The Guy on the Left (The Underdogs, #2)(20)

She shifts in her seat. “I give zero shits.”

“Parker, listen to me. Dante still doesn’t know. And for now, we’re going to keep it that way. Don’t come in like a bull in a china shop. We’re treading carefully here.”

She narrows her eyes. “I’m the co-parent.”

It’s the truth. She is. Guilt nags at me as I think of my omission in our conversations in the last few weeks. “I’m sorry. You’re right, but you were in London, and I didn’t want you going postal a continent away.”

Parker was on the fast track to rich and successful the minute we graduated. She stays with us between long stints overseas. When I first had Dante, she’d been my savior and was able to afford everything I couldn’t, which saved our asses on multiple occasions. I don’t know what I would have done without her. She’s everything wrapped in one, a best friend, a co-parent, and the only family we have. Dante and I wouldn’t have survived without her.

“So, is he…is he acting like a Dad?”

“He’s allowed to be a friend, for now. We’re testing the waters to see how this goes.”

“Is he still hot?”

“Jesus. He’s so beautiful.” I follow Parker’s gaze to see Dante playing Skee-Ball. “And I hate him.”

“Yeah, me too. But hate can be amazing fuel in the bedroom.”

My lips lift into a genuine smile. “I’m covered there too.”

She slaps her palm on the table, her inky dark hair spilling over her shoulder as her brown eyes meet mine. “You’ve been holding out all over.”

“This is a new development.” I waggle my brows. “Brett Tompkins. We had a drink last week. And there was kissing.”

“WHAT!? Oh my God, lady! Is he still hot?”

“Hotter.”

“Than Troy?”

“We’re not comparing the two.”

“Well runner-up isn’t bad, and he’s loaded too. You know that, right?”

“Dinner is all he gets to pay for. And I like him.”

Parker frowns. “You were crazy for him in college, that’s not the case now?”

“I mean, it’s been years since then. I’m getting to know him again. We’ll see. And Troy watched Dante.”

She sits back in her seat. “Let me get this straight. You’ve got a hot as all hell baby daddy as a baby-sitter and a hot as shit real estate mogul after your ass. Woman, you should be walking on a cloud!”

“I am.”

“Gah. Finally. The Lord answered one of my prayers.”

“Yeah, well, don’t get too excited. You know my dating history.”

“I would almost feel sorry for you, but I don’t. Please have sex with them both and make this an epic saga so I can live vicariously through you.”

“Absolutely not,” I snap. “I’m never getting intimate with Troy again. Ever. Are you crazy?”

“Clarissa, he was a kid. He saw your beautiful ass and wanted it. Most guys would lie for a crack at you. You are hot, babe. He didn’t know it would backfire like that. And you said a million times that you both used each other that night.”

“But it did backfire. And if he hadn’t lied—”

“You wouldn’t have Dante.”

“I know.” I swallow the thought. “God, where would I be?”

“I know this. That boy makes you happy. He does. Even if his conception was an accident.”

“So, you’re on Troy’s side?”

“No sides. Not anymore. It’s time you both grew up and did what’s best for your kid. Let old hurts go. Etcetera, etcetera.”

“I am. I think I am. I’m trying, for Dante.”

“Good.” She eyes me, pushing a lock of her long dark hair off her shoulders. “This is about to get fun.”

“Stop. Nothing is going to happen with Troy. He’s still using his penis as a Fun Dip. I’ve watched him walk out two women since he’s moved in. And Brett, well, he’s a damned good kisser, and you know a good kiss is everything for me.”

“Don’t you dare hold back again, I don’t give a shit if I’m in China, which I will be in November.”

“Really?”

“Yep,” she says with a sigh. “And I’m not eating shit there but rice and noodles. They eat dogs, and I’m not going to gamble on mystery meat. No, thanks.” She scrunches her nose. “It will be the best diet I’ve ever been on.”

“Another diet?”

“Clarissa, I haven’t seen my vagina in five years.” A woman walking by our booth gapes at us, grabbing her son and turning him in the opposite direction.

“Sorry,” Parker sputters out apologetically as laughter bursts from me. I shake my head as Parker’s brown eyes come back to mine. “Oops.”

“You are crazy.”

“I’m serious. Our relationship is strained. I would like to get laid again before I turn thirty. China will heal me, I know it.”

I grip her hand across the table. “You’re perfect to me.”

“You have to say that, I know all of your dirty secrets.”

“Shut up.”