Page 36 of The Incredible Ordinary

“I… think so?” I say carefully.

He beams at me. “Yeah?”

“We didn’t get into an argument, and that’s, like, ninety percent of our usual communication.”

We both concentrate on the field for a bit. Some things become clear. As said before, Rory is fast. He’s also not that great with the ball. Maybe he actuallyshouldlook into joining the track team.

“Damn, that boy can run,” Jordan mutters, eyes on Rory.

I nod, even though Jordan doesn’t see me.

Practice ends twenty minutes later. The kids gather around the coach and listen seriously while he talks. Rory stands to the side, a bit farther away from other boys, but then Theo carefully inches closer and says something to him. Rory looks startled, but then he nods and says something back. Theo grins at him.

Another whistle sends all the kids to the showers, and Jordan and I head to the field to help clean up.

Theo and Rory emerge half an hour later, both with damp hair, both carrying their bags over their shoulders, both studiously avoiding each other again. I’m not sure how they managed to time their departure at the same time, but here they are anyway.

“Nice practice,” Jordan says when Theo reaches him. He hugs Theo to his side and smiles at him. “You too, Rory.”

Rory rolls his eyes. “I was crap.”

I clear my throat pointedly.

“Thanks,” Rory mumbles a second later.

“You weren’t that bad,” Theo says, but he looks a bit like he regrets even opening his mouth a second later.

Rory scoffs.

“It takes some time to learn ball control,” Theo says hesitantly. “I can show you some stuff that’ll help.”

Take it. Take the offer. Run with it.

Rory’s eyes stay on the ground.

“Whatever. Sure. Whatever,” he says in quick succession, and I don’t think any of us can figure out if this is him agreeing or shooting Theo down.

Jordan makes the decision for all of us. “Great. There’s a park right near our house. Perfect for some light practice?” He looks at Theo for confirmation. Theo nods wordlessly.

Jordan sends me a subtle smile. I get that feeling again. The warmth. The relief of an inhale after you’ve been underwater.

“I’ll call you,” he tells me. “We’ll set something up.”

I nod. My stomach bubbles with excitement.

“For sure.”

Jordan and Theo turn around and walk away.

I stare after them.

“For suuuure.” Rory drags the words out next to me in an obnoxiously high-pitched voice that doesn’t sound anything like me.

I snap my head toward him, eyes widening.

“Nowthatwas lame,” he says.

I try to look severe, but the kid is twitching with some kind of suppressed glee.