“Let’s make a run for the car,” Alex called out. After Jorden settled into his Mustang, he confessed he still had work he needed to finish. “Would you mind if we take a break and get back together tonight?”

“No, but first how about a ride home?” Jorden joked.

That evening Alex arrived around seven thirty. Madison had gone home for the weekend. They had no special plans besides listening to music—which was fine with Jorden. They’d have time and space to themselves.

“A Coke or a 7UP? Our selection is small,” Jorden offered.

“A Coke is fine.”

Alex followed Jorden into the kitchen. He put his arms around her as she poured the Cokes. Startled by his touch, she overfilled the glasses and watched the foam slide down spilling onto the counter. His powerful arms enclosed her. She became oblivious to the drinks, turned, and slid her arms around his waist. Electricity flowed through her as he pulled her closer, and his hands glided down the narrow of her back. Her knees buckled when he kissed her. Caught up in the moment, she barely noticed him lead her to the couch.

Chapter 23: January 1970

Chapter 23

January 1970

The aircraft touched down at the Chicago O’Hare Airport. Jorden was worried she wouldn’t make her connection to Los Angeles. In the open concourse, she checked the flight schedule. Departure time was at one thirty. She looked at her watch—one fifteen. Yanking up her carry-on, she rushed down Concourse A. She gazed up, and noted she had just passed Gate 6—her stride increased to a sprint. Gate 12 loomed in front of her. Passengers were in the boarding line; she got out her ticket and joined them. Rejoicing, she eventually slid into her seat. After take-off, her mind shifted back to last December.

***

Previous Year – December 1968

Justin kept his word. He didn’t call until after finals. Jorden decided he must have figured she would relent and call him. Often she did so, calling to apologize but not this time. She knew he was upset with her since he didn’t drive to Columbus before he went home for the holidays. Instead, Justin invited Jorden to spend Christmas with him and his family. Of course she declined since her parents expected her home.

But, Justin had been far from her thoughts the last two weeks. Time with Alex had been intoxicating. Topping it off, Alex had offered her a ride home to New Jersey on his way back to New York. The two planned to leave right after her last day of school.

Jorden became excited every time she thought about the trip. She wondered how long it would take to reach Trenton. One or two days? Alex came over Thursday night to go over their travel plans. They had a road map spread over the dining room table; their heads were bent in deep discussion.

Madison walked in. “What are you doing?”