I double texted her. I’m still a novice when it comes to electronic etiquette, but I’m pretty sure there are strict rules about bombarding someone off the bat.

Cool. Five seconds in and I’ve already messed up. That’s probably a world record.

I click my phone closed and turn the screen over. Out of sight, out of mind. Whenever RB decides to answer, I don’t want to be overzealous to respond. Before I can walk out of the kitchen and put on my running clothes to distract myself, the phone dings. I stare at the blasted thing for eight seconds before snatching it up and reading the response waiting for me.

Not overzealous, my ass.

RB: Hi. That might be the most interesting first message I’ve ever received.

RB: I’m going to go out on a limb and guess this is JD?

RB: And if it’s not… This is awkward.

I exhale, rolling my shoulders back and shaking out my limbs.

You can do this, Dawson. It’s a simple, easy talk with a friend. Pretend it’s one of the guys.

JD: Guilty! I’m not ashamed to admit I used Google to find a unique line.

JD: I can’t take all the credit for that gem. It comes at the hands of some reddit user named w0m@nwhisp3r3r69.

JD: In hindsight, he probably wasn’t the best person to take advice from with that as a username.

RB: Honestly, it worked pretty well.

RB: Are we each bringing two? I get two and you get two? Or is it two total?

RB: That will dictate my answer.

JD: You’re a smart one.

RB: Consider me investigative.

RB: I like to have all the facts before I proceed.

JD: We each get two. Ladies first.

RB: This might be the most difficult part of my day, and that’s saying something.

RB: Give me a minute. I want to do this correctly.

JD: Please. Take all the time you need.

RB: I’m going to pick Flamin’ Hot Cheetos. So worth the heartburn after.

RB: Then I’ll have to go with Zebra Cakes. Takes me back to my childhood.

RB: My mom used to put one in my lunchbox every day. A Zebra Cake and a pizza Lunchable? Those were the good ole days.

JD: Hang on.

JD: For clarification purposes, did you grow up in a Little Debbie factory?

RB: Ah, the rival actually. Hostess.

RB: What about you?

I grin at her answer.

Sarcastic.

Funny.

Quick to retaliate with a joke of her own.

I like it.

I like it a lot.

One of my favorite traits in a woman is humor. Right off the bat, I’m sucked in.

JD: Great choices.

JD: I would pick Combos. And peanut M&Ms.

RB: I’m intrigued by this picnic we’ve planned. What kind of music are we going to listen to?