The Circle of Friends

XIV - Summertime

XIV - Summertime

“I can’t believe you two ate all of the waffles!” exclaimed Lori, retrieving the empty plate from the table.

Jason flashed a guilty grin and Lori’s father winked at him. “We’re still growing young men,” Phil said innocently.

“Depends on which direction you want to grow,” observed Lori, casting a sly glance at her father.

Lori had arisen at dawn to work out that morning, leaving Jason asleep in their bed. He and Phil had been waiting when she came down from her shower. It had been close to lunchtime and they talked her into making waffles. Lori was actually quite good with the waffle iron, but she had been unprepared for the amount required to feed two grown men. Jason could put away an enormous quantity of food when hungry and this morning he had consumed six large waffles. Lori’s father had matched him bite for bite.

Lori set the plate in the sink and picked up the empty bowl of batter. “Do I need to make more?” she inquired.

“No,” said Jason, shaking his head. “I think we’re stuffed now!”

She finished clearing the table while the men conversed. Sundays were Lori’s day with her father, but she did not feel their quality time had been invaded by Jason’s presence. It pleased her that Jason was able to enjoy time with her father, too.

Placing the last bowl in the dishwasher, Lori returned to her seat. Her father was recounting his latest business trip, which included two days in Dallas.

“If you are drafted by the Cowboys, I think you’ll really enjoy living there,” Phil said, pausing as the sound of the phone broke the silence. “There’s certainly enough to do in Dallas!” he told them as he reached for the receiver.

“I don’t care where we live as long as I’m with you,” Lori quietly told Jason.

He smiled and gave her a kiss. Glancing at Phil, Jason’s expression suddenly altered. Concerned, Lori turned toward her father and frowned.

“How badly is she hurt?” Phil asked, the tremble in his voice unmistakable. “Yes, I know where it’s located. I’m on my way.”

Fearfully, Lori rose to her feet. “Daddy?” she breathed as he hung up the phone.

He turned to his daughter and grabbed her outstretched hand. “Your mother’s been in an accident. They’re taking her to Greenville Memorial Hospital.”

Lori immediately placed her arms around his neck. She was shaking and could feel her father trembling, too.

“I need to get my keys,” said Phil, gently releasing Lori.

“We’ll come with you,” announced Jason, rising to his feet.

Her father nodded and stepped out of the kitchen. Jason paused long enough to give Lori a reassuring hug. Taking her by the hand, he led them upstairs to locate their shoes. Moments later, they all met again in the kitchen.

“Do you need me to drive?” Jason asked.

Phil was visibly shaken, be managed a weak smile and patted Jason on the shoulder. “Thanks for the offer. I can manage, though.”

Once behind the wheel, Phil appeared calmer. At the hospital, they were told to wait for the doctor. Frustrated by the delay, they sat in the crowded waiting room. Phil fidgeted nervously and jumped every time someone emerged through the double doors. It unnerved Jason to see Lori’s father so distraught. Glancing at Lori, Jason wondered how he would react under similar circumstances and decided not to think about such an occurrence.

Lori sat between them, holding her father’s hand. She said little, relying on her touch to reassure her father. Jason kept his arm around her shoulders as they waited. Lori appeared calm, but Jason could sense her anxiety.

Eventually someone came out to talk to them. Rhonda had sustained a concussion and bruises, but otherwise she would be fine. Her mother was to stay overnight for observation, just as a precaution. While Lori and her father visited with her, Jason made phone calls to family members and friends.

They stayed at the hospital all afternoon. Around dinnertime, her father sent them home to get a change of clothes for him and bring back something to eat. Phil intended to spend the night with his wife. Jason and Lori ran by the house to retrieve her father’s clothes and her vehicle. They swung through the drive-through for dinner before returning to the hospital.

