Jace (8:12 PM):

You always text strangers or just guys who play loud music in strangers’ yards?

Ryan (8:13 PM):

Mostly the second one. Gotta keep it interesting.

Jace (8:14 PM):

Appreciate the honesty.

Ryan (8:16 PM):

You do this kind of thing a lot? Backyard shows?

Jace (8:17 PM):

As often as we can plug in without someone calling the cops.

Last week was a bar. Week before, Eli’s cousin’s garage. Legendary acoustics. Terrible snacks.

Ryan (8:18 PM):

What makes a snack terrible?

Jace (8:18 PM):

Unlabeled dip. No chips. Warm root beer.

Crimes, basically.

Ryan (8:19 PM):

That’s not a party. That’s a cry for help.

Jace (8:20 PM):

Exactly. We still played. We have low standards.

Ryan (8:21 PM):

You guys were good last night, though. Real talk.

Jace (8:22 PM):

Thanks. Not bad for a backyard and a borrowed mic stand.

Ryan (8:22 PM):

Looked like you meant it. That’s rare.

Jace (8:23 PM):

Yeah, well. Might as well go all in if you’re gonna do it.

Ryan (8:24 PM):

Fair enough.

Jace (8:25 PM):

You play anything?

Ryan (8:25 PM):

Football.

Jace (8:26 PM):

That’s not what I meant.

Ryan (8:27 PM):

Nah. Tried guitar once. Fingers didn’t cooperate.

Jace (8:27 PM):

They never do at first. That’s the point.

Ryan (8:28 PM):

You trying to convert me?

Jace (8:28 PM):

Not yet. Just making conversation.

Ryan (8:30 PM):

Cool. I’m good with that.

Jace (8:31 PM):

So what’s it like being the golden boy?

Ryan (8:32 PM):

Wouldn’t know. Guess it depends who’s calling me that.

Jace (8:33 PM):

Smooth dodge. Do you rehearse that?

Ryan (8:33 PM):

Nah. I’m just naturally gifted.

Jace (8:34 PM):

Must be nice.

Ryan (8:34 PM):

You’re not doing too bad yourself. Crowd was into you last night.

Jace (8:35 PM):

Backyard shows are hit or miss. That one didn’t suck.

Ryan (8:36 PM):

High praise.

Jace (8:36 PM):

Hey, the speaker didn’t catch fire. I count that as a win.

Ryan (8:37 PM):

Honestly, same.

Jace (8:38 PM):

You play anything?

Ryan (8:38 PM):

Ball. Does that count?

Jace (8:39 PM):

Barely. Ever try an actual instrument?

Ryan (8:40 PM):

Guitar. Once. Lasted half a lesson.

Jace (8:41 PM):

That bad?

Ryan (8:41 PM):

Fingers didn’t cooperate. Teacher looked like she aged five years in twenty minutes.

Jace (8:42 PM):

Rough. Guess you’re better off throwing things.

Ryan (8:42 PM):

That’s the goal.

Jace (8:43 PM):

So what made you text?

Ryan (8:44 PM):

Dunno. You didn’t suck to talk to.

Jace (8:44 PM):

Another glowing review.

Ryan (8:45 PM):

Don’t get used to it.

Jace (8:45 PM):

No promises.

Jace (8:46 PM):

So do you always go full quarterback mode at parties or was that just for show?

Ryan (8:46 PM):

You mean standing around with a drink pretending to listen to Cole? Yeah, that’s peak form.

Jace (8:47 PM):

Impressive. Real leadership energy.

Ryan (8:47 PM):

What can I say. I aim to inspire.

Jace (8:48 PM):

You mostly inspired me to avoid the kitchen.

Ryan (8:49 PM):

Good call. Pretty sure those chips were from last semester.

Jace (8:49 PM):

I played a set three feet from them. Felt like a safety hazard.

Ryan (8:50 PM):

Next time I’ll bring snacks that aren’t a lawsuit waiting to happen.

Jace (8:50 PM):

See, now you’re setting expectations. Dangerous move.

Ryan (8:51 PM):

Don’t worry. I’ll lower them immediately.

Jace (8:52 PM):

Smart.

Ryan (8:52 PM):

So what’s your next gig? Another backyard?

Jace (8:53 PM):

Garage next Friday. Might survive the feedback. No promises.

Ryan (8:54 PM):

You ever play an actual venue?

Jace (8:54 PM):

Couple bars. Mostly small stuff. We’re not trying to blow up or anything.

Ryan (8:55 PM):

Still cool, though.

Jace (8:56 PM):

Yeah. It’s a good time. Loud, messy, ours.

Ryan (8:56 PM):

Sounds better than film study.

Jace (8:57 PM):

Definitely better than Cole trying to beatbox between sets.

Ryan (8:57 PM):

Please tell me there’s video.

Jace (8:58 PM):

Unfortunately, yes. But I’d like to keep my dignity.

Ryan (8:59 PM):

That ship’s already sailed, Ryder.

Jace (9:00 PM):

Fair. But I can still pretend.

Jace (9:01 PM):

Wait—Isn’t Hailey your girlfriend?

Ryan (9:01 PM):

Yeah. Two years next month, I think.

Jace (9:02 PM):

Damn. That’s like… forever in high school time.

Ryan (9:02 PM):

Tell me about it.

We’ve been together longer than some teachers have lasted here.

Jace (9:03 PM):

That’s either sweet or terrifying.

Ryan (9:03 PM):

Probably both.

Jace (9:04 PM):

She seemed cool. You guys are like… yearbook couple vibes.

Ryan (9:05 PM):

She’s solid. Knows what she wants, plans everything.

Keeps me from floating off into space.

Jace (9:05 PM):

So she’s the planner and you’re the… what, the chaos?

Ryan (9:06 PM):

More like the guy who shows up late but brings snacks.

Jace (9:07 PM):

Every team needs one.

Ryan (9:07 PM):

Exactly.

Jace (9:08 PM):

I don’t think I’ve ever had a partner. Just hookups.

Ryan (9:09 PM):

No one serious?

Jace (9:09 PM):

Nah. Everyone loves a hot guitarist/singer, right?

Ryan (9:10 PM):

Wow. Humble.

Jace (9:10 PM):

Just saying—some guy or girl is always lingering after a set. Happens.

Ryan (9:11 PM):

Wait—

Guys too?

Jace (9:11 PM):

Yeah. Sometimes.

It’s not a thing.

Ryan (9:12 PM):

Didn’t know you were—

Jace (9:12 PM):

Bi.

I don’t advertise it. Not hiding it either.

Ryan (9:13 PM):

Got it.

Jace (9:13 PM):

It weird?

Ryan (9:13 PM):

Nah. Just didn’t know.

Jace (9:14 PM):

Cool. Moving on.

Ryan (9:14 PM):

You ever forget names after?

Jace (9:14 PM):

Absolutely. That’s why I save numbers as “Maybe Taylor?” or “Guy w/ Hat.”

Ryan (9:15 PM):

Inspiring.

Jace (9:15 PM):

I try.