Nice Guys Don't Win (The Boys #2) - Micalea Smeltzer Page 0,67

and teen Cole was, especially since his bedroom here is lacking so much personality.

He groans as he rises from his bed and flips the camera, giving me the grand tour complete with photos of family and friends, a giant stuffed teddy bear in the corner that he explains he’s had since he was a newborn and his mom would never let him get rid of, and lots of basketball trophies.

“I like it,” I say when he sits back down on his bed. “The Big Bird yellow walls are a nice touch.”

“Ugh,” he groans, pinching the bridge of his nose. “I was six when I picked it out and my mom would never let me change it because of the work and cost of paint even though I swore I’d take care of all of it.”

“Bold choice for a six-year-old.” I prop my phone up on the opposite pillow and curl my hands beneath my head.

“What can I say? I knew what I liked and canary yellow was it.” He leans back against his wooden headboard, crooking an arm. “It looked like you had a good time with your family today.”

After I left, I sent Cole a medley of photos much like he sent me.

“It was nicer than I expected.”

“I can see how hard you’re trying, Zo.”

“Thanks.” I exhale a weighted breath. “When are you getting home?”

God, I hope I don’t sound too eager for him to get back.

“My flight is Saturday afternoon. How are you fairing without me?” He grins, like he knows I’m lonely without his presence. “And without Teddy, of course?”

“What do you mean? He’s right here.” Something flashes in his eyes as I lift the covers, but leaves when I reveal the stuffed dog he got me. “See?”

“Right.” He clears his throat. “I’m glad stuffed Teddy is keeping you company.”

“And my Oreos.” I hold up the pack I stuffed under the pillow.

He chuckles, shaking his head. “You and your Oreos.”

“I love them.” With a mighty sigh at the horror, I add, “I’m going to have to find a new favorite soon. Such a shame. Red velvet was superior.”

“Apparently not superior enough for them to not retire it.”

I gasp. “You take that back.”

“Too late.”

We talk for a while longer before I start yawning uncontrollably and he tells me goodnight.

I sleep peacefully, dreaming of a life with Cole I haven’t dared to let myself even think about.

23

Cole

“Who’s the girl?” My head whips around in the direction of my mom.

We’re sitting in the family room drinking homemade hot chocolate with mini marshmallows. It was always my favorite growing up and she makes it every time I’m home.

“What girl?” I play stupid.

“Don’t play stupid with me, son.”

I shouldn’t be surprised she catches right on. My mom has always known things she shouldn’t. She misses nothing.

“Mom, there’s no girl.” I drink my hot chocolate, ignoring her gaze boring into the side of my head.

“Really? Then who did you sneak out onto the front porch to talk to yesterday? Mind you, it was freezing cold, and you didn’t even put a coat on. Could get sick, but it’s not like you’d listen to me anyway, since naturally as your mother I know nothing. Like I definitely don’t know that you were talking to someone on the phone in your room last night.”

“Mom—”

“I hope one day you have children, and they think you’re dumb too and don’t tell you a thing even when you know. A parent always knows.” She taps her forehead.

“It’s complicated.”

“Is she married?”

“No,” I snort.

“A criminal?”

“No.”

“Does she hate waffles?”

“Waffles?”

“Just making sure you’re paying attention. I don’t see the problem here.”

My hot chocolate tastes sour all of a sudden and I set it on the table beside me, careful to put the mug on the coaster so I don’t get reprimanded.

“I don’t want to get into it.” She stares at me, daring me to think I can get away with telling her next to nothing. “She’s my roommate. She replaced Teddy after he bailed, remember?”

“I remember, you just conveniently lying about your roommate. Is Zach even a real person? I see how it is.”

“Mom.”

“Go on.” She wiggles her fingers for me to continue, but the look in her eyes tells me I’ll have hell to pay later for straight up lying to her about my roommate situation.

“Anyway, she’s dealing with things. She had a crappy ex and she transferred to Aldridge to reconnect with her dad, and he happens to be my basketball coach.”

“Ooh.” She sits up straighter, smiling. “This is juicy.