I got a crazy idea since I was sick of my family’s constant inquiries about my romantic life.
I located a homeless man to pretend to be my fiancé for the holiday meal. Before my mother’s response showed a startling bond between them, everything appeared to be ideal.
I dreaded spending the next weekend with my family as I sat in my car and gazed toward the park entrance.
Every holiday visit was the same: my dad’s optimistic smiles, my mom’s discreet glances, and the never-ending stream of inquiries.
When will you tie the knot? Have you made any new acquaintances?
It was draining, and I couldn’t bear the idea of doing it again.
Abruptly, I noticed a man hunched in a ragged coat, sitting by himself on a seat.
He appeared exhausted, as if life had given him more problems than he could handle.
He still had a lovely appearance despite the deep creases on his face and his dejected eyes. It dawned on me at that point.
What a crazy notion!Could he be my weekend fiancé?” I whispered to myself.
It might work, but it was crazy. Anything to avoid upsetting my family. I approached him after getting out of the automobile. He raised his head, and we gazed at one another.
I said, feeling uncomfortable, “Hey.” “I realize this would seem weird, but for a weekend, would you be willing to act as my fiancé?
I can provide you a good lunch, fresh clothes, and a cozy place to stay in exchange.
He remained silent for a moment. He seemed to be trying to figure out why someone like me would make such an offer as his eyes lingered on mine. Then he nodded slowly, which surprised me.
“All right,” he muttered.
The ease with which he consented astounded me. No inquiries. Without hesitation. I felt a little uneasy about that. But I didn’t give a damn at that time.
“Excellent,” I replied. “Let’s prepare you for the weekend.”
I gave the stranger some of my ex’s clothes once we returned home.
I honestly couldn’t think of a better use for his belongings, which were still in my closet.”These should fit you,” I remarked, holding out a pair of jeans and a clean shirt.
“If you’d like, you can shower. I’ll prepare dinner for us.””Well, thanks,” he answered, grinning a little. “A shower sounds amazing.”
I kept myself occupied chopping vegetables while he went to the bathroom, trying to ignore the anxiety that was rising inside of me.
Having a stranger stay in my house… What are you doing, Mia? His name is still unknown to you!
I heard the door creak and looked around as the stranger came out of the restroom.
To my amazement, he appeared very different as he stood there with a towel slung over his shoulder and his hair still wet.He laughed, “Well, that’s the best shower I’ve had in years.”
In an instant, the uneasiness I had experienced earlier appeared to disappear.I’m happy to hear that. I’m hoping the dinner will be as delicious.
He looked at the plates I had arranged on the table. “It smells amazing. By the way, my name is Christopher. He sat down at the table and grinned at me.
I was a little bashful, so I just said, “Mia.”
He took the first mouthful and nodded as we sat down to eat. “It’s fantastic. It’s been a while since I’ve eaten at home.”
After eating in pleasant silence for a while, the discussion began to flow organically.I broke the silence by saying, “So.” “Any favorite movies or books?”
After giving it some thought, he responded. “I’ve always been a fan of classic westerns. Books, too?
The Old Man and the Sea, most likely. It’s straightforward, but there’s something about it.”Hemingway, really?
A little taken aback, I remarked, “I wouldn’t have guessed.” “I thought you’d go for something darker.”
He laughed. “You’re not wrong, but sometimes, simple stories hit the hardest.”I understand that.
We talked about other issues that made us laugh throughout the remainder of the evening.
I was taken aback by his dry sense of humor, and by the end of the meal, I was remarkably at ease with him.
I returned to the kitchen late at night to get a glass of water before going to bed.
I saw that the dishes were already cleaned and arranged in a tidy stack by the sink.Have you done the dishes? Peeking around the corner, I asked Christopher.It seemed like the least I could do.
Sincerely moved by the gesture, I grinned. “Thank you.””No issue.”Christopher, good night.
Everything went swiftly the following day. My family and I had one day left before the weekend, and there was still a ton of work to be done.
We started by visiting the hair salon. Christopher sat peacefully while the stylist worked, allowing the transformation to take place.
His shaggy hair was cut into something tidy and polished, and I stared in awe.”This feels strange,” he said as he examined himself in the mirror.
I taunted, “Good weird or bad weird?””Definitely good,” he grinned.
He was beginning to appear like a totally different person by the time we went shopping for new clothes.
The holiday meal got off to a decent start. I could practically feel my mother’s pride as she looked at me, finally putting an end to her frequent inquiries about my private life. My parents were thrilled to see Christopher.
Christopher performed his role flawlessly; he was courteous, focused, and even endearing when he spoke. I started to unwind, believing that perhaps my crazy scheme had succeeded.
With a radiant smile, my mother said, “Christopher, right?” “You seem so familiar.” Have I previously seen you somewhere? Maybe on TV?
She chuckled softly, as though she had just cracked a harmless joke.
Christopher shook his head courteously. “No, I don’t believe that. Perhaps I just have one of those faces.
My mother’s lighthearted banter clearly amused my father, who laughed. “Well, I’ll have to start paying closer attention if you’re on TV.”
Mom went on, “So, Christopher, what did you do before you met Mia? Business, isn’t that correct?
Before responding, Christopher took a moment to look at my mother.
“Yes, business,” he muttered, but his tone seemed off. “But about five years ago, everything changed for me.”
My heart skipped a beat.
