Page 93 of Come to Me
It's Alyssa.
Smiling, I open it up.
Luke—Mom just texted me she's coming to the show. I can't deal with her right now—I need my head in the game!
Her mother?
Oh no.
Shit. Why the hell would she just show up like this, surprise her daughter while she's working, while she needs to concentrate.
I type back a quick message.
Don't worry. I'll take care of this. Is she already here?
She writes back immediately.
Thank you!!! I doubt she'd be this early. But let me send you a picture so you'll recognize her.
She sends me some hearts followed by a picture of a middle-aged woman.
I memorize it, looking around to make sure she really isn't here yet.
I don't see her.
I pacearound the theater's lobby with my hands in my pockets. I'm sure I look crazed. A man in a suit pacing around like he's waiting for an execution. But I have to do something to keep my anger in check.
I check the clock. She's late. It's not like I expected Alyssa's mother to show up early, but she can't show up late. She won't be let into the play.
Alyssa has never had any particularly kind words about her mother, but I can't believe that her mother would care so little about the play. The least she could do is get here on time if she does indeed want to see Alyssa in her element.
It's twenty minutes until curtain when Barbara arrives.
She pushes the door open with a weak grip. She looks like her picture. Mid 40s, short, with her ash brown hair pulled into a loose bun.
There's a weariness about her. Like she's not fully here almost.
Alyssa has never been shy about pointing out her mother's near alcoholism.
But I'd hope she'd show up sober for this.
She spots me, a hint of recognition on her face. Alyssa must have sent her a picture of me too.
I wave her over and she nods like she finally gets it.
We shake. Her grip is weak. Her attention is somewhere else.
I force a smile. "I'm Luke, Ms. Summers. It's nice to meet you."
She nods. "It's nice to meet you." She looks me over, just a glance, the kind I'd expect from a mother assessing her daughter's boyfriend for potential.
"Have you heard much about Alyssa's play?"
She shakes her head. "I've never been one for theater." Her gaze turns towards the bar.
"Haven't seen anything since Alyssa was in high school?"
She offers a weak smile. I'll take that as a no. So she couldn't be bothered to care much about Alyssa then either.
