Page 21 of Come to Me

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"But I have to bring it while we're still here. I know. I know. I will. Just let me get some coffee."

She shakes her head.

"What are you so distracted about? This isn't like you."

My chest is tight. "Nothing. Nothing important."

She stares at me. It's friendly, but it's a demand too. "Right."

"Really."

She looks up in exasperation.

"Jesus, how does your boyfriend deal with you? You're impossible!"

"Why don't you call him by his name?" I ask, avoiding the issue.

She shrugs. "I better not get any calls from Luke asking what's wrong."

"He calls you?" It doesn't sound like Luke to ask anyone for help.

"It's happened." She motions to a set PA, a poor 20-year-old texting on his cell phone. "Alan, bring Alyssa and me some coffees. Make a fresh pot. And plenty of sugar in both!"

"And almond milk," I call out.

"And almond milk!" she yells.

She smirks as he rushes off to run her errand.

Hmm.

"Is that part of his job?"

Her face lights up. She's reveling in her power. "Hell no. But he does it. So what do I care?"

"You're such a humanitarian."

Laurie's eyes narrow. She pushes her mass of curly hair behind her ears. "I am your best friend."

"True."

"And your boss."

"I almost forgot. It's been minutes since you reminded me."

She folds her arms. "You should tell me what's going on. In case it's a problem."

Uh huh.

"Is that my friend or my boss talking?"

Laurie clears her throat. She's not sure. Finally, she just shrugs. "Both. I'm concerned."

"It's not a big deal," I reassure her. "But I was offered a role."

She gasps, opening her mouth to ask a bunch of questions. But she closes it again, trying desperately to wait until I'm finished.

I appreciate the restraint.

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