Page 62 of Let's Talk About Love

“My phone is… somewhere.” Ryan leaned over and tugged her earlobe. “Where’s yours?”

“I’ll get it.” Alice walked toward her room, unconsciously rubbing her hairline. Three missed calls. One from both her mom and her dad. He also sent an e-mail, which was probably the length of a dissertation. The last call was unexpected—Takumi, not even five minutes ago. He’d blown her off earlier. Something abouthaving plans.

(Okay, so maybe he didn’t actually blow her off.)

(Maybe she just felt like being petty. And clingy.)

Takumi answered on the second ring, slurring her name. “I knew I could count on you.”

“Takumi?” she asked. “Are you okay?”

“Um, are you busy right now?”

“Not particularly. Watching TV with Ryan.”

“Do you think you could give me a ride?”

“I don’t have a car.”

“Oh. Right. Yeah. Sorry.”

“But I might be able to borrow Ryan’s,” she said. “Are you drunk somewhere? Did you drive yourself?”

“Yes. No. Thank you.”

“I haven’t said yes yet. Don’t assume. It’s rude.” She smiled as she grabbed the dress she’d worn earlier. “Text me the address? I promise I’ll be there soon.”

A few moments later, she shrugged on a hoodie and exited her room.

“Going somewhere?” Ryan asked. He had already started the next episode and paused it at the beginning. She sat next to him.

“Yeah. Can I borrow your car? A friend called. They’re stranded at a bar and need a ride.”

“Have them call Uber or a taxi.”

“Too late. Already agreed to do it.”

“It’s Takumi, isn’t it?” He sighed, throwing an arm over his eyes and leaning back against the couch. “This is me, being jealous, dramatic, and irrational.”

“Of what?” Alice laughed.

“This isourfirst all-nighter of the summer inourapartment as a capital Me ampersand capital You.”

“Sorry. The significance of whatever you’re hinting at is lost on me.”

“I’m saying we should be spending this time together and we can’t do that if you’re playing chauffeur.”

“Still going. You know how I feel about DDing. If someone asks—”

“—You’re going. Yeah, yeah, you’re a wonderful human being.” He pouted. “Can I have something to ease my heartache from being abandoned?”

“Like what?”

“Like you staying here. Didn’t he have other plans? That’s what you said, right? That’s why you miraculously had time for me?”

Alice hesitated before asking, “Are you serious right now?”

“Of course not.” He smiled, but it didn’t reach his eyes. “Can you at least try to be back in an hour? The food will be here by then.”