~Alistair's POV~
Alex's head snapped up. His eyes were red-rimmed and dark, boring into me with a mixture of hurt and accusation. I ignored him.
"Alistair? I've been calling." Andrew's voice came through the line, clear and calm. "Are you okay? I woke up and you were already gone. I just wanted to make sure you got back safely."
"I was asleep. I'm sorry, I just woke up," I said, keeping my eyes fixed on the wall behind Alex's head. "I'm fine."
"That's good to hear," Andrew said, his voice softening after a brief pause. "Listen… can I pick you up later today? I'd really like to see you again."
I looked directly at Alex. His jaw locked tight, the muscles ticking beneath his skin, his fingers curling into the sofa as if he needed something to hold onto.
"You can pick me up anytime," I said, my voice calm and measured.
"Perfect. I'll call you later," Andrew said, and a second later the line went silent.
