“Ouch!” Darby grabbed for Jorden. Losing their balances, they ended up on the bedroom floor. Jorden looked at Darby and started to laugh. Soon they erupted into uncontrollable laughter while the kettle shrieked.

Nate banged on the door. “What’s going on?”

“Come—on—in. It’s not locked,” Darby blurted out while she tried to catch her breath.

Nate pushed open the door. He raced to the kitchen and yanked the kettle off the burner. The siren ceased but laughter continued to bellow out from deep in the apartment. Nate followed the raucous sounds.

“What’s going on?” He looked down at both roommates. They looked up at Nate and howled even harder.

“What’s so funny?” Nate looked around the bedroom as if searching for clues. One side was neat, the other in utter chaos. Jorden and Darby were sprawled on the messy side. Seconds later, they calmed down.

Nate held out his hands to both Darby and Jorden and pulled them up. Darby proceeded to explain what had happened.

“Well, give Jorden her letters.” Nate’s eyes crinkled with mischief as he looked at Darby. “Shame on you.”

Darby immediately reached into her large handbag and produced two letters; one letter was thicker than the other but both were in Alex’s familiar handwriting.

“Thank you.” Jorden left for her bedroom in order to savor the letters contents. Today, she yearned for assurances of Alex’s love—words to ease her unrest about her possible feelings for Matt. She found a passage.

It’s funny how sometimes you remember a person in so many different ways. One of the ways I remember you was a night late in March. I can see myself knocking on the door and there you were. You opened the door with sleep in your eyes. You were so soft and warm. It really was wonderful. I sound like an idiot, don’t I? But the night stands out. There are so many other ones, but I especially like this one.

Jorden smiled when she remembered the weekend. Easing back onto the bed, she propped up the pillows to read the second letter.

Chapter 10: November 1969

Chapter 10

November 1969

The Buena Vista Apartments worked out well for Nora and Eloise. Their furnished apartment, 12 B, was at the end of the second section of four buildings. They had two bedrooms—a welcome change from having to share one room at Lisa’s home.

Every Friday night Lisa traveled across town to have dinner with them. Tonight they were having a basic dinner of meatloaf, potatoes, and green beans. The doorbell rang at six.

“It has to be Lisa. Nora, can you get the door?” Eloise stood next to the stove while she balanced a hot dish between two pot holders.

Lisa hugged Nora. “Yum—it smells good.” Straightaway, Lisa stepped into the small kitchen. “What can I do?”