Page 50 of Come to Me

"You should know better than to get between me and coffee."

Laurie watches me lick every bit of honey off my spoon. I raise my eyebrows--a real you've got a problem kind of look. She shakes her head.

"I wish someone loved me as much as you love that spoon."

"It's not the spoon. It's the honey." I squeeze more honey onto the spoon, this time stirring it into my coffee. Then, I add a little almond milk, and the drink is perfect--sweet, creamy, rich.

"So you and Luke use that when you fuck, right?"

"I need three coffees before I can even think about answering that question."

"He seems like he'd be kinky."

"Oh yeah?"

She nods. "Definitely."

"And what does he seem like he'd be into?" I ask, curious to hear her answer.

Laurie screws her nose. "I can't even think about it, or I'll get madly jealous that no one is that into me. God. He's so lovesick. Every time I look at him, he's about to burst."

"I thought you were done talking about our sex life."

She laughs.

"Not like that." She stirs sugar into her coffee.

"When did you see Luke?" I ask.

She shrugs like it's no big deal, but she doesn't fool me. Something is up. "You like eggs? This place has amazing omelets. Amazing."

I don't think about what I like. I eat food I know won't mess with me mentally or physically.

"I eat oatmeal."

"Fuck oatmeal. Get something good. Your BFF is visiting you in New York City. You need to celebrate!"

I narrow my eyes. "Why do you care?"

"Okay. Order whatever makes you happy. You like oatmeal, order oatmeal. It's not like oatmeal is the most boring, awful breakfast food. And it's not like you could have oatmeal at home for 25 cents any time you want."

"Maybe I like oatmeal."

"Okay, fine. You like oatmeal, you want oatmeal. Whatever. I'm sure you still have to watch your weight."

The waitress returns and I butt in before Laurie can order. "We're not ready yet, but can we get more coffee? And more almond milk? Thanks." I turn back to Laurie, folding my arms. I'm not going to start with this. Not today. Hell, not any day.

"At least you like the coffee," Laurie mutters. She shakes her head, slightly irritated.

I'm not about to open this can of worms.

"I really do like oatmeal."

She taps her fingers against the table, her jaw tensing. Then she shakes her head as if to say forget it. "So tell me about the show. I want to hear everything."

"There isn't that much to tell."

"Are you kidding? There has to be some gossip. Are any of the actors horrible?"