Chapter 9

Midway through November, the weather changed. The western Pennsylvania Indian summer gave way to days filed with an icy rain.

Jason and Stephanie sat on the floor of his bedroom, playing a co-op video game. They worked well together—as long as Stephanie led the way. Her character, a female paladin, complete with a chainmail bikini, had just cut a lich into tatters.

“Nice job with the healing spells,” she said. On the video screen, her character wiped a glowing green fluid from her bastard sword.

“What can I say,” he replied. “I have a fondness for your butt in chainmail armor.”

The doorbell rang downstairs, but they didn’t care. Working together, they’d almost set a new high score.

Jason’s mom came to the door and said, “Sorry, guys, but Stephanie’s dad stopped over. He said an old army buddy of his is visiting, and he wants Stephanie to come home and meet him.”

Anyone else might have missed the momentary tightness in Steph’s muscles.

“Thank you, Mrs. Thomas,” Stephanie said. “I’ll leave in a minute.” Jason’s mom left to go back downstairs.

“Jason?” Stephanie said. “I better go. Walk me to your door?”

“Sure, Steph.” He saved the game, and they walked downstairs. At the door, Jason remembered his manners and held her coat. He reached for an umbrella, but she just smiled and shook her head.

Stephanie surprised Jason by lifting on her toes and kissing him. Right on the lips, in full view of his parents. She said, “Goodbye, Jason, don’t ever forget I love you.” Then, through the icy rain, she ran home.