GutterBall

That is George's new nickname. Everyone start calling him that and be sure and tell I said to. I sure have been busy. First my wild Temple adventure with Elliot, then I went bowling with George. I guess the guys are trying to keep me occupied so I won't start getting all depressed. Whatever the reason, I have been enjoying myself. I feel kind of bad though because Mike is still in the funk and I have had trouble pinning him down to go eat. He's ducking my calls or his machine is on the fritz yet again.
Anyway, to the bowling. I don't know why none of them like to go, I mean it is fun. It relieves stress, you work up a sweat, and with proper ball usage you're not sore the next day. What's not to like about that? I don't know why he was so worried that I would hit him with a ball. I mean that only happened once, a long time ago. It was an accident and it's not like the guy never walked again. I promised I wouldn't mention the score because well, you know, I beat him. If he tells you different, he's lying. ;) Before we went, I made sure he knew where to meet me, and I gave him the same speech I had Elliot, about NOT bringing up the "M" word. He listened on the meeting part, but not so much on the other. George is a shrink, so he thought he would bring up the topic subtly: Carolyn, I think we need to talk about some things.
"Unless you're talking about how to keep your ball in our lane, then forget about it." He was quiet about it for a little while. A little later on though: Someone in the office asked about you. He wanted to know how you were. "Oh really? Well tell Elliot I'm fine and thanks for asking." No, I meant, uh I just gave him my 'no crap I know what you meant' look. He finally got the hint and didn't bring up the subject again.
Twenty frames, a couple of strikes, several spares, and a few balls in the neighbor's lane later, we decided to call it a night. As we parted ways, I thanked him for the fun evening and for not trying to shrink my head the whole night. He agreed it was fun and said when I am ready to talk then don't hesitate to call. I was heading to my car and I heard him say I've never seen him so torn up before. He is miserable about what happened.
That sent a sharp pain through my heart, but I kept walking, pretending I didn't hear.