Fauxmance (Showmance #2)(58)

“Yes, her deeper issue is a fear of social interaction. And I love the abnormal, you know that.”

“Right, but why is she so scared of social interaction? People don’t just wake up one day and fear the outside world. There’s usually a reason.”

“I don’t think there is a reason. It’s just how she is.”

“Hmmm, I wouldn’t be so sure about that.”

What Rose said made me think. Perhaps I’d been na?ve to believe Ellen didn’t have some deeper internal issues. After all, my entire way of life was the result of many, many internal issues that started out from when I was a young boy.

A few moments of quiet fell between us while Rose finished unpacking and hanging up her clothes.

“I see you’ve managed to hook your fiancé on those books you’re so obsessed with,” I commented.

She grinned, looking pleased. “Yep, and I’ll get you reading them soon enough. By the way, have you any plans for dinner?”

“Nope. I’m free as a bird.”

“Good. I’m making my special beef casserole and I think I might’ve bought too much food. You can invite David over if you like.”

Her offer got me thinking. “Can I invite Ellen instead?” I didn’t want to wait days to see her again, and this way she got to officially meet Rose.

She studied me, considering it. “I guess it could be helpful for me to meet her, just to make sure she isn’t a complete nutcase.”

“She’s not a nutcase. In fact, I have a feeling you two are going to get along.”

“All right, then. Invite her, but maybe give her some advance warning about Damon. People tend to get a little starstruck.”

I nodded and pulled out my phone. “Good thinking, Batman.”

Julian: Are you free for dinner tonight at my place? Rose is cooking.

Ellen: Feeling under the weather. Think it might be a cold. I don’t want to infect you.

Hmmm, I knew a brush off when I saw one.

Julian: I won’t take no for an answer. Quit letting your fears win.

Ellen: I don’t know what you’re talking about. I’m sick.

Julian: I’ll come over and get you myself.

A few minutes went by and I could tell she was talking herself around. She was obviously worried about meeting Rose and not being in costume. When she finally replied, it was a one-word answer.

Ellen: Fine.

I smiled as I typed.

Julian: That’s my girl.

Julian: Btw, Rose’s fiancé is Damon Atwood. He’ll be here, too. Just wanted you to have a chance to mentally prepare.

Ellen: What?!

Julian: See you at seven ;-)

I shut off my phone so she couldn’t try to talk her way out of it. Later that evening, the flat smelled amazing. When we were teenagers and had to fend for ourselves, Rose learned how to make cheap food taste good. Over time, she’d become an amazing cook. It was one of the reasons I missed living with her.

I helped set the table while she made the finishing touches. Damon was ensconced in the window nook, his head still buried in his novel. He’d been reading all day. Maybe I should get into the series, see what all the fuss was about.

I got a text on my phone.

Ellen: I’m outside.

Julian: Be there in a sec.

I glanced at Rose. “Ellen’s downstairs. Be nice when she comes up, okay?”

She shot me a look. “I’m always nice.”

“Well then, be extra nice.”

When I got downstairs, Ellen stood just outside the door, chewing on her thumbnail like a nervous wreck. “I’m not used to this,” she confessed.

I put my arm around her shoulders and pulled her close, automatically inhaling the smell of her hair. I was breaking all my rules for this woman, but I couldn’t stop now even if I tried.

“It’s just dinner with friends, nothing more. You’ll be fine.”

“Yeah, but you had to go and drop the “Damon Atwood” bomb on me then turn off your phone. I tried calling you. That was cruel.”

I squeezed her shoulders and led her inside. “Yes, well, I apologise for that, but this will be good for you. I promise. You’ll love Rose and Damon. They’re the most down to earth people you’ll ever meet. And you definitely need practice meeting people.”

“Yes, I suppose you’re right,” she sighed as I opened the door and motioned her inside.

Rose stood by the kitchen counter, smile in place. She wiped her hands off on a dishcloth and came toward us.

“Hi, Ellen, I’m Rose. It’s lovely to properly meet you.”

“And you,” Ellen mumbled and perhaps for the second time I got to see just how introverted she was. I’d witnessed it once before at the bookshop, when that group of tourists had come in, and I was seeing it again now.

She stared at the floor, hands in her pockets. Rose and I shared a look. The majority of times we’d been around other people, Ellen had been dressed as Elodie. But now she had no costume to hide behind, and the results were painful to watch.

Rose cleared her throat. “Well, I hope you like beef casserole, because I’ve made enough to feed a small army. Have a seat. Damon, come meet Ellen,” she called.

Damon rose from where he was sitting, book in hand. Ellen’s eyes widened when she saw him. Like most actors, Damon was striking in person. Well over six feet tall, with dark hair and even darker eyes, he was every inch a heartthrob. Ellen saw what he was reading, and she grew even more tense. Guess she wouldn’t be telling any stolen anecdotes tonight.