come Saturday evening, I can’t help feeling as jittery as an actor before opening night. Tomorrow, the biggest performance of my life will kick off, and no matter that all the technical details have been set, I’m still tense.

I do a mental recap.

Rental car, check!

Luggage packed and ready to be loaded, check!

Fake boyfriend, check!

But what about my nerves? Will I really be able to pull off this farce in front of my family? Will they believe Diego and I are together? I should’ve picked someone less hot than Diego; a guy more in my league. They’re going to bust me the moment I step over the threshold. Why did I do this? This whole idea was crazy. I should call it all off.

No, no, Nikki, you just need to stop panicking and calm down.

Still, even with all the details of my fake relationship laid out, I can’t settle. One final review can’t hurt.

I sit on the coffee table in front of Diego, who’s sprawled on the couch. I can tell he’s tired after a day of waiting tables. But this won’t take long.

“We should go over each other’s backgrounds one last time,” I announce.