“So, you went home kinda suddenly?”

“Yeah, I had something to take care of,” she replied.

“Everything all right?”

“Yep.”

At least I tried.  She obviously didn’t want to talk about her trip home, and I couldn’t think of any other topic.  Besides, since she was the one who cut that conversation short, she was going to have to be the one to start up a new one.  I gave her a look that said as much, and she must have gotten the hint.

“So, how’s practice been going?”

“Pretty good,”  I replied. “ Karen has been a great fill-in.”

“Oh yeah, sorry about that.  I’ve just been kinda busy lately.  But since the tourney is only a few weeks away I suppose we should start practicing together.”

“So does that mean you’re not avoiding me anymore?”

“I wasn’t avoiding you,” she said so dismissively it was clearly a lie.  I‘d been waiting for an opportunity to shed some guilt ever since that blowup at the gym, so I took it.

“Ashley, I know you’ve been avoiding me…well, moreso than usual…and I know why.”

“You do?”

“Yeah. I’m sorry about that whole internet thing.” Apologizing to Ashley wasn’t as painful as I thought it would be. “ I’m sure it’s hard having your private life posted all over the Internet.”

“Oh…” she stammered,  “The article.  It’s okay.  You were just curious, everyone usually is.”

“Yeah, but it’s gotta be weird walking into your room and catching you roommate looking you up on the Internet.  Even if you are the Ashley Davies.”

The remark drew an unexpected laugh from her, which I couldn’t resist smiling at.

“Well, at least you’re finally acknowledging my legendary status.”

“You’re so full of yourself,” I replied, tossing a chip at her.   But she dodged it just in time.

“You dare throw a chip a the Ashley Davies,” she feigned surprise. 

“Yes, and I’ll empty out the bag if you don’t get serious.  I mean, are we cool on the whole Internet thing?”

“Yep, water under the bridge, as they say.  Just as long as you promise to stop Googling me from here on out.  It is a little stalkerish.”