Back in his hotel room, Chris was sitting on the couch holding his cell phone and staring intently at it.
"Watched pot never boils." commented Chris Irvine from his place by the window.
"Huh?"
"Staring at it won't make it ring." he explained, having wormed the whole story out of his friend and knowing the reason for his anxiety. "I'm sure she's fine."
"I hope so. But even if she is, I've really screwed up ....."
"Listen, man, she kissed you back - that's usually a good sign!"
"Then I couldn't see her for dust - that's usually not!" he sighed, "And what about her boyfriend? She's moved on and I've got no right to come swanning back here, messing up her life. She was upset, I shouldn't have taken advantage of that ....."
"So she was upset - who upset her? Her so-called boyfriend, that's who!" announced Irvine triumphantly. "Didn't you say she told you it was practically over?"
"Not in so many words ....."
"Whatever. Look, if she's gonna ring, she'll ring. If she's not, it doesn't mean she's had an accident - it just means, um ..... she doesn't want to talk to you." he tried, trailing off awkwardly.
"Gee thanks, don't know what I'd do without you to cheer me up." said Chris sarcastically.
"You have to put this out of your mind. A lot of us are going out tonight ....."
"Oh no, not after last time!" protested Chris immediately.
"Aww, c'mon, it'll be fun! You remember fun, don't you? You have to come show us your home town. Drew's coming, and Terry, and Amy and Matt, and Jeff, and Dwayne, Scott, Nora, Paul and Steph ..... everyone's coming and I'm not going to stop annoying you until you give in!" enthused Irvine with a grin.
"What's new?" groaned Chris. "I'm really not in the mood, Chris. I wouldn't be good company."
"What's new?" shot back Irvine, "I'm kidding! I'm kidding! What are you gonna do if you don't - sit here and mope? I don't think so - you're coming should I have to drag you!"
"Fine." grumbled Chris, more in a last ditch attempt for some peace than anything else.
"Such enthusiasm - don't get carried away!" grinned Irvine.
*****