Narrating: I talk to her, crack a few jokes, and she warms to the idea of meeting up, but I really don’t understand the hesitation. I’m not trying to pressure anyone, but I feel like I’ve been pretty patient. I’d like to meet up to see if this has a future. As a peace offering, I volunteer to meet about 10 minutes from her house, 45 minutes from mine. If she’s hesitant, I want this to be easy for her. To let her know I’m not a bad guy. She tells me she’ll be in a pickup shortly before I see it pulling into the parking lot of Batt’s Pub.

Narrating: I give her a hug, when I notice out of the corner of my eye that Jessica’s mom has opened the door and stepped outside. I quickly turn to greet her too.

Hi! Nice to meet you, I’m assuming you’re...J…

Narrating: I’m met with the scowl of a middle-aged Latina that could probably kick my ass with one arm behind her back.

Oh, you’re...gonna have another. Cool. Cool cool. (Awkward pause) Is anyone gonna ask if I - no? Okay I’ll just...just have another beer.