Page 4 of My Grumpy Boss
We’re silent as we both ponder how to win over a girl. Carter isn’t the right person to help me with this. He’s always been single. Neither of us has any idea how to flirt or date.
I’ve been trying to figure out a solution for ten months without success. I doubt tonight will be any different, but it doesn’t stop me from trying.
“Sometimes I think she wants me too,” I admit.
“Okay, that’s promising, right?”
“I think she’s playing mind games with me.”
“What do you mean?”
“Every time I stop scowling, she looks a little smug. Triumphant. Like she’s scored a point.”
“That’s insane.”
“It’s true! It’s hard to explain. I just… I don’t know. Sometimes I get the feeling she’s as obsessed with me as I am with her.”
“Or you’re just seeing what you want to see.”
“I’m not. I’ve spent fucking months watching her, studying every micro-expression, every movement.”
“Okay, now you’re giving me stalker vibes.”
“Fuck off, Carter.” I pause. “I’m not imagining it. She blushed when she looked at me earlier.”
“Whoa, the girlblushed? Did she fan herself with her hand too?” he asks sarcastically.
I scrub a hand down my face. “Shut up.”
“Why don’t you just, and stay here with me,” Carter says sarcastically. “Why don’t you just try to be friendly to her?”
“Fuck you,” I say, but there’s no heat behind the words.
“Yeah, the opposite of that,” he says.
Maybe he’s right. I could try to be nice to Hazel.
“So, I should smile at her and shit?”
Carter cracks up. “Yeah, man. I’ve heard that women like that.”
“Huh,” I grunt, like this is revolutionary information.
He laughs harder. “Couldn’t hurt to try, right?”
I rest my head against the couch cushions. “It might.”
“Well, give it a shot and let me know how it goes.”
“Will do.” I clear my throat. “What have you been doing lately?”
“Some security work. Fixed up the wood shed. Got groceries.”
“You need to get a life.”
“I’m not taking advice from Mr. Workaholic.”
“Smart,” I reply.
