“When did he leave?” Alex asked the hostess.

“He’s been gone almost a year. He moved to Gainesville, Florida last summer.” The hostess looked at her calendar. “Here it is—he left in July.” Jorden remembered how she avoided Amore’s so he wouldn’t see her with someone else . . . like Matt.

“Too bad. We were fond of him.”

“I’m sure you’ll like John. He’s very good. This way, please.” The hostess led them to a quiet section.

“This is nice. Thank you,” Alex said with a nod.

She handed them menus after they were seated.

Jorden smiled. “This still looks the same even after a year.”

“May I help you? My name is John. I’ll be your server. Oh, I didn’t recognize you. Where’s . . .” he stopped and looked at Alex.

Startled by the waiter’s voice, Jorden looked up. He looked familiar. She soon realized he was the attendant from the tennis hut. He took their money—Matt’s money. Without a ball-cap or shorts he looked a lot different. This must be his second job.

They ordered dinner and enjoyed a leisurely meal with sorbet for dessert.

“I’m disappointed Antonio isn’t here. It’s not the same. What was the server saying to you about tennis?”

“Nothing really. I couldn’t place him at first. He works at the park and collects fees at the tennis courts. He looks much different here.”

“Is he at the park where you and your tennis coach go?” Alex scowled.

Jorden didn’t reply.

“Well? Am I right?” Alex pushed.

“Yes. My tennis lessons were at the same park. It amounted to nothing—only lessons. Let’s drop it.”

“I’m just curious about this character. He seems to keep popping up.”

“I already told you, there’s nothing to it. In your letters you told me I should get out. He was a safe outlet. We’re different. He’s an American Indian—we come from different backgrounds.”

“Safe? Hmm . . . he doesn’t sound safe to me.”

“Would you like to meet him? I’m sure he’d be happy to set your mind at ease.”

“No. The last thing I want is to meet him. Were you with him the night I called from California? I remember you weren’t at your apartment. It was after two. Don’t you agree it’s late to be out?”

Jorden watched Alex’s face turn angry, the look unbalanced her. She had dreaded this question. How did she answer? She would have to keep to the original story. “I couldn’t sleep, but I have to admit I was upset that you decided to go to New York first. Emma Lynn couldn’t sleep either, so we went out for Krystal burgers. If you don’t believe me, I’m sorry.” Jorden hated to lie, but the truth would open up more questions and stir up too much trouble.