Page 93 of On His Team

“No.”

“You’ve checked your phone three times.”

“Are you counting?”

“Yeah.”

I put it away again.

At Hawthorne, I get through lunch, half an hour of film, and twenty minutes on the couch before my phone buzzes.

I grab it fast enough that Stanley looks over.

I don’t care.

Gianna: I have decided yesterday didn’t happen.

I stare at the message and grin.

Me: Okay.

The typing bubble appears immediately.

Gianna: You are such a dick.

Me: Sure.

Gianna: I hate you.

Me: That didn’t last long.

Nothing for a few seconds.

Gianna: I walked directly into that one.

I lean back into the couch.

Gianna: Are you leaving tomorrow?

Me: Afternoon.

Gianna: Ohio?

Me: Yeah.

Gianna: Good luck.

I look at that longer than I need to.

Me: Thanks, G.

I put the phone down, then pick it back up again.

Me: Coming over tonight?

Her answer takes maybe twenty seconds.

Gianna: Why?