Page 597 of Call Me Baby 2: Side B

And rings.

Then his voicemail picks up.

Fuck.

“Hey, Drew.

“I’m at the office.

“Just wanted to check in.

“See how your mom’s doing.

“And you. See how you’re doing too.

“Not gonna lie, I’m getting a little worried. I know you’re busy. I know you’ve got a lot going on. I know I’m being—” I stop myself, dragging my finger along the hem of my skirt. “I haven’t heard from you since Saturday morning, and I’m getting a bad feeling in my stomach. I don’t know. I don’t like it. So text me when you can. You don’t have to call back.”

I pause, pinching the hem tight.

“Just let me know everybody’s okay.”

I swivel slow in my chair,

my voice fraying at the end.

“And that you’re okay… please.”

Soon as I end the call,

my phone buzzes again.

Then again.

Then again.

CELIE

ALLISON.

CALL ME RIGHT THE FUCK NOW.

I stare at it.

But before I can unlock the screen,

three more texts crash in.

BRANDON

So everybody knows?

This why that fucker came to see me?

BEN

Lmao

My stomach’s sinking fast.