The Circle of Friends

II - Someone Special-4

She visited with Maria Saturday morning and went to the mall. Sarah decided that a year away from her parents had benefited her friend. College had drawn Maria out of her shell.

Lori called that afternoon and said the gang intended to gather at seven for pizza at their usual hangout. Sarah accepted the invitation without hesitation, as it saved her from another boring dinner with her parents. There would be few opportunities to get together between now and then as well. Lori had already warned Sarah that she needed assistance this week with wedding preparations.

Around five-thirty, Sarah took the initiative and dialed Matt’s number. Perhaps they could ride together.

“Well, hi,” came Matt’s voice, and Sarah smiled at the delight in his tone.

“Hey,” she replied. “Heard about tonight?”

“Yeah, Jason called earlier. Sounds like everyone’s home now.”

Sarah chuckled. “Heather finally make it back, too?”

“Yes,” Matt replied, a slight edge to his voice. “She called me not five minutes ago, looking for someone to help unload her car. She sounded rather stressed, so I took pity on her and said I’d help. It shouldn’t take long, but we might be late.”

Feeling her enthusiasm wane, Sarah tried not to sound disappointed. “Well, bummer. I’ll save you a seat,” she offered.

“That’d be cool. Well, guess I better go,” he said. “See you there!”

Sarah turned off her phone and sat on her bed for a moment. Heather wasn’t even in her room anymore and still she was interfering. Annoyed, Sarah arose and searched for her shoes. She slipped on her sandals, all the while wishing ill things on her former roommate.

Freshening in the bathroom, Sarah grabbed her keys and headed for her car. She’d already visited the mall today, so perhaps she could roam around that new sports store until seven. She felt too aggravated to stay at the house. Her room had once been a sanctuary, a favorite place to hide from the world, but right now, it felt more like a cage. If she got out for a while, it might wear off some of her frustration.

By the time she arrived at the pizza parlor, Sarah felt a little better. She still wanted to kill Heather, but it was a passive feeling now. Forcing a happy smile, Sarah vowed to control her tongue and enjoy the company tonight. She caught sight of Jason and Lori the moment she entered. They were the only ones present and had selected a long table near the door. Jason had both hands wrapped around Lori’s, his attention focused on his fiancé as she spoke. Sarah swallowed hard before approaching the couple.

Lori smiled when she caught sight of her best friend. She rose to her feet as Sarah drew near, excited to see her maid of honor.

“Sarah,” she said, leaning across the table to give her a hug.

“Hey, how’s the bride-to-be?” said Sarah as she returned her embrace. “Nervous?”

Smiling, Lori glanced at Jason. “No, not at all,” she replied, c*****g her head at him as she returned to her seat.

Jason put his arm around Lori and rubbed her back. Sarah hesitated and then sank into a chair. Jason wasn’t likely to give her a warm hello, let alone a hug. He glanced at her and nodded.

“Doing okay, Sarah?” he said.

“Sure, never better,” she replied, trying to maintain a positive attitude.

She had never asked Lori, but she felt sure Jason did not like her in the least. Sarah suspected he tolerated her because she was Lori’s best friend. Sarah doubted she would ever change his opinion, either.

Sarah placed a foot on the chair beside her, intending to hold it until Matt arrived. She listened as her friends described the wedding plans, nodding and asking questions at appropriate intervals. Lori radiated love like a firefly at night and Jason’s eyes were on his fiancé the entire time. Watching the couple interact caused Sarah to ache for similar attention and she hoped Matt would not be long.

Chris joined them next. He took one look at Sarah’s fierce expression and sat at the head of the table. He and Jason began discussing the Seminole’s upcoming season. More friends began to appear, and Sarah maintained her stance, defying anyone to take the chair across from Jason.

