Page 111 of Come to Me
"It will," I say. "Because we're honest with each other. And we love each other."
He looks at me with a hint of... sadness? But that can't be right. We're just friends. Mostly due to circumstances. Right? "I really do hope he makes you happy."
"We're very happy," I insist.
I almost believe it.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Luke
Ispend fifteen minutes listening to Ellen talk about the various patrons at the bar.
She mentions something about Alyssa needing time to pack up, since she's leaving New York tomorrow. It's not entirely believable, but I trust her enough not to question her motives.
When Alyssa arrives, she's wearing an almost... guilty look. She greets me with a hug, squeezing me much tighter than she usually does. There's something strange about it, but it's still sweet and warm.
I frown when Nicholas come in not long after, joining us at the table.
Why was he late too?
Ellen clears her throat, turning her gaze to Alyssa. "Won't you two get enough of that tonight? Geez."
"You're just jealous," Alyssa shoots back, clearly used to Ellen's harsher personality.
"We'll see who goes home with the hotter guy," Ellen returns. She looks to the guy behind the bar, a 20-something in a tight T-shirt.
She's been staring at him all night.
"Unless you and Luke somehow convince me I'm open to a threesome, I'm going home with the hotter guy."
"A threesome with another girl? No way."
Nicholas rolls his eyes. "Can either of you talk about something besides sex for 45 seconds?"
Ellen looks straight at Nicholas, copying and exaggerating his eye roll, mocking him. "I'm finding my truth, and my truth is all about cocks."
"Philistine."
"Pretentious asshat," Ellen mutters. She sticks her tongue out and flips Nicholas off.
"Play nice you guys. This is my last night here," Alyssa interjects.
"For you dear, I'll consider it." Ellen makes eye contact with Alyssa. "That's a major show of friendship--that I'll be nice to Nicholas to make you happy."
Nicholas shakes his head, but he doesn't seem bothered. They must do a lot of this kind of thing.
Ellen scoots out of her seat. "I'll get the next round. Tequila shots are on me!"
She pushes out her the booth without waiting for a reaction. We don't have a choice in the matter. It's tequila shots or bust.
Alyssa scoots closer to me. She turns towards me and presses her lips against mine.
The rush of contact sends a shiver down my spine, but there's something off about it.
"Are you okay?" I ask.
She nods, offering a weak smile. "There's a lot to think about." She turns to Nicholas. "How do you do this all the time?"
