Without thinking, Jorden turned the key in the ignition, pushed down on the gas, and eased off the clutch. She reached her apartment an hour and a half later, around seven thirty. In a state of denial, she almost didn’t hear the phone as she climbed the stairs. The ringing stopped—only to begin again. She answered on what she thought was the fourth ring.

“Where have you been? You had me worried.” Alex’s voice cracked. “I’ve been calling and calling. I thought you might have been in an accident.”

Startled by Alex’s tone, Jorden hesitated. “I’m . . . I’m fine.” She wasn’t sure what to say. She couldn’t explain the situation with Justin, but still she wanted to be truthful. “I stopped by the university but didn’t stay long—which is why I’m late.”

“I thought you might have, but you really had me worried. How about the dinner I promised you?”

“I’d . . . I’d like that.”

“I’m leaving now.”

“Wait! Give me thirty minutes. I’ve been in these clothes the last two days. I’ve got to shower and change.” But Jorden wanted more—she needed to clear her mind.

“See you in a half hour.” Forty-five minutes later, the doorbell rang. She’d try to put Justin out of her thoughts.

“Are you ready?”

“Quite.”

Alex reached for his keys. Out of habit he checked for his wallet. “Sorry, we need to make a detour. I’m pretty sure I left my wallet at home.”

Fifteen minutes later, they reached his place. “It’s cold out here. Come in with me.”

“I’ll wait. I’d rather not see Tom.”

“He’s gone. Remember his hot date?” Alex laughed.

“I’m fine here.”

“I’ll be right back.” Alex left the engine running and dashed inside. To Jorden’s relief he soon returned, waving his wallet as he got back in—but by then the Mustang’s engine had stalled.

“I don’t know what happened. The engine just sputtered and quit,” Jorden replied.

Alex tried a dozen times, but the engine wouldn’t start. “Don’t quit on me now after two thousand miles! I think I’ve flooded it. Let’s go inside; it should start in a few minutes.”

Jorden focused on the wall clock in the kitchen—it was after nine. “Aren’t we too late for dinner?”

Alex paused, appearing to study the clock. “I know, what if I make us something?” He opened the refrigerator. “Let’s see . . . there’s ham, eggs, and cheddar cheese. How about an omelet?”

“I can help.”

“No, I’m an expert. Just watch.” First, Alex pulled out a pan and gathered what he needed from the refrigerator and cabinets.

“This is new! I’ve never had a man cook for me. How about coffee? I can at least start it brewing.”