Twenty minutes later, my phone dings.
Lauren: You home safe and sound?
Me: Yes. You?
Lauren: I am, but Blake’s still out. He said he had to work late.
Me: They didn’t close early? Everything was shutting down.
Lauren: I guess not.
Me: I’m glad you’re home. Stay warm. ;)
Lauren: Will do. You, too.
I don’t tell her about my ride home. Actually, I haven’t told her about the flowers or the food. I will. Just not tonight. It’s weird, though. Blake had to work late? He’s a commercial real estate broker who works for Lauren’s uncle. It’d be easy enough to find out if he’s okay. Maybe he’s stranded in the office.
Me: Maybe he’s stranded in the office.
I wait but don’t get a response for thirty minutes.
Lauren: They closed early.
Me: Maybe he’s stranded somewhere. It’s a mess out there.
Lauren: He won’t answer his phone, and I’ve sent six text messages. No response.
Me: Maybe he left his phone at the office.
Lauren: Yeah, maybe. Gill told me I could do a search with an app called Find-my-phone.
Me: Gill?
Lauren: He called me a little while ago to make sure I was home safe and sound.
Me: Oh, that’s so sweet. Wait. Why is he calling you?
Lauren: We’re friends.
Me: Friends?
Lauren: JUST friends. I’d never do anything… inappropriate. I love Blake and you know it.
Me: I do. I’m glad you have a new friend who looks out for you.
If only her husband looked out for her.
Me: Okay, keep me posted.
Lauren: Will do.
I set my phone on my nightstand and return to my book. I hear it ding. Thinking it’s Lauren again, I pick it back up.
Sam: I hope you’re home safe and warm. You don’t have to reply. Just wanted you to know I was worried about you.
Me: You sent a car for me. You know I’m home safe and sound. Thank you, by the way.
Sam: I have no idea what you’re talking about. ;)
