Page 255 of Call Me Baby 2: Side B

Wait—

That’s exactly the kind of intel I needed.

That’s exactly how I can win Hell Week.

I need to make Andrew think there’s no hope for us.

The room goes dead.

Maria’s rocking slows.

The TV flickers.

Meanwhile, my mind’s trying to juggle:

panties under his pillow,

his lies with the date I never went on,

and devising a plan to push Andrew away.

Pick one, Allison.

Pick one thing to focus on.

But my heart’s being greedy,

eating a buffet of problems.

Overindulging.

Bloated.

I stare at nothing.

‘Cause I’m at capacity,

reaching a breaking point.

I can’t take another revelation⁠—

“YO! BRO,”

Celie whisper-shouts into the mic.

“YOUR BOY IS A DRUG DEALER.

“I’m lookin’ at—at least fifty stacks chillin’ in a fuckin’ Nike box.

“UNDER. THE. BED.”

My brain freezes.

My eyes widen.

Paola’s phone chirps with a text.

She grabs it off the coffee table and opens it. “Speaking of the devil.” She scrolls the screen, sends a glance at Maria. “He wants to take you to your appointment to talk to the doctor. He’ll be here in ten. Wants me to pre-heat the oven⁠—”