I really HATE that I missed this discussion...lots of great insights!
I believe that Jordan had already noticed Angela at school before Tino's party (they had a class together, after all) but she was, at least to Jordan, a younger girl in a lower grade (at least until he got held back, twice
) who hung out w/a different group than he did until that point...so not much in common for them to discuss until the next night when he sees her getting into the police car...I think he knew her name from the class, but again, had nothing to talk about w/her until he saw her getting hauled away...that gave him a new appreciation for her as someone who might be more his type after all, and she was w/Rayanne that night...which puts her closer to his circle b/c of the Rayanne/Tino connection...his little quip, "Out on bail?" was more than just an attempt at conversation...it was flirting, teasing, showing an interest
by the time of the apple machine conversation, he's interested in her, but just as any guy is interested in a pretty girl...who knows what they might be like together? but there's some sexual interest/curiosity...so he puts it to the test when he gives her the ID...what happened was he was clearly attracted, but she was not quite as much his type as he might have hoped...at least she was not an easy sexual conquest...but maybe that is just what sparked his further interest...like most guys, however, he couldn't resist trying the quick sex score once again by teasing her about just doing it since everyone is already saying they did...but again, he realizes she's "not like that" when he apologizes to her for suggesting it...he had to care about her feelings if he felt it was necessary to apologize
I think there is genuine interest when he approaches her at the museum and starts an inoccuous conversation about a tune that's stuck in his head & needing coffee...he just wants another chance to talk to her and it's clear she's willing, even though she pushed him off her in the car...and when he returns her letter to her, he's so chivalrous about it...he doesn't tease her, and he obviously has kept it between just him & her that he found it...and he tries to tell her that she doesn't need to be embarrased and make up stories about it (I cringe even remembering that part, sooo embarrassing!!!)
of course, what follows is singing her a song and the wonderful ride home w/a sweet goodnight kiss...all that had to have some real feelings involved beyond just sexual curiosity for Jordan to engage in all those behaviors...was he willing to go the distance yet? no way, but most guys aren't, even after things are "official"
heck, as Graham himself put it, most men he knows are still trying to figure out how to behave like men, lol!
I have gone on, sorry, but I really wish I'd been around to discuss this as the thread progressed...as you can tell, I LOVE this topic!