Page 19 of Stand and Defend

Jordan: How can you be bored?You just finished a game.

Me: You watched it?

Jordan: I caught the last half. Kapucik did great on that power play.

Me: And . . .

If she saw the last half, then she saw the two goals I made.

Jordan:. . .

Me: What about me?

Jordan: What about you?

Me: Okay. I see how it is.

Erica snuggles closer. “It’s really crowded here,” she says. It’s not that crowded. I retract my arm from behind her and lean forward so I can text easier.

Jordan: Sorry. Kinda having a bad day.

Me: Bryan?

Jordan: Everything.

I crane my head forward to glance outside. Clear skies. Temps are nice...

Me: Want something to take your mind off it?

Jordan: You’re not my type.

Me: I got my bike back from the shop and am going for a ride. Wanna join?

Me: And btwI’m everybody’s type.

Jordan: Bike like bicycle or motorcycle?

Me: It’s a Ducati

Me: (motorcycle)

Jordan: I know what a Ducati is.

Me: So you wanna go for a ride, smartass?

I bet Jordan would make a good backpack. Maybe she rides, pretty sure her dad has bikes. My foot taps while I wait for her response, but this time there are no dancing dots at the bottom of the screen.

I wait.

And wait.

After a couple minutes of radio silence, I assume she’s not interested.Oh well.I’m about to stuff my phone in my pocket when it vibrates again.

Jordan: Are you a safe rider?

Me: The safest.

Well, I am when I ride two-up. My last beer was washed down with half a pizza.