“I’m glad you liked it.”

Mary Marshall appeared to be an innocuous, pleasant woman, but Jorden knew her mother was assessing the two young men as she spoke with them. Jorden could almost read her thoughts and body language. She figured her impression of Alex was positive as he had a refined look and spoke well in spite of his New York accent. Jorden knew her mother hoped she would meet and marry a nice southerner.

“Mother, we need to go.”

“I know,” Mary replied.

Jorden gave her mother a hug. “Love you. Tell Dad and Bobbette goodbye for me. I’ll call you when I get to Columbus.” She knew she would follow through—she always did when it came to her mother’s wishes.

“Love you too. Take care.” Mary stood in the doorway and watched them load the car.

“Jorden, why don’t you sit in front with me? All Tom does is complain or sleep.” Alex put Jorden’s bags in the trunk.

“I don’t mind sitting in the back.” She didn’t want to sit back there—but why did she said it?

“Don’t I have any say in this?” Tom piped up.

“No,” Alex scoffed, showing his irritation. Tom grunted and got in the back. Jorden noted their exchange and wondered what it forebode for the rest of the trip?

“You know, you have taken us out of our way and added hours to this trip. Does this make you happy?” Tom called out to Jorden from the back seat.

“Sorry. Alex did offer me a ride.”

Jorden looked at Alex. “Didn’t you tell Tom you were coming to get me?”

Tom answered, “Yes, he did, but I had no idea it would take us almost one hundred miles out of the way. Besides, we got lost and spent a couple hours trying to find your house. How’s that make you feel?”

Jorden watched Alex snarl at Tom through the rear-view mirror. At first she thought Tom was kidding, but soon she realized he wasn’t. Unrelenting, he complained non-stop. She had never been around anyone so rude and decided to ignore him and keep her mouth shut.

Alex drove out of New Jersey into Pennsylvania. After thirty miles, Tom drifted off to sleep. A quiet peace fell over them. Jorden assumed Alex planned to drive through the night.

“Sorry about Tom. I never expected he’d give you such a rough time. I’m impressed you didn’t blast him.”

“I felt like it, but what good would it do? Besides, I’d be down at his level, and I’m not reaching so low.”

“Good for you!” Alex slid his hand over hers. “I’ve missed you.”

Jorden didn’t know what to say. She was still upset with him. Their last parting was awful. Had he forgotten? She sensed Alex was holding back. Maybe he did know what she was feeling, but she couldn’t tell.