Something hard glanced off my right ear. I dove for cover behind a fallen tree. My companion dove too. He landed in a spot that was just frozen dirt, I was next to a pile of icy snow. Somebody threw an ice ball at me!

My companion… I realized it was Tom. I peered over the log and saw two women with an ice ball in each hand – Molly and Cindy. I started packing an ice ball of my own. Tom said, “I got no ammunition! No ammunition!” I got ready to blast Molly, and…

Why is it that I only remember the unpleasant dreams? I stirred in bed, then half awake, I realized there was a point to it. Tom didn’t fight back against Molly and Cindy because he had no ammunition. I had invasion of privacy and the threat of a lawsuit. Maybe I should revisit the cold shoulder I’ve been giving these guys. Eventually I drifted back to sleep.

When I woke, I resolved to apologize. We hadn’t known each other long enough to develop a strong friendship, but I felt like I was out of line – at least somewhat.

After the gym, the three guys were shooting pool again. I stopped by to say hello.

“You guys still cheating each other in eight ball?” I asked?

Tom said, “Look what the cat dragged in.” He and Frank had reserved smiles.

I took the lead. “Hey, I’ve been thinking about that whole scene with those women, and I have been kinda hard on you guys. I had something to defend myself, and you guys had nothing on Cindy. I’m sorry.”

Tom smiled and said, “No, we should have stood up to her. In any case, it’s good to see you again.”

I bullshitted with them for a few minutes then made my exit; it was coffee time. On the way, Frank said, “The invitation is still open for cards.”

I smiled and said, “Yeah, sounds good. See you Tuesday.”

After she got my coffee, Andie told me she had spent the night with her ex and ex’s lover. I asked, “Good time?”

“Better than I expected, I guess I was worried.