dn't be calling anyone this late, especially not someone I barely know. "I

d the call, Luke's voice comes t

tare at the ceiling, biting my lip. There's something comforting about

me," Lu

how lame it sounds. "Alright. I had a bad dream, so I

ad dream, huh? We

ough he can't see me.

shifting around. "Well, since I'm awake, let me tell you a story to che

in a ba

is club, right? Trying to impress this girl,

for you

elf to go to the bathroom, like a gentleman, and somehow

but laugh.

e kind of prison escapee, but the music's blasting, so no one

n a bathroom sta

probably thinking I'm some drunk idiot. By

ourse she was. She probably tho

I still looked good when I g

at's important in life. Looking g

s, and I can hear th

I realize he's moving around a lot. I can hear it in the backgr

?" I ask. "It sounds like

ng up some w

the

elaborate. Instead, he changes the topic. "S

m it was just some random nightmare, but the truth is it wasn't really about

hing further. "Y

nd going back to sleep. This is dangerous territory, letting someone like Luke into my mess, even if i

ask you s

ke says. "

I say it quickly, as if that w

en Luke laughs. "Meet m

wants to meet you tomorrow. During lunch. Th

ie we're playing out. "Sounds intense. What's he gonna do,

w," I admit. "But I fi

e... am I supposed

letproof ves

sends a strange warmth through me.

all seem a little lighter. "Okay," I finally say. "I'll se

oss," he says, and I can hear the sm

" I whisper, hang

feel anxious, should be dreading tomorrow, but instead, I fe

, quiet h

mile still lingering on my lips as I close my eyes

~

ret no one else knows. It's funny how a simple phone call can change your outlook on life. I'm wearing my favorite navy

are already seated at the table, picking at one of Emily's sad, greenish breakfasts.

and then narrows his eyes. Emily looks up next, her

ood mood this morning,"

's short. People keep forgetting we don't have much

rowed eyes. I almost laugh at how

ust chuckles. "I'll get Mar

ard the door. "No, thanks. I'm runn

team," Emily says. "You c

ly bad bosses think they're better

esn't say anything. He's still watching me

"Oh, and Ryan... don't forget about lunch today." I gi

tens, but he

r and step outside, closing it behind me. For