[ She'd been able to face Beth - and Mike - so it should be easier to speak with Sam. Somehow, though, the call makes her jittery, heart racing, and she chews on her lip for a minute before responding. ]

Hey. [ Comes the breathless reply. ] ... Hi, Sam.

[ Jesus. What do you say to your best friend, after-- ]

... I don't want to talk on these things. [ She says finally. ] I'd rather see you in person, if... you don't mind. I mean, if you want.

[ "If it's not too weird." ]

Where are you?