Page 75 of Come Apart
Their house is huge, one of those suburban mansions on a hill. It has everything—four bedrooms, a study, a formal dining room, a view of the California coastline.
I still know the way there from memory. I've been visiting her a while now.
It's sunset when I arrive, and there's a soft orange glow over the quiet streets. They're too quiet, like there's no life in these houses.
My shoulders tense. I'll always be Samantha's friend, but this is the last weekend of this. It has to be.
I want to help her, but I feel like I'm almost pulling myself apart in the process.
I park on the street and walk up the long stone path to the door.
Samantha answers quickly.
She’s dressed like an actress in a movie. Not in pajamas, but in designer loungewear.
"I got takeout," she greets me.
I nod.
We move into the dining room. It's a huge, empty room with a sturdy oak table. Once upon a time, I made a joke about fucking on this table.
She didn't find it funny.
I set the wine on the table, a bottle this time, and Samantha squeals in delight.
She throws her arms around my neck and presses her lips into my cheek. "Oh my God, I love you."
I swallow hard. It's a friendly I love you. That's it.
She brings her eyes to mine. "My parents are trying to convince me to stay here again."
"Will you?"
She shakes her head. "If I do... it's not good for me."
I nod.
I agree with that. She goes to the kitchen and comes back with a wine cork. "Sit down."
I settle in, staring at the wine as she pours it.
Hoping I'm doing the right thing.
* * *
I textAlyssa Saturday morning to check in, but she doesn't reply. I try not to make much of it. It's early, and she likes to sleep in.
Samantha and I play cards at the dining room table for hours. She frowns every time I check my phone, but she doesn't point it out. She just taps her hands and waits for me to finish my turn.
The morning turns to afternoon. We order takeout. We trade gossip about our old law school classmates.
But Alyssa still doesn't respond.
It's three now. I text her again.How is everything.
I turn my phone over and play another round of rummy with Samantha. The damn phone doesn't buzz.
No new calls. No messages.
