First Love by C.J. Harte Page A

“She thought it would be fun to invite our friends over.” Brandan extended his right hand to Mark. “So you’re both medical students. Welcome.”
    Jordan was incredulous. She tried to slowly pull away but felt Brandan tighten his grip. Years of education in politeness prevented her from contradicting him in public. Instead, she slowly slipped out of his grasp. She wished she could just as easily slip out of his life.
     
    *
     
    Drew’s eyebrows shot up. She started to speak, but Mark interrupted.
    “It’s nice to meet you. I hope you don’t mind, but could you point us to the food? We’ve been at the hospital most of the day and are starved.”
    Jordan saw her chance and pulled away. “Let me show you where the food is,” Jordan eagerly offered. She led them into the dining room. “I assure you we have lots to eat and drink.”
    “Why didn’t you tell us this was your birthday?” Drew asked.
    “It’s not.” Jordan was frustrated. “I mean it is, but this was just supposed to be a small gathering. Anyway, I just wanted to have a small get-together for some friends. I rarely do anything like this. I originally only planned to have you two and a couple of friends. Someone mentioned the party to Brandan, who is just a friend, and he invited the rest of the people. ‘Good opportunity for some political good will,’ he said. Sorry.” She couldn’t hide the regret from creeping into her voice. “Here, try some of this.” She briefly wondered what Drew thought, but Drew was unreadable. “I spent most of yesterday fixing a lot of this. These cakes and pastries. Do you like sweets?”
    Drew nodded.
    Jordan didn’t hesitate. She reached for a small almond cookie and plopped a piece of it in Drew’s mouth. She couldn’t stop herself. She grabbed a spoon. “And this.” A spoonful of meatball slipped into Drew’s mouth. Jordan watched as Drew licked her lips. Jordan was having trouble swallowing. She took a step back. Feeding Drew had stirred an unfamiliar feeling in the pit of her stomach.
     
    *
     
    “You did this?” Drew wiped the side of her mouth. “This is delicious. I didn’t know you could cook.”
    Mark’s wink was not very subtle. Drew wanted to smack him. “Mark, why don’t you get us something to drink?”
    “I’m enjoying Jordan’s tour. You were mentioning her cooking?”
    Drew glared at him, but Mark just turned back to Jordan.
    “You were telling us about your cooking?” Mark said.
    “When we lived in the governor’s mansion,” Jordan began, “my mom used to do a lot of cooking.” She smiled at Drew and offered her another bite of food. “We had caterers for the large parties, but Mom always cooked the family meals. I often helped.” Jordan turned red. “Sorry, if I’m boring you. I don’t usually get a chance to talk about my life with my family. Besides, I enjoy cooking.”
    “This is really delicious,” Drew said.
    Jordan picked up a slice of warm bread and put jam on it, and once again fed it to a surprised Drew. “Guess you don’t know everything about me.” Jordan winked at Drew. “There are lots of things I’m good at.”
    Drew coughed and spilled her soda. She quickly recovered but needed to grab a handful of napkins to wipe her drink off her jeans.
     
    *
     
    “Oh, honey, did she just make a pass at you?”
    “Shut up.” Drew needed to discourage Mark’s teasing, even though she was thinking the same thing. “She did not. Besides, didn’t you see the boyfriend when we arrived?”
    “Uh-huh. She winks at everyone. Let’s watch.” He turned and watched as Jordan walked around talking to her guests. “Hmmm. No winks. Not any there. Oh, yes, she’s smiling at those lovely young men.” Mark kept up the commentary. “Oh, and I definitely remember Jordan making a point of telling us that Brandan was just a friend. Followed by her hand-feeding you.”
    “Mark, she’s straight.” Drew said this as much to herself as him. “She’s being nice