Page 42 of Third and Ten

Ugh.

I was terrible at this stuff as a teenager, and it seems like I’ve only gotten worse as an adult.

I take my time with my next patient and walk myself through a few different scenarios before deciding to stick to the truth. Or to what I think should be the truth, anyway.

Tenley

Okay, he may have flirted with me before, and I do think he’s a great guy. But I’m not really looking to get involved with anyone right now.

Loren

Right. Gotcha. Well, I just thought I’d put it out there, you know, since we’re going to be besties again and all.

Tenley

Look at you, already pulling your weight, friend.

Unfortunately, work’s getting busy. Talk later?

Loren

*thumbs up emoji*

Then I put my phone away and resolve to focus on work without sparing any thoughts of JD or our situation. But by the time I make it to lunch, the combination of guilt, anxiety, and curiosity is eating me alive. I’m sure I’ll regret this offer later, but I did make a promise to Ethan. And it is his birthday. I reluctantly search for JD’s name in my contacts and start a new text thread.

Tenley

Hey, thanks again for helping with the flat tire the other night. I also want to apologize for what I said. I was only trying to get E to leave us both alone, but I could have made my point without attacking your character. I’m sorry.

I linger over the button for a second before tapping send. He deserves an explanation after the offensive comments he overheard. After all, he really has been nothing but kind to my entire family, and I shouldn’t be in danger of leading him on by showing him some common courtesy. Hopefully JD will accept my apology and allow this whole dinner-invitation thing to go over smoothly, and we can all share a completely platonic meal as mature adults. I chew my lip as three dots appear, signaling his incoming reply.

JD

No worries.

Who dis, anyway?

My jaw falls open while I sit in shock. Then those little dots pop up again.

JD

I’m kidding. But I am pleasantly surprised you saved my number in your phone, since you can’t stand overly flirty guys like me. *smirking face emoji*

I smile, mirroring the emoji at the end of his reply. He would try to diffuse the situation with humor (and maybe even a little more of that flirting that I’ve been pretending to hate).

Tenley

Ha ha. I guess I deserved that…

Anyway, I was wondering if you wanted to come over later for Ethan’s birthday dinner. I still owe you a home-cooked meal, and he’d really like it if you could join us.

JD

*confused face selfie*

Are you sure you have the right number? This is JD, btw.

Tenley

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