The Guy on the Left (The Underdogs 2)

“I wish I knew.”

“What medicine is he talking about?”

“Right before I left, Dante found a needle and a used bottle of steroids in my truck.”

“Not yours.” It’s not a question, it’s what she thinks, if only Clarissa could believe the same.

“That’s what I told her, but it’s obvious she’s having a hard time believing me. But Mom, it was fucking horrible. Scared the shit out of us both. Clarissa freaked out—”

“Because of her mother,” she nods. “I can only imagine what she was feeling. So, she’s been avoiding you since, and Parker has been texting you instead?”

“I’m guessing that’s the truth of it.” I scrub my face again, angry and irritated. “Fuck.”

“I’ll talk to her,” Mom offers.

“No, Mom, stay out of it. I mean it. She needs to be able to take my word for it. This is between us.”

“And Parker too I guess.”

“Jesus. Do you know what he’s talking about work friends?”

Mom winces, her expression guilty. “Mom? Are you serious? You’ve been covering for her?”

“Yes, but only because I agree with her reasoning. She’s been picking up shifts at night, waitressing.”

“What?” Sinking where I stand in my hotel room, I stare out of the window as the pieces fall into place.

“Don’t give her hell for it. Money got tight when you went to camp, and she just didn’t want you feeling guilty.”

“Who’s the man?”

“I’ll let her explain that. God, you two are total idiots.”

“Thanks, Mom.”

“Hey, at this point in my life, I think anyone under forty is an idiot. Best be getting your ass on the next plane home.”

Alyssa’s Angel Hair Pasta with Chicken

Social Studies Teacher- Minneapolis, MN

Makes 6-8 servings

45 hour

1 Cup Prepared Hidden Valley Ranch Original Ranch Salad dressing **tastes best if you buy the spice packet and make it from scratch.

1/3 Cup Dijon style Mustard

4 Boneless, skinless, chicken breast

1/2 Cup butter

1/3 Cup Dry White Wine

10oz Angel Hair Pasta Cooked and Drained

1oz Parsley