“What can I get you?” the waitress asked.

Alex spoke up. “We’ll have the usual, salads and an extra-large pizza. Rodono’s Special will work. Oh, and bring us a large pitcher of beer.”

“I’ll have a diet Coke,” Jorden added.

“Got it, a diet Coke.”

The salads and drinks came in no time. By one thirty most of the lunch crowd had left. Jorden was hungry and devoured her salad. She could see why Alex had ordered a large pitcher of beer—half was already gone. Peter gulped down his second glass. The pizza arrived and vanished in minutes. Digging in, Jorden ate two large pieces.

Peter never looked straight at Jorden or addressed her. For the next thirty minutes, Alex and Peter talked over old times. Jorden tried to pay attention but soon lost interest. Getting fidgety, she excused herself to go to the ladies room. She lingered as long as possible. A group of women came in, so she decided to leave. Walking back from the bathroom, she heard Alex and Peter speaking. She didn’t think they could see her, so she stopped to listen.

“What’s up with this babe? Is it serious?”

Alex hesitated but leveled with his best friend. “I asked her to marry me.”

“Wow! She’s a beaut. And she said yes?” Peter knocked back his beer.

“She did. What do you think?”

Peter slapped his buddy on the shoulder. “She’s too good looking for you. I just hope you know what you’re doing. When’s this happening?”

“Not until I return from Nam. Think about being my best man?”

“Anytime. It’s a given. How long have you known her?”

“Long enough.” Alex continued to talk about Jorden—until Peter realized he needed to meet his study group. “Give my best to Jorden. You’ve got a prize with her.”

Jorden waited until Peter walked away before she returned to the table.

“Where have you been?”

Jorden noted an edge in Alex’s voice. “I just went to the restroom. There was a line and I had to wait. Where’s Peter?” She played innocent.

“He had a study group to meet.”

“I’m sorry I didn’t get to see him before he left.”

“Me too—but no matter.” Alex paused. “Let’s go into Albany, and I’ll give you a tour. We don’t have a lot of time before we need to change for dinner.”

“My own tour guide, how nice. What are the plans for dinner?”

“Good friends of mine, Rick Critten and his wife, Kim, want to meet you. They asked us to join them at The Manor House. It’s a fine place with excellent gourmet dishes. I know you’ll like it.”

Jorden didn’t know what to say. She’d rather spend a quiet dinner with Alex. After an uneasy moment she replied, “It . . . sounds nice.”