Lori maintained her composure until that evening. She had acted strong in front of her parents and the numerous visitors at the hospital. Upon returning to the house, she retreated to the bathroom before joining Jason in the game room. She sat beside him on the couch and he sensed her strength had reached its limit. Muting the television, Jason put his arm around Lori. She sat quietly for a moment, staring at the now silent screen, before the tears began to flow. Lori fell into his arms, and Jason let her cry, aware she needed the release. He gently stroked her hair while waiting for the tears to cease.

“It’s okay,” he said softly. “Your mom’s gonna be fine. She’ll be home tomorrow.”

Lori took a deep breath. “I know,” she answered, her voice trembling.

Jason kissed the top of her head. “I’m sure your father appreciates how well you held up today.”

“I was trying so hard for him,” she breathed. “I was more scared for my father than anything else.”

“Why?” asked Jason.

It was a moment before Lori could reply. “Because if something happened to my mom, he’d be alone.”

The fear in her voice was unmistakable. Jason knew Lori was very close to her father. They had relied heavily on one another’s support over the years. Her own fear of being alone most likely stemmed from watching her parents spend so much time apart and she had echoed her father’s loneliness. It would take years for Jason to erase those misgivings, but he was determined to try.

“Well, she’s going to be all right,” he said firmly.

Finally, Lori sat up and rubbed her eyes. She managed a weak smile, grateful for his understanding.

Jason brushed aside her hair and gave Lori a kiss on the forehead. “Your mom’s okay, so just put those thoughts out of your head. Your father still has his wife. And you have me, so neither of you will be alone,” he stated, waiting for her to acknowledge that fact before sending Lori to the bathroom to dry her face.

The day’s events still weighed heavily on them when they went to bed that night and it was many hours before either could sleep.

Lori’s mother came home from the hospital the next morning. She was under orders to take it easy for a few days and Lori’s father took time off from work to stay with Rhonda. The pain pills prevented Lori’s mother from driving, but keeping her from overexerting herself would require constant surveillance. Lori helped by running errands and preparing meals for her parents.

Throughout the week, Jason was incredibly supportive and loving. Lori appreciated his consideration and strength, and again she wondered how she could have coped without him. Since it bothered Jason to see her upset, Lori put forth effort to overcome her fear and worry as quickly as possible.

When he came home on Friday, Jason surprised her with hotel reservations in Charlotte the following evening. Their one-month anniversary was approaching and he wanted to celebrate. A night in Charlotte would get Lori out of the house and after the past few weeks, Jason felt she deserved some fun.

When she completed her workout Saturday morning, they departed for Charlotte. The day was very warm and there wasn’t a cloud in the sky. Jason felt a little sunshine and fresh air would be good for Lori, and knowing her love for animals, took them directly to the Metro Zoo. Her eyes lit up with delight as they entered the parking lot, erasing the sorrow that had tainted them all week. Pleasing Lori had always been a priority and Jason thoroughly enjoyed his task today.

After baking in the hot sun for several hours, they checked into the hotel. A cool shower revived them and Jason took full advantage of their renewed energy before leaving for the restaurant. After a wonderful meal, they went to the Comedy Zone and thoroughly enjoyed the show. By the end of the evening, Lori’s spirits had risen considerably.

When Jason slid into bed that night, Lori rewarded him with an exceptionally big hug. He laughed at her child-like enthusiasm and returned her embrace.

“Thank you,” Lori murmured.

“You’re welcome, Baby,” answered Jason, leaning away to kiss his wife. “Anything to see that smile again. I’ve really missed it.”

“I know. I’m sorry.”

“No need to be sorry,” he said. “If it’d been my parents, I’d been upset, too. But I knew you needed to get out of your funk. It was time.”

Lori laid a hand alongside his face. “I was ready. I guess you know me pretty well.”

“Ha!” exclaimed Jason. “It’s gonna take a lifetime to know you completely. And I’m going to enjoy every moment of it.”

She smiled as he gave her another kiss. “I really appreciate everything today,” she said as he moved to her neck.

“I’m not done yet,” he murmured. He paused and lifted his head. “After we check out tomorrow, I’m taking you to lunch and then shopping. You’re to pick out something really nice for yourself before we go home, okay?”

“What do you get out of this?” Lori asked.

Jason smiled. “I get to be with the woman I love and make her happy,” he told her warmly. And that’s what makes me happy, he thought to himself.

The remainder of their summer was fortunately less eventful. They enjoyed their time together, and visiting with friends kept their days full but filled with pleasantries. Married life had required adjustments, but they worked through the challenges. Jason grew accustomed to Lori’s presence and it was a welcome change from their first year of college. He wished he did not have to leave for football camp so soon.

They drove down to Gainesville to look for an apartment for Lori. Her father insisted she find a suitable dwelling off campus and agreed to cover the rent. When Jason came for a visit, he would not be forced to spend money on a hotel room. Quite pleased with the proposition, Lori and Jason went apartment hunting for two days. On the second day, they located a quaint, one-bedroom apartment not far from the campus. Similar in design to a two-story townhouse, the stairs lead directly into an open-air bedroom. The landlords were an elderly couple who were at first hesitant to lease the apartment to college students. However, their athletic credentials and marital status greatly impressed the managers. Lori signed the papers that afternoon and would take possession of the apartment on the twentieth of August.

“This will be great!” said Jason as they returned to their hotel. “You’ll have a place all to yourself and we won’t have to run off to a hotel room.”

“Does this mean I’ll see you more often?” Lori asked hopefully.

Jason covered her hand. “Yes, it does. During football season, I’ll try to get down here every other weekend. Rest of the year, I can visit every weekend if you like.”

“Of course I’d like it!” she exclaimed.

“Good, ‘cus I’d like it, too. I’m gonna really miss you this year. You’ve spoiled me!”

“Spoiled you?” Lori laughed. “How have I spoiled you?”

“Hey, I get great rubs, great s*x,” Jason said with a wink. “And time with the most wonderful person I know. You indulge me on a daily basis!”

“Well, don’t go feeling neglected. You can come here anytime for attention.”

“Oh, don’t worry, I will.”

They rode in silence for a few minutes. Suddenly a thought hit Lori and she laughed out loud. “I guess it’s a good thing I still have my old bed. Doubt we could get the new one up those stairs!”

“Probably not,” agreed Jason. “That big bed will stay there until we get a house in a couple years. It’ll be our home until we get our own place together!”

Lori leaned her head against the seat. “That will be wonderful,” she said wistfully.

He gave her a quick smile and patted her knee reassuringly. “I know, Baby. I’m not looking forward to us being apart again. When we graduate, I’ll make it up to you big time, I promise.”

She smiled as she pictured their future together. As long as she still had Jason in the end, that was all that really mattered to Lori.

“Sarah, I wanted you to know that the wolf bath set you gave us is out and ready for use. It’s not in the box anymore!”

Lori had spent all morning and most of the afternoon unpacking and setting up her apartment. When she set out the bathroom accessories, she thought of Sarah. As their wedding present, her friend had given her a complete matching set, from bath towels and mat to shower curtain and soap holder. The howling wolf pattern, set against a beautiful pine green, matched the bathroom’s colors.

“About time!” answered Sarah. “Send me some pictures so I can see what your place looks like.”

“It’s very cozy. I think Jason will like what I’ve done with it,” Lori told her, retrieving the last of the packing material from the floor.

“When is he coming to see you?”

She glanced at the clock. “He’ll be here at four today.”

“That’s in less than an hour!” exclaimed Sarah. “What on earth are you doing talking to me?”

Lori laughed. “Because if I didn’t call to tell you about the bathroom now, I would forget!”

“Well, go get ready for your husband. I know he’ll be excited to see you.”

“Was Matt pleased to see you last weekend?” Lori asked.

Despite her track record of brief relationships, Sarah had dated Matt for over four months. They generated a tremendous amount of joyful energy when together and appeared quite attached. Even Jason had commented Matt and Sarah functioned well as a couple.

“Of course!” Sarah boasted. “Two weeks apart had really done him some good, too. Made him downright hungry.”

“I don’t want to know,” Lori said quickly, forestalling any further comments. Sarah could be quite frank when discussing her s*x life.

Sarah laughed. “I’ll let you go. Send me pictures!”

Lori set down her cell phone and glanced around the room. One quick run of the vacuum cleaner and the apartment would be ready. Then she would jump in the shower and make herself presentable. Jason would also be hungry for attention and Lori didn’t want to disappoint him.

Her father had stayed for two days and helped unpack and arrange the furniture. Lori had enjoyed his company even more than the assistance. He even took her shopping at a local grocery store the very first night. There were many things she needed for the apartment, from cleaners to food, and her father had made sure she did not forget any important items. Lori looked upon the experience as good practice, for one day she would have to stock an entire house. If she could just get a handle on cooking, everything would be perfect.

By four o’clock, she was ready. Lori positioned herself at her desk to watch for Jason’s car. It still needed work, so she began organizing her papers and computer software. Every now and then, she glanced out the giant bay windows in eager anticipation.

A flash of light caught her attention. Peering out the window, she noticed a silver BMW parked outside her apartment. Lori leapt from her chair and raced for the door. She met Jason on the sidewalk and threw her arms around his neck. Dropping his bag, Jason lifted Lori completely off the ground. He set her down and immediately began kissing his wife.

“I’ve missed you so!” Lori gasped when she could speak again.

“Missed you, too,” he said with a mischievous grin.

Jason retrieved his bag and followed Lori into the apartment. He let her show him the downstairs, pleased with the décor. Fortunately, Lori’s tastes were simple, and Jason had always liked the appearance of her bedroom. She led him upstairs, pointing out how spacious the room appeared even with the bed and dresser in place.

“Do you like the way it looks?” Lori anxiously inquired.

Smiling mischievously, he tossed aside his bag. “You bet!”

Lunging unexpectedly at Lori, Jason scooped her into his arms. He moved toward the bed and deposited her on the mattress. Lori laughed as he dropped beside her.

“I wondered how long it would take you to get me here!” she cried.

Jason hesitated. “Is that a problem?”

“Oh, no!” she told him, pulling him closer.

His smile returned as he bent to kiss Lori. He was guilty as charged. This was exactly what he wanted to do before dinner.

He treated her to a nice restaurant and they enjoyed one another’s company for over an hour before returning to the apartment. Jason had earlier placed a bottle of champagne in the refrigerator and he popped the cork while Lori set out glasses. John had so graciously purchased the champagne on Friday so they could raise a toast to the new apartment.

“To our first night together!” said Jason, tapping his glass against hers.

“And many more to come,” echoed Lori, taking a small sip.

They drank their champagne and watched a baseball game on television. Lori drank very slowly, but he was able to top off her glass one more time before the bottle went dry. She took another sip and set her glass on the end table. She snuggled closer to Jason and he placed his arm around Lori.

“I have missed you,” he told her, stroking her hair, “beyond just having you in my bed every night! I’ve missed my little ray of sunshine!”

“And I’ve missed my greatest supporter!” Lori exclaimed, lifting her head. “At least we’ll see each more often this year.”

“I hope you can come down for a couple home games. I should get a chance to play this year.”

“You know I will! Just tell me when I need to be there,” Lori said, giving him a kiss.

Jason stroked her cheek. “In two weeks? Our second game is at home.”

“That would be great! I really miss watching you play.”

“I’ll make sure you see me as much as possible!” he promised.

Jason arose early the next morning to return to Florida State. He promised to have a ticket waiting for her at the booth in two weeks.

“And you can spend the night with me Saturday!” he said eagerly.

“On that tiny bed of yours,” Lori teased.

“Hey,” Jason said forcefully. “Anything to keep you close! I love you. Call you tonight.”

Lori gave him one last kiss before letting him out the door. It would be another two weeks until she saw him again, but hopefully she would finally see him play the game he so loved.

Jason played briefly in the fourth quarter and Lori was glad she was able to witness the occasion. It had been a long time since she saw him throw a pass. The last year of high school felt so far away and Lori realized two years had passed since their first meeting. Sitting at the Seminole’s game brought back a flood of memories. So much had happened in the last two years.

The following week’s game fell on Friday night. Jason came to Gainesville Saturday evening and after a late dinner, they met Cindy and her boyfriend, Mark, at a local club. James and several other friends were present as well, and they had a great time. They missed Matt and the others, but Lori felt thankful for her friends at college. Once they graduated and Jason played professional ball, they would be forced to make new friends yet again.

The next Seminole game was in Tallassee on Saturday. Jason set aside four tickets for his wife and her friends. Cindy, Mark and James all wanted to go to the game and they departed immediately following swim practice. They arrived an hour before kickoff and located their seats before the stadium filled to capacity. Today’s opponent was Clemson and Florida State was favored to win.

Mark and James purchased drinks and they chatted while waiting for the game to begin. The crowd around them became rowdy and Lori was glad no one had worn a Gator shirt today. The Florida State students might have become ugly.

“Football games are wild to shoot,” James commented. “I was nearly mobbed last night at the Gator game.”

“You prefer the swim matches?” asked Lori.

James smiled, his eyes on the field. “Less violent fans and a better view!”

Lori nudged him with her elbow. She knew why the boys attended swim meets.

Jason played twice while the starting quarterback recovered from hard hits, once for three plays and the second time for several downs. Lori thought he played better than Kurt, completing five out of six passes. Jason had recently commented there was a chance he would play a lot this season if the senior performed poorly. Kurt was also very injury-prone, which could be a factor as well.

When the score was forty-seven to ten, with less than a minute to play, Lori and her friends slipped out of the stadium. They wanted to beat the crowd and avoid the ensuing confusion if at all possible. Jason had told them where to meet him afterwards. Lori easily located the restaurant and they waited for him to join them.

It was over an hour before he reached them. Lori noticed him walking to the door first and eagerly went to meet him. Jason was still pumped from the game, and he gave her an almost crushing embrace before joining the others at the table.

“Great game today!” cried Mark, rising to giving Jason a handshake.

“Thanks, man!” he answered, turning to clasp James’s hand. “The team played good today.”

“You played great,” said Lori as he sat down beside her.

Jason smiled and gave her a quick kiss on the cheek. “Played more than last time. Glad you were here to see it!”

They discussed the game for almost an hour. Several diners stopped at the table to ask Jason about the game and congratulate the team on the victory. He obviously enjoyed the attention. Jason had never been overly cocky, but he knew he was good and exuded confidence in himself. With his leadership abilities and skills, Lori suspected he would be playing entire games very soon.

While the others piled into Lori’s car, Jason walked her slowly across the parking lot. He was pleased she had made the trip and felt loath to let her return to Gainesville. At least they saw one another more often now. Last year the time of separation had felt like months rather than weeks.

“I probably won’t see you next week,” he told her. “But we’re playing Duke the following Friday night in North Carolina, so I’ll see you Saturday.”

“Sounds great!” she told him as they reached her car. “I loved watching you play today,” said Lori, wrapping her arms around his neck.

Jason kissed her, oblivious to the onlookers inside her vehicle. “First game I start will be for you,” he said softly. “You have a safe drive. I’m glad you didn’t come alone today.”

“Everyone appreciated the tickets! They’ve all heard me rave about your playing for weeks.”

“Well, I hope I didn’t disappoint them!” Jason said with a grin, giving her one last kiss. “I’ll talk to you tomorrow. I love you.”

He opened her car door and told everyone goodnight. Lori backed her Mustang and they all waved as she shifted into first gear. Lori kept glancing in her rearview mirror until she could no longer see Jason.

Everyone was talkative on the drive home, but Lori’s thoughts kept returning to the game. One day soon she would watch Jason play all four quarters.