“What’s going on with you and Matt? I declare you two are never apart.”

Jorden turned and eyed Emma Lynn. “Nothing! Just friends.”

“Baloney!” Darby remarked as she drove her reliable 1967 yellow Camaro through the narrow paved Alabama roads. “Looks like more than a friendship to me.”

“You two are terrible! What’s wrong with a good friendship? That’s all it is!” Jorden leaned forward looking from Darby to her left and Emma Lynn in the backseat. “No more on Matt.”

“Yeah! Right! We hear ya.” Emma Lynn giggled. “Our lips are sealed—for the moment.”

“Not mine! I don’t believe it. Friends—humph! I see lots more. We hardly see you anymore. Either you’re off playing tennis or who knows what? We love you—but you can’t fool us,” Darby said, emphasizing her words.

Night came. Jorden looked out the window as the light from the moon illuminated the pavement. Darby concentrated on driving while Emma Lynn had drifted off to sleep in the backseat, and Jorden sifted through her roommates’ comments. She knew Darby was right. Her relationship with Matt was becoming more than just a friendship. Still, she refused to admit he meant anything more to her than an enjoyable way to spend time before Alex returned.

By nine thirty they were winding down a curvy rural road to Darby’s home. Emma Lynn stirred. She sat up in the backseat and stared ahead. “What’s lying in the roadway?”

Darby flipped on the high beams. “Only . . . only a snake! Good eye, Emma Lynn.”

Jorden became mesmerized by the long black snake moving in curling motions. Darby swerved the car to the left to avoid it.

“Watch out!” Emma Lynn warned.

“We’re fine. You worry too much!” Darby laughed as the car flew by the snake.

“How can there be a snake in the middle of the road in March?” Jorden asked.

“The sun must have been hot today and snakes tend to come out for the warm pavement.” Darby slowed down as she approached her gravel road. “Hey, there’s Mama on the porch.” Darby rolled down her window and waved.

“Hi, y’all!” Darby’s mother greeted them. “We’ve been expecting you. Come on in.” Mrs. Simms gave her daughter a big hug. “Your daddy’s gone to bed—he has an early start tomorrow. Come on! I have some cookies and freshly made iced tea. I hope you like it sweetened.”

Jorden nodded her head yes.

“Yum! Mama. Did you make your famous chocolate chip pecan cookies? I can smell them from here.” Darby raced to the kitchen to look for the tasty morsels. A large plate of cookies sat in the middle of the kitchen table. She grabbed the top one, with Emma Lynn on her heels.

Jorden noticed Mrs. Simms looking at her. She assumed she must be assessing the differences between her and Darby. Her daughter was several inches taller than Jorden.