6

Austin: You kissed the glass.

Gio: You made the sign! We had a deal.

Austin: For HIM not for you!

Gio: Okay that makes no sense—because I am him. Ha ha.

Austin: This isn’t funny. I’m horrified. The entire place was staring at me like I was part of the halftime show.

Gio: You’re welcome! Don’t think I didn’t see you smiling.

Austin: Why were you watching me, you had a GAME TO PLAY!

Gio: Obviously you’re good luck. I didn’t play like total shit this time. Coach thanks you.

Austin: You’re not funny.

Gio: You’re overthinking this. Besides, you’re texting me, so I can’t be that bad.

Austin: I’m texting you because I need answers.

Gio: Answers about what?

Austin: YOU LIED TO ME ABOUT WHO YOU WERE!

Gio: Not technically. I told you my name and you have my phone number—not many people can say that.

Austin: Not the point.

Gio: Actually that IS the point.

Austin: The point is, you conveniently left out the part where I’d been insulting you to your face.

Gio: Didn’t think it was relevant.

Austin: Not relevant? Are you kidding me right now????

Gio: What—you wouldn’t have insulted me if you knew?

Austin: Of course not! I’m not an asshole!

Gio: I liked that you don’t hold back. It was… refreshing.

Austin: Refreshing?

Gio: Yes. Most people kiss my ass. You didn’t. It was a nice change.

Austin: I can’t tell if this is some twisted ego thing or if you’re insane???

Gio: Why can’t it be both?

Austin: Oh my od! You are twisted.

Gio: Some call it twisted, I call it flirting.

Austin: Is this how you pick up ALL women?

Gio: No. LOL. It’s been a long time since I tried to hit on someone.

Austin: Oh REALLY? And why is that? Enlighten me.

Gio: My relationship with my sister sometimes suffers—I’ve chosen the wrong women in the past. Or they’ve chosen me I should say. And I told myself I wouldn’t date women who see dollar signs when they look at me…

Gio: Hence, it’s been a long fucking time since I’ve dated.

Austin: I… am so sorry. I don’t know what to say. I…

Gio: There’s a reason I was at the bar—that wasn’t a coincidence.

Austin: What do you mean?

Gio: Nova told me about you.

Austin: Nova? Your sister? I don’t understand.

Gio: Yeah. She met you last week, during the game you watched at the bar.

Austin: Last week at the bar….

Gio: The dark haired chick who was laughing at everything you said? We live in your neighborhood. I’ve gotten pretty good at spotting the red flags but every once in a while, Nova likes to play matchmaker and I’m keen to let her.

Austin: So, she scouted me for you?

Gio: More like gave me a heads-up. I’m not on any dating apps. You impressed her.

Austin: I can’t tell if I should be flattered—or if this is stalking.

Gio: Flattered. Definitely flattered. NOT STALKING good god.

Austin: Easy for YOU to say that’s not what this is—you had all the info going in. I was taken off guard.

Gio: It’s not like I knew your life story. All Nova said was “She’s funny and unrelenting and doesn’t put up with crap. Maybe you need someone like that.”

Austin: … Still deciding how I feel about this.

Gio: Well. Take your time. My goal was to make you happy with the tickets and I did, so—maybe I’ll see you around. You know, since we’re mostly in the same neighborhood.

Austin: Wait. Are you breaking up with me??

Gio: I’m giving you space LOL