Page 44 of Grumpy Darling

“Well?” Parker prompted with a grin.

“What are you doing back already?” I went to open the fridge, hoping if I just ignored his question, he’d stop asking it. By some miracle there was still leftover pizza from dinner last night. Probably because, with Paige here, a whole extra person, Mom had decided to order enough for an army.

“Matt’s was kind of lame tonight, and I was tired after the game,” Parker replied.

“Let me guess. You couldn’t convince some girl to make out with you?”

“I’m not an animal, Grumpson.”

That was debatable. I took a bite of cold pizza. I never trusted anyone who said it was better to reheat it.

“So, are you going to tell me what happened with Paige or not?”

Apparently, he couldn’t be derailed. I knew it was only a matter of time before he got it out of me. That didn’t make it any easier to utter the words aloud, and they came out low and muffled.

“I flirted with her, and now she wants me to teach her how.”

I held my breath and braced myself for my brother’s reaction, but he simply tilted his head. “What was that? I didn’t hear you.”

I couldn’t tell if he was messing with me, but he seemed honestly confused so I repeated myself a little louder. “I flirted with her, and now she wants me to teach her how.”

“Uh, I still didn’t quite catch that. You have to enunciate, Grayson.”

“I flirted with her and now I’m her flirting coach!” I didn’t quite yell, but I was close. It was lucky Paige was in the shower, because I really didn’t need her to overhear this conversation.

“What?” Parker stood there, almost frozen in place, but then erupted in fits of laughter.

“I’m not saying it again.”

He waved me away. “I mean, what the hell? How did that end up happening?”

Why was he still laughing? His reaction was so much worse than I’d anticipated, and my hands were balling at my sides.

“She struck out with Damien, and I was trying to make her feel better about herself,” I attempted to explain. “Apparently, I’m so good at flirting, she thinks I can show her how it’s done and then she’ll be able to get his attention.”

“Stop, stop.” Parker was still laughing, clutching his side with one hand and wiping away a stray tear with the other. “I swear, only you could mess this up so badly.”

“I’m glad my failure is so amusing to you.” I went to walk away but he grabbed my arm.

“No, don’t go. We need to figure this out.”

On the way home tonight, I’d been contemplating asking my brothers for help, but after Parker’s reaction, I didn’t think it was worth it.

“Wearen’t doing anything,” I said. “I’m still dealing with the fallout from the last time I listened to you and Reed. I should never have gone after her.”

“Look, this coaching thing isn’t exactly ideal, but I’m sure we can work with it.”

“Thanks, but I’ll figure it out on my own.”

“Come on, Gray. You don’t have to do this alone. I know I annoy the hell out of you, but I’ve always got your back. Let me help.”

I released a heavy breath. He did annoy the hell out of me. But he was also right about the Darling boys always looking out for each other. Parker seemed genuinely invested in my relationship with Paige, and to be honest, I needed all the help I could get.

I was saved from having to answer him immediately though, because right then the back door opened and Reed stepped inside. Stanley rushed over to greet him, and Reed all but got down on the floor to roll around with him. I swore our dog never wagged his tail that hard for me.

“You guys left early too?” Reed asked as he glanced up and realized Parker and I were both in the kitchen.

“I was bored,” Parker replied with a shrug.

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