“Take all the time you need, baby. I’m sorry I upset you,” I said into her hair, still feeling like an ass.

“It’s really okay. I’m gonna go write a little more before the party, is that all right?” The fact that she felt like she had to ask almost broke my heart.

“Of course it’s all right. You don’t need to ask permission to do something in your own house, sweetie,” I told her.

“I just thought maybe you wanted me to stay with you or something,” she said. I smiled and turned her in the direction of her office.

“I’m good. I’m just gonna clean a little more before everybody gets here. Are you sure you don’t want something to eat?” I asked, a little concerned at how pale she’d been the past few days.

“If you split a sandwich with me, I guess I can try it,” she relented finally. “I’m sorry; I don’t know what’s wrong with me.”

“It’s okay. You’re probably just way too focused on your story right now to remember to eat. Don’t worry about it. I’ll take care of you,” I promised. That got me the first genuine smile I’d seen in almost a week, and I grinned back at her like an idiot before she turned back around and went to her office.

By the time I’d made the sandwich and taken half to her, she looked like she was going to fall asleep on her desk. But she perked up at the food and ate most of her half of the sandwich in a couple of bites. I left her alone after that so I could finish cleaning and so she could have some space.

The others started showing up at around seven. We didn’t have anything planned, really…we were just going to sit around and talk and hang out. By the time everyone was there and I had the pizzas ordered, Alice still hadn’t joined us. Shane said she’d go tell her that everybody was here, and I nodded, thinking nothing of it. A minute later, she was back, motioning for Jenny. Looking a little bewildered, Jenny put her hand up to stop me from following and joined Shane in the hall. After a minute or so, Jenny came back and pulled me unceremoniously into the kitchen.