Partner?Really?Granted, JJ doesn’t know what he expected after buying lunch for another man and a little girl who could probably be their daughter, but?—
But “fake-dating a demon” definitely wasn’t on his wish list for this stupid co-parenting experience. Or on his wish listever,actually. “He’s from the States,” JJ says, forcing a smile, “but he’s—he’s spent a lot of time abroad. Lots of countries in Latin America. Spain, too.”
He knows that much, at least. Even without his current encyclopedic knowledge of Cass’s movements since he was summoned to Earth, the turmoil in Latin America and Europe during the twentieth century basically guaranteed that the demon spent years there. It makes sense that he’s fluent in Spanish with a mismatched accent.
“A-ha!”Esteban says triumphantly. “I thought I detected a hint of Spaniard in there. Very good, very good.” His sister and co-owner, Lucia, appears at the counter with three orders of tacos and a hefty serving of tortilla chips, and Esteban places them on a tray for JJ. “Buen provecho, my new friend. And what is your name?”
“Julian,” JJ says, a pang twisting through him. It’s been years since anyone called him by his first name—anyone outside of the Council, at least. Even when his family was alive, he always insisted on “JJ.”
If he keeps up this charade with Cass, then he might end up being known in the Courtyard as a completely different person. Somehow, the thought feels more freeing than he expected.
Like he can build a new life for himself.
For two days a week, at least. JJ forces a smile, dropping a few dollars into the tip jar. “Gracias, Esteban.”
“Gracias a usted!” Esteban waves before turning to the next person in line, and JJ carefully picks up his tray, turns towards Desi and Cass’s table?—
And starts with surprise, staring at Cass.
He doesn’t look stiff and uncomfortable anymore. In fact, his shoulders are relaxed and his eyes are warm as he listens to Desi’s rambling, nodding encouragingly in time with what she’s saying, occasionally gesturing with his hands as he answers her many questions?—
He’s smiling. JJ hates to admit how good it makes him look. Taking a deep breath, he crosses the last dozen feet to the table and sets their tray neatly in the center. “We got a big plate of chips, too! Desi, do you want to try some chips?”
“Chips!” she cheers, and she grabs a handful to munch on.
Gingerly, JJ pushes Cass’s tacos closer to him. “Looks good?”
“Looks good,” he says, and he picks one up, briefly meeting JJ’s eyes. “I didn’t bring cash with me, but—but I’ll pay you back at the house.”
Awkwardly, JJ waves him off. “They were only a few dollars. It’s whatever.”
“Hm.” Cass takes a bite of his taco, scrutinizing JJ closely. “Also.Partners?”
All the blood rushes from JJ’s head at once. “What?”
Cass jerks his head at Tacos Near Me. “Heard you talking to Esteban.”
“How did you—?” JJ cuts himself off, cursing under his breath. “Demonically enhanced senses. Right.”
Cass’s eyebrows climb towards his hairline. “So?”
JJ scowls. “It’s not like we have many other options. Two guys carting a little girl around the Courtyard—what was Isupposedto say?”
“Brothers,Jackson,” Cass says emphatically. “Brothers or cousins orsomething.I specifically glamoured us to look alike so we could claim to be family.”
Heat flames into JJ’s face. “You didn’t tell me that!”
“I thought it would’ve beenobvious,lackey!”
JJ is just about to protest when Desi gasps. “JJ! Tacos areso good!I love them! Cass, can we have tacos every night?”
“Sure,” JJ and Cass say in unison, and they glare halfheartedly at each other.
It’s not even noon yet, and JJ can already tell that this is going to be a long day.
6
So spending the day with Julian Jackson could be worse.
