The Guy on the Left (The Underdogs, #2)(76)

“I caused that, and I’m sorry.”

“He didn’t have many friends growing up,” she says, scanning the pictures before glancing back at me. “He was the sweetest, most considerate child. I see a lot of Troy in Dante. And I know it has a lot to do with how you’re raising him. But that baby is most definitely my grandson.” She smiles. “Just as shy in public, but observant, he watches everyone like a hawk.”

“Troy was shy?”

“So shy. I was worried for so long he would never snap out of it. But then puberty hit, and then came football, and dear God, it was like whiplash. I don’t think he ever really knew how to handle it.”

“That’s so different from the guy I know.”

“Look closer, darlin’.”

“I’m sorry?”

She shakes her head. “You wanted to talk to me?”

“I know I have no right to ask you for anything, but I need a favor.”

“Shoot.”





Troy



Parker: Hey, spermenator. Do you know where our girl is?

Troy: Always nice to hear from you, Parker. And no, I haven’t talked to her since this morning.

Parker: She’s not texting back.

Troy: Probably because it’s after eleven. And you’ve always had your wine and Ambien after eleven.

Parker: She told you she avoids my calls after eleven?

Troy: No.

Parker: LIAR! Women. You think you know them, then some penis comes along, and it’s no more titties before testes.

Troy: Titties before testes? That’s a thing?

Parker: I just made it a thing.

Troy: Will there be anything else?

Parker: Yes. What are your intentions with my BFF?

Troy: How about none of your damned business.

Parker: EHHH. Wrong answer.

Troy: Jesus. Even your texts are annoying.

Parker: Secretly, you adore me.

Troy: Rub your fingers together, and you’ll get an inkling of how much.

Parker: Well, you bought me a Christmas gift.

Troy: You STOLE my Grand hoodie. That wasn’t a gift.

Parker: I’m wearing it now, and it’s amazing.

Troy: Make sure you wash it before you return it.

Parker: If you want it back so much, It’s in India. Come and get it. (Devil emoji) Troy: Nah, keep it. But make sure to write a review. (Devil emoji) Parker: I’m going to kill your baby mama. (Cursing emoji) Troy: Will there be anything else?

Parker: Yes. Please don’t hurt her.



I tense at the idea that Clarissa voiced that fear to Parker, and that doesn’t sit well with me.



Troy: Hey, baby, you up?



Minutes later, and without a reply from Clarissa, I get an Amazon link from Parker.



GrandGirl#08 Reviewer Ranking 1,037



Men’s XL Texas Grand Hoodie-Garnet



I got this hoodie gently used. Well, the hoodie, I can’t say much for the previous owner, but I have my suspicions this hoodie has seen more floors on the Grand campus than thongs on an adult film set. Anyhoo, it’s nice and comfortable and seems to be doing its job for the moment. But, if at any point in time, it starts to show any wear and tear, I will reduce it to an unrecognizable pile of muscled material…slowly, oh so slowly, and thread by thread.



So far, this hoodie has shown no signs of distress—in fact, I’m rooting for this hoodie to bring years of comfort and happiness—despite the lineup of new and capable hoodies waiting on the sidelines.



Note to the previous owner – If I find any signs of irreparable damage, I will be asking for a FULL refund via pound of flesh.



Grand girls stay Grand. Grand guys better damn well measure up.



**Sharpens scissors.**





“Hey, Troy,” Dante answers, as I settle into bed.

“Hey, bud, what are you doing?”

“Nonny is teaching me how to play checkers.”

“Who’s Nonny?”

“I’m Nonny,” my mother replies, coming into view.

“What are you two doing?”

“Trying to teach this kid there’s more to life than the internet.”

“Yet, I see you’re wearing his merch.”

She rolls her eyes. “I’ve never in my life paid twenty-seven dollars for a T-shirt.”

“You got suckered.”

“It’s Legit,” Dante pipes in, offended.

“How much did you make off her?”

Dante whispers into the phone. “Two dollars.”

I can’t help my laugh. My son is a hustler. “How many more sleeps?”

“Too many. Where is Mommy?”

“She left with a work friend.”

“Girl’s night,” my mom says. “She should be home soon.”

“It’s nice of you to watch him.”

“It’s not a favor, son. Dante, I’ll be in the kitchen. Don’t make a move without me.” I hear him agree as she moves into the other room.

“How is camp?”

“It’s good. My forty is the best it’s ever been. It’s grueling though.”