Here we are

 

"Well, it's about time you came around," Jory slapped Dan on the back. They were finally getting together for some basketball. It was almost grilling season, but Jory wanted to give Rachel more time to get the house ready for company. He'd done his best to help, but she kept changing up the livingroom all the time. He never knew what he might come home to. She couldn't decide where she wanted the diningroom. Evidently, not where it was supposed to be.

Jory then mentioned that Rachel got on as a school nurse at the nearby elementary. Yes, it was all working out. 

"Ivy got on as a receptionist." Dan sighed. "I mean, it's a good fit for her, hopefully."

"Well, you're moving forward. What else could you ask for?" Jory smiled. "I hear on the radio we live in a Nice People State so we both have to keep it that way." He went to dribbling and put in a shot. Although, it bounced back and Dan caught it. His shot went in smoothly. 

"Are you sure you haven't been playing ball with someone else?" Jory looked back at him with practically a wink. "Who moved in a cross from you?"

Dan laughed. "I'm afraid to tell you."

"Oh really?" He pushed the ball to Dan ever so hard. 

"Actually, she's someone I went to school with," he sighed. "Zoey."

"Zoey?" Now Jory smiled. "An old flame?"

"Hardly," Dan shook his head with a smile. "The thing is.."

"What?" Jory wanted to know.

"Alfie is her boyfriend."

"ALFIE!" Jory practically yelled. "Didn't you set her straight?"

Dan shook with laughter and took a shot. Naturally, it went in and the ball bounced to Jory who took a lay-up that went in like a pro.

"Oh, who knows, maybe they are perfect for each other. He seems pretty nice to her." Dan nodded.

"Yeah, right." Jory practically rolled his eyes.

"I've seen him taking out the trash. He does all the recycling," Dan shrugged. 

"Oh, he's recycled all right." Jory shook his head. "First my sister got involved with him and then Poppy."

"Did your sister ever have her baby?" Dan asked as if it was best not to talk about Alfie.

"Any day now. Anyday." Jory nodded.

About then a tall teen and a scrawny dude, Kevin and Tony showed up at the court. "Did you guys bring your A game today?" Kevin cupped his hands over his mouth and yelled.

"Oh, it's you two," Jory kept dribbling but tossed the ball to whoever would catch it.

"Fine weather we're having," Tony said as he took the ball. He winced in the sun and dribbled a bit before he took a shot.

"Haven't you youngsters got anything better to do?" Jory was a bit smart-mouthed.  

"No, we've been hoping you guys would show up," Kevin smiled. The ball bounced toward him and he took a shot at mid-court.

"Didn't you make the basketball team?" Dan asked. After all, Kevin did have basketball skills and Tony was a lot more limber than one would think.

"Maybe next year," Kevin shrugged. "So if we win this game will you take us to lunch?"

"Um," Jory winced hard. "What do you think Dan?"

"I say, if we win you guys have to babysit for us?" Dan shrugged.

"But we'll win?" Tony smiled as if it were set in stone.

"Maybe not." Jory was serious.