The Guy on the Left (The Underdogs 2)

“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.”

“Worth the money?”

“Let’s hope so.”

“You still going to graduate in May?”

“Yes. It’s going to be a bitch to catch up, but I should be good.”

“That’s my boy. You know your dad called not too long ago.”

“Yeah, he on the ‘what if my son becomes a millionaire’ train?”

“Probably.”

“Won’t that be a kick in the teeth.”

“God, I know I’m not supposed to rejoice, but I love that you feel that way.”

“I’ve got nothing for him,” I say honestly. “Let’s not talk about this now.” I lift my chin, and she nods in understanding.

“Right. Little ears.”

“So, will you tell Clarissa to call me when she gets in? She’s been hard to reach lately. Everything okay?”

“She’s got a job and a child.”

“I know.”

“Don’t give her a hard time for it,” she says in her business tone.

“Well, well, well, look who’s tap-dancing over enemy lines. You two seem to be getting along.” I can’t help my smile. I was worried it might not happen, but I should have known.

“She’s a good woman. I’m having a hard time staying pissed off.”

“Now you see how I feel.”

This gets her attention. “How do you feel?”

“Like I want to be sitting where you are.”

Mom smiles. “I like her. I really do. I like her for you. She’s got a good head on her shoulders, she’s beautiful, and makes beautiful babies.”

“That she does.”

“I can’t wait for the next one.”

“Cart before the horse, Mom.”

“You two little shits started it that way.”