Page 17 of A Bossy Roommate
Aunt Eleanor sighs. “Not well, I’m afraid. My doctors have me on a strict medication regimen.”
“I’m sorry to hear that. Is there anything I can do?”
“There isn’t. On the plus side, they cleared me for flying. I am coming to visit you this weekend.”
My stomach churns, and my heart rate kicks up. “Come again?”
“I said, I’m coming to New York this weekend. I need to visit my favorite nephew and meet the woman who finally got him to settle down.”
“Auntie, I’m your only nephew.” I resort to the well-used line to buy myself more time.
Think.
Think.
“All the more reason to visit!”
“Are you sure that’s a good idea?” I try. “I don’t want you to risk your health on my behalf.”
“I’ve already made up my mind,mon chéri,” she says with her stubborn voice that I’ve heard all too many times throughout my life. “The ticket is reserved, and I’m already packing.”
“How long will you be staying for?”
“Oh, just the weekend. I wanted to bring you my wedding gift in person. By the way, what’s the name of my new niece-in-law? It occurred to me that I never asked, forgetful old bat that I am. I want to make sure I add her name to the congratulations card.”
Fuck.Fuck.
Quick, Carter, thinkfaster.
Eden comes down the hall, and our eyes meet across the room.
“Her name is Eden.” I answer my aunt’s tricky question, a brilliant idea forming in my mind.
“Eden? What a beautiful name! Oh, this visit is going to be so fun! I cannot wait to meet her. Now, I must go and finish making last-minute arrangements. I will see you in a few days,mon chéri. Love you!”
She hangs up before I can respond.
Eden gives me a quizzical look when I lower my phone.
“Who was that? Why did you say my name a second ago?” she asks. “And what’s with the funny look?”
My mind races with solutions to the situation I’ve found myself in. In hindsight, Eden’s predicament might turn out to be a blessing in disguise. She’s already planning on staying with me for two full weeks. I’m sure I can convince her to go along with this charade for two days.
“First, I have a proposition for you,” I say, slipping the phone back into my pocket.
“Does it have to do with what to order for dinner? Because I’ll eat anything right now. I’m hungry as can be.”
“I need you to marry me.”
Her eyes widen. For a brief moment, I see something like hurt flashing behind her eyes. Then, as if nothing happened, she snort-laughs out loud. Clearly, she doesn’t believe me. “Come again?”
“It’s a personal matter. One that I’m going to need your help with. I need you to be my wife.”
The amusement is gone from her face as quickly as it appeared. “Wait, you’re serious? Your wife? Where is this coming from? Last time I checked, you didn’t even want to acknowledge that we had sex. Now you’re suddenly asking me to marry you?”
“Here, sit down. Let me explain.”
I motion for her to join me on the couch. We sit facing each other, Eden staring at me like I’ve suddenly grown an extra head. Which is fair, considering what I’ve just thrown her way.