Page 17 of Keeping the Score

Another thing they think is weird. Again, I don’t care. It works for me.

After lunch, Mabel has to go back to work but the rest of us stay for another beer. We talk about training camp, workouts, and get in an argument about whether Dilly is a “himbo.”

“I don’t even know what that means,” he complains after telling us a woman called him that.

“I’m not sure either,” Smitty admits.

“It’s a guy who’s big and buff but nothing going on in his head,” Benny says.

“Fuck. Thanks a lot.” Dilly scowls.

“I’m not saying that’s you,” Benny adds hastily. “But I think that’s what it means.”

“I think it just means a guy who’s nice. Not necessarily stupid,” I put in.

“Like a golden retriever,” Smitty adds.

“Shit, we need Mabel,” Benny says. “She’d know this stuff.”

“Ask her about it,” Dilly says. “For a friend. Like, for real. Don’t tell her it’s me.”

“How’s she going to weigh in on whether you’re a himbo if she doesn’t know it’s you?” Benny asks.

Dilly throws his hands in the air. “I don’t know!”

“Ask her if she thinks any of us are himbos,” Smitty says.

Benny gnaws on his bottom lip. “I don’t know. I guess I could ask her.”

“Do women like himbos?” I ask, a little confused about this conversation. “Or no? Was she trying to insult you?”

Dilly scrunches his face up. “It didn’t sound like she was trying to insult me.”

“Why would it be a good thing if it means a guy’s stupid?” Smitty says.

“Maybe some women like stupid men. Maybe it’s easier for them.”

“That’s bullshit. I don’t think that’s what it means. I think it’s a nice guy.”

“But women don’t like ‘nice guys’,” Dilly says with a touch of bitterness. “Don’t they all want a bad boy alpha male?”

“We need Mabel again.” Benny rubs his forehead. “I don’t think that’s always true.”

I grin. “You’re going to be having a fun conversation with her tonight. Be sure to report back.”

“Speaking of himbos…” Dilly gives me a serious look. “Did you ever try that Minoxidil like we suggested?”

I narrow my eyes at Dilly. “No. I don’t need Minoxidil.”

They love to drag me about my hair. I have great hair. I just like to make sure it looks its best.

My phone rings. Thankful for the interruption, I glance at it to see it’s my mom. “Ah. Better get this.” I stand. “Who’s buying?”

“You are,” Dilly says.

“Nope. I think it’s your turn. Thanks, man.” I hit the button to take the call. “Hi, Mom. Hang on.” I move the phone away from my face. “See you later. I have to get going.” It’s my day to clean the big bathroom. “Hey, Mom, how are you?”

“Hiiiii, honey! I’m sooo good!”

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