“I can see his logic,” Madison interrupted. At the same moment the waitress brought over a tray. “Oh, I ordered for us. I knew we’d be short on time.” Madison pushed back her chair to give the waitress additional room.

“Two Cokes and fries. If you need anything else, let me know.” Jorden glared at Madison as she waited for the waitress to leave.

“I can’t believe you’re siding with Alex. You think I should sell my car? What am I supposed to do? Our wedding isn’t until late August and I’ll be stuck in New Jersey with no transportation. My mother is working now, so both my parents will be using their cars.”

“Have a french fry.” Madison pointed at the heaping plate.

“I can’t believe your nonchalance.” Jorden pushed the plate toward Madison. “You eat them. You’re supposed to be my friend and sympathize with me.”

Madison looked directly at Jorden. “Something’s not right. You shouldn’t be this upset over a car. It’s your car—so don’t sell it. You should be happy. Tell me what’s going on. Are you and Alex having problems?”

“No!” Jorden automatically replied.

“Then what? I know you. What aren’t you telling me?” Madison touched Jorden’s arm.

“I’m cut off from everyone.”

“You don’t sound like a woman in love. I couldn’t get enough of Luke after he got back from a year in Vietnam. He was the only person I wanted to be with. Remember how you were when you visited Alex in Albany? You were so upset you didn’t get to spend more time with him. Tell me what’s going on.”

“Nothing. It’s nothing. You’ve helped me. I won’t sell my car. It’s settled.” Jorden looked up at Madison. “I have an idea. Let’s all go out Saturday night. We can have dinner at Amore’s and then catch a movie. What do you think?”

Madison watched her friend. She seemed to know she probably couldn’t get the truth from Jorden until she felt comfortable enough to share it with her. So she replied, “What a good idea. I’ll check with Luke and give you a call.”

“We don’t have a phone.”

“Right. What a bummer. Let’s just plan on it. I’m sure it’ll be okay with Luke.”

“I can call you from a payphone tomorrow,” Jorden offered.

“No. We’ll meet you at Amore’s at six. It’ll be fun.”

Jorden looked at her watch. “I better go. Thanks, Madison.”

The friends walked out together. Jorden felt a little better.

Chapter 63: June 1970

Chapter 63

June 1970

Over breakfast Friday morning, Alex lit a fuse in Jorden.