Darby had the coffee going by the time Jorden entered the kitchen.

“Where were you last night? Alex called around two and woke me up.”

“What are you talking about?” Jorden panicked. “What did you tell him?”

“I didn’t know what to say. I checked your bedroom—you weren’t there.”

“What . . . what did you tell him? I can’t believe he called and I wasn’t here,” Jorden’s hands flew to her face.

“I told him you couldn’t sleep, and you and Emma Lynn went to get Krystal burgers. I didn’t know what to say. I didn’t think you wanted me to tell him you were out with Matt—as usual.” Darby’s eyes flashed.

“No! Thank you—you did great! Do you think he believed you?”

“I don’t know. I tried to sound convincing.”

“I’ll call him now.”

“He might be in the air. He said his flight to New York left in a half hour.” Darby poured a second cup of coffee. “Want some? You look like you need it.”

“So, he’s going back to Albany first.” Jorden’s eyes darted to the calendar. “He probably won’t get there until later today. I hoped he would at least stop here for a day,” Jorden muttered to herself.

Darby frowned. “I don’t think you have much of a bargaining chip at this point. It doesn’t look so good you weren’t here.”

“You’re right. But—I do have to call Alex. I’ll wait. I don’t want to talk with his mother before I speak with him.” Jorden paced the kitchen.

“You better get dressed. We’re late. I just heard Emma Lynn’s alarm.”

Jorden had a hard time concentrating on her classes. Her students didn’t seem to notice as they were also restless. The same question kept going through her mind. How could she have been so late? The one night Alex called, she should have been there.

After school, Jorden raced back to her apartment. Her papers landed on the couch, sliding from one end to the other as she darted to the kitchen. She phoned Alex. No answer. She was pacing the kitchen when the phone rang. Startled, she jumped back before answering it with a shaking hand.

“Hi Hon! I’m back.” Alex didn’t sound angry. She couldn’t believe it.

“Oh, Alex! I’m so sorry I missed your call last night. I couldn’t sleep. Emma Lynn and I went to get something to eat.”

“It’s okay. I just got in from the airport and wanted to hear your voice.”

“When are you coming? I wish you could fly here right now.”

“I’ll be there soon, but I need time here. I also need to get the car worked on before driving south.”