Page 133 of Come Apart
So you didn't think about things?
Not yet... Can we just talk for now? About anything besides the future?
I respond.Okay. As long as we'll get to the future eventually.
We will. How are things? How is Samantha?
I'm awful, but I'm managing. Ryan is driving me crazy. He keeps offering to buy out my half of the business, but I don't want to give it to him.
She replies.You should. You have plenty of money. You can start over. He can be out of our lives permanently.
Yeah, but... I'll think about it. I've been reading a little. This cultural studies book about Starbucks's branding.
Really?
I used to read that kind of thing all the time. All these things you wouldn't think end up being true. Like the drinks being expensive is part of what adds to the experience. It makes it feel like a treat.
I'd never consider that.
I reply.I hate to admit it, but I haven't been doing great without you. I can't stop thinking about you. I don't want to pressure you. I really want you to have as much time and space as you need, but I'm going crazy feeling like I fucked things up. Like everything is ruined.
It's not, I promise. But can we save that kind of heavy stuff for later? I want to talk to you and remember how happy you can make me.
You should come over. We'll watch Monk and take tequila shots.
So we can argue over which assistant is better?
Yeah, I like arguing with you. You're passionate.
She replies.I can't believe you don't like The Philadelphia Story.
I'm sorry, but I don't find jokes about domestic violence humorous.
It's a product of the times.
Still.
You're impossible.
I'll buy you a hundred lattes. With almond milk and honey. I'll buy an apartment over a coffee shop, and pay off a barista to deliver the coffee to us in bed.
What if he walks in on us having sex?
I reply.We'll make a little "Do Not Disturb" sign for the door.
That will only encourage him.
So we'll let him watch. It could be part of his payment.
And then we'll make out with nasty coffee breath?
Your breath is never nasty.
I appreciate the lies. But first thing in the morning? Forget about it.
I reply.Uh-huh. It's still fine. Even after three coffees. There's so much honey in them, that's all you taste like. Honey. I swear, sometimes I can't drink a cup of tea without thinking of you. Because of that faint taste of honey. It's so Alyssa. It's warm and sweet. Really, tea is the second-best thing in the world.
After Law and Order?
