Page 77 of Come Apart
Deep breath. "Hey, it's Luke. I can't reach Alyssa. Let me know if you hear from her." I hang up.
It's probably nothing.
* * *
I'm distracted all evening,but I try to give Samantha as much of my attention as I can. She talks about little things—staying with her parents, her wish to return to her job, how sick she is of the only restaurant that delivers to her house.
We order dinner. We drink half a bottle of wine. We watch some show about Lincoln on the history channel. Samantha loves the history channel.
Finally, my phone buzzes. Samantha turns to me, her eyes laser focused on my expression.
I turn over the phone.
It's a text from Alyssa.Sorry, I was at a movie. Is everything okay?
I reply.Just checking on you.
Her response is quick.I'm fine.
I reply.Did you do the food challenge?
I told her to wait for me, but she isn't acting like herself.
It's the first thing that springs to mind.
And when she dodges the question, I know I'm right.
I'm tired. We can talk when you're home on Sunday.
I clench my jaw. She did promise she'd call if she was overwhelmed. I reply.
Right. But do me a favor?
No favors.
I reply.Just promise you're okay.
I'm fine. I'll see you Sunday.
There's a finality to it. She's done with this conversation.
I can't push her on this until I'm there in person. My back is aching and I'm thoroughly distracted now, but I do my best to push it aside.
I turn my attention back to Samantha. She's staring at me.
She nods to the TV. "They're about to get to the good part."
"He's finally executed and the show ends?"
She shakes her head and she holds up her wine glass as if to ask for a refill. "Please."
I nod. Okay. I grab her glass and mine, and push off the floor. It's a short walk to the kitchen. A short walk through this huge, dark, empty house.
There isn't a single speck of dust in the kitchen. There's nothing except a tiny crimson spot next to the bottle of wine. It's going to stain. Her parents are going to yell at the maid.
I wrap my fingers around the glass bottle. Twenty-four more hours and I'll be with Alyssa.
I return to the living room and offer Samantha her wine. She smiles, licking her lips like she can't wait to be just a little bit more tipsy.
