Answer:
The location on Earth's surface exactly above the point of origin or the earthquake
Explanation:
In seismology, the epicenter refers to the point on the Earth's surface that is directly above the point of origin of an earthquake. The epicenter is the location where the greatest damage occurs and as we go further from the epicenter, the damage is lesser.
So, using everyday terms, you could tell your friend that the epicenter is the location on Earth's surface exactly above the point of origin or the earthquake (which in this case was 45 miles east of LA)