2

Darlene and I were stretched out on top of our sleeping bag. Nude and satisfied, we welcomed the feel of the warm July breeze on our skin. A couple hundred yards from the party on the slope of a small grassy hill, we were far enough away to enjoy our privacy but close enough to hear the music.

“Darlene?”

“Hmm?”

“Are you happy?”

Darlene rolled on her side and rested her hand on my stomach. “I’ve never been happier.”

I smiled and pulled her closer. Darlene rested her face on my chest. Lying on my back, I stared at the beautiful, clear night’s sky. It was full of stars; it was as if their number had double or even tripled just for us.

“You know, honey, we don’t have go to South Bend. I could apply to some of the law schools in California. I mean, really, how much difference will it make where I get my law degree from—UCLA or Notre Dame?”

“It matters.”

“Why?”

“Because it’s your dream to go to Notre Dame.”

“What about your dream?”

“I’ll have my dream when we move to California.”

“You don’t mind waiting the three years?”

“No. I’m sure there will be some acting playhouses in South Bend that I can join and hone my skills a bit. And I’d like to take some advanced singing lessons. By the time we move to California, I’ll be ready for anything.”

That was our plan. We would spend three years in South Bend and then move to L.A. where Darlene would pursue her acting career. She would support me while I was in law school, and I would support her while she concentrated on acting.

Darlene rolled over on her back. We silently stared at the sky, enjoying our intimacy. The party was growing louder. More people were arriving. I asked Darlene if she was ready to rejoin our friends. She hesitated before responding.

“Mickey.”

“Hmm.”

“Can I tell you something?”

“You can tell me anything, honey.”

“It’s … it’s something you should know; if … if we’re going to be married, you sh