Page 66 of Single Teddy
“Don’t shoot me for telling the truth. You might as well drop your pants and start stomping on them because you’re acting like they’re on fire.”
“Dammit,” he huffed. “I thought I was hiding it better.”
I reached for my friend and squeezed his shoulder with all my strength, hoping it would shake some sanity in him.
“Parker, and I say this with all the love and respect I have for you, but if you’re cheating on Hwan, I’m going to knock your teeth clean out.”
“Cheating!” Parker gasped. “What the fuck are you talking about? I’m not cheating on Hwan. I’d never!”
I let go of him, humming approvingly.
“That’s good to hear. But why are you acting as if you are?” I glanced at his phone, and he followed my gaze.
“Oh okay. But you have to promise not to say anything.”
I raised an eyebrow. “Not to say anything about what?”
He checked the coast was still clear and then took a deep breath before he said: “I’m just trying to pick a damn ring and I’mterrible at this sort of thing, so I’m asking Autumn and Halmeoni for help.”
“You what?” I exclaimed. “You’re going to propose?”
He didn’t even have to say anything else to convince me because I believed him. Those two were so in love it was sickening, but in the sweet kind of way. So it was no surprise.
“Yep.” He smiled.
“When?”
“Halloween. Milo and Carson’s party,” he said.
Milo was the other employee of Bubble Bubble and Carson was his boyfriend and the owner of Carson’s Grill. I hadn’t worked much with Milo because we worked opposite shifts, but he had invited me to his big Halloween bash.
“Well, that is if I manage to find a ring that’s good enough.”
“I’m sure you’ll find something. If Autumn doesn’t help, Hwan’s halmeoni will. She’s his grandma after all. She knows what he likes.”
“Yeah, so do I, but it’s not making it easier. It has to be perfect for him. I won’t accept anything less.”
I didn’t say anything, just smiled, and after a moment, Parker did too.
“What?” he asked.
“Nothing. I just…you seem happy. And I’m happy for you guys. Congratulations, man.”
“Thanks.” Parker put his phone away, and I patted his arm. “I’m the happiest I’ve ever been. Even if it doesn’t always show.”
I chuckled. “Well, you do have a resting grump face. That’s not your fault.”
“That’s what I’ve been saying!” He laughed. “Anyway, I better go back out there, or he’ll really think we’re making out.”
Just before he opened the door, I opened my mouth to say something, but hesitated.
“Everything okay?” Parker turned around and asked.
I pressed my lips together and sighed. “Nothing, I…I just…I was wondering. Did you always know that you liked guys?”
Parker cocked his head and came closer again. “Why?”
I shrugged. “Because you were engaged to a woman, weren’t you? And Azrael was a player. I’m just wondering if…you always knew, or…?”
