The Guy on the Left (The Underdogs 2)

“Let’s go, bud, before things turn ugly in here.” Dante giggles as he’s forced to give them both dangling kisses goodnight.

“Good night, Auntie Parker.”

“Night, Duckie.”

“Make sure you brush your teeth,” Clarissa calls after us, and I give her a wink.

“I’ve got this.”

She gives me a shy smile. “I know you do.”

Carol’s Goulash

Church Secretary, New Jersey

Makes 8–10 servings

1 hour

2 Lbs. Hamburger

1 Large Onion – Chopped

Garlic Powder – To taste

Salt – To Taste

Pepper – To Taste

2 Cans Rotel

7 8 Oz. Cans Tomato Sauce

7 8 Oz. Cans Water

1 Large Can Corn

3 Cups Macaroni

Brown hamburger meat, onion, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Drain. Add Rotel, tomato sauce, water, and corn. Bring to boil. Add macaroni. Cook 12 to 15 minutes or until macaroni is tender.

Clarissa

Troy returns to the living room as I light the last candle.

“Wow, it looks amazing in here.”

“Nothing better than having a real tree in your house.” I stand back as he admires it with me.

“It’s awesome.”

“Yeah,” I turn to him and look him over. I can see the fatigue in his posture. “You okay?”

“I’m good,” he says. “I didn’t realize how much I needed this. Just being with him makes me feel better. Thank you.”

“Of course.”

“Where’s Parker?”