Page 7 of The Proximity Factor

“Say that ten times fast,” I teased. “So, it’s a video game?” I surmised.

“For lack of a better term,” Ethan responded.

“Well, I had no idea he designed video games.” I had to say, Parker and his friends were blowing the stereotype I had about grown men getting together to play video games or MMORPGXYZs. These were a far cry from the men who live in their mamas’ basements and work at the Piggly Wiggly. It reminded me I shouldn’t judge people. Especially since I don’t want to be judged only by my appearance, or the fact that I’m a cheer coach and PE teacher.

Javon, Ethan, and Pete all looked at their friend, wondering why he’d never mentioned it.

I guess he didn’t tell them what a jerk he’d been by ignoring me.

Parker shrugged. “I didn’t think she would be interested,” he answered the question in his friends’ eyes. More like, he lied to them.

“Oh, but I am interested, darlin’.”

Parker narrowed his eyes at me, not appreciating my terms of endearment one bit. He pressed his lips together, holding back a tongue-lashing, from the look in his unnaturally popping eyes.

“Do you want to join us?” Ethan asked.

“I’d love to,” I sang, never taking my eyes off Parker.

“I don’t have an extra console or monitor,” Parker spat.

“That’s okay, I’ll just watch. I can’t wait to see what you’ve cooked up.”

“I’ll grab you a chair,” Ethan offered. “You can sit by me.”

“Aren’t you the sweetest?” I winked at Ethan. “I’m going to go freshen up real quick, and then I’m going to make you boys a charcuterie board and get you some drinks.”

“That’s not necessary,” Parker gritted out.

“Of course it is, darlin’. What kind of hostess would I be if I didn’t take care of our guests? I just wish you had told me earlier. Then I could have ordered those his-and-hers monogrammed hand towels for the bathroom like we talked about. Now our guests will just have to use what we have. Have you decided on what color we should get? I was thinking peach, but it shows so much dirt.” I smirked my smirkiest smirk, enjoying myself way too much.

Meanwhile, Parker closed his eyes and clenched his fists like he was going to lose it. His friends seemed to enjoy the show, grinning from ear to ear, their heads ping-ponging between us.

I flitted off, waving as I went. “I’ll be right back. Don’t do anything fun without me.”

Take that, Parker Remington. I’m done being ignored.

IT DIDN’T TAKE ME LONG to return, wearing some cutoffs and an old college tee. I brought with me a neatly arranged charcuterie board filled with nuts, fruits, meats, cheeses, and olives. That’s just how I rolled.

All of Parker’s friends stood when I came back. They were each wearing headsets with microphones, like they were mission control. I admit it was a little weird for me to see grown men like that, but I did love their manners. It was obvious that someone had raised them right, unlike Parker, who sat at his monitor, breathing loudly with his nostrils flaring.

“Y’all are too sweet.” I waved for them to sit down. “I hope you enjoy the food. Also, I called for some pizza too. I know you men need more than girly food.” At least that’s what my brother called it.

As soon as I set the board down between Javon and Pete, they dove in.

“This is great.” Pete grabbed some meat and cheese.

“My wife would love you,” Javon said.

“I would love to meet her.”

Parker growled like a rabid dog.

I paid him no attention. “Maybe we could all get together for a barbecue or something. Of course, I would love to meet your babies too.” I love kids. I wanted some of my own one day. Sooner rather than later, if possible.

“We’re actually having a barbecue after the big game on Saturday,” Pete said.

“Big game?”

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