Nice Guys Don't Win (The Boys #2) - Micalea Smeltzer Page 0,21
he mutters under his breath.
I don’t reply. There’s no point. I’m a liar and he’s right. We both know it. No need to confirm it.
Zoey grabs one of the boxes of Oreos and rips it open, snatching three cookies. “God, I love these. They’re not good for my ass, but I can’t seem to stop eating them.”
“Nothing’s wrong with your ass. Believe me.”
“Teddy.” I slap the back of his head. “Don’t say shit like that.”
“What? She has a nice ass. It’s a compliment. Did you guys get any orange juice?”
I blink at him in disbelief. “We’re talking about orange juice now?”
“Yeah, I want some. You get any?” He tries to peer at the groceries behind me.
“Sometimes I wonder how your brain works,” I mutter, passing him the bottle. He takes the top off and removes the seal, lifting it to his lips to drink straight from it. “Whoa, I don’t think so.” I swipe it back.
“Dude, are you the orange juice police?”
“I don’t want your backwash in it.”
“A little spit won’t kill you. Germs are good for you. Immunity and all that shit.”
I shake my head in disbelief, grabbing a glass and pouring some out. I hand the cup to him and recap the bottle. “There’s a difference between normal germs and yours.”
“I don’t have to take this abuse,” he scoffs, taking his glass with him over to the couch where he sits beside Zoey. “Protect me, Mom. Dad’s being mean.”
She giggles at his antics. “Aw, poor baby boy not allowed to drink from the carton. What a tragedy.”
“Truly. It’s a crime. Don’t tell Cole but you’re my new best friend.”
“I’m right here!” I toss my hands up. “I can hear you. Besides, since when have we been best friends?”
“Since Mascen ditched us for Rory. We were the three best friends anyone could have, but now we’re just two bros chillin’ in the hot tub five feet apart cuz we’re not gay.”
“Wow, you managed to get two references in there. That’s impressive.”
He bows from his seated position. “It’s a talent, I know. Hold your applause.”
Zoey laughs, and fuck if that sound doesn’t stir something inside me. I tamp it down, focusing back on the remaining groceries that need to be put away.
“So,” Teddy continues, I swear the guy could carry on a conversation with an inanimate object, “Mom, Dad, can we watch a movie? I vote for the classic two-thousand-and-two film Ice Age. It’s a cinematic masterpiece and Sid, oh dear sweet, confused Sid, is my spirit animal.”
“Should I give you a baby to take care of?”
“Fuck no, don’t even put that juju out there, dude.” He wipes his body off like he’s trying to rid himself of said juju. “I always wrap it before I tap it. I’m not ready for any Teddy Juniors running around.”
“We could give you a sack of flour to pretend with.”
“Does this mean you don’t want to watch Ice Age? ‘Isn’t there anyone who cares about Sid the sloth?’” He taps his chest, and adds, “Besides me, of course.”
I stare at him, my mouth half-open. “Is your brain full of useless information like that, that you just pull out when you feel like it?”
He points at me. “You say useless, I say useful. Tomato, potato.”
Zoey bursts into laughter, shaking her dead. “Come on, honey, can we keep him? I’ve always wanted a dog.”
“Don’t entertain his insanity. We’ll never get rid of him.”
“Hey!” he protests.
I continue on, undeterred. “He’s like a stray cat, you feed it once and it adopts you.”
He crosses his arms over his chest. “Cat? More like a panther. Or a lion. Or a tiger. I’m no house cat.”
“No, you’re a puppy.” Zoey musses his hair again.
I throw my hands up. “Put the damn movie on.”
Like an eager five-year-old Teddy excitedly gets the movie going.
“You want anything?” I ask Zoey, pointing to the fridge.
“Nah, I’m good.”
Teddy settles on the couch beside her and I give him a warning glare, pointing my finger. “No funny business.”
He mock-gasps. “I’m a gentleman.”
Mhmm, sure he is.
“I can’t believe we’re watching this.”
“Shh,” Teddy hushes me.
Zoey giggles, her eyes glittering with happiness when they connect with mine. I let out a small laugh too.
Sure, there are plenty of other things we could be doing on a Saturday afternoon as college kids, but I guess this isn’t so bad.
10
Zoey
I wake up in the middle of the night, pain spasming in my abdomen.
Oh no.
“Oh no, oh no, oh no,” I chant turning the light on.