Page 66 of Anyone But Her

She comes in my room. "So what did Luke say earlier? When you two were in the guest house?"

"He was just talking about Albert and how much he misses him."

"It's good you were there for him. I don't think he's been talking to Cal. But you know Cal. He isn't comfortable talking about those types of things." She walks to the window. "He seems so alone. Would you mind going out there and talking to him?"

"Luke?" I drop the shirt I was holding.

"He's sitting by the pool. I hate to see him out there by himself."

I join my mom at the window and see Luke sitting on one of the patio chairs, leaning forward and staring at the pool.

"He needs someone," my mom says, "and you seem to be the only one who can get him to talk."

"Okay. I'll go out there."

"Thanks, honey." She gives me a hug. "It's so good to have you home. I missed you."

"I missed you too."

After she leaves I go downstairs and out to the back patio. The patio and pool lights are on, giving me enough light to find my way over to Luke.

He's still leaning forward and his head is down, staring at the ground. When I sit beside him he doesn't move. Does he not notice I'm here?

"Luke," I say, trying to get his attention.

He doesn't say anything but I notice his neck move as he swallows.

"Luke, what's going on?" I put my hand on his arm. "Are you okay?"

He shakes his head, then finally looks at me and that's when I notice the tears running down his face.

"No," he says, more tears falling. "I'm not okay."

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