The Guy on the Right (The Underdogs 1)

I nod, unable to hold my tears.

“She’s the third hero, isn’t she?” He asks, knowing the answer.

“Yes,” My voice cracks and I turn my head away from the camera.

“It’s okay to cry in front of me. I hate the sight of it, but holding it in isn’t good for you.”

“I just,” my chin wobbles uncontrollably. “I’ve been trying to hold it together all day for Mom, you know? But today was bad. It felt so empty here without her. Christmas Eve was our thing. Mom said she was going to nap a while ago, but I know she went to cry.”

“I think it’s awesome you had a relationship like that with her. I don’t know that many people that close with a grandparent.”

“She was a spitfire, so special.”

“Again, you’re just like her.”

Tears shimmer in my eyes as I smile at him. “I really want to see your face.”

“I—”

The invasion of light cracks on screen and my wish is granted for a split second before a shriek fills the air.

“I found him!”

“I swear to God, Courtney, if you don’t get the hell out of here, I’m going to tell Mark about the time you got pulled over for indecent exposure.”

“You will not.”

“Test me.”

I sit idle as he glares back at her, my smile growing.

“I just want to meet her!” Courtney coos in the background as my view is obstructed by the brawl over his phone. “He’s got her on FaceTime,” Courtney yells as the struggle ensues.

In the next few seconds, I hear the sound of footfalls, and an ‘oomph’ come out of Theo and more threats.

“I’m going to hurt you, Court. Stop it.”

“We are awesome! There is no need to be ashamed of us.”

“Ironically, I am.”

“Courtney, get him out of that headlock, he’s on the phone!”

“Turn the camera around so we can wave,” another voice says as I get dizzy from watching the struggle. And then he’s moving his face, coming on screen, his hair disheveled when he finally brings it up to his face. “I’ll call you back later. Sorry—”

“Let me say hi,” I protest as he glances behind him and picks up his pace. In the next second, I get a good panoramic view of the ceiling. “Baby, I’ll call you back.”

“Oh, he’s calling her baby!”

“Oh my God, Teddy! That’s so sweet!”

“I knew people called you Teddy!” I declare loudly.

“Yes, girl,” one of them pipes up and I see arms again flying as a beautiful girl with Teddy’s eyes comes into view. “And don’t let him tell yo

u different. Hi!”

“Hi,” I parrot with a smile.