Page 583 of Call Me Baby 2: Side B

His eyes drop to his other hand, seeing the violent tremor, and he rips his eyes away from it as he tries shaking it gone.

“I—uh—” He finally looks at me,

chest heaving now,

rising fast under his black button-up.

There’s a fight breaking out inside his glassy eyes—troubled, crashing waves.

“Allison, I’m so tired.”

His jaw clenches tight,

angry as hell for saying it.

“I don’t even wanna fuckin’ be here.

“I just wanna take you and go.”

My mouth parts.

That I didn’t expect him to say.

His eyes fill, and he shakes his head.

“Fuck,” and it leaves him broken.

He drags a shaky palm down his face.

“I’m scared. That’s what it is.

“I’m just scared.”

I nod. “It’s real fuckin’ scary shit, Drew.

“I honestly don’t know how you do it.”

I try to catch his gaze. “You know that?

“Like how fuckin’ much you do?”

He shakes his head, looking off.

“Hey.” I grab his chin and bring him back to me. “You’re the strongest, the best man I know. I mean that.”

“Allison, c’mon⁠—”

“No, Drew. This—showing up, knowin’ this shit. What your mom ate for dinner? You weren’t even there.

“Working sixteen-hour days.

“Paying all the bills.

“Even when you’re exhausted with nothing left in you. You take care of everyone without question, without anybody saying thank you, Andrew.”

I hold his face,

thumbs against his cheeks,