Page 184 of Just One More Thing

Because suddenly I know exactly what this is.

Me.

Just me.

Doing what I always do when the moment gets too big.

I sit straight up.

No!

Not this time.

Not again.

I throw the covers back so hard they tangle around my legs. I nearly trip getting out of bed, sprint into the living room, slideacross the floor Risky Business style, and grab my phone off the table.

My hands are shaking so badly I almost drop it.

I type.

Delete it.

Type again.

My vision blurs. I wipe at my face with the heel of my hand and force my thumbs to work.

I need your help

My heart is pounding so hard I can feel it in my throat and hear it rushing in my ears.

Can you get me into the stadium Sunday

I stand in the middle of the loft, crying in Jake’s jersey, clutching my phone like it’s a life raft.

Three dots appear.

Disappear.

Appear again.

Ryan: Finally.

A laugh breaks out of me in the middle of the tears.

Half sob.

Half relief.

Entirely unhinged.

Ryan: I’ve got you.

CHAPTER 42

JAKE

Hank and I are sitting on the bench, staring at my locker. At the uniform sitting there waiting on me.