Page 48 of So I'll Know

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“Anytime, guy. Come on back if you need more.”

I nod absently, then leave the shop. I study the package as I walk along the sidewalk and realize I forgot to ask him about dosage, but it can’t be that complicated.

I stop to sit on a bench in front of the bookstore and study the back of the package. “Ten milligrams per gummy . . .”

I tear open the package and take one out. It looks like a normal gummy candy, pink and coated in sugar. I pop it into my mouth, chewing slowly. It’s sweet like strawberries with a slightly bitter aftertaste.

“Not bad.”

My phone buzzes, and I pick it up, hoping it’s Jeremy. But it’s not.

Sebastian

Where do we keep the insurance paperwork? One of our regulars broke a bathroom sink.

I sigh, my knee bouncing. “For fuck’s sake . . .”

Maybe you should ban this kid. If it’s who I think it is, he seems to cause a lot of paperwork.

Sebastian

You didn’t answer my question.

I blow out a breath and text him the location.Just relax. When does this stuff start working anyway?

My phone buzzesagain.

Dad

Are you coming tonight?

Coming? Coming to what? I ask him as much.

Dad

The fundraiser, Marcus.

Right. Shit.

I can’t. I’m sick.

I mute the conversation before he can respond. I just want everyone to leave me alone. I close my eyes again, but my phone buzzesagain.“For fuck’s sake!”

Charlie

Fi isn’t answering her phone. I’m worried.

My heart rate kicks up again. My knee bounces faster. “Jesus Christ,” I mutter. My thumbs are shaking as I answer.

Give her some space, sis. She’ll come around.

I blow outanotherbreath and close my eyesagain.

My phone buzzes.Again.

Tristan

There’s a weirdo in a business suit creeping around the pub. He tried to talk to me. Should I be worried?

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