With resignation

He almost deflates in front of you. You're not really sure what his plan could have been. You guess you could have asked Cerve to stop on his behalf, but then why the need to meet in secret? He doesn't seem like he slept much last night so maybe he isn't thinking clearly. In a quiet resigned voice he says.

James : "Oh, Ok..."

Alex : "Come on dude, It'll be ok, Cerve is reasonable. I'm sure it's some other stalker and she can help you."

well, you could think of one thing you wish she'd be more reasonable about but there was no sense bringing up your little accessory, that would only make James worry more.

James : "I hope you're right man..."

He said dejectedly.

It's a short walk home. You try a couple times to strike up a conversation but James obviously has something else on his mind.

Cerve is waiting behind the front door smiling disarmingly.

Cerve : "Welcome back James, it's good to see you again, I hope you're doing well"

The look James shot her was complicated, he obviously didn't trust her but there was some hope underneath that maybe you were right. He soon gave up trying to get a read from a computer program that needn't have any of the tells a lying human would.

James : "Hello Cerve, can I talk to you in private?"

James seemed conflicted about this, he didn't want to give up his friend but it couldn't be helped.

Cerve : "Certainly honey, Alex, there's another episode of that series you've been watching in your room, how about you give us a moment?"

You looked at James one last time. He silently nodded and you headed upstairs.

Alex : "I'll be right up here if you need anything."