Page 20 of A New Year In The Presidential Suite

Dawn’s smile lit her face. “I have a male friend you might like to meet.”

Lori held up a hand to stop her. “I’ll let you know when I want to date. But I’m going to try to be more open to it.”

“No rush. You may already know him,” said Dawn. “He’s a teacher at my brother’s high school here in town. If you’re not ready, that’s okay. But maybe you and I could meet up after work sometime. Go to dinner or the movies.”

“I’d love to do that,” said Lori, happy she’d found a chance to expand her social life.

“Thanks,” said Dawn. “It’ll be great to have a friend to do things with.”

“Yes,” said Lori. She loved the idea of changing her life up a bit.

Cara Trainor walked into the room.

“Hi, Cara! Come meet a new employee,” said Lori. Cara was one of Lori’s best friends. She was an attractive blonde who loved to have a good time. Each time Lori agreed to go out with her, they ended up laughing over the silliest of things, which was healing for them both. Cara had had a bad breakup and needed fun as much as Lori.

Lori introduced Dawn to Cara and noticed how easily they seemed to get along. The idea of growing her social circle was satisfying. Perhaps this new year was going to be better than she’d thought.

Janie joined them. “Let’s have you do some work in the preschool area, Dawn. Lori, one of your favorite babies needs you. And Cara, you’re needed in the crafts room.”

Lori gave them a little wave and headed into the nursery.

###

Guy Phillips called Lori a couple of days later.

The sound of his voice thrust Lori back to her high school years when just hearing him speak sent shivers of anticipation up and down her spine. Guy was the high school football hero and honor roll student who everyone knew would be highly successful in life. It was a shock when his family decided to move to California just before their senior year, and Guy opted to finish his high school years out west.

Lori and Guy had been dating the spring before, and she and everyone else couldn’t believe that Guy would leave his adoring audience, including Lori, behind. She’d always wondered if that move had something to do with her. Guy’s parents were polite to her, but Lori had always felt as if she didn’t measure up to their standards. Maybe her growing relationship with Guy worried them.

“Hi,” Guy said. “I ran into your sister, Aurelia, and she told me you still live here. I’m sorry about your husband.”

“Thanks,” said Lori. “How are you? It’s been a long time. Tell me about yourself. Why did you move back?”

“Can I persuade you to go out for dinner with me tomorrow night at the country club?” asked Guy. “We can talk about it then.”

“I’m sorry, but I can’t. I already have plans.” Lori wanted to say yes, but she’d already agreed to go out with Dawn, and she wasn’t going to start a friendship by bowing out of their first evening together.

“Oh,” said Guy. “I knew I should’ve called earlier. Maybe a movie on Saturday?”

“That sounds like fun,” said Lori.

“Why don’t we go out for a quick meal beforehand? I know you used to love Moretti’s pizza.”

She laughed. “I still do. There should be something playing at the theater downtown that we’d both like.”

“I’ll let you pick the movie, and I’ll confirm times with you,” said Guy. “Thanks, Lori. It’ll be awesome to catch up.”

“Yes, for me too,” she said, ending the call and putting her hands to her hot cheeks. Gawd! He made her feel as if she was in high school again!

She laid her cell phone on the kitchen counter and stared out at the wintry scene in her small backyard. Their first real date had been on Valentine’s Day for the high school dance that was more about the private party afterward at one of the seniors’ homes. That’s where they’d done a little more than make out. The party broke up unexpectedly, giving both Guy and her the chance to cool off. Back then, they’d been innocent, following their parents’ rules about dating.

The more modern dating rules were a little scary to Lori. She and Nick had enjoyed a passionate marriage with few inhibitions, which made it difficult for them to consider dating someone else or making love to them.

Her cell rang. Flo.

“Hi, Sis. Is it time for the baby?” she asked.

“No,” snapped Flo. “I’ve decided this baby is going to stay safe inside until she has no choice but to face the world.”