Page 43 of Except You

I do as she asks, hobbling around, setting the chairs around the campfire as people start to arrive. There’re far more people than I was expecting in this small farm town, but apparently, they all came to have a nice long look at Beau’s boyfriend. And to eat.

There’s more food than people know what to do with.

I have a plate heaped full as I sit in a chair next to Beau, who is chatting happily with Diego. Diego looks even better freshly showered and in clean clothes. Suave fucker.

I munch on a corn dog as I eye them both. For someone who thinks that Beau has a boyfriend, Diego sure flirts a lot.

Beau isn’t helping matters, touching his knee as they laugh. If he keeps this up, people are going to grow suspicious. Maybe they’ll even think that we have an open relationship, that I just let my guy wander around, fucking other people.

Not that I ever would.

I glance down at my phone and decide that there’s no better time to text Magnus than now.

Me:

Hey. Just thinking of you. I’m in Bakersfield with my friend Beau. His parents think we’re boyfriends.

I mull over my message for far too long and regret sending it. I don’t want Magnus to think that I’m upset over this. Truth be told, I’ve had a lot of fun messing with Beau. I kind of like being his fake boyfriend.

I contemplate unsending it, but it’s too late, Magnus is responding. Three little bubbles dance at the bottom of my screen, and I hold my breath.

Magnus:

Bakersfield? Why, dear god, why?

A smile pulls my lips up, and I quickly respond.

Me:

His family has a farm.

Magnus:

Send pics or it didn’t happen.

I glance over and see Beau still flirting with Diego, so I get up and walk toward the edge of the yard and take a short video, showing him the vast expanse of fields.

I shoot it over to him, and a second later he responds.

Magnus:

So how is it having your first boyfriend?

I bite my bottom lip.

Me:

It’s not that bad actually.

Magnus:

Can see the appeal?

I mean, not really, but I do like Beau. I like him a whole hell of a lot.

Me:

Yeah. I have a lot to learn.