Music drifted across the parking lot as the threesome walked to the recreation room. “Mr. Bojangles” was playing when they entered. The night was still early. Couples were dancing, others were mingling. Kyle and Chip waltzed in around nine. No Matt. It was for the best, Jorden kept telling herself.

Chip appeared with drinks. “Watch out. These may be strong. The bartender had a heavy hand pouring the rum.”

“Wow! What a punch!” Darby almost spit it out, but Jorden knew she wouldn’t want to embarrass Chip. “I’m getting a taller glass. Come on, Jorden, there’s an opening at the bar.” Darby picked up a tall glass and a can of Coca Cola. She poured her drink into the taller glass, filled it with the Cola and plopped in a couple of ice cubes. She took a sip. “Much better.”

Jorden promptly handed Darby her glass and watched her roommate repeat the process.

Jorden took a sip. “Not bad, thank you.” She watched the couples dance while tapping her foot to the music. Emma Lynn was dancing and flirting with Kyle. Darby had returned to Chip, and they were now dancing as “Sweet Caroline” played. Jorden noticed the front door opening out of her peripheral vision. There stood Matt, but he couldn’t see her. Trembling, she sipped her drink, not uttering a word. What would she do if he saw her?

Matt stepped forward and weaved through the crowd. Jorden didn’t budge. She watched him move toward the bar and order a drink. The lights were low and the music loud. Slowly, he turned his head, and their eyes met. Matt smiled and waved at Jorden before promptly walking in the opposite direction. She couldn’t believe he didn’t come over and at least say hello. Instead he approached an alluring, petite blond and asked her to dance.

Jorden hadn’t seen Matt since mid-December—what was wrong with him? Feeling betrayed, but mostly hurt, she gulped down her drink, dashed past Matt, and out the door. At first she walked, then ran, and finally sprinted up the steps up to her apartment.

Jorden paced back and forth from the kitchen to the living room. “What is wrong with me? Why am I so upset?” she jabbered. The strong drink didn’t help her state of mind. Without thinking, she lifted the kitchen’s wall phone and dialed the number of the recreation room. After one ring she hung up. She repeated the process two more times, still hanging up. She mounted her courage and dialed the number one last time. By some fluke in the connection, Matt’s voice came on the line.

“Jorden?”

She jumped back when she heard her name. “Who is this?”

“Matt. I’ve been trying to call you. Why did you leave?”

Silence.

“Say something. I’d like to see you.” Jorden didn’t know what to say.

“Jorden, are you there?”

“Yes. I’m here.”