A moment later the doorbell rang. “Can you get the door? It must be Nate,” Darby replied. “I need to get dressed.”

Jorden opened the door in one quick movement. Her jaw dropped; it wasn’t Nate. An Asian-looking young man stood before her. Her wary blue eyes took in the details. He was dressed casually, displaying a lean build. He had close-cropped jet black hair with thick eyebrows arched above familiar army issued eyeglasses. In contrast, soft brown eyes gazed back at her through clear lenses.

Jorden had not seen anyone like him at their door before. The unfamiliar face alarmed her. He didn’t look like an American Indian. She wasn’t sure what to say, finally she stammered, “I’ll be right back.”

Jorden sprinted back to Darby. “It’s not Nate!”

“Well, who is it?” Darby asked, adding the last touches of mascara.

“I’ve never seen him before!”

“Where is he?” Darby’s voice rose in alarm.

“In the hallway.”

“He has to be Nate’s friend,” Darby instantly replied. “You have to let him in.”

Jorden knew she had used bad judgment and dashed to the door. She could feel the muscles in her shoulders tighten when she didn’t see him. Guilt hit. Panicking, she opened the door wider. Relief overcame her when she saw him standing at the hall window with his back to her.

“I’m so sorry! Please come in,” Jorden blurted out.

He turned around casually and appeared to study Jorden. A slight grin formed as if he were about to make a clever remark, but instead he introduced himself. “I’m Matt Ulster, Nate’s friend. You must be . . .”

“Yes, I’m Jorden Marshall,” she replied, trying to soften her voice. She couldn’t help but be impressed with his good-natured attitude. “Come in. Can I get you something to drink—a Coke?”

“I’m fine . . . thank you.”

Again, the doorbell rang. This time it was Nate. A huge smile spread across her face as she opened the door. “Come on in. Darby’s almost ready.”

“Hey, don’t you look nice.” Nate’s eyebrows went up as he noticed her red dress.

“Thank you.” Jorden could feel herself blush. The dress wasn’t even hers. Emma Lynn, her other roommate, had let her borrow the classy outfit.

Nate looked at Matt. “Sorry, looks like you beat me here.”

“No problem,” Matt stated. “I like cooling my heels in the hall.” Matt laughed, Jorden cringed, and Nate looked confused. He started to reply when Darby entered the room.

“Hi y’all. I’m ready.”

“About time,” Nate replied. He pulled Darby into his arms. Her long blonde hair swayed back and forth as he kissed her. Embarrassed, Jorden looked away. At the same time, she thought about Alex. She missed those times with him.