She soon joined him in the kitchen. “You’re not eating?”

“I’m meeting Auggie for breakfast later.” He frowned. “If I didn’t know better, I’d say she’s been avoiding me.” When he saw her concern, he waved it away. “That’s typical Auggie, being dramatic. Are you going to be okay today?”

“I guess the cure to a hangover is an ibuprofen and two orgasms. Oh, and oatmeal.” She winked.

He laughed. “Good to know I’m useful and not just a pretty face.”

Justine flushed. “I said a lot of nonsense last night. I hope I didn’t make a fool of myself.”

“Not at all. You’re cute when you’re drunk. But Katie… Not a great singer after a few beers. The acoustics in the car didn’t help.”

She laughed. “Oh boy. We really do owe you.”

He let her eat before asking, “I have one question for you. What was all that about Mitch coming to the wedding? Your sister’s wedding?”

She grimaced. “I thought I’d dreamed that. Ugh. Seems Mitch is coming with Mikayla, who was invited. So not only do you have to be my date, you might have to deal with my ex as well.” She eyed him with hesitation. “It’s not too late to back out.”

“No way. I’m in.” He paused. “Unless you’d rather I didn’t go?”

She brightened. “Heck no. I want you right there with me. Fake boyfriend or not, you’re the best thing that’s happened to me in a long time.” She blushed. “I, uh… I just meant, um. No pressure or anything.”

Justine sounded as unsure about them as he was, and for some odd reason that made him feel better. “Well, girlfriend, then I’d suggest we make a game plan. Let’s get our stories straight and have the best damn time we can at your sister’s wedding. And hey, if we’re lucky, everything will go smoothly. Right? I mean, what’s the worst that can happen?”

CHAPTER 29

Xavier had to wait an extra twenty minutes after Justine left for his clothes to dry, but he appreciated the extra time, certain Benji would have been at work before he made it to his apartment.

“Didn’t you wear that yesterday?”

Xavier nearly jumped a foot as he turned to see his neighbor staring at him from his open door across the hall. “Dude, warn me next time.”

Benji frowned. “Am I wrong?”

“Why do you keep track of what I wear each day? And shouldn’t you be at work?”

Benji shrugged. “I’m home today. They switched me this week with Owen.” He looked Xavier over and smirked. “I don’t know what you wear every day, but I’m pretty sure I saw that shirt on you yesterday.” Something fell behind him in his apartment. “Gotta go. Later.” Benji disappeared in his apartment.

“Weird.” Xavier shrugged and let himself inside. After throwing on some fresh clothes, he picked up his cell phone and saw two missed messages from Auggie, so he called her back. “Hello?”