Jordan was skeptical even after hearing it directly from Charlie that this cowboy was Clint. If that was indeed true, then the youngest teammate had probably been trying to help her save face before she had dug into the unsuspecting man but had ultimately been ignored in favor of overprotection. Frankly, she couldn’t believe it though and also didn’t want to believe their words because that meant feeling guilty or wanting to apologize which they all knew she wasn’t going to do. It was when he spoke her last name that she tensed, keeping her composure so she appeared unfazed...well, up until he decided to bring up her past bullies comments about her appearance in high school and reminding her just who had come to her aid. A scowl made its way onto her lips, annoyed at him for bringing up fairly unpleasant moments but also annoyed with herself for making an assumption which led to said comment as well as the tinge of guilt she now felt. This had to be the worst situation possible for a reunion with the former Green Ranger.
She kept her mouth shut, focusing on the menu like it was the most interesting thing in the world so she didn’t have to even look at Clint. Jordan didn’t tune out though even while she appeared to be doing just that. The change to his looks was an understatement and big didn’t really cover it. He had gone from a scrawny twig with flowing locks to well,
that. It killed her to even compliment him in her head right now when all she wanted to do was kick his shin under the table but he looked good. Ten years had been kind to him which is why when Charlie asked about him being married, she wouldn’t have doubted if he answered yes. The answer being no was a bit of a surprise but even more so when followed by not dating at all. She wasn’t one to judge though in that area since she didn’t really
date and just had a fun time, maybe continuing to share their company until it was boring or they started looking for more.
The subject of ten years was not something she wanted to bring up or think about. It reminded her of how she left, why she left the way she had, and drew in memories of what she had lost. Hearing Clint speak of losing contact with Charlie too made her feel a smidge better but overall not that much. She felt like the third wheel the more he spoke to Charlie directly and felt herself sigh. At least the reason he looked the way he did was much clearer now after learning what he had been up to since everyone split ways but it was still shocking to her to see him as a cowboy. This guy had practically been her best friend even if they had squabbled a bit in the past and it was jolting to see him appear so different. Jordan guessed it was her own fault for thinking they would all stay looking closer to their teen selves.
She finally looked up from her menu staring to gaze at the man across from her, giving acknowledgment that she had heard his question. She went to answer but bit her tongue as he went right back to addressing Charlie, which caused Jordan slight irritation and had her trying not to glare. Why had she even come to this meeting? It was supposed to be about spending time with Charlie and instead she was just sitting here like a bump on a log as while the other two chatted. She let her gaze drift to the window, resting her chin on her palm as she took in the view. The sound of her name had her turning away, attention focused on Clint as he spoke. She felt more guilt claw at her gut at the sudden disappearance with no information. Of course they would have been worried….seeing her in the hospital one day and then poof, gone the next with no goodbye or words and with no contact information. She had been about to give the closest thing to an apology as she could without saying the words sorry but that died on the tip of her tongue at the insult. That had stung a bit more than she thought it would for such a childish comment.
Yeah, Jordan knew she wasn’t the friendliest out there at times but she didn’t think she was as childish, obnoxious, or as uncaring as he was hinting at her to be. Heck, the freaking devil child in that movie killed fish like it was going out of style. Who wanted to be compared to that? She already felt guilt and blamed herself for multiple deaths and to have someone that used to defend her instead dig into a sensitive ache felt so much worse. Her rational side told her he hadn’t meant it the way she took it but the other emotional half of her told herself that ten years changed people and maybe it had been exactly what he meant. She wasn’t sure if her hurt showed in that moment or not. She could have had her natural resting bitch face for all she knew but she forced her features into a happy sweet smile and replied in a fake honey tone,
”Yeah, you're right, I did do quite the disappearing act. Maybe I should have kept it that way a bit longer.” Once she had said her peace on that front, she turned her attention to Charlie, the smile softening just a bit into something a bit more real but still pretty forced.
”I’ll be right back, Charlie. I think I just got a phone call and I don’t want to disturb anyone more than I have when calling them back. If the waiter comes by then please just order for me.”, she stated, sliding out of the booth and headed for the door. Jordan just wanted some air to cool off and also to keep it together. The moment she was out of sight from the booth, she leaned against the wall of the diner, tilting her head back to take a deep breath and she looked to the sky. This day was a disaster. Could it even get any worse?