“Sorry, just focusing on the train ride.”
“Didn’t you say this thing could control itself?” He laughs.
“Alright, smart ass,” I say to him, trying not to let the thoughts of not being with him get to me.
I know this thing between us is fake, but I don’t know, maybe we could…maybe we could get it out of our system? Based on Ollie’s reactions to me, I think he might be into it.
But…how do I broach the subject?
The main barn comes into view as I pull into the platform and everyone starts to unload.
What better time than now?
This is my favorite night of the year. Everyone is happy. Painting ornaments. Telling Santa what presents they want.
Before I let Ollie get away, I grab his hand and drag him behind the barn.
“What are we doing?”
Lights shimmer all around us as the heavy smell of pine perfumes the air.
“Can I ask you something?”
“What is it?” Ollie replies.
His cheeks are pink from the cold, his peacoat buttoned all the way up to his neck.
“I don’t exactly know how to ask this.” I scrub a hand down the back of my neck. Mainly because I don’t want to fuck it up because relationships aren’t my forte.
“Talk to me, Hunter.”
“Well, I know we said this thing would last until Christmas…” I start.
“Right.” Ollie fidgets with his glasses.
“Well, what about we made it a real thing until Christmas?”
I worry my bottom lip between my teeth as I watch a flash of emotions cross his face.
“Isn’t it supposed to be real?”
“No, I mean, yes. I know it’s fake, but what if we just played pretend for now? Like it not be fake, butrealreal.”
“I feel like that was a confusing statement.”
“Fuck. I am not explaining this well.”
“It seems you’ve turned into a bit of an Ollie.”
He smiles up at me.
“Look, I know we’re fake dating right now to get through the holidays. But instead of it being fake, let’s just, I don’t know, be real. Like a real couple.”
“You don’t like relationships,” Ollie points out.
“I likeyou.”
“Does this have anything to do with that kiss earlier?” he asks.
