“I’m beat! Besides, I want to write Alex.”

“Aren’t you the spoilsport? Are you going to hole up like you did after Alex left last May?” Darby rolled her eyes.

“You two are incorrigible! You have me stepping out—when I just got back from Hawaii and the man I plan to marry.”

Emma Lynn threw up her arms. “Be stubborn. You’re only young once, and I’m going to make the most of it! What can a basketball game hurt?”

“Look, I just don’t want to go,” Jorden replied. Her roommates didn’t understand. She had just left Alex, and she didn’t want to see anyone, especially not Matt.

“We don’t mean to pressure you,” Darby replied. “We just think you should get out and enjoy yourself before you’re married.”

“Thank you. I know you have good intentions.”

“We’ll let you off tonight,” Emma Lynn said with a smirk. “But—we’re not done trying.”

***

February 14, 1970

Weeks passed. This year Valentine’s Day conveniently landed on a Saturday.

“You are coming with us tonight whether you want to or not. No backing down now,” Emma Lynn declared.

“I don’t need to be going to a party,” Jorden stated.

“It’s been almost a month. You spend your time grading papers, writing Alex, and occasionally seeing Madison. You need an outing.”

“I said no and I mean it. You two go and have fun. I’m fine right here.”

“Neither of us will take no for an answer.” Darby led Jorden to her closet.

“Amen!” Emma Lynn joined in. “Want to wear my red dress?”

“No!” Jorden said with a scowl. “If I go, I’ll wear my own things.”

“Good!” Darby smiled in triumph. “We’re walking over in a half hour.”

“I’ll help you pick out an outfit?” Without waiting for a response, Emma Lynn threw open Jorden’s closet. A red and white blouse next to a pair of black slacks caught her eye. “Here. This is perfect.”

“Thank you, but I can make my own choice,” Jorden replied. In a way, she looked forward to getting out; a Valentine party couldn’t be so unfaithful to Alex.

“I’m only trying to help. Wear what you want. You’ve got fifteen minutes.”

“Hey! You said a half hour.”

“You wasted half your time. Stop talking and change.”

Jorden stared at her closet. Actually, she agreed with Emma Lynn’s choice.

“We’re ready!”

“Give me five more minutes. Go on—I’ll catch up.”

“We’re not budging!” Emma Lynn stamped her foot. “You’ll pull a fast one and not show up. I know you.”

Jorden ignored her remark. She touched up her makeup, lightly dusting her cheeks with blush.

“I’m ready.”

“It’s about time,” Emma Lynn replied.

Jorden could see a glint in Emma Lynn’s eye when she saw Jorden was wearing what she had suggested.