Page 53 of Shy Girls Can't Fake Date

“It was just the car that got damaged,” I pipe up. “There were no other people around, and he didn’t get hurt.”

“Kikki, that’s my point,” Dad replies. “Imagine if anyone was on that crosswalk. What that boy did was immensely dangerous.”

“Well, I’m driving Lewis tomorrow,” Parker says. “There’s no way he’s getting behind the wheel. Plus, my parents make me drive around my brothers all the time. They have plenty of faith in me.”

Before the conversation can continue, Brandy barks to be let inside.

“Brandy’s calling out for attention,” Mom says, walking out of the kitchen.

“We forgot about her when you kids came home,” Dad says, his shoulders jiggling in a silent laugh. “I’m surprised she didn’t revolt sooner. It’s the longest she’s been outside in ages.”

“We have a very spoiled dog,” I tell Parker.

“You have a dog?” Parker says, straining his neck to view the doorway.

Brandy scampers into the kitchen, bounding toward my stool. “Hey girl,” I say, scratching behind her ear.

I turn to Parker to introduce them, and find him with a lowered chin and mouth ajar.

“Are you okay?” I ask. “Do you not like dogs?”

Parker slips off the stool and pats Brandy. “No, I love them. She just looks so much like my dog.”

“You have a retriever?” Mom asks with a happy grin.

“Had,” Parker replies. “He died a few months ago.”

Mom and Dad awe with condolences.

There’s a pain in my chest as I whisper, “I’m sorry, Parker.”

His smile is small as he keeps his eyes on Brandy. “It’s okay. The vet did all he could.”

“Doesn’t make it any easier,” Dad says.

Parker looks up and nods with appreciation. “No, it doesn’t.”

Brandy barks and jumps on her hind legs for attention.

Parker laughs, scratching her back as she lands back on all four feet. “Were we not paying enough attention to you, girl?”

My lips pout, watching the melancholy in his eyes as he’s reminded of his dog. “Maybe you can help me walk her sometime?”

“Really?”

I nod with a heartfelt smile.

He grins at me. “Okay, sweet.”

“Is your family looking to get another dog?” Dad asks.

“Eventually,” Parker replies. “It just seems too soon.”

“I get that,” I say, running Brandy’s floppy ear between my fingers. “Would you get another retriever?”

“Definitely. I couldn’t imagine having a different breed. My mom...” He pauses and his Adam’s apple bobs as he searches for the words.

“Yes, son?” Dad prompts him. “Your mom?”

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