got a feeling I'm going under

 Alfie almost did a tailspin when he got to the library and realized Linsey was Jory's sister.  How did he not know? All he could think about was how to help Poppy. He knew she wouldn't ask Lynsey for help. Besides, he knew it was the right thing to do. Tell Linsey about Jory.

Yet, he didn't know what to say to her once he got to the counter. Of course, there was plexie glass and mask worn. His voice was muffled when he asked to talk to her about Jory.

"What? Your book is overdue?" 

Alfie shook his head, no.

"Jory," he said.

"Jory?" Of course, he could tell she was afraid he'd been in an accident.

"Could we talk?" He looked back at her hoping she wouldn't even know who he was. 

She pointed to the new books display as if they could go there and act as if they were discussing something library-oriented. So he met her at the mysteries.

"It's me," he said. "Alfie."

She looked at him as if she wanted to walk away, but he kept talking.

"My..my roommate Poppy is seeing Jory," Alfie told her which was news to Linsey who wasn't in touch with him as much as she wanted to be.

"I mean..Poppy likes Jory. It's just..she's worried about him. He's living in a motel." Alfie told her Poppy didn't want to tell her because Jory might get mad.

Linsey said she'd give him a call and get to the bottom of this.

Alfie nodded. It felt as if they were practically strangers now. Once upon a time, he thought he would never forget her face. But now, it was different. He knew they really had nothing personal to say to each other.