The Crossover

Phone Conversation (I Sub for JB)

Was that your brother?

Yep, that was Josh. I’m JB.

I know who you are, silly—I called you.

Uh, right. You have any siblings, Alexis?

Two sisters. I’m the youngest.

And the prettiest.

You haven’t seen them.

I don’t need to.

That’s sweet.

Sweet as pomegranate.

Okay, that was random.

That’s me.

Jordan, can I ask you something?

Yep.

Did you get my text?

Uh, yeah.

So, what’s your answer?

Uh, my answer. I don’t know.

Stop being silly, Jordan.

I’m not.

Then tell me your answer. Are y’all rich?

I don’t know.

Didn’t your dad play in the NBA?

No, he played in Italy.

But still, he made a lot of money, right?

It’s not like we’re opulent.

Who says “opulent”?

I do.

You never use big words like that at school . . .

I have a reputation to uphold.

Is he cool?

Who?

Your dad.

Very.

So, when are you gonna introduce me?

Introduce you?

To your parents.

I’m waiting for the right moment.

Which is when?

Uh—

So, am I your girlfriend or not?

Uh, can you hold on for a second?

Sure, she says.

Cover the mouthpiece, JB mouths to me.

I do, then whisper to him:

She wants to know are you her boyfriend.

And when are you gonna introduce her

to Mom and Dad. What should I tell her, JB?

Tell her yeah, I guess, I mean, I don’t know.

I gotta pee, JB says, running

out of the room, leaving me still in his shoes.

Okay, I’m back, Alexis.

So, what’s the verdict, Jordan?

Do you want to be my girlfriend?

Are you asking me to be your girl?

Uh, I think so.

You think so? Well, I have to go now.

Yes.

Yes, what?

I like you. A lot.

I like you, too . . . Precious.

So, now I’m Precious?

Everyone calls you JB.

Then I guess it’s official.

Text me later.

Good night, Miss Sweet—

What did you call me?

Uh, good night, my sweetness.

Good night, Precious.

JB comes running out of the bathroom.

What’d she say, Josh? Come on, tell me.

She said she likes me a lot, I tell him.

You mean she likes me a lot? he asks.

Yeah . . .

that’s what I meant.