The Circle of Friends

VII - Graduation and Beyond-2

Laughing, Lori affectionately patted his leg. He covered her hand with his own and smiled. The sun shone brightly behind Lori, causing her hair to glow. Even without makeup, Lori still appeared stunning.

“And if this is the worst you look first thing in the morning, then I can handle it!” he exclaimed, laughing when she gave his leg a pinch.

“Don’t forget I’m leaving tomorrow,” Jason said as he pulled into her neighborhood.

“I know,” she said, trying to hide her disappointment.

He would be gone for five whole days. Jason, Matt, Steve and Chris were flying out to California together as part of a joint graduation gift. They had been planning this trip since last fall and the boys were excited. Lori she knew she would miss him terribly, though.

“I’d like to come spend this evening with you since I won’t see you for awhile.”

“Please,” she said quickly.

Jason gave her hand a squeeze. “Aw, Lori, you know I’m gonna miss you! But we’ve had this trip planned forever.”

“I know. You guys go and have a good time.”

Grinning, he pulled Lori’s hand to his lips. “I promise to be good!” he said with all sincerity.

Lori leaned her head against the seat. “I trust you!” she said.

“Good. Besides, I’m the one who should worry. Look what I’m leaving behind unguarded!”

Lori missed Jason while he was in California. He had returned Saturday night and they enjoyed a wonderful evening together, making light of the time they would be apart. Lori spent Sunday with her father, but by Monday she was climbing the walls and bored without Jason or school to occupy her time.

Fortunately, Sarah was bored too. They took off together Monday afternoon and wasted most of their evening driving around town. They decided to be more productive with their Tuesday and planned a quick road trip to Charlotte. Sarah agreed to drive and told Lori she would see her around noon.

Lori got up early to work out and swim so she would be ready to go when Sarah arrived. She had just returned home when her cell phone rang.

“Hello?” she asked tentatively.

“Lori?” came a familiar voice on the other end.

“Jason?” she eagerly cried.

“Hi, yeah, it’s me,” he said.

People were talking in the background and Lori could barely hear him. “Where are you?” she asked. “There’s a lot of noise.”

“Sorry. I’m in the hotel lobby. Let me step outside or something. There, is that better?”

“Yes,” Lori answered. “What are you doing in the lobby?”

“Well, I said I wouldn’t be able to call,” he began apologetically, “but that’s because we all promised no calls home to girlfriends. So I got up early and snuck down to the lobby so the guys wouldn’t find out. I really miss you.”

“Oh,” said Lori, sinking into a chair. “That’s so sweet! I miss you, too. Are you having a good time?”

“It’s a blast out here! These people are really wild. Parties on the beach and everything.”

“And half naked women everywhere?” Lori couldn’t resist teasing him.

“I’ve been good!” Jason proclaimed defensively before chuckling. “I won’t tell you what Matt was doing last night, though!”

“I don’t want to know!”

Jason paused. “Look, I better get going before the guys catch me. I’d never hear the end of it.”

“I’ll see you Friday?” she asked hopefully.

“You bet! How early can I come over?”

Lori laughed. “Bring your swim trunks and you can join me in the pool after nine.”

“I’ll be there! I miss you, Baby. Love you.”

“I love you,” she replied.

“Gotta go! Bye!” he whispered.

Lori closed her phone and sat there for a moment. She had not worried about his trip to California, but it made her feel better to know he missed her, too. She had only to endure three more days without Jason!

Sarah and Lori had an enjoyable day together and were briefly able to forget that their boyfriends were in California. In Steve’s absence, Sarah had acted quite the flirt today. Lori hadn’t encouraged Sarah’s behavior, but she could not deny her friend the temptation. She did have to draw the line when Sarah successfully talked two older men into buying them drinks when they stopped for lunch. Jason would not have approved.

When the sun began to dip beyond the horizon, they headed for home. They continued to chat as they drove and the conversation drifted to their absent boyfriends.

“I wonder what the boys are doing now!” exclaimed Sarah, glancing at the clock. It was after six their time.

“Probably at a beach party or something,” Lori said casually. She was not about to tell Sarah that Jason had called earlier. Her friend had trouble keeping secrets.

“Think they’re behaving?” asked Sarah with a wink.

“Better than you!”

“I was just having a good time!” Sarah innocently cried. “Besides, that’s the most fun I’ve had in a long time.”

Lori leaned back in her seat and eyed her friend closely. “You and Steve not getting along?”

“It’s not that,” said Sarah, wrinkling her nose. “He’s got such a temper! I mean, damn, lighten up a little, dude.”

“What are you gonna do?”

“I don’t know. I like him and all, but I don’t think it’s gonna work. He’s so aggressive. I’ll just see what happens when he gets back.” Sarah sighed, wiggling herself down in her seat. “You’re so lucky! You and Jason are the perfect match!”

Lori smiled. “I wouldn’t say perfect…”

“Oh, please, you are!” cried Sarah, rolling her eyes. “He certainly couldn’t find anyone better! Not at Florida State, that’s for sure!”

Lori’s smile faded slightly. In two months, Jason would leave for Florida State and she the University of Florida. She had heard enough about college life from her friend, Scott, to realize maintaining a serious relationship long distance would be nearly impossible. Lori could not hold Jason to his promise. Many opportunities would arise for him to try someone new. Despite Sarah’s convictions, there would indeed be many pretty girls at his college who would relish the chance to date a handsome young football player.

Their conversation drifted to other topics and Lori put summer’s end out of her mind. She needed to enjoy the time they had remaining rather than dread the moment they would part.

Friday finally arrived and Lori arose early. She had taken the day off from her trainer and worked out on her own in the weight room. After a light breakfast, she took a shower and put on her bathing suit. Jason had gotten in very late, so she did not expect him right at nine. She placed a note on the front door and left the side gate unlocked. Returning to the pool room, Lori began doing laps, as much to keep her occupied as part of her daily routine.

Finishing a set of twenty laps, Lori leaned over to grab her towel and blot her face. Out of the corner of her eye she caught a familiar figure coming around the far side of the house. Pulling herself quickly out of the water, she ran to the outer sliding door. Jason met her just as she emerged on the back deck and with a joyful laugh, he lifted her into the air. Returning her feet to the deck without relinquishing his hold, he urgently kissed Lori.

When he finally released her, she stepped back to inspect Jason. He had definitely gotten some sun and probably a sunburn while visiting California. Dressed in a t-shirt sporting a California beach logo, he was now very wet from where Lori had pressed up against his body. His warm smile was reflected in his eyes and she felt relieved to have him home.

“It is so good to see you!” he said, kissing her again. “And hold a warm body next to me!”

“I thought that’s why you went to the beach!” taunted Lori.

“Hey!” he said firmly, giving her a little shake. “There were a lot of girls to look at, I’ll not lie to you. But I wasn’t there to chase girls. Not when I had you here waiting for me.”

Lori smiled and kissed him again. She had missed holding a warm body, too.

“I have something for you,” he said, producing a shirt from behind his back.

“Oh, thank you!” she cried, holding it at arm’s length. The word California was printed across the top in multi-colored letters and below that large ocean waves completed the scene. Jason’s was similar in design but without sleeves.

“Will it fit?” he inquired.

“Medium?” she asked, checking the label. “It should. If not, I’ll shrink it in the dryer.”

He smiled and grabbed her hand. She gave Jason one more kiss before pulling him into the pool room.

“Come on! You can tell me all about your trip while I swim.”

Jason watched from the side, talking to her in between laps. Unable to watch any longer from the pool’s edge, he effectively ended her workout for the morning by jumping into the water with Lori. She laughed when he unexpectedly grabbed her and immediately ceased swimming.

Jason returned that evening and took her out to dinner. Five days without Lori had been too long and he missed her more than he would ever admit. He longed for her warmth and companionship and the beautiful smiles reserved only for him.

If he had desired a female body while in California, he could have picked from any number of girls. His friends had been eagerly hunting, but when it came down to it, Jason could not cheat on Lori. No one had really sparked his interest, even when the chance for some casual s*x presented itself. That girl had not possessed Lori’s beauty or gentle disposition, and despite encouragement from Chris and Steve, he did not pursue the opportunity.

It had been one thing to let go of Rachel when she moved to New York, but Lori was different. Her loving admiration and support Jason cherished, and he was not about to lose her now. He began to wonder about college and if he really could maintain a long-distance relationship.

Jason found himself very busy that summer. Upon returning from California, he immediately went to work for his father. The past several summers he had worked to put money in an account for college. He would do construction work for his father all day, sweating in the hot sun until five o’clock. Twice a week Jason spent sessions with a personal trainer, sharpening his football skills for the fall. Evenings he would spend time with Lori, whether alone or with a group of friends. Occasionally they would visit a local club for under twenty-one and go dancing. Weekends meant excursions to the park or up to the lake. No matter where Jason went though, Lori was always at his side.

Sarah and Steve did not last and they broke up immediately after the boys returned from California. It did not surprise Lori, although she wished her friend would find someone more compatible. Sarah had her difficult moments, but she could be a lot of fun and was always ready to try something new.

Lori continued her training, practicing every morning with her coach of six years. Judy had coached many swimmers in her lifetime, but Lori remained her one consistent. Divorced for the past ten years, Judy’s children were now grown, and she treated Lori like her own daughter. One of Lori’s greatest encouragers, Judy continued to push Lori toward her goal of a position on the Olympic team.

On the Fourth of July, several friends gathered at Jason’s home for a cookout. His cousins were also visiting and Jennifer joined them when they went out to watch fireworks. Taking along blankets on which to sit, the group piled into two vehicles. Parking within walking distance of the main event, they spread out in small groups across the lawn.