Page 161 of The Hopelessly Bromantic Duet

Almostlike he’s giving a demonstration for a how-to video on touching your partner in public on a busy street. “Christian Laird, this is Jude Fox. Jude’s my guy,” TJ says, and he sounds legit enough for most people. But not me. I can hear a touch of awkwardness in his tone.

But once again, it’s showtime. “Nice to meet you, Christian. I’m a huge fan.” I extend a hand, but Christian waves it off, holding his arms open wide.

“You! You are fucking amazing, Jude,” the man says, then yanks me in for a hug.

Oh. Well. I wasn’t expecting that. “Thanks,” I say.

When we separate, Christian parks a big hand on my shoulder. “Your movie was incredible. And now you’re doing a TV show? Who do I have to beg to get a role on your new show?”

I laugh rather than respond. I practically begged to work with him nearly a year ago, so I’m not sure what to do with his praise now. But is that why I feel off? Or is it because I don’t have a bloody clue what role Christian now plays in TJ’s life? They’re clearly on a first-name basis, but TJ hasn’t once mentioned him to me in the last few days. Although I guess we’ve been so caught up in getting our lies right, we haven’t had time to dwell on much else—including the past.

Christian turns to TJ. “And what the hell? Are weever, ever, going to start working on your project?”

TJ sighs but smiles as he gazes heavenward. “I wish I knew.”

“It’s ridic. I am dying to get to work on Jackson.” Then, Christian turns to me. “The illustrator character.”

“Right,” I say, though I don’t know anything about the characters in that book. Or even their names till now. TJ alwaystold me to stay away from it. The warning worked for me—I had no interest in reading the story Flynn inspired.

“Anyway, I was calling itTop-Notch Detourwhen we worked out last week,” Christian says, gesturing to TJ.

What? They’re gym buddies? That’s kind of romantic because workout dates are a thing.

Settle down. TJ’s not fake dating you and real dating someone else.He’s not like that.

Still, the fact that I don’t know TJ’s relationship status with this A-list gay actor bothers me. A lot.

But I cover it up with a smile. “Yeah, it’s a rom-comedy of errors,” I say, grateful I read thatHollywood Scooppiece to get up to speed.

Christian laughs. “Sure is, but we’ll get there someday,” he says, all sweet and supportive as if they give each other pep talks all the time.

Maybe right after they get sweaty with each other.

“Yes, Top-Notch Backburner will have its time in the sun,” TJ says, and ouch. That last one stings me. That’s what happened to my project with Laird when Webflix boughtTop-Notch Boyfriend.

But then, everything worked out for me, didn’t it? Webflix passing me over gave me the freedom to say yes toIf Found, Please Return. If I’d been too busy with the project Webflix delayed, I would have missed the biggest role of my life.

“Anyway, wasn’t the musical fantastic?” Christian asks, gesturing to the theater. “Let’s all catch up sometime. Grab a drink or a bite to eat. Cool, TJ?”

“Yeah, definitely,” my date says.

Christian drops a kiss to TJ’s cheek. Jealousy flares in me. That’s my job. What the hell are they to each other? Am I wrong about TJ? Maybe they’re not dating now, but did they in the last ten months?

The actor leans in and brushes a kiss on my cheek. “So great meeting you, Jude,” he says, then points to both of us. “Drinks. Let’s make it happen.”

Christian takes off, and as I figure out what to say to TJ, he’s waggling his phone. “The driver just messaged. He’s waiting for us.”

We power walk to a waiting black SUV, then slide into the back. A million questions tap on my brain, but when the Lyft driver checks us out a few times in the rearview mirror, I groan privately. Now is not the time to ask anything.

I look at TJ and tip my forehead to the front seat. He nods in understanding then takes my hand again.

We’re quiet as the car shoots us to the Village, but my brain is noisy.

Is he holding my hand for the driver or himself? Did he date Christian Laird? Did he see anyone else in the last ten months? Mostly, how does he feel about me now?

I’m tired of not knowing. Ten months ago, I’d have let these questions fester. But look how that ended. Tonight, I need to ask him.

When we reach my building, I wonder something else. Why was he adamant we come here instead of his place?