The pizza order had been placed by the time Matt arrived with Heather. Sarah had begun to think unloading her car would take all night. She discreetly removed her foot from his chair as Matt hailed Chris with a pat on the back. Jason rose to greet his best friend and they exchanged handshakes

“Hey, man,” said Jason, clasping his friend’s hand and arm.

“There’s the brave man,” Matt countered, returning his greeting.

Matt turned to Lori, who had also risen to her feet. He gave her a quick hug, grinning at his best friend’s fiancé.

“Matt, it’s good to see you,” she said, patting him on the back.

Pulling out his chair, he hailed the rest of the group. Sarah watched him expectantly as he met her gaze at last. Matt grinned, his eyes sparkling, and threw his arms around her.

“Oh, Sarah, it’s been so long,” he cried in mock sorrow, giving her an exaggerated and teasing embrace.

“Please, you just saw her yesterday,” Heather proclaimed, taking the seat beside Lori.

Matt released Sarah and she collapsed into her seat. Jason watched their brief exchange and Sarah wondered if Matt had informed his best friend they were dating. She concluded that Matt had remained silent as they began discussing college and football, and Jason didn’t look her direction again.

Sarah continued to chat with Lori and the other girls. They occupied the middle section of the table, separating the boys into two groups. Most of their conversation centered on Lori’s upcoming wedding and Sarah found herself listening to the others.

When the pizza arrived, the boys yelled at one another from opposite ends of the table, drowning the girl’s discussion. Sarah was thankful for the interruption, though. She’d heard all she cared to about decorations and bridal colors for one night.

Sarah wished Heather had not sat so close. She felt self conscious enough without Heather’s watchful eye on her and Matt. His casual greeting concerned Sarah as well. Maybe now that they were in familiar territory, he was no longer interested. Surrounded by observant eyes, Sarah could only fret quietly to herself.

As they were finishing the pizza, she suddenly felt Matt’s leg press against hers. Sarah risked a quick glance and he gave her a sly wink. He continued his conversation with Jason and Chris, but his leg remained firmly pressed against hers. She enjoyed the discreet physical contact for the remainder of the evening.

Around midnight, Sarah decided to go home. Lori and Jason had departed earlier and Maria had made her exit an hour prior. Heather remained, but Sarah needed a few more days to recover from her roommate. Sitting beside Matt and unable to do anything about it frustrated her as well. His touch was beginning to drive her crazy.

“Going home?” Matt asked when Sarah said goodnight to Tina.

“Yeah, I think so,” she said, eyeing him wistfully as she arose.

“I’m leaving, too” said Paul, pushing in his chair. “I’ll walk you out, Sarah.”

She nodded and told everyone else goodnight. Smiling one last time at Matt, Sarah followed Paul out of the restaurant. He was not her first choice of escort, but at least no one would accost her in the parking lot. An offensive lineman for NC State, Paul’s appearance was intimidating to say the least.

“Thanks, Paul,” she said when they reached her Celica.

“No problem. It was great to see you again. You look really good,” he said.

Sarah gave him a quick smile, dismissing the compliment, and opened her car door. When she realized he had not moved, she hesitated. Paul smiled at her and took a step forward.

“Listen, are you seeing anyone right now?” he said, leaning his hand against her car. “I thought maybe we could go see a movie or something this week.”

Sarah caught her breath, surprised by his request. Grasping her doorframe, she turned to face Paul and attempted to formulate an appropriate response.

“Paul, I would, but...” she began, glancing at the restaurant. Through the window, she could see Matt still talking with Chris. “There is someone kinda special right now. I’m sorry.”

“Oh! Well, that’s okay, Sarah,” said Paul, patting her hand. “You change your mind, though, the offer will still be open.”

“All right. Goodnight.”

She slid into the driver’s seat and started her car. Paul walked to his vehicle and Sarah watched, flattered by his request. At any other time, she would’ve gone out with Paul. She wanted to see Matt again, though. The few moments they shared over the past month had left her wanting more. Sarah just hoped Matt shared her desire with equal enthusiasm.