Delete.
Ash
Would you be interested in coming by the rink to meet the rest of the team? It could give you an idea about the vibe among the guys. You said you didn’t know much about hockey.
My finger is nearly touching the screen, and I’ve almost decided to delete this message and try again when my finger accidentally brushes the ‘Send’ button.
And now it’s on its way. Fuck.
I stare at the phone, TV show forgotten, as I wait to see what happens. It’s almost a minute before the app indicates the message has been seen, and I hold my breath, watching for the three dots that show the doc is typing. They stop, and when I don’t see them after a minute, I force myself to put the phone down.
I wasn’t sure how the invitation would be received, and now I worry the doc is reading into it. But this is all business. If meeting the guys gives her insight into why I react to trash talk the way I do, then let her come.
It’s almost twenty minutes before my phone finally pings with an incoming text.
Gray
I can come if you think it will help.
It’s not an enthusiastic acceptance, but neither was my invitation.
Ash
I’m not sure it will, but one of my teammates thought it might, so I figured it couldn’t hurt.
A pause before the dots bounce again.
Gray
When were you thinking?
Ash
The season starts next week, and we’re away for the first two games. How about when we get back?
Gray
Sounds good.
I wonder if I should text her back with an exact day and time, but the dots bounce again, and I wait to see what she’s typing.
Gray
Am I still coming by your place on Sunday?
Ash
Yeah that works.
A pause before the dots appear again.
Gray
Have you been doing your homework?
I smile. Her tone seems playful, and I decide to be a smartass.
Ash
