Honestly, the dude’s killing my buzz. Since Dad did the expected and canceled on us, I’ve been riding the high of not having to see his miserable face in person for a while longer—watching him on TV during Stars’ games is more than enough.
“I’d prefer fried chicken. And waffles.”
“You might have to make the waffles. My batter always tastes like shit, Pecan can’t be trusted with eggs, and Denny burns water.”
“Why did she ask us to grab her a turkey then?!”
“Because it’s her first Thanksgiving away from home, of course.”
“I’ll never understand women.”
“You don’t have to. They tell you what they want you to know.”
He shoots me disbelieving look. “Why do I think that’s bullshit?”
“It isn’t. They just want to know they’re appreciated. That’s why I didn’t buy a turkey. Not only because the last couple birds remaining in the store would have fed twenty people and I don’t want that many leftovers, but because why would I want us to be stuck in the kitchen when we’re free?”
“Am I going to have to watch a bunch of PDA?”
“Nah. Denny’s still quite private. As for Hailey and Pecan, I make no promises.”
“I heard about the kiss at Dopie’s.”
My lips quirk. “That couldn’t be helped.”
“Oh, really. Just fell on each other’s faces, did you?”
“That sounds about right. What can I say? She’s got a mouth I can’t stay away from.” When he grimaces, I ask, “You like anyone yet?”
I cut a look his way just in time to see his horrified expression.
“Isn’t this girl talk?”
“No, it’s guy talk. We’re talking about girls. But we’re guys.” I shake my head. “You sure you have brothers?”
“Three of them. All pains in my ass too.” He plucks at his seat belt.
“So, no one you like?”
He’s silent for so long I figure he’s not going to answer. But then, slowly, carefully, quietly, he mutters, “Thereissomeone. But she doesn’t seem to like me. Not…” He gestures and nearly whacks the steering wheel. “Like that.”
“Here? Or back at home?”
“Here.”
I pull a face. “That sucks.”
“Tell me about it.” He pushes his head into the rest. “I don’t have game.”
I think about how Denny’s eyes light up whenever she sees him. “That’s not true. Your game’s just different.”
“Oh?”
“Yeah. You’re the friend to lovers kinda guy?—”
“Tried that. I get friendzoned.”
My head whips to the side. “You tried it with Denny?”
