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“Then, who? The Swedes you play tomorrow? I didn’t know they were coming to town.”

“Yes, that’s who I was talking about,” Aspen replied sarcastically. “I guess I’ll just watch you three have dinner on your patio from my own backyard;.”

“That sounds sad, Aspen. You can stop by for dessert, at least,” she joked.

Aspen laughed again, and Kendra really missed her.

“Maybe I can be there, too… with the Swedes. I could bring merlot or an appetizer or something.”

“You could just bring yourself,” Kendra suggested.

“What about the Swedes?”

“I imagine they’ll be just fine back in Sweden.”

“So, no wine?”

“You could bring the wine, too, if you want, but it’s not a requirement.”

“When are you back from Portland?”

“Before you get back to LA.”

“Can we do something when I get home, then?”

“Are you going to wake me up at five in the morning bouncing that ball on that box thing?”

“No, but I might wake you up at seven.”

“Then, maybe you can come over, and we can do something,” Kendra smirked at no one.

“I’ll make it eight in the morning, then. If I do that, can I change that maybe to a yes?”

“I’ll consider it,” she said, smiling now.

“Well, if I win tomorrow and make it eight, can I change the maybe to a yes?”

“Just win tomorrow, Aspen. We’ll see about that yes when you get home.”

“Okay. I’ll do that, then,” Aspen replied.

“Good.” She yawned and tried her best to cover it up.

“You’re tired,” Aspen said.

“Yes,” she admitted. “But I can stay up if you want to keep talking.”

“I should let you go. DJ will be back soon with food.”

“Oh, okay,” Kendra replied.

“But I wish you were here… covering the event. We could be in the same room right now.”

“I wish I were there, too. Will you please be careful with your ankle?”

“I will. Will you please have a safe flight tomorrow?”

“That’s up to the pilot, but I’ll do what I can.”