Free Serial Separation by Dick C. Waters Page A

seeing him in person at the pub was better than expected. His input was what I needed to hear, to validate my thoughts about Lisa’s behavior. The trick was how to bring it up without creating additional problems.
    It was eight o’clock, a good time to reach her at the dorm.
    I dialed her number, going through the usual routine to get her to the phone. There should be a better way, but it would only be a problem for a few more months.
    Finally—“Hello.”
    “Hi, Lisa. How are you?”
    “Fine. I’m sorry about our last phone call . . . I guess the holidays have me on edge.”
    “It’s okay. We can talk about it when we’re together. What plans do you want to make?”
    “You’re still invited for Christmas Eve dinner at my parents’ house tomorrow night. Do you still want to come?”
    “I’d love to. I’ve missed being with you.”
    “Do you want to drive together or take two cars?”
    “Well, I told my parents I would see them Christmas Day. So I need my car to get there. I could drive you, if you don’t need your car?”
    “No, I better drive. I don’t know what plans my parents have, and they might not be able to drive me back. I’m also not sure if I’m staying any longer than that.”
    “What about Christmas Day?”
    “We’re supposed to have some snow, so why don’t you plan to stay overnight. We had talked about your staying overnight, and the snowstorm might make it hard to drive to Maine. However, that’s up to you.”
    I could feel her mood changing. I needed to reinforce wanting to be with her. “Lisa, I would like to be with you on Christmas morning . . . . it’s a special time and . . . well . . . I want to be with you.”
    “Scott, I’m sorry we have been . . . well . . . not our usual selves. I guess I get the feeling you want to be somewhere else.”
    “Lisa, you are the most special person in my life. I want to spend my time with you.”
    “I’ve been out of sorts lately, and I think it’s the change of routine. Not having classes every day has thrown me for a loop. Judy and I . . . well, we talked about how . . . well, I guess that can wait until I see you. It’s kind of hard to talk on this phone with people around.”
    I almost thought she was going to give me the opportunity to talk to her about her behavior, but it would have to wait until we’re together.
    “So, what time do you want me at your parents’?”
    “If you get to my parents’ by seven thirty that will give us enough time to have a drink before dinner. By the way, what have you thought about New Year’s weekend? Judy asked if she should still make the reservations.”
    I wanted to talk with her about this tomorrow, but I had to let her know something. “I think I can get away, so why don’t you have her make the plans.”
    There was background noise on the phone, and I wondered if she was still there. “Lisa?”
    “Yes, I’m here. I was just thinking about what you said. It doesn’t seem like you are really interested in getting away. Why don’t we skip New Year’s and you can do your own thing. I’m sure you can find something to keep you busy over the holiday weekend.”
    “Lisa, it’s not that at all. I talked with Mike about getting away, and he said I basically could go.”
    “That’s nice . . . I’m glad you don’t need a note from me.”
    “Lisa, please. This isn’t my girl talking. We need to talk about—”
    She interrupted. “That’s the point, Scott, who is your girl?”
    “Lisa, that’s not fair. You are—” I never had a chance to finish. All I heard was a click, followed by the dial tone.

Chapter 19
     
    He was familiar with this routine, waiting on the couch for Dottie. There was less activity than usual in the reception area, since many students had already left for the winter break.
    He noticed Dottie approaching, and she looked festive in her red sweater.
    “JJ, how are you doing?”
    “I’m doing okay; you look very nice.”
    “Thank you. I thought if we