Page 44 of Come Apart
I don't want to leave. I want to spend the weekend celebrating the premiere with Alyssa.
But I need to make sure Samantha's okay.
I don't know if she has anyone else to turn to.
"Alyssa."
I smooth a hand down her slender back.
The touch has her eyes fluttering open.
"Hmm?"
"Sam just texted me. She wants to see me."
The haze of sleep dissipates quickly at that news.
She sits up, shoving her hair back from her face.
"What?"
"I need to drive back to the hospital," I explain. "She finally reached out to me."
She takes a deep breath. Like she's working up her nerve?
"Do you have any idea how long you'll be visiting?"
"A couple days? I'm not sure. I don't know what state she's in."
"Oh." She nods. "Okay." "I'll call after I see her."
"Alright." She draws me in close, giving me a gentle kiss. "Drive safe."
I hesitate before I get off the bed, feeling like we should talk more about this.
Feeling shitty for just leaving.
But also not knowing what more to say.
Yes, Sam and I have a complicated relationship. But she was there for me when I needed her.
How can I not be there for her?
So I just get dressed and kiss her goodbye.
But that unsettled feeling doesn't leave me.
Something feels... off.
Unfortunately, I don't have time to dive deep.
Later. Later, we'll talk more.
About everything.
* * *
I spendthe drive thinking about what to get Alyssa.
