With his cocky grin imprinted on my brain, I close the door and rush to my son.

12

JOEL

After an early evening practice, I shower and then head down to the theater room. Sunday night is movie night with the roommates and I’m looking forward to a night of Tom Cruise and chilling.

“Which Cruise feature film are we watching tonight?” I ask Z as I plop down in the front row with my phone and take the soda he passes my way.

“The Mummy.”

I give him a head bob. Don’t really care about the movie tonight. Tired as shit and just want to relax.

Bless enters the room. Bless is Blair and Wes. It’s their couple name and it’s way cooler a name than they deserve, but I came up with it, so no one should be surprised it’s baller.

Makes me think of what kind of couple name Katrina and I could have.

Katel. No.

Jina. Fuck no.

Man, based on possible couple names we’re not looking good. Scratch that, based on everything we’re not looking good. I don’t do relationships. And a kid? That really threw me. Was not expecting that. Makes sense now, though, her hesitation, why I haven’t seen her around at parties.

Me: Everything turn out okay?

Kitty: Yes. Thanks for getting my car to my apartment. You didn’t have to do that.

Me: Sure I did. I needed to further impress you with my chivalry.

Kitty: Two points.

Me: Shit. I don’t even get three for that? That seems three-point worthy.

Once Nathan joins, we start the movie, but I’m not paying any attention to Tom. I’ll have to google the synopsis and quotes later so I can be prepared should Z quiz me on it. Guy is serious about his Tom Cruise.

Kitty: Fine. Three points.

Me: Any particular reason you didn’t tell me you had a kid?

Kitty: You didn’t ask?

I chuckle quietly, not because it’s funny, but because I can almost hear the way she says it all sweet and innocent like. Nathan glares at me, but I just flip him off.

Me: Well let’s just cover the basics right now then, shall we?

Me: Got any other kids?

Me: Ever been arrested?

Me: Favorite movie? This one is the most important, obviously.

My fingers itch to ask about the father of her son, but it’s none of my business and it doesn’t even matter. As long as she’s single, that’s the only thing I should care about.

Kitty: No, just the one. His name is Christian and he’s three. No arrests or criminal record. And I can’t possibly pick just one favorite. What’s yours?

Me: Bond – the new ones. Casino Royale is my favorite.

Kitty: I guess if I have to pick, I’ll say The Fault in Our Stars.

Me: So, really, why not tell me about him before when you were making excuses to wash your hair and binge watch Saved by the Bell.