Page 260 of Call Me Baby 2: Side B

rush around the deck,

snatching Brandon’s clothes up⁠—

boxers,

jeans,

shirt,

shoe,

other shoe,

goddamn sock⁠—

my hands moving faster than my brain.

He’s naked, arms up,

pale ass mooning the city.

“I changed my mind,” I say, wild-eyed, shoving his shoe into his chest. “You can’t be here. Out. Go. Elevator. Now.”

He stops with the water bubbling at his shins, confused.

“Yo—what the fuck, Baby?

“You’re freakin’ out for nothin’.

“We’re literally just chillin’.”

I pile his clothes in his arms.

He tries to step back out of the hot tub,

juggling them,

looking at me like I’m crazy.

“Grab your shit!

“Move! Brandon, MOVE!”

He stumbles backward, clutching one sneaker to his crotch. “Alli—Jesus—okay, damn! I’m goin’!”

I shove him,

herding him back into the penthouse.

He drops a sneaker in the hallway,

trips over it.

I snatch it up and shove it into his gut.

“Walk faster!” I snap, pushing him toward the elevator, then jam the button until my finger turns red.

“You’re actin’ mad weird.