FORTY THREE - RYDER

There were plenty of reasons why Samantha’s visit unsettled me, but the worst of it was that I’d never lied to her before. Not once. Now, every word out of my mouth was a lie, and not even clever ones. Just the basic questions made me trip over myself. "Where’ve you been, all dressed up this late?" Working. Busy. "Which actress is auditioning for stepmother this week?" No one special. "You love Lexie, don’t you?" It’s fine with her. I couldn’t see Lexie for three days while Samantha was here. Not really. On Friday, I sat in a meeting, negotiating contracts, but all I could focus on was Lexie, just a few rooms away. Fridays and Saturdays had become our time together, so the empty space where she should’ve been gnawed at me. By Sunday, when we all went out to dinner, it was almost unbearable. I hadn't seen her since Friday afternoon, but sitting across from her now was excruciating. It was like being starved and watching someone wave food in front of you. We went to Samantha’s favorite s