They talked over an hour. Jorden tried, but couldn’t persuade Alex to change his mind. He wouldn’t budge. He planned to leave Friday, June 5 and get in early on Sunday, June 7.

After the call, Jorden hung up in defeat. But, on the bright side, she and Matt would have extra time. Now she could let Matt know what was happening. She marched back to the kitchen and counted the days. Twelve days until Alex arrived. Eleven more days with Matt—a gift in time.

Chapter 58: June 1970

Chapter 58

June 1970

Reality struck! Jorden and Matt had reached Saturday, the eleventh day, their last one together. Her relationship with Matt seemed straightforward at first. What happened? She wanted the ending to be the same—not tearing her apart.

“Are you okay?” Darby asked. “You look upset.”

“I am. I’m not prepared for this. How do I let go? What would you do?”

“I don’t know. You say you love Alex—have you changed your mind? Or, are you seeing the light and questioning your relationship with Matt?”

“No—no! I’ve waited a year for Alex. I don’t know what’s wrong with me. My relationship with Matt has always been temporary. I just hate to say goodbye.”

Jorden’s stomach churned when Matt’s white Dodge Dart drove into the parking area. Seconds later the doorbell rang.

“Come on in. The door’s not locked,” Darby yelled from the kitchen.

“Ready?” Matt’s eyes met Jorden’s as soon as he entered the apartment.

“I’ll get my purse.”

Matt drove—neither spoke. Finally he broke the silence. “How about lunch?”

“I don’t feel much like eating.” Jorden shifted positions in her seat.

“Are you okay?”

“No. I’m not okay.” Jorden bit her lip. “I guess we could try Fiona’s. Do you remember when we went there?”

“It was after we had gone apartment hunting with Eloise. Now, it seems so long ago.”

Restless, Jorden shifted her position again. “It was last October. How different life was then. I don’t know, maybe we shouldn’t go there. Memories are too hard to deal with. I can’t believe we’re down to our last day.” She looked away—anywhere but at Matt. Tears welled up in her eyes. “I thought this would be easier.”

“Eating should help. I bet you haven’t had anything, have you?”

“No, but I’ve lost my appetite. I don’t think I can sit in a restaurant. Do you think we could pick up sandwiches and go to a park?”

“Sure.” Matt turned right at the next stop sign and entered Columbus Square. “Tealand Deli is good.” Matt squeezed her hand. “I don’t think times like this ever get easier.”

Jorden looked at his hand on hers. The contrast stood out.

Matt brushed aside her tears. “I hate this as much as you do. I never thought it would be this difficult.”