“There’s going to be plenty of house calls tonight,” Jack shouted back. He pushed off and rode across the street. He was eager to get out on the court.

Jack hesitated on his stoop while debating whether he’d cab to Laurie’s later or take his bike. He knew he’d prefer to bike, yet he wanted to humor Laurie. While he was arguing with himself over the issue he happened to notice another cyclist emerge from the darkening park. The only reason the man caught Jack’s eye was that he seemed to be stumbling, as if exhausted or hurt.

Jack watched the man for a moment to make sure he didn’t need assistance. But it was soon apparent he didn’t. He took out a cell phone and made a call while pressing the button to make the traffic light change.

Having decided to cab to Laurie’s, Jack hoisted his beloved bike to his shoulder and entered his building. In his haste he took the stairs two at a time. After keying open his apartment door, he rolled his bike inside and leaned it up against the wall. Without even taking the time to close the door to the hall, he rushed into his bedroom, removing his work clothes en route.

To his frustration, it took Jack a few minutes to locate his basketball gear. When he finally did, he dressed quickly. The finishing touches were a dark blue Nike headband and an old hooded sweatshirt. He then ran into the kitchen to grab a quick drink of water. Then the wall phone rang.

Jack debated whether to answer. His first thought was to let the answering machine get it, but then he remembered that he got few calls at home other than from Laurie. Thinking it might be her, he picked it up.

“Hello,” he said briskly, but there was no response. He said hello several times. What he heard was just what he’d heard through the receiver at the office, down to the sound of rushing water and even a distant automobile horn. Disgusted, Jack hung up.

He got only a few steps out of the kitchen when the phone rang again. On the off chance there had been a mechanical problem, he went back and picked it up again. He was glad he did. It was Laurie.

“Did you just try to call me two seconds ago?” Jack asked.

“No,” Laurie said. “Did your phone ring?”

“It’s not important,” Jack said. “What’s up? I’m just on my way out to play B-ball.”

“I know better than trying to keep you from that,” Laurie teased. “I just wanted to let you know that it’s going to be just you and me tonight. Lou can’t make it.”

“His loss, my gain,” Jack said.