The Guy on the Right (The Underdogs 1)

I play along with the humdrum of the conversation with my thoughts never two blinks away from Laney. We make our rounds until our parents get caught up in gossip and we’re stuck chugging spiked nog on the sidelines.

“Maybe we can make a run for it,” Brenna says with a sigh.

My mother looks over at us right at that moment and narrows her eyes.

“I think we’re bugged,” Jamie says. “The woman knows everything as it happens.”

“We are,” Courtney confirms. “No doubt. We’re bugged. She’s been doing it since we were young. She just knows.”

“Drink up, Dad’s doing that laugh.”

“Oh God, not the laugh.”

We all groan when we see him toss his head back and cackle like a hyena.

“Shit,” Courtney says. “I can’t believe we share DNA.”

“They are such fakes sometimes,” Brenna says as she lifts her phone, the three of them simultaneously doing duck lips before the flash goes off.

“Good one, it’s going up.” The girls weigh in on the picture and nod in approval.

“Oh, I almost forgot, this coworker was telling me about this crazy couple yesterday, she said they’re hilarious.” Brenna taps on her phone with the speed of a magician. “My real life,” she frowns, searching her thoughts as I choke on my eggnog. “Crap, I forget the name. My Realest life. That’s it.”

“We should go make the rounds,” I suggest holding out a plate of sugar cookies to the three of them like bait. Look, sugar. Sugar.

Courtney is the only one to take it.

Resorting to the phone slap tactic, I’m stopped with my own man slap to the shoulder.

“So, you’re a fighting Ranger?”

“Yes, sir.”

As if my dad can smell blood in the water, he saunters over to join us.

“I’ve got a few buddies left out that way, maybe we should make a trip down there soon.” He nods towards his wife, who only bobs her head in agreement. It might be wrong for me to assume she’s arm candy, but it’s the only conclusion I can draw when my mom prompts her for conversation, and she gives nothing but short, clipped answers. She’s probably bored and enduring this party like the rest of us. I can’t help but to think of what a change in dynamic it would be if Laney were standing here. For the next half hour, I’m forced to listen to Jim’s Grand Man stories. My father can’t get a word in edgewise and watches me intently. I have no desire to impress this man, but I do respect Dad enough to be polite and indulge his bullshit.

“Course I had to get the hell out of there,” he drains the last of his drink. “Not much to entertain there but the school.”

“Oh, he’s entertained,” Courtney spouts.

My mother sighs in annoyance and eyes Courtney in warning.

Jim catches on because…Courtney. “Ahh, yeah. Can’t argue with that type of distraction. Just make sure to avoid the noose,” he says, “if you know what I mean. It will only slow you down.”

It’s official, I’m staring at Troy’s future.

“He’s got a good head on his shoulders,” my dad interjects with genuine pride.

Jim smiles, and it gives me pause. “Well, we have to head over to Chrissy’s parents for dessert. They’re holding our son hostage.” He pulls out his business card, and I read the bold print and look back at Jim’s profile.

Jim exchanges pleasantries with my parents, and my mother elbows me to speak up when it’s my turn. Blood pulses at my temple as I nod and grit out a goodbye before I get another sound clap on the shoulder.

“Call me if you need something to get you on your feet. Us Grand Men have to stick together.”

When the door closes behind them, my parents head back into the party as Jamie eyes me while I slip out the front door. I catch them down the stone path of the clubhouse.

“Your daughter is beautiful.”