Page 157 of Call Me Baby 2: Side B

The second I can breathe again,

my hand’s in my clutch,

my shaky fingers digging for my phone.

Because I don’t want Celie, or Eli…

I want Andrew.

The first name my chest says when joy hits.

The same one it says when it hurts.

He’s the only one

I want to share this with.

I stare down at my screen.

At his number.

For a split second, I hesitate.

Then I hit the call button.

The phone rings.

And rings.

Then—

drops me into voicemail.

My thumb hovers the red button,

on the edge of hanging up,

when the beep cuts me open.

I swallow, let out another shaky exhale,

bringing the phone back to my ear.

“Uh-hey. It’s me…”

My voice snaps on me,

and I clear my throat.

“Allison. Taylor.

“Allison Jane Taylor.

“In case your phone’s full of us.”

My hand shakes hard

as my words tumble out.