His Adam’s apple bobs. “Can we talk in a conference room?”
“What’s wrong? Don’t want your coworkers overhearing?” I say innocently. Then I bend forward. “Did you by any chance do something you shouldn’t have? Like pretend to be a lawyer and send a letter to my hookup?”
Looking around, Hugo gets up and takes my arm. “Come on. This way.”
He herds me into a small room, probably reserved for a potential client fuming over how their spouse is trying to steal their money, their house and their kids. I cross my arms and wait.
Hugo shuts the door and turns to me, his eyes going all puppy-sweet and pleading. It never fails to work on his mama, but he forgets I’m not Tía Bea. Or maybe he doesn’t even notice because he’s so preoccupied with trying to soothe my temper.
“I don’t know what you heard, but I didn’t do anything a good lawyer wouldn’t do. Edgar can’t possibly claim that I did. If you want, you can ask Samantha to review the document for you. I’ll pay for it.”
I keep my arms crossed, looking vaguely displeased.
So he goes for his biggest gun. “I did it for you, Jo.” He puts his arms out. “I love you, cousin.”
Damn it. I want to stay angry, but I can’t deny he acted out of good intentions. No matter how obnoxious and overbearing he can be, he’s a sweetheart deep down.
I let out a long sigh. “Hugo, I’m engaged.”
He drops his arms. “That’s Edgar’s answer?” He rakes his hair. “I mean, I didn’t think he’d go that far, but… That’s great, right?”
Wistfulness washes over me. It would be much better if I were engaged to Edgar. Okay, so we aren’t in love, but at least I wouldn’t be with someone who let his moral compass swing to the lowest bidder. Plus, he’s fantastic in bed. “I’m engaged to Aaron Korvid.”
Hugo looks at me like the name doesn’t ring a bell.
Maybe I should lay it on thick and convince Hugo I’m in love with Aaron. On the other hand, he knows me too well to believe that lie. If I were in love with my ex, I would’ve never slept with Edgar, no matter what. I should just lay it out straight and hope that Hugo keeps his mouth shut and helps me later today when I make the grand announcement to the family.
I inhale. “Remember that guy who was a really good dancer? The one I complained about because he
was too clingy, calling and texting all the time?”
He frowns. “Uh… You said something about wanting to sic Angel on him if he didn’t quit? That guy?”
“That’s the one.”
“So…the baby is Aaron’s?” Hugo’s face twists in distaste. “How could you, Jo? I thought you had higher standards.”
His disapproval and rebuke raise my hackles. “Everyone has at least one mistake purchase in their closet. It’s the same thing.”
“Yeah, but an ugly dress can be donated! You can’t donate Aaron. Nobody would take him.” He shakes his head. “Never did like that guy.”
I sigh heavily. “It doesn’t matter. I’m announcing the engagement tonight at the family dinner.” It’s really an extended family dinner, with my mama, papa, uncle and aunt, plus all the children joining. We try to have one at least once a month, and tonight’s the night. I just have to put on a happy face and convince everyone I’m in love. It’s only for a few hours.
“You can’t! You slept with Edgar!” Hugo’s so outraged that he’s forgotten that I’m a “virgin.”
“I can and I will.” I’m not ruining Papa’s last year at his beloved school. “And if you want me to forgive you for contacting Edgar the way you did, you’re going to look happy about my engagement tonight, got it?”
“Happy? You gotta be kidding! You want me to look happy?”
“As. A. Clam.” I emphasize each word with a poke in his chest.
“Okay, fine. That can be arranged. I’ll punch that fucker in the face and smile.”
I laugh humorlessly. “He won’t be coming tonight.” Not because he didn’t volunteer, but because I texted him not to. I’m not a good enough actress to manage a radiant bride-to-be with him standing next to me.
“You’re making a mistake,” he says, wagging his finger and shaking his head.
“Stop. You look like one of those bobblehead dolls people stick on their dashboards.”