Page 26 of Rule 2: Never Join a Christmas Dating Show

“I am famous too.”

My eyebrows dart up. I didn’t think Dmitri would consider me famous.

“You watchSeeking Mr. Right?”

Dmitri snorts, and I half expect to see him stomp away, but he hesitates. “I will watch this season. Has Luke in it. Will be my favorite reality show ever.”

“You’re friends with Luke?”

“Everyone is friends with Luke. He is...great guy. Very popular.”

I nod, but something feels hollow in my chest.

“We’re happy to work with him,” I say. “On behalf of the wholeSeeking Mr. Rightshow, I can confirm...”

Dmitri clears his throat. “You are proud. I get it. But do you have bags?”

I blink.

“I am here to carry bags for you.”

“Oh.”

His lips curl. He has all the charm of a shark. “You think hockey players can’t be helpful?”

“N-no.” I shake my head. Disagreeing with him seems like a bad idea. Besides, it’s sort of nice he’s here to help me. The equipment for tonight’s interview segments are in the trunk. I mean, I can totally do it myself, but...

Dmitri picks up all the bags, tossing them over his shoulders.

“I was going to get them myself.”

“Now you don’t have to.”

“Right. Thank you.”

Dmitri pulls up the handle of my suitcase and starts walking toward the bus.

I make sure the car is locked, then scurry after him.

“Now I’m not carrying anything!” I call after him.

“Poor you. Careful about the ice!”

I slow my steps.

“Luke will be upset if his favorite TV host gets injured,” Dmitri continues.

I smile, because of course I’m not Luke’s favorite TV show host. He probably likes something else. Like sports commentary or people diving into truck-size tubs of bugs.

Finally, we’re at the bus.

Oskar rushes down the steps and greets me with a grin. “Welcome to your first trip with the Blizzards.”

“Is expensive bus,” Dmitri assures me, because maybe I’m not totally hiding my discomfort. “Not bad. Better than Russia.”

I try to nod knowledgeably. “I haven’t been to Russia.”

“Is pretty. Not for you though. Not LGBTQ friendly. You are gay, right?”