Page 37 of Stand and Defend

Me: How do you take your coffee anyway?

Jordan: Same way I take my men.

Down your throat?

Me: Oh?

Jordan: Ground up and in the freezer.

Me: Bullshit. You’ve never frozen coffee in your life.

Jordan: But I have ground it up . . .

Me: Remind me to never be an asshole to you.

Jordan: You’re already an asshole. Besides, you’re supposed to be practicing.

I switch back to the surveillance app,I’m an asshole, after all, and observe her smiling and leaning against the wall next to the built-in coffee system. She’s a vision in lime and black spandex.

Me: I took the last chocolate protein bar. Told Jonesy to fuck off when he asked to trade for peanut butter.

It looks like she’s laughing, and I smile.

Jordan: Sounds like you’re going to make a full recovery.

Me: Thanks doc.

Jordan: You’re welcome.

The conversation is over. Let it go.

Me: Is there anything you need before I get back?

Jordan: I think I can manage on my own until Sunday.

Me: You really are low maintenance, huh?

Jordan: More like I handle my own maintenance.

I chuckle.

Me: Can I watch?

Jordan: You’re still not my type.

Me: I’m everyone’s type.

Jordan: After the game you might want to consider finding a woman to help take the edge off your testosterone before you fly home.

The smile on my face fades.Shit.I’m flirting with her. I have four women I could hook up with in Arizona, plus an inbox full of DMs looking for a chance, but the thought of rando-sex doesn’t excite me. I’d see a doctor about it except... I’m half hard. It’s not an equipment issue, it’s a Jordan issue. I gotta nip this in the bud, or I’ll never get laid again.

Me: I’ll be sure to find some women to keep me occupied tonight. Don’t worry.

I resist looking back at the cameras to see her expression. Either she’ll smile and I’ll feel dejected or she’ll frown and I’ll feel like a jerk.

Jordan: Atta boy.

Jordan: Good luck tonight!