Courtney arrives beforefour o’clock, which is incredible. I’ve never gotten home from work anywhere close to four o’clock.
“I’m sorry,” I murmur as I meet her at the door.
“That’s okay,” she says, slipping off her shoes. “Hey, Vince.”
He comes over and they give each other a hug. I can’t say I’m too fond of that.
“How’s Joey the Phallic Cactus?” he asks. “I hear he’s staying in your room.”
Po Po struggles to her feet. “I know what a cactus is, but what is phallic cactus?”
“Forget about it, Ma,” Mom mutters. “It’s not important.”
Mom and Po Po come to the door.
“This is Courtney,” I tell them. “She’s not my girlfriend, but you wanted to meet her, so here she is. Courtney, these are my mother and grandmother.”
Po Po beams. “Very pretty. You make cute babies.”
I’d hoped we’d be able to go five minutes without the mention of babies, but apparently that was too much to ask.
Courtney laughs uncomfortably. “Julian and I are just friends.”
“See?” I say. “She confirmed it. Just friends.”
Friends who have shared a couple kisses.
“Aiyah.” Po Po shakes her head and turns to Courtney. “Why not? Julian is very handsome and rich. Good catch.”
“I know. He’s a very good catch.” Courtney’s gaze is on me, and heat prickles my skin.
Po Po puts her hand on Courtney’s arm, and I’ll grudgingly admit it’s nice that my family has taken to Courtney, but at this point, they’d be thrilled with practically any woman.
But she’s different.
“You work hard, too?” Po Po asks Courtney. “Like Julian? All focused on career?”
“Something like that,” Courtney mumbles.
Vince swaggers over and slaps me on the back. “No, she’s the fun one. She’s living with him so she can teach him how to have a good time on his vacation.”
“I’m so confused,” Mom says. “You’re not actually dating? You’re just friends, but you’re living together?”
Courtney nods. “Temporarily.”
“Vince’s explanation is correct,” I say. “For once.”
My brother gives me a dirty look.
“But you like each other,” Mom says, frowning.
“As friends,” Courtney clarifies, but she smiles at me and tucks a lock of hair behind her ear.
“You should kiss!” Po Po says. “Maybe if you kiss, everything will change! Have seen this in movies.”
“Go on.” Vince nudges me toward Courtney. “Kiss each other in front of your family. It’ll be just like you’re getting married.”
Courtney looks stricken. She must find my family overwhelming.
