“Whatever, I’m so not a stalker.”

“But you were curious.”

“Yeah, I guess,” I said, a bit uncertain.

“Why?”

“Some of the girls were just talking about it, and I wanted to see if it was true.”

She stared at me thoughtfully for a moment, before answering.

“I don’t think much truth can be found on celebrity gossip sites.  The media, or the paparazzi, or whatever you want to call it, tends to see meaning in things when there is none, just to get a story out of it.  Believe me, I’ve spent my entire life with a camera pointed in my face and I can tell you 90 percent of the things they write either are completely false or exaggerated.”

“I could see that…if they didn’t have video to go along with it.”

“I don’t know if I should be flattered that you were interested enough to watch the video,” she said smiling, “or afraid now that you have more ammunition to use against me. “

“Oh, don’t worry,” I said matching her amused look,  “ I don’t need TMZ for ammunition, I already have enough.”

“So,  I should be flattered then?”

“Definitely not.  Interest and curiosity or two very different things.”

“I guess I could see that if I didn’t know you can’t be curious about something unless you’re interested in it. “

I rolled my eyes in exasperation.  “Now, I see why we don’t speak to each other.  Talking to you is a little frustrating.”

“Ok, then.   Let’s not talk anymore.  We can hit the court instead.”

“What?” I asked, as she picked up her tray and mine and headed to the tray return.  I was still sitting at the table, confused, watching her walk away when she turned around.

“I hope you don’t move that slow on on the court, Carlin, or this is going to be an easy match.”

 “Um, no offense, but you look like you can barely stand up, much less play a scrimmage, right now,” I said.  But she just laughed off the remark.

“Don’t tell me you’re afraid.”

That’s all I needed to hear. If she wanted to play me one-on-one,  I was so game.