Page 46 of Come to Me

It looks like it always has-- a big couch, a bigger TV, a little bit of mess everywhere.

"This is Zack," Laurie says. "He's a college friend of mine."

"Nice to meet you," I say politely. Zack and I shake hands.

"And this is the guy I was telling you about. Alyssa's boyfriend."

"Oh,thatguy." He and Laurie share a smirk. "Sorry. Laurie is a terrible gossip."

"You begged for gossip the minute I picked you up," Laurie points out, laughing.

There's something different about her. She likes this guy.

"I'll apologize on her behalf," Zack offers. "Laurie has always been rude. Ever since college."

Laurie rolls her eyes.

"So what's up, Luke? I'm guessing it's about Alyssa."

"I could have stopped by to say hello."

"At this time of night, yeah." She pats the couch and Zack sits next to her. "I don't have any information if that's what you're after."

"But you're visiting this weekend."

"You know, I have a telephone. And I also have a life outside of the drama hurricane that is you two."

"Me, drama? Don't be ridiculous."

She sighs. "I'm not spending my hiatus time trying to fix your problems. Get on with it so I can reject your idea."

"I'm worried about her."

"Did you talk to her?"

"Yes, I talked to her. But she's nervous and there's only so much I can do here."

She throws her hands up.

"So, go visit her."

"I will." I plan on it. "But I can't get away from work until next week. And since you're going to be there already..."

She narrows her eyes at me.

"What do you want me to do?"

"She said she skipped some meals."

"Really?" Laurie asks. Her expression fills with concern.

"It slipped out like it wasn't a big deal."

"But that's a huge deal!"

Preaching to the choir.

"Why do you think I'm here? All I want is for you to check on her," I explain. "See if she's lost weight. She's talking to her sponsor, but I'm still worried."