Page 32 of Come Apart
She didn't need me anymore.
It was a fantasy I sincerely hoped became a reality.
"What about this guy?" I asked. "What's he like?"
"He's a guy," she smiled. "It's nothing, but we're going on a date next week." Another expression flickered over her face, her smile fading. "You don't mind, do you?"
"Why would I mind?"
She shrugged. "You get jealous."
"I used up all my Samantha jealousy during that whole Edward debacle," I responded dryly.
How could I be jealous of a random guy when she'd literally had an affair with my dad?
"Still... I'd understand if you weren't totally over it. Actually... I was surprised when I heard about Alyssa." She looked at me and smiled. "In a good way. You deserve to be happy, Luke."
Had there been a tinge of sadness to her expression there at the end?
I don't know anymore.
When I open my eyes, Alyssa is staring at me.
Her expression is soft, filled with sympathy.
Her fingers graze my cheek. "Are you okay?"
I don't move. I don't say anything. I can't even think.
"Luke..." I can hear the worry in her voice. She wants me to say something. She wants me to reassure her that I'm okay.
"Luke..." She says it again. It's gentle and sweet. She sits next to me and presses her palm into mine. "Samantha?"
I nod.
"Is she going to be okay?"
That's what he said. She's expected to make a full recovery.
But that's just the physical.
"Maybe," I say. My keys are on the dresser. It's past midnight. If I leave now, there shouldn't be any traffic.
"Luke, talk to me." I know she doesn't really want me to talk about Samantha. At best, she tolerates our friendship.
But she cares about me and wants to help.
Even though it isn't her battle.
"Are you okay?" She wraps her arms around me. Her cheek presses against mine.
It's warm.
But all I keep focusing on is that Samantha did it again.
"I'm fine."
"And I thought it would be easy being the one on offense for once." She smiles slightly, her eyes serious.
