“Aren’t you full of it? See you when you get here.” Jorden really didn’t want to go out, but Alex lifted her spirits. A glance in the mirror told her to leave her hair up. She was busy re-doing her make-up when Madison came in.

“Are you going somewhere?”

“Alex called. We’re going to dinner.”

“Well aren’t you something?! You just spent a long Thanksgiving weekend at Justin’s and now you’re off with Alex. What gives?” Madison asked.

“Nothing. It’s not a crime to go out. Besides, Justin and I got into a fight on the drive back. You know how we’re always in disagreement over racial issues. Well this time, it was a terrible argument.” Jorden went on trying to explain as she finished her makeup.

“So, Justin’s not going to see you for the next two weeks. Sounds serious.”

The doorbell rang. Jorden jumped. “Let’s talk later. I’m sure it’s Alex.” She smoothed her skirt and gave herself a look of approval in the mirror.

***

Chez Antoine, a cozy French restaurant, served gourmet French cuisine. After a delightful main course, Jorden and Alex had a light dessert of raspberry sorbet.

“How was your Thanksgiving?” Jorden asked.

“Good. I had dinner with Captain Hudson and his new bride. It was fun, but it would have been nicer to spend the day with you. Now, tell me about your weekend.”

“There’s not much to tell. I spent it at my friend’s house,” Jorden replied. She couldn’t remember how much she had told Alex about Justin, probably not much.

“You did, but how close is this friend?”

“I’ve dated him about a year.”

“And? What does that mean?”

“Nothing. The weekend turned sour on the drive back. I won’t see him again until after Christmas, if then. But—I really don’t want to talk about it.” Jorden looked away.

“Okay—we won’t, but it’s good news to me. Now we can spend weekends together if you’ll have me?”

“Thanks for letting me off so easy. It’ll be fun to have extra time together.”

“Oh, I’m not letting you off too easy. I still have to compete with your so-called friend.”

Jorden watched Alex as he caught the waiter’s attention and paid for their dinner. He was smooth and handled himself well. She admired this about him. Right now, she wasn’t feeling she could find much to admire in Justin. She couldn’t understand how a man she thought she knew so well could still be opposed to the civil rights movement.

“Let’s go for a ride.” Alex took her hand.

“Why not?” Jorden smiled and forgot about Justin.

“Where to?” Alex asked.

“Surprise me.”