The Circle of Friends

XIII - Surprise Visitor-1

XIII - Surprise Visitor

The following morning, Lori and Jason caught their flight to the Bahamas. They were still feeling giddy from the previous evening and acting every bit the newlyweds. Several people even asked if they were on their honeymoon and Jason proudly confirmed their status. Lori felt relieved the wedding was behind them now. A whole week alone with Jason sounded absolutely wonderful.

Once they reached their room at the hotel, Jason eagerly pulled her onto the bed. He began kissing her neck, his body wrapping around hers. Lori responded in kind, eager to please Jason and delighted she no longer had to refuse his advances.

Afterwards, they put on their swimsuits and headed for the beach. The late afternoon sun felt warm and they walked along the water’s edge, letting the saltwater run over their feet. They walked up and down the beach for nearly an hour, just enjoying one another’s company. Lori even swam for an hour in the hotel’s immense pool before they returned to the room. It was not her normal routine, but having Jason chase her around the pool was more fun than monotonous laps.

They sat on the balcony after dinner, watching the lights in the distance and listening to the surf. They had already looked through the booklets and were planning their week’s activities.

“How about we spend the whole week in bed?” asked Jason with a grin, his hand rubbing her thigh suggestively.

“The whole week?” Lori asked innocently before laughing at his suggestion. “Well, I definitely want to try some deep sea diving!”

“All right,” said Jason, his hand closing around hers. “But the first thing I am buying you is a bikini! I can’t believe you didn’t bring one.”

“I didn’t know we were going to the Bahamas!” she exclaimed. “I’m always prepared for swimming, but not the beach. Your parents made a wonderful choice!”

“Yes, they did” Jason echoed, his eyes his wife.

Even in the dim light, he could see Lori clearly, the radiance of her warm smile unmistakable in the evening’s glow. He had never seen her so at peace with herself and the world. Jason wished he could keep her here forever. In three years, when he had an NFL contract and was making good money, he intended to make her world as carefree as possible. Lori would not lack for anything. Her beautiful smile was worth whatever it took to keep her happy.

Jason did not realize how much he had already filled her life, though. If at the beginning of her senior year someone had told Lori that two years later she would be married to the most thoughtful, loving and attractive young man in the world, she would have laughed. Yet that world was now a reality and she felt the effects of his affectionate encouragement in every aspect of her life. Jason was not perfect, but he satisfied her every need. As much as he wanted to keep her happy, she intended to please him tenfold.

Not wanting to lose all the speed she had worked so hard to attain, Lori swam every morning. Jason joined her when he arose, usually an hour or two later. He still wondered if they would ever wake up together. However, the sacrifice would be worth it when she competed in the Olympics. He could handle it for two more years.

Deep sea diving turned out to be a real thrill and they returned a second day to do it again. They went boating and parasailing as well. Lori was glad Jason encouraged her, as she would never have tried parasailing on her own. They also explored the surrounding area, buying gifts for their families. Lori took pictures of their adventures so she would not forget this special week.

Saturday morning, they flew home. Besides pictures and souvenirs, they were also returning with beautiful tans. Jason thought Lori appeared healthier with a little color. Despite the fact that she was solid muscle, she was still rather thin. Years of training had not added much mass to her frame. Perhaps she would gain a little weight when she stopped training so hard, he thought.

Her father retrieved them up at the airport and listened patiently as they excitedly described their week in the Bahamas. He appeared amused by his daughter’s enthusiasm and asked many questions. Phil casually commented that he noted a slight change in Jason and Lori already and thought they were adjusting rather well to married life. Judging from Jason’s suggestive grin, Lori knew what aspect of wedded bliss her new husband enjoyed the most.

Phil helped Jason carry their luggage upstairs. He set Lori’s bag on the floor just inside the bedroom but did not enter the room. As promised, he was respecting their privacy.

“If you’re hungry, dinner will be ready shortly,” he told them. “Your parents are coming over tomorrow at two o’clock, Jason.”

“Okay,” Jason replied curiously.

Lori’s father chuckled. “They want to watch you open the wedding gifts. At the moment, you can’t even see the pool table!”

Lori’s eyes grew wide and she mouthed the word wow. Jason smiled and winked. He had seen the pile of gifts before they departed the hall.

“Let me get out of your way,” Phil offered. “Glad you had a great time.”

They unpacked their bags, tossing most of their clothes into the hamper. Taking turns in the bathroom, they freshened after the long flight. Lori felt secretly relieved to have enough room for two people. Everything Jason owned now resided in her room. Sitting on the edge of the bed, Lori brushed her long hair and gazed at her bedroom in awe. She was still grinning when he returned.

“What’s that smile for?” he asked, pulling a fresh shirt out of the dresser.

“You really live here now,” she observed.

Jason pulled on his shirt and joined his wife. “Yes, and I don’t have to leave tonight, either!” he exclaimed, pushing her onto the bed.

“Not anymore,” she said, hugging him tightly.

He gave Lori a kiss and helped her off the bed. “Let’s go get something to eat. I’m starving!”

Taking her by the hand, Jason led her toward the door. Lori glanced around the room one more time, still amazed by the changes. Life would certainly be different now.

The first week was a bit of an adjustment. Thankfully they had spent enough nights together to be familiar with the other’s routine. Jason spent every summer working for his father and started first thing Monday morning. Lori resumed her training with Judy, meeting her at the pool by seven. This pleased Jason, as they arose together in the morning. His day did not end until four or five o’clock, but Lori always greeted him when he returned.

Sometimes their evenings were spent at home, but they discovered double dating with Matt and Sarah equally enjoyable. They were pleased to see their best friends together. Jason could not imagine dating Sarah, the polar opposite of Lori, but if Matt enjoyed her company then that was all that mattered.

Lori spent her afternoons writing thank you cards for the wedding gifts. Several items they were saving for the fall. Lori would have a small apartment in Gainesville, making visits from Jason more convenient, and she required many items to properly decorate and furnish her new home. Those attending the wedding had been most generous and her only need would be a couch.

Saturday night they planned to join their friends at a club for an evening of dancing. Lori and Jason spent most of the afternoon in the pool and hot tub. They had enjoyed complete privacy since early that morning. Jason had initially wondered about the living arrangements, but he hardly ever saw Lori’s parents, let alone had them infringe on their space. He began to understand just how lonely it had been for Lori.

They went upstairs to shower and dress. Jason wanted a decent meal before going to the club and planned to take Lori out for dinner. During the week Lori had prepared a full meal only once. Cooking was not one of her strengths, but Jason felt there were far worse shortcomings his new wife could possess. Restaurants existed for a reason.

Once showered, Jason returned to their bedroom to dress. Lori was still drying her hair in the bathroom when his cell phone beeped. Adjusting his shirt, he grabbed his phone before it vibrated off the dresser.

“Jason?” came Heather’s frantic voice. “Are you sitting down?”

“What’s wrong?” he asked.

“I just got a phone call. Rachel’s in town.”

Jason decided he had best have a seat on the bed. “She is?”

“Yeah, she just flew in this afternoon. She called me just a few minutes ago and wants to join us tonight at the club. Jason, she’s here to see you! Rachel intends to talk you out of your serious relationship as she calls it. She doesn’t know you got married, does she?”

“No, she doesn’t,” Jason answered with a sigh.

Every so often he would still receive a phone call from his old girlfriend. Usually she just wanted to inform him of her latest modeling show or current ad in a magazine. Jason had decided not to worry Lori with Rachel’s occasional phone calls, especially during their separation at college. However, he had not spoken with Rachel since late last fall. Not only was she unaware of their wedding, she did not even know of his engagement.

“I didn’t think so,” said Heather. “I certainly haven’t said anything! She wanted to surprise you tonight, but I thought you needed to be prepared!”

“Well, thanks for the warning. I’ll handle it, Heather.”

“All right. See you tonight,” she answered.

Lori came out of the bathroom as he hung up the phone. She was still brushing her hair, the bulk of it pulled forward over her left shoulder. Jason could sense her joyful anticipation from across the room and inwardly cringed.

“Who was that?” she inquired.

“Heather,” he answered, setting his phone on the bed. His enthusiasm for the evening had been dampened by this new development and he wondered how Lori would react. She had no need for concern, but he knew how he would feel if the roles were reversed.

“What’s wrong?” she asked, her smile fading.

Jason held out his hand, enticing Lori to join him. She slowly curled up beside him on the bed and Jason wrapped his arms around her. He held her for a moment before speaking.

“We have someone else joining us tonight,” he said slowly, rubbing her back. “Rachel’s gonna be there.”

Instantly Lori tensed in his arms. Jason placed his hands on her shoulders and forced his wife to look into his eyes.

“Hey,” he said sternly. “It’s no big deal to me. I’ve got the love of my life right here. I just wanted you to be prepared.”

Lori nodded, her eyes dark with worry. “Is she here to see you?” she gently inquired.

Pressing his lips into a thin line, Jason regretfully nodded his head. “I’m afraid so. She doesn’t know we’re married yet, but she will!”

“I guess we’ll just have to deal with it,” said Lori.

The thought of Rachel visiting Greenville just to see Jason made her uneasy, despite the ring on her finger. She remembered Heather’s friend very well. Rachel was very beautiful and at one time had been very special to Jason.

“I’ll deal with her,” said Jason firmly, holding her hand to his lips. “You just don’t let it worry you. Lori, you’re my wife and I certainly have no regrets!”

She smiled ever so slightly. Jason’s eyes narrowed and he shook his head.

“Nope, gotta smile more than that!”

Seizing her around the middle, he flung Lori on the bed. Jason leapt on top of her, effectively pinning his wife. Lori let out a cry and tried to wiggle free. Jason grabbed her hands and held them over her head, squeezing her body with his knees. Unable to move, Lori began to laugh.

“That’s better,” exclaimed Jason. “Now, tonight, I am taking my gorgeous wife out for dinner and dancing and we are going to have a great time. All right?”

“All right,” she answered, still attempting to free her hands.