The Circle of Friends

IX - A Challenge and a Decision-3

He was disappointed she would not come home for Thanksgiving. It was a long drive to make for just one day and she could not miss any of her training. During Christmas break she would have a few days’ reprieve, though. Jason contemplated visiting Lori on Thursday, but his mother would be disappointed if he failed to come home. However, he would have to hustle to return to Tallassee. The team had practice the days before and after Thanksgiving and a home game early Saturday afternoon. He intended to slip over to Gainesville that night, too.

Jason had been contemplating the future of their relationship as well. He had missed Lori terribly the past several months. Fortunately, the time apart had proven their bond to be strong. Jason had worried he would be unable to stay true to Lori once he reached college. Despite the temptations, for the boys were always throwing parties with girls coming and going constantly, he had kept his urges in check. If her enthusiasm to be with him every few weeks was any indication, then he felt sure she had not wandered in her devotion, either. It angered him to think of her with another man and Jason wanted to ensure that never happened. As long as he had waited to enjoy her physically, Lori was going to be his come hell or high water.

Wednesday afternoon he called before departing for Greenville. She had just finished swimming and was still in the locker room when she answered.

“Hi!” Lori cried, her voice bubbling through the phone. “Are you leaving now?”

“Yeah. Wish you were coming, too.”

“I know! I’ll miss my folks, but I’m glad you’re coming down Saturday!”

“Can’t stay away from you too long!” he exclaimed. “I’ll make sure you get a late Thanksgiving dinner.”

“Well, you have a safe drive. Call me tomorrow?” she asked hopefully.

“Of course I will,” he answered. “Love you!”

“I love you. Bye.”

She turned off her phone and threw it into her bag. Cindy regarded Lori expectantly. Obviously, she’d overheard their exchange.

“He’s certainly devoted!” she said, pulling her socks on. “The last guy I dated long distance wouldn’t have gone to so much trouble to come see me! Of course, he was busy with someone else that I didn’t know about!”

“I’m sorry, that’s awful!” cried Lori.

As she left the locker room, Lori smiled to herself, confident she was still the only one in Jason’s life. Maria had never observed him with another girl. Most of the frat boys would not care, but she felt certain John kept him in line. Jason’s friend sounded very attached to his girlfriend in Savannah and not likely to tolerate infidelity.

Lori spent Thanksgiving with Cindy and two other girls who stayed in Gainesville for Thanksgiving. They went to a local restaurant for lunch and enjoyed as close to a home-cooked meal as possible. The company was good, but Lori felt a little homesick. She missed her father, even though he called twice a week. Hopefully he could visit her soon, too.

Jason arrived home safely, relieved to be back in town. Matt was home for one day as well and they were to get together later that night. However, Jason needed to stop and see Lori’s parents first. He called ahead, afraid it might be an inconvenience for the Anders. Phil sounded pleased Jason would come see them without Lori present and extended an invitation.

Making an appearance shortly after eight, Phil met him at the front door. Inviting Jason into the kitchen, Mr. Anders gestured for him to have a seat at the table and offered a cola. Lori’s mother had spread her work papers all over the surface and she quickly cleared a section of the table. The two men discussed college and football for several minutes while Rhonda continued working. Jason felt very relaxed in Phil’s presence and he could see why Lori felt closer to her father. For Jason, that made the purpose of his visit all the easier to accomplish.

“I’m glad you’re visiting Lori on Saturday,” her father commented, setting down his coffee. “I really wish she could’ve come home. We need to get down to Gainesville soon.”

“She felt bad she couldn’t be here,” said Jason, shifting in his seat and leaning forward. “Actually, it gives me a chance to talk with you without Lori knowing.”

He had prepared his words during the drive home, rehearsing his lines all afternoon. Now that the moment had arrived, Jason struggled to remember any of the eloquent phrases he had uttered in the car. Lori’s mother continued to concentrate on her papers, only partially paying attention to their conversation, but Phil listened attentively.

“I wasn’t sure what would happen when we went off to college. I feared we might grow apart. Thought someone else might enter her life, especially since Lori’s just so darn attractive,” said Jason, a slight grin on his face.

“How well this proud father knows,” said her father smugly.

“We talk on the phone and e-mail every day. And we’ve been visiting each other every few weeks, too,” he said, unsure if Lori’s father was aware of their nights together. Phil just nodded, so Jason took a deep breath and continued.

“I know I’m not going to find another girl as special as Lori and I really want to take care of her. I love her and I’d like to ask her to marry me.”

At the other end of the table, Jason heard Lori’s mother gasp and realized he had her full attention now. His eyes never left her father’s, though. Trying to appear calm despite the butterflies in his stomach, Jason waited for Phil’s answer. Lori’s father was obviously surprised. He sat there for a moment, absorbing Jason’s words. A slow smile spread across his face and he leaned forward, slapping the table with his hand.

“Son,” he began, his eyes gleaming, “I think she’ll be thrilled, and so am I!”

Lori’s father shook his hand and relief flooded Jason’s body. This moment had caused him anxiety all day, although he would be even more nervous when he proposed to Lori. Now that he had Phil’s approval, Jason dared to look in Rhonda’s direction. Lori’s mother simply stared at them in shock.

“Well,” she said, leaning back in her chair. “She’ll certainly be surprised!”

Phil clapped him on the shoulder. “So, were you going to ask her this weekend?”

“No,” said Jason. “I still need to pick out a ring. I was going to wait until we were both home at Christmas.”

“So we’ve got to keep this a secret now, too?” Lori’s mother asked.

“We won’t say a word!” said Phil, c*****g an eyebrow at Rhonda.

“I need to find out what ring size to get, too” said Jason.

Rhonda thought for a moment. “I believe she wears a size six on that finger, but let me go check.”

She arose and strolled from the kitchen. Phil just smiled at Jason.

“Don’t worry, she approves,” he said. “We got married pretty young, too. You two are probably further along than we were at that age, so I know you’ll be fine! Thrilled to have you part of the family, Jason!”

“Thank you, Sir.”

“I think you’ll take wonderful care of Lori,” Phil said. His brows came together and he eyed Jason suspiciously. “Now, you’re not marrying her because…”

“Oh, no!” cried Jason, holding up his hands. “That would be an impossibility at this point.”

This seemed to please Lori’s father and he grinned mischievously. “You have more restraint than I did at your age!” he exclaimed.

Lori’s mother returned and handed Jason a small ring. “This is one she wore on that finger. I don’t know the size for certain, so just take it with you.”

“Thank you,” he said, placing it in his pocket. “I’ll make sure my parents get it back to you. Well, I’d better go. My friend, Matt, is waiting for me.”

Rhonda gave him a quick hug goodbye before returning to her paperwork. Phil walked Jason to the door and shook his hand one more time, expressing his approval. Relieved that the conversation had proceeded according to plan, Jason said goodnight and walked to his car. He needed to inform his own parents, too, but it could wait until later.

As he drove to Matt’s house, he decided not to tell his best friend. Matt was so keen on staying single and available that he might give Jason grief for becoming engaged so soon. He wanted to keep this a secret from Lori, too. If he told Matt, then Heather would know and it might get back to Lori. Better to remain silent and not ruin the surprise.

Now all he had to do was keep himself from revealing his plans to Lori!