“I-I didn’t want what he wanted.”

“What did you want?”

Mary searched Nora’s face. Why is it so important to me that you believe I don’t miss or need Sam? She furrowed her brow. Choose your words carefully, Mary Elizabeth. “I wanted to be in love—to really be in love. I never felt about Sam the way I thought being head-over-heels should feel.” I expected to get lost in his eyes the way I get lost in yours. Mary swallowed a gasp.

“Here, I’ve been trying to find a fella to spoil me and provide for our family. I figure if he does that, I’ll learn to love him,” Betty said.

“And it wouldn’t hurt if he was Clark Gable-handsome, either,” Rosalie added.

Nora remained stoic, her expression unreadable. They arrived in front of the dorm.

“You want us to walk you home, Nora?”

“No, thanks. I can make it fine on my own.”

“That’s the refrain of your life, Yankee.” Rosalie kissed her on the cheek. “I’m proud of you for coming tonight. I know that wasn’t easy for you, and I want you to know we appreciate it. Don’t we, girls?”

“We do,” Betty and Mary said in unison.

Nora waved and strode up the hill as the three girls watched after her.

“I can’t believe she really came.”

“You owe me a buck.” Rosalie held out her hand to Betty.

“C’mon, that was a friendly wager.”

“A bet’s a bet.”

“You two bet on whether or not Nora would come to the dance tonight?” Mary asked.

“We did. This is probably the hundredth time we’ve asked her to join us,” Betty said.

“But the first time she’s ever taken us up on it. Pay up.”

Betty dug in her purse and pulled out a dollar bill.

“Thank you very much.” Rosalie snatched it from her.

“I can’t believe you two.” Mary led the way into the building. “I’ve got to get some shuteye. I’m exhausted.”

“We’re glad you came with us,” Betty said. “You’re fun.”

“Thanks. You two sure know how to show a girl a good time.” Mary bit her lip. These were Nora’s good friends. Where they went, maybe Nora would go too. “Maybe we could do it again sometime?”

“You bet.”

“Okay, then. Great.” Mary pointed down the hall. “That’s me, second door down on the left.” She started toward her room, and then turned around. “Thanks again for inviting me.”

“You’re welcome,” Rosalie said. “It isn’t everyone who passes the Nora test.”

“The Nora test?”

“She means that with most strangers, Nora gets so uncomfortable that she heads for the hills at the first opportunity. She must’ve really liked you. She stuck around.”

“Huh.” Mary smiled. “Goodnight.”

“Goodnight